Payday is an adventure for some PGCPS employees - Thursday, February 22, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | February 22, 2024 [Web version](   [‘It's just egregious': Payroll problems frustrating PGCPS employees]( A huge problem started last summer when over 350 employees who are members of Local 2250, a union representing those who keep schools operating every day, were essentially paid double. [READ MORE](   [2 selfless jobs: Still-hospitalized firefighter after Sterling home blast is Loudoun Co. teacher]( The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors say the still-hospitalized firefighter has been serving his community in more ways than one. He is expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks, during his recovery. [READ MORE](   EVENT - WEBINAR [AI & Data Exchange 2024 on Feb. 27 and 28 | Register now!]( During Federal News Network's inaugural AI & Data Exchange, presented by Guidehouse, government and industry experts will share insights and progress on AI work and discuss how to address the related challenges that all agencies face.   [A call for an investigation into Washington Gas over aging pipe replacement project]( Since 2014, Washington Gas has been working to replace the city's aging gas pipelines. Ten years later, claims of more reported gas leaks has an independent city agency that represents utility customers pushing for the project to be paused. [READ MORE](   [Uncertainty over reopening of women's services building in Anacostia after January gas explosion]( The Southeast D.C. explosion that damaged a day care and destroyed a convenience store last month also left a building that supports women experiencing homelessness unusable. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [How MedStar Health can treat pericardial effusion]( Although well tolerated for some patients, fluid buildup around the heart, particularly in excess, can cause other complications like heart failure and even death. MedStar Washington Hospital Center dives into how pericardial effusion can be diagnosed and managed.   [Have an old pair of sneakers you don't want to throw away? This DC-area business will make them look like new]( Nichole Verdejo didn't set out to become a shoe restoration expert, but it's something she realized she cares about deeply, and has become her way of keeping the sneaker culture alive. [READ MORE](   [Things to do in the DC area: Dessert decorating workshops, Cryfest … and more!]( Indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your creativity with a variety of dessert decorating events coming to the D.C. area. From cookie decorating to a chocolate making workshop, these events offer a delightful opportunity to learn the art of dessert making. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield advances health equity by addressing ‘social drivers of health']( Factors such as income, education, employment, housing and social support networks collectively contribute to health outcomes. "They are basically the non-clinical factors that impact overall health," said Kimberly Harris, the director of community health and social impact at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.   [Dog dies after being kicked by District Dogs employee]( The employee said he was feeding the pup when the dog “got too energetic.” The employee reportedly “tried to calm him down” by kicking the dog. [READ MORE](   [2 California men charged after racial slurs found in U.Md. residence hall]( Two men were charged on Feb. 8 after racial slurs were found scribbled inside of a residence hall on the University of Maryland's campus in April 2023, according to campus police. [READ MORE](   Event - Webinar [Tapping into data insights to prevent fraud | Register now!]( Join moderator Jory Heckman, and federal agency and industry leaders on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. ET to gain insights on how data, AI/ML and good partnerships can help create better fraud prevention policies and investigations.   [Bright fireball seen over East Coast Wednesday night]( Reports came in to WTOP on Wednesday night from people all across the western D.C. area, wondering if there was a meteor shower to explain the bright ball of light they saw shooting across the night sky. [READ MORE](   [Maryland lands 3rd 5-star basketball recruit in program history]( Five-star recruit Derik Queen, a Baltimore native and center at Florida powerhouse Montverde Academy, announced Wednesday he'll play his college basketball in his home state with a commitment to the University of Maryland. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Unlocking Zero Trust: Strategic approaches and cybersecurity modernization | Watch now!]( Join moderator Jason Miller, and agency and industry leaders to gain insights into the critical aspects of Zero Trust Architecture and how it can help reshape and innovate your cybersecurity approach.   [Giant Food is closing one of its oldest Arlington stores]( The Giant Food store on Langston Boulevard in Arlington, often called the Spout Run Parkway Giant, will permanently close Feb. 29. [READ MORE](   [Matt About Town: Bugler sounds Taps for 1,000th time at WWI Memorial]( They are 24 of some of the most recognizable music notes in U.S. military history, and they've been played at the same spot in D.C. every day - rain or shine - for the past three years. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Maximus [How modern security operations centers keep up with emerging threats]( As agencies turn to outsource their security operations center staffs, they need assurance the employees have both certifications and up-to-date knowledge.   PARTNERSHIP [Listen live for news, traffic and weather from WTOP News on our FREE App!]( Download the app today - sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union - to stay up to date on all the latest news in the DMV.   [Check out the latest weather forecast]( [Click here for the latest traffic updates]( [Visit WTOP's Podcast Center]( Download and listen to podcasts created by WTOP and our partners CONNECT WITH WTOP [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( EVERYTHING YOU NEED EVERY TIME YOU LISTEN [DOWNLOAD THE WTOP APP]( [Click here to manage your newsletter preferences.]( This email and the accompanying website are not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. [Unsubscribe](  | [Contact us.](