Medical Weight Loss Near Prince George's County, MD

Week 9 of the 2025 Maryland high school football season in Prince George's County took place this weekend. It was also the final week of the regular season as the Maryland Public Schools Secondary Athletic Association (MPSSAA) football playoffs begin next weekend. Each week, High School on SI has you covered on the latest high school football scores and news.

Charles H. Flowers 42, Suitland 0

The best team in PG County continues to play that way even without Dameon Powell. Flowers cruised to a dominant shutout victory over Suitland to finish perfect at 9-0. After starting 3-0, the Jaguars closed out their remaining six games in the regular season by scoring 30-plus points. Despite the absence of Powell, Flowers should be in good shape for the playoffs.

Wise 63, Northwestern 0

Another PG County football powerhouse in Wise fared even better by dropping a 60-burger on Northwestern. After starting the season 1-2, Steve Rapp's Pumas went on to win their last six games in a row. Wise finishes the regular season at 7-2, as they look to make it back to the 4A state championship game.

Eleanor Roosevelt 14, Oxon Hill 7

Both Oxon Hill and Eleanor Roosevelt are looking to contend in the playoffs. Their Halloween matchup didn't feature much scoring, but the Raiders got the job done by sneaking past the Clippers by one touchdown. Both teams finish with solid regular seasons at 6-3.

Douglass-PG 32, Gwynn Park 0

Finally, Gwynn Park and Douglass-PG faced off in a battle of 7-1 PG County teams on Saturday afternoon. However, it wasn't even close as the Eagles dominated the Yellowjackets with a shutout victory to finish the regular season 8-1. Despite the shutout loss, Gwynn Park still had a great season as they enter the playoffs at 7-2.

Other Prince George's County High School Football Scores

Friday, Oct. 31

Largo 44, Friendly 0

Saturday, Nov. 1

Central 38, Fairmont Heights 30

Potomac 63, Bladensburg 0

Crossland 26, Suitland 0

After more than 50 years, the Six Flags America amusement park in Bowie, Maryland, will close its gates for the last time on Sunday.

This past May, Six Flags announced that this would be the last season for the amusement park and its water park, Hurricane Harbor.

Billionaire and former presidential candidate Ross Perot was one of the early investors involved in what is now Six Flags America.

In July of 1974, the ABC television network’s attractions division opened ‘The Wildlife Preserve’, which was a drive-thru safari. The park did not take off, and in less than two years it was closed. In 1978, the park was sold to Jim Fowler, the host of ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’, and renamed it ‘Wild Country’. That park also closed after two seasons.

In 1981, the park reopened under the name ‘Wild World’, and over the next decade it would get rid of the animals and add rides, roller coasters and a water park. In 1992, the park would undergo another name change, thanks to its purchase by Premier Parks.

For the next six years, the amusement park was called ‘Adventure World’, until its parent company bought Six Flags. Since then, Six Flags America has been where families from the D.C. area have spent their summers.

The park went through some turmoil in 2005, during then-Washington NFL team owner Dan Snyder’s time as the chairman of its board. Snyder was removed as chairman after Six Flags filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2010.

In the summer of 2024, Six Flags merged with rival amusement park company Cedar Fair, which owns Kings Dominion. D.C.-area thrill-seekers will still be able to get their kicks at that park, which is located in the Richmond, Virginia, area. They can also visit Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, which is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from D.C.

Still, many area adrenaline junkies wanted to enjoy one last day at Six Flags — including Kim Varzi, a D.C. resident who told WTOP she conquered her fear of heights thanks to ‘Superman: Ride of Steel’, a rollercoaster boasting a top speed of 73 mph and a 205-foot drop.

“I had to just tell myself that it was only 30 seconds,” she said. “The first couple of times, I just closed my eyes.”

There were also some first-timers at the park, like Jennifer Rolls. She, along with her husband and daughters, came from Manassas, Virginia, to experience the park before it was too late.

Rolls, who was using crutches due to an Achilles tendon issue, thought it was sad that the park was closing.

Other visitors trekked to the park from outside the Capital Beltway, including William Craig, who traveled with his children from Martinsburg, West Virginia, for one last ride.

He said he’s been to the park more than 100 times, and said it will always mean a lot to him: “For me it’s about the personal memory of when I separated from my ex-wife. … It was a way to bond with my kids.”

Craig’s 14-year-old son, Johnny, said his favorite part of coming to Six Flags America was spending time with his dad.

Chad Reams drove in from York, Pennsylvania, with his wife, son and daughter. As excited as his kids were to ride the coasters, Reams said he was looking forward to shopping. He loaded seven bags of Six Flags merchandise into the trunk of his SUV, telling WTOP that the swag was on sale for 85% off and cost a little over $100.

Rodney Slade came all the way from Greensboro, North Carolina, to make some memories. He said this was only his second time at the park: “Last time I was here, I got sick on a ride,” recalling how he fell asleep on a bench after his turn on ‘The Pirate’s Flight’.

When asked if he was going to try the ride one last time, Rodney said: “The boat will not see me.”

As people exited Six Flags America for the final time, they walked by a sign quoting Porky Pig that felt quite fitting: “That’s all, folks.”

For generations of people around the D.C. region and beyond, Six Flags America was — as its tagline said — the “Thrill Capital of D.C.”

© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

The D.C. region’s economy has taken a hit under President Donald Trump’s administration, following a series of government buyouts and layoffs, and now a near monthlong shutdown. But in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, on Wednesday, it was all smiles in hopes that a much-needed economic boost is on the horizon.

The “Blue Line Corridor” is Prince George’s County’s main economic redevelopment and revitalization project, and the wheels were put into motion before the federal upheaval started impacting the region.

Those involved say that upheaval has made the job harder, but it isn’t putting a stop to the project.

A group of developers, elected leaders, business owners and residents came together Wednesday to celebrate the creation of the Blue Line Corridor Coalition. It’s a group that aims to bring together all the stakeholders focused on revitalizing the area closest to the D.C. line and make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

“It’s to coordinate our efforts so that we’re moving more strategically, we don’t waste resources, but we also make sure that everyone’s bought in to what eventually happens,” state Del. Jazz Lewis said.

One of the leaders of the coalition is Bryan Franklin, of Local Initiatives Support Corporation, or LISC D.C.

“For outsiders, right? Most people would think about this as a drive-through community,” he said. “But this community is rich in history, and what this coalition is about is bringing that history to the forefront and bringing the type of change and development that the community has been asking for, and bringing the partners to the table. Who can make it happen?”

And he maintained the region is still primed for new opportunities and revitalization.

“We have four metro stops, and 15% of the land around those metro stops is vacant lands,” he said. “Where in other parts of our region can you see vacant land, near Metro? So as the gateway to D.C., with connections to Amazon headquarters, with connections to Dulles and to DCA, not to mention the Capitol, this central part of the county, the Blue Line corridor, is primed for revitalization. We want to make sure that revitalization is community driven.”

One of those joining the coalition is Stabina King, who owns and operates Baked By Bina Mobile Coffee Shop. Her coffee is sold at The Capital Market, an area farmers market also guiding this coalition.

“I see a lot of improvement and changes coming along the way that’s needed,” King said.

She said she can remember when the area thrived, and can’t wait to see it happen again.

“But this time, everybody needs to be included.”

Both Franklin and Lewis said the main redevelopment projects focused on housing are still being built. Ground was recently broken on 200 new units near the Capitol Heights Metro station, and Lewis said another project next to it will be announced soon, among other new development projects in the pipeline.

“All these are being led with minority developers too, so we’re still on pace to transform this area with the type of walkable, transit-oriented development that increases quality life for the residents here,” Lewis said.

“There are things happening. And so even amidst the headwinds, it’s showing that when we come together, we can make change,” Franklin added.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Three counties in Maryland, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's, report an increase in a contagious illness known as hand, foot and mouth disease or HFMD.

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) provided 7News with updated numbers. The school system told us, as of Oct. 24, 45 schools reported clusters of hand, foot and mouth disease.

A representative with PGCPS said additional cases were reported on Oct. 27, but the specific number was not available.

St. Mary's County reports a "significant increase" but has not released numbers.

RELATED | Hand, foot and mouth disease reported in kids at more than 40 Prince George's Co. schools

Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include fever, poor appetite, and sore throat.

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) provided 7News with updated numbers. The school system told us, as of Oct. 24, 45 schools reported clusters of hand, foot and mouth disease.

A representative with PGCPS said additional cases were reported on Oct. 27, but the specific number was not available.

St. Mary's County reports a "significant increase" but has not released numbers.

One to two days after the fever begins, an infected person can develop painful sores in the mouth and throat. A rash and blisters typically show up on the hands, feet, and buttocks.

Dr. Nina Ashford, Chief of Public Health Services in Montgomery County, told us she's also seeing a considerable rise in cases compared to last year.

"We have 38 confirmed cases, and this includes early childhood centers. So, daycares as well as K through 12, so, 38 cases this year compared to nine cases this same time last year," she said.

The highly contagious illness spreads when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks and through close contact like hugging or kissing.

Virus particles can be found on surfaces like doorknobs or toys.

PREVENT THE ILLNESS:

MedStar Health Physician Assistant Jon Gonella said the illness typically spreads during the fall when children gather for school.

He added, parents should expect the illness to clear up in a week.

"Usually, five to seven days when patients will recover from this and rarely are there serious complications from hand, foot and mouth. The one that we see sometimes is children don't want to eat because they've got the pain in the mouth, so make sure that they're remaining hydrated," he said.

HFMD is treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Children who have hand, foot and mouth disease should stay home until the fever is gone and the mouth sores clear up.

Infected adults should take time off from work to limit the spread of the illness.

Recently, Prince George’s County erupted in public protests over data center proposals for the county. Meanwhile, in neighboring Montgomery County, a massive development has been quietly advancing through the approval process. Most residents, and even some council members, have limited knowledge of it.

Developer Terra Innovations wants to transform the site of a shuttered coal plant in upper Montgomery County into a large-scale data center development, the kind of Virginia-sized facility that has made Loudoun County the “data center capital of the world.” Because the site is zoned for industrial use, which includes data centers, the development doesn’t require county council approval. It’s what’s known as “by right” development, meaning the property owner can proceed as long as they meet existing regulations. The county planning board has already granted conditional approval.

Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, who represents the district where the data center would be built, doesn’t believe the council should change zoning rules retroactively for this proposed development.

“I believe in property rights,” said Balcombe. “When they purchased this land, they had zoning that allowed for this to happen. And so I am very cautious about changing zoning to prohibit something that people have a right to do with their property.”

But Balcombe also acknowledged the tension around data centers. She added, “We have new information all the time about things.”

When asked whether the county had updated noise ordinances to consider data center development, a major complaint in Virginia counties with data centers, she confirmed Montgomery has not. The county’s noise regulations are old, and don’t take into account developments like modern data centers. Still, Balcombe seemed hesitant to impose new restrictions that might complicate this proposed project.

She also noted the site had been home to a coal plant, and that data center might not be the worst option to be built on this industrial-zoned site.

The contrast with neighboring Prince George’s County is stark. After intense public backlash, Prince George’s paused all data center development earlier this year. Residents were furious after the county eased zoning rules that allowed data centers to be built by right in many areas, particularly near residential neighborhoods.

Even in Northern Virginia, which has the world’s biggest concentration of data centers, communities are grappling with the impacts of rapid expansion. Prince William County’s board of supervisors recently voted to pause all by-right data center development in the county.

And Montgomery County faces a challenge that goes beyond zoning or community concerns. The state’s power grid itself is already at the breaking point.

Jason Stanek, from PJM Interconnection, the organization that manages the power grid for 13 states including Maryland, said the grid cannot handle more data centers unless they bring their own source of power.

“PJM is on record and has submitted testimony that by summer of 2027, we can see voltage collapse on the system, which would necessitate forced outages. So customers may experience disruptions of service as early as mid-2027 if we do not see some immediate action in terms of building new lines and building generation,” Stanek explained in an interview with WAMU.

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity. County Executive Marc Elrich said he’s been pressing developers to choose more environmentally friendly equipment, but acknowledged the project, along with another data center expansion in Silver Spring, would require larger transformers to pull energy from the grid.

“If they can find a way to balance this, it’s worth a lot of tax money in the county,” Elrich explained. “But it’s gotta be done right. I mean, we could go for the tax money and then we wind up with a bunch of brownouts and blackouts, nobody’s gonna be very happy about that. People just have to be willing to do it responsibly.”

Governor Wes Moore agreed Maryland needs new energy sources, particularly renewables like solar, wind, and nuclear. He pointed to a proposed wind farm on the Eastern Shore—recently stalled by the Trump administration.

“I am all for solar and wind and nuclear and a multitude of different energy options that we both have on board right now and also how we’re going to think about energy for the future. But the Trump administration seems to be absolutely convinced that for so many of those options they are just going to be non-starters,” Moore said at a press conference last week.

Despite the concerns, there are reasons some Montgomery County officials say they might welcome a data center. The site itself is in a rural area, which would limit the impact on residents. And the site has water access from the Potomac River for cooling.

Caroline Taylor, executive director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, an environmental group focused on the county’s agricultural reserve, said developers have met regularly with the community. But she’s still worried.

“Those of us who live in the rural part of Montgomery County, we are the great forgotten ones,” Taylor lamented. “We’re forgotten until there’s something that nobody else wants that they want to put out here.”

When WAMU reached out to the developers for comment, they cited the complexity of the process and said they would share a statement at a later date.

This moment is critical for both the county and the state. Both are desperately seeking to diversify their economies away from reliance on federal jobs and facilities. Data centers could be part of that answer. They generate substantial tax revenue—something Virginia’s Loudoun County has leveraged to fully fund its school system. Montgomery, which needs billions to repair aging schools, has a bit of data center envy.

The question facing Montgomery County is whether the county will reap Loudoun-level revenue, or inherit Loudoun-level problems.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​