Washington Metrorail Safety Commission ordered the removal of all 7000-series railcars from service. Only 40 trains will remain operating as of now. 7000-series trains make up nearly 60% of Metrorail’s fleet so trains will operate about every 30 minutes rather than the usual 5-8 minutes.
Jobs
Anne Arundel County School Board of Education considers raising school bus driver wages
The Anne Arundel County School Board of Education votes to increase school bus driver compensation by $5 an hour and offers incentives to maintain and recruit drivers.
Facebook whistleblower testifies before members of the Senate
Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen fielded questions and shared insight into Facebook’s daily routines at the media giant.
Md. Justice Commission plans to increase data access
Legislation that increases funding for legal services, reduces health inequities, and improved access to unemployment benefits were among the successes of a justice task force led by Maryland’s attorney general.
Food truck vendor thrives during pandemic shutdowns and challenges
Rockville, MD – Since December 2020, restaurant manager Chris Van Jura has been selling signature hot dogs in his eight square foot mobile shop. Catalyst Hot Dogs was his way of making money after being furloughed, twice, as a result…
Montgomery County theaters losing money under orders to halt food sales
Montgomery Co., MD- Movie theaters have been among the hardest-hit businesses in the county since the pandemic started. Now with some restrictions lifted, movie theaters are finding that they cannot serve food or beverages to moviegoers as Covid-19 mask restrictions…
Bad news for gig workers: A crowded labor market is depressing income, census data shows
COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – The “gig” economy has increased employment opportunities for thousands of Maryland residents, including high-skilled and low-skilled workers. But as the number of people jumping into gig work grows, the competition for jobs means smaller paychecks for…
Gig workers to clients: ‘Freelancing isn’t free work’
COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – Advocates for workers in the gig economy often argue that the lack of benefits, especially health care, is the biggest obstacle for this growing workforce. While benefits are a major concern, a greater problem is this:…
Home-based eateries: The next big thing in the sharing economy?
BALTIMORE – On a recent Saturday night, Baltimore chef Malik Anderson was fast at work organizing an extravagant eight-course meal in time for the dinner rush. Sporting a freshly etched tattoo of a kitchen knife on his forearm, Anderson had…
Ex-offenders seek second chance in the workforce
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Those who have committed crimes often have a tough transition back into the workforce. On the national Day of Empathy, a group hit the halls in Annapolis to lobby lawmakers for the removal of questions regarding criminal…