Prince George’s schools, Colin Kaepernick-backed AI firm partner for storytelling tech


By John Domen

Prince George’s County Public Schools plan to make a big investment in artificial intelligence programs in the coming years, and one of the programs the system is starting with is an AI-powered storytelling platform backed by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick was on hand Tuesday as the program, Lumi Story, was demonstrated at Largo High School. He is the CEO of the company that’s behind the program.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Raising Cane’s makes its College Park debut

More than 200 people from around the Washington, D.C., region traveled to College Park for the grand opening of Raising Cane’s on Tuesday.

The line outside of the chicken-finger restaurant began Monday night when Bree Beanum drove from Virginia to be first in line at 10 p.m. for the restaurant’s opening Tuesday morning. By 8 a.m., Route 1 was packed with people excited to try Cane’s iconic chicken tenders.

READ FULL ARTICLE BY Bella DeCrescenzo HERE

Karaoke Bar, Entertainment Center Opens At National Harbor

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — An entertainment center and karaoke bar has opened at National Harbor.

Live-K features 24 state-of-the-art private karaoke rooms, dynamic lighting and sound, a high-energy bar program, family-friendly programming, and weekend brunch. The facility opened Nov. 22 at 137 National Plaza and spans 12,000 square feet.

READ FULL ARTICLE BY Kristin Danley-Greiner HERE

Washington Business Journal Niccolo de Masi leads IonQ through rapid expansion

In less than a year, the College Park‑based quantum computing company doubled its revenue, raised billions in new capital, and consolidated competitors through half a dozen acquisitions — all while drawing the attention of both Wall Street and Washington.

At the center of that rapid growth is CEO and Chairman Niccolo de Masi, who took the helm in February.

Read the Full Article by Nate Doughty Here

City of Laurel Governor Moore Announces $17 Million for Community Solar Projects to Cut Energy Costs for Marylanders

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced $17 million in grants that will allow more income-qualified Marylanders to tap into the cost-cutting and environmental benefits of the Community Solar Grant Program. The program promotes access to solar power for individuals who rent their homes or cannot install solar panels on their own properties.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT MARYLAND.GOV HERE

Washington Business Journal Six Flags America site in Prince George's is being marketed for mixed-use, data center development

The massive Six Flags America site in Prince George’s County is officially up for sale — and a marketing flier lists mixed-use and data center development as what would work best for one of Greater Washington’s largest redevelopment sites.

A marketing flier for the property from CBRE was posted on the Facebook page for Amusement Insider on Thursday. Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which announced plans to close the park in May, said at the time it retained CBRE to market the property.

Read Full Article by BRUCE WAYNE HERE

Washington Business Journal GSA office building near UMd. hits market as a residential redevelopment play

Colliers International Group Inc. has kicked off the marketing of a large General Services Administration-owned office building in Prince George’s County, billing it as a redevelopment opportunity that could deliver up to 750 new by-right residential units.

The Center at Riverside, the vacant 337,000-square-foot office property that sits on nearly 12.5 acres at 4700 River Road in Riverdale, “represents a rare opportunity to acquire significant scale in a premier, transit-oriented location steps from the University of Maryland,” according to marketing materials, which highlight its proximity to a forthcoming Purple Line station.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE AT WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Luminis Health’s Doctors Community Medical Center women’s health hub

Luminis Health’s 207-bed Prince George’s County hospital is working toward construction of a women’s health pavilion, part of a greater campus expansion. The project aims to bring inpatient obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care to the hospital for the first time — and handle 2,000 deliveries a year. Road improvements should wrap up this month, after which crews will begin rerouting utilities such as water, electric, gas and telecommunications.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE AT WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Prince George’s County Celebrates Economic Development Week

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation will celebrate Maryland Economic Development Week after County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy announced the county’s participation in the statewide observance running Monday through Friday.

In partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Association, the county will recognize local businesses driving economic growth and creating opportunities for residents.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE BY THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

67th Annual Washington International Horse Show in Prince George’s County This Week

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) at the Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD is here!!!

The 67th annual WIHS is being held in Prince George’s County for the fourth year in a row from Monday, October 20 through Sunday, October 26, 2025.

The WIHS is considered one of North America’s most prestigious and competitive equestrian events, featuring competition for international, professional, amateur, junior, and child riders.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ON SOUTHERN MARYLAND NEWS NET

Cyber Md. launches $1M grant for cybersecurity workforce growth

The Maryland Department of Labor’s Cyber Maryland program announced the launch of the state’s Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Clinic Grant totaling $1 million.

This investment aims to contribute to a growing cyber workforce prepared to assimilate AI and cybersecurity, fortify the digital infrastructure of schools, hospitals, small businesses and other community institutions.

Read Full Story by The Daily Record HERE

Maryland’s Procurement Reform Act Takes Effect, Aims To Boost Small Business Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Labor’s Cyber Maryland program announced the launch of the state’s Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Clinic Grant, totaling $1 million.

This investment aims to contribute to a growing cyber workforce prepared to assimilate AI and cybersecurity, fortify the digital infrastructure of schools, hospitals, small businesses, and other community institutions.

Read more at Three| E 60 HERE

Purple Line Construction Over 80% Done, On Track To Open In 2027

The Purple Line is still on track to open at the end of 2027, 10 years after construction began. It will connect New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Maryland awards $1 million in grants to businesses near Purple Line construction
Earlier this week, the Purple Line team gave an update on their progress to the Montgomery County Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee.

Read the full article at Three | E 60 HERE

Old Town Bowie trades antiques for innovation with crafty rebrand

Once upon a time, Old Town Bowie was a railroad hub. But nowadays, the trains speed right on by, just like most of the people who drive through there.

While Bowie, along with the rest of the D.C. region, has grown exponentially in recent years, Old Town Bowie has not.

In fact, in that part of the Maryland town, the emphasis is on “the old.” There’s a few antique shops along the brick sidewalks, and not much else. There once was a sit-down restaurant, but it’s since been closed.

Read the Full Article by John Doeman at WTOP HERE

PGCEDC & The Brief Academy Host Nigerian Delegation Evening Reception at Cleopatra Winery

PGCEDC & The Brief Academy Host Nigerian Delegation Evening Reception at Cleopatra Winery

PGCEDC & The Brief Academy Host Nigerian Delegation Evening Reception at Cleopatra Winery

On September 15, 2026, Clyopatra Winery in Laurel, Maryland, hosted an exclusive evening reception welcoming a high-powered Nigerian Delegation led by the Kaduna State government and The Brief Academy. The event, organized by The Brief Academy, brought together senior government officials from Kaduna, Osun, and Niger States, as well as representatives from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and key presidential aides.

Guests enjoyed a dynamic program featuring remarks from local leaders, several guests who attended the reception, followed by dinner and networking. More than just a reception, the evening sparked conversations on trade, investment, and lasting partnerships between Maryland and Nigeria, with the elegant setting of Clyopatra Winery providing the perfect backdrop for building international bridges.

See images from the event HERE

Black-Owned, Husband-and-Wife Operated Assisted Living Home To Open in Prince George’s Co.

Black-Owned, Husband-and-Wife Operated Assisted Living Home To Open in Prince George’s Co.

Black-Owned, Husband-and-Wife Operated Assisted Living Home To Open in Prince George’s Co.

A new assisted living home in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is aiming to blend comfort, cultural connection, and around-the-clock care when it opens later this month.

Heaven’s Hands Wellness, a Black-owned, husband-and-wife-run residence, will begin welcoming seniors on Aug. 22 in Upper Marlboro. Owners Flora and Beks Amadi said their goal is to provide what they call “compassionate care, guided by grace” in a setting that feels more like a home than an institution.

“To be a resource for families, and for the growing population that needs this type of service — especially in our communities — you can’t really quantify that,” Beks said in an interview with WTOP.

The five-bedroom, four-bath residence features private and shared bathrooms, motorized beds, and amenities such as Jacuzzis in some rooms. “Each room is specific to the individual — with color, style and taste,” Flora said. “We range between twin beds to queen-size beds, and some even have Jacuzzis.”

In addition to the physical comforts, the Amadis said the home will offer licensed staff available 24/7 to assist with daily living activities, including medication administration, help dressing and grooming, and hair or nail care. Meals will be personalized to residents’ preferences, and respite care will be available for families needing short-term stays.

In Surprise Appearance, Colin Kaepernick Teases Partnership with Prince George’s County

In Surprise Appearance, Colin Kaepernick Teases Partnership with Prince George’s County

New Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s (D) reception in Ocean City was star-studded already — at least by Maryland politics standards.

In attendance were the governor and first lady, the lieutenant governor, the comptroller and the state’s senior U.S. senator.

And then former NFL player Colin Kaepernick showed up and stole the show.

County officials teased a new partnership with the quarterback-turned-civil-rights-activist, focused on boosting student literacy training with artificial intelligence tools.

Kaepernick launched an AI start-up called Lumi last year, which aims to help storytellers publish and merchandise their work independently, “transforming any creator into Disney,” according to its website.

He has been busy recently coordinating with local school systems. Earlier Thursday, Kaepernick appeared in Rockville at a Montgomery County Public Schools summer meeting for administrators. Just a week ago, he unveiled a literacy partnership with the Portland public school system.

Taking the microphone at Ocean City’s Spain Wine Bar, Kaepernick praised Braveboy’s “incredible leadership” to a crowd of local officials gathered at the reception during the Maryland Association of Counties conference.

“AI is not some distant future,” Kaepernick said. “It is changing careers. It is changing the economy. It is changing industries. Now, we need to be at the forefront of it. Our students need to be at the forefront.”

Read more of the article by Christine Condon of Maryland Matters HERE

Atlas Restaurant Group bringing acclaimed Baltimore steakhouse The Ruxton to National Harbor

Atlas Restaurant Group bringing acclaimed Baltimore steakhouse The Ruxton to National Harbor

Atlas Restaurant Group and Peterson Companies, developer and manager of National Harbor, are excited to announce plans to open a second location of the acclaimed American steakhouse, The Ruxton, along with a brand-new craft cocktail bar, in the heart of the bustling Waterfront District in National Harbor. Slated to debut in late 2026, this two-part, 10,400 sq. ft. concept will open at 149 Waterfront Street and will bring Atlas’ signature style and hospitality to one of the region’s premier waterfront destinations.

The Ruxton at National Harbor will feature 250 seats, including outdoor dining with views of the National Harbor promenade. The adjoining cocktail bar will offer an intimate 40-seat experience centered on expertly crafted cocktails. The Ruxton will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with a popular happy hour five nights a week.

“I’m thrilled to expand The Ruxton brand to National Harbor,” said Alex Smith, founder and president of Atlas Restaurant Group. “The development is a perfect setting for this concept with its energy, tourism, entertainment, and a growing residential base. After the immediate favorable reception in Baltimore, it felt natural to bring The Ruxton to a dynamic destination like this.”

Read more HERE