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🌱 Patch AM: See what College Park’s first glimpse of the Purple Line revealed

Happening soon: Infusing Taste: Bottling Flavor in Bitters and Shrubs on the College Park Patch calendar

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Friday September 25th Patch AM
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Good morning College Park! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • See what College Park's first glimpse of the Purple Line revealed
  • Which Shuttle-UM routes now run on quieter electric buses?
  • How you can help AJ Francis fight hunger at SECU Stadium

Also on today's calendar: Infusing Taste: Bottling Flavor in Bitters and Shrubs and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: Nice with periods of sun, temps: high: 73, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 70 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. College Park Gets a Sneak Peek at the Purple Line (hyattsvillewire.com) — College Park residents got an up-close look at a Purple Line railcar Thursday at the future Baltimore Avenue stop, just south of the Hotel at the University of Maryland. With testing already happening at night in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, construction is slated to finish by year's end, with riders expected aboard in winter 2027.
   

2. UMD DOTS expands electric Shuttle-UM bus service on campus (dbknews.com) — If you ride Shuttle-UM around College Park, you'll see more fully electric buses on routes like the 104 College Park Metro/Discovery District and several popular campus lines. UMD's DOTS has expanded its electric fleet to eight buses so far, with features like USB charging and quieter rides, and plans to grow to 27 by fall 2027 as part of its Climate Action Plan.
   

3. AJ Francis' 10th Annual Food Drive Taking Place Next Month (411mania.com) — College Park residents can support a long-running canned food drive when TNA wrestler AJ Francis brings his 10th annual event to SECU Stadium on October 17, tied to the Maryland vs. Rutgers homecoming game. All donations will benefit Sarah's House, a shelter and supportive housing program for families experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County.
   

4. Maryland campuses grapple with cheating as AI reshapes college life (thebanner.com) — Students and faculty at the University of Maryland in College Park are wrestling with how generative AI fits into coursework, as reported violations involving tools like ChatGPT jumped from 120 to 208 last year. Campus leaders have issued detailed guidelines, while professors are redesigning assignments and exams and students describe both stricter rules and growing everyday reliance on AI.
   

5. The Quantum Race Is Heating Up in the DC Metro Region (clearancejobs.com) — College Park is emerging as a major quantum technology hub, with IonQ, Microsoft, and the University of Maryland deepening partnerships and hosting the Quantum World Congress in town. Regional leaders describe how this growing cluster ties into federal research, national security priorities, and new White House executive orders aimed at accelerating quantum innovation and post-quantum cybersecurity across the DC area.
   

📸 Around College Park

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: Guest Advocate (Cashier), General Merchandise, Fulfillment, Food and Beverage, Front of Store Attendant (Cart Attendant), Style, Inbound (Stocking) (T1890) in Hyattsville. Apply here.
  • Giant Food posted a job opening for PT Service Clerk - Front End - 0315 in Hyattsville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near College Park here.

Ok College Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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