Councilmembers debated whether to increase the property-tax rate to avoid deep cuts and layoffs. Some members opposed any increase; others said without a rate change substantial job and program reductions would be unavoidable.

Councilmembers raised concerns that automated drone deliveries could reduce local gig‑economy jobs. Walmart and Wing said nest staffing and in‑store roles will continue and predicted staffing needs to support drone operations, but offered no local outcome data.

Planning commissioners discussed an upcoming Federalsburg public meeting on a proposed data center, raising questions about water use, power infrastructure, tax incentives and possible moratoria in neighboring counties.

Democrats pressed DOE’s acting undersecretary about the department’s October cancellations and court filings that said a primary reason for some terminations was whether the grantee was in a Democratic state; DOE said its continuous review focuses on national security and project feasibility and declined to discuss individual awards in the hearing.

Witnesses at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing debated whether proposed sales of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix or Paramount/Skydance would reduce competition, harm workers and newsroom independence, or deliver consumer benefits — with members pressing agencies to define markets and guard against political interference.

Legislators discuss efficiency and job impacts of proposed behavioral health agency consolidation.