Maryland

Halloween candy sales are expected to be up 15% from last year and CandyStore.com has gathered the data to figure out the most popular Halloween candy for each state– their analysis was even featured on the Today Show. Before we get to Maryland, let’s take a look at the Top 10 across the country and some quick facts about Halloween Candy this year:

10. Snickers

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced $69 million in federal funding for two new programs to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Broadband, the two programs, Home Stretch for Public Housing and Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, are expected to provide internet access to an estimated 15,000 unserved Maryland households.

“Getting all Marylanders online is crucial in a society where internet access can determine your job or your child’s education,” said Gov. Moore. “We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Treasury in our efforts to close the digital divide and create a more equitable Maryland.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food. During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.

Residents and visitors should note that keeping bird feeders, pet food and trash in a place where bears can’t get to them is the best way to avoid problems. Marylanders should also delay filling songbird feeders until the winter months to avoid attracting bears. “Fall is a great time of the year to see bears, but it is still up to Maryland residents and visitors to keep these bears wild,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, but are known to roam into other northern and central counties.

As we wait for peak fall foliage here in Montgomery County, we take a look at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Fall Foliage Report for this week. You can see 11 great places for fall foliage in MoCo at this link. We’re feeling a drop in temperatures across the state, with parts of Western Maryland dipping into the low 30s. Cooler temperatures and sunny days bode well for leaf change. According to the U.S. Forest Service, trees are continuing to produce sugars in their leaves, but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins in leaves prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant anthocyanin pigments, which tint leaves with a variety of reds, purples, and crimson. However, optimal fall weather conditions cannot entirely undo the effects of this year’s summer drought, which is amounting to delays in leaf change and subdued color in the forest canopies.

Western Maryland: Melissa Nash, Forester in Garrett and Allegany counties, reports, “I think we are still on track to peak at the end of this week, but I don’t think it’s going to result in dramatic color this year. We are still seeing more yellow and gold tones as opposed to vibrant oranges and reds. I do anticipate the cool temperatures (lows in the 30s/40s) will help transition some of the trees that are still green.” Sean Nolan, Forest Manager, at Savage River State Forest sees progress among the leaves in Northern Garrett County. “We’ve seen quite a change this week,” Nolan said. “The higher elevation areas are nearing peak, but recent rain and wind have brought many leaves down.  The sugar and red maples are showing good colors, but the oaks are still very green.”

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today delivered remarks in support of the state of Israel and the Jewish community at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington’s Stand with Israel rally. The governor made clear that the State of Maryland stands with Israel, and he condemned the actions of the terrorist organization Hamas, which targeted and killed innocent civilians.

Governor Moore’s speech as prepared: