Maryland Archives - Page 312 of 395

Air Quality Alert in Effect For Monday, June 19

Published June 19, 2023 at 6:57AM

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert on Monday, June 19th for the Maryland suburban DC region, which includes all of Montgomery County. Additional information below per the Maryland Department of the Environment:

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) ozone concentrations remain possible Monday, compounded by persistent, though diffuse, wildfire smoke. Winds turn from the south on Monday. This will cause a recirculation of the regional airmass bringing pollution from Sunday back northward. Despite the anticipated lower emissions due to the state holiday Monday, ozone development leading to potential USG conditions for a wider area along and north of I-95 from DC to Baltimore remains possible outside of thunderstorms. As flow turns towards the east on Tuesday into Wednesday and increased chances for rain develop, air quality improves, with generally categorical Good AQI air quality expected. For current air quality conditions please check this website.

Temporary Taste and Odor Changes to Tap Water Continue in Parts of Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 8:42AM

Last week we let you know that customers served by WSSC Water’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant (Potomac River) may notice a change in the taste and odor of their tap water because of algal activity in the Potomac River. The customer alert remains active on the WSSC website and the service map can be seen below.

Per WSSC, This temporary change is not harmful and is due to an increase in a naturally occurring substance, Geosmin, caused by warmer weather and low water levels in the Potomac River. The naturally occurring compound, Geosmin, has no health effects at the current concentration. Despite the taste and odor issues, the water remains safe, meeting all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Air Quality Alert in Effect For Sunday, June 18

By MCS Staff

Published June 17, 2023 at 8:12PM

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Sunday for the Maryland suburban DC region, which includes central and SE portions of Montgomery County (Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, etc.).

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. Additional info below.

“Largest Italian Festival in Maryland” Announced For Later This Year

By MCS Staff

Published June 17, 2023 at 10:20AM

The Maryland Italian Festival is coming to Harford County with live national entertainment, carnival rides & midway, wine/beer/liquor piazza, Italian food & retail vendors, cooking & wine demos, a bocce Tournament and much more. The festival has been touted as being the “largest Italian festival in Maryland.”

The inaugural festival, which is being organized by the Society of Italian-American Businessmen, will take place over three days– from September 29-October 1st at The Equestrian Center (608 N Tollgate Rd., Bel Air, MD. The current lineup of artists that Will be providing entertainment includes the Atlantic City Boys, Ray Massa’s Eurorhythm, the Sicilian Tenors, Louis & Joann Uptown Band, DJ Victor Tosti with more to come.

Everything You Need to Know About the Legalization of Cannabis in Maryland Beginning July 1st

By Patrick Herron

Published June 16, 2023 at 6:07PM | Updated June 18, 2023 at 12:11PM

On November 8, 2022, Maryland voted to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21+ beginning July 1, 2023. We recently spoke to Matt Jenner, Regional Marketing Manager at gLeaf (808 Hungerford Dr) in Rockville to help break down the new laws and to answer a few common questions we’ve been receiving:

While anyone over 21 may purchase and consume cannabis products in Maryland, interstate travel with cannabis will remain illegal. gLeaf accepts payment in cash or debit card only. Credit card transactions are generally not allowed in Maryland cannabis sales. Medical patients, veterans, and seniors will be eligible for daily discounts starting on 7/1. All medical patients and adult-use customers will be automatically entered into our awesome loyalty point program!

Beyond MoCo: Governor Moore Announces Baltimore Red Line Relaunch

By Patrick Herron

Published June 16, 2023 at 3:33PM

06-15 Wes Moore Red Line Announcement

Per the State of Maryland (6.15.23): Flanked by local, state, federal and community leaders, Governor Wes Moore today announced the historic relaunch of Baltimore’s Red Line, a major investment in transit to significantly enhance east-west connectivity across the Baltimore region. Governor Moore made the announcement at the West Baltimore MARC Station joined by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and Maryland transportation officials; elected representatives from Maryland’s congressional delegation, the Maryland General Assembly, Baltimore City, Baltimore County; as well as agency partners, community advocates, and transit stakeholders representing a wide range of businesses and organizations.

Florida Man Convicted in Maryland After Six-Day Trial for Nationwide Scheme that Defrauded Elderly Victims of Over $2.5 Million

By MCS Staff

Published June 16, 2023 at 10:59AM

The guilty verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

“Avboraye-Ibginedion was part of a scheme that targeted elderly victims by falsely claiming that a grandchild was in trouble and needed money and convincing the victims to send them thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “If you or someone you know is a victim of financial fraud, please report it by contacting the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).”

Maryland State Fair Returns For Three Weekends Late This Summer;

By MCS Staff

Published June 16, 2023 at 10:42AM

The Maryland State Fair will return on August 24th for its 142nd year. The fair will take place over three weekends (August 24-27, August 31-September 4, and September 7-September 10) and will be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

The Maryland State Fair is complete with daily home arts, farm and garden, livestock and horse exhibits, rides, games, live concerts, and entertainment, live Thoroughbred horseracing, fair treats and farm fresh foods, U-Learn Ag. Education Zone, a museum, and more. “No other event provides so much food, fun, and family entertainment for so little!” Gym Class Heroes will also be performing day the fair on Friday, September 8th.

Governor Moore Announces New Vision to Address Public Safety in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2023 at 3:30PM

Public Safety Press Conference

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today laid out the Moore-Miller administration’s new vision to address public safety in Maryland. The strategy is an all-of-the-above approach focused on supporting law enforcement; building stronger, more vibrant communities; coordinating across all aspects of government; and investing in Maryland’s youth through the Safe Summer initiative.

In his first budget, Governor Moore invested $11 million in MCAC to expand staffing and invest in technology infrastructure. Since the beginning of this year, MCAC has worked with more than 275 federal, state and local agencies in Maryland and around the country on a wide range of issues, from homicides to robberies to fraud to retail theft.This year in Baltimore, MCAC investigative support for the Baltimore City Police Department has increased by 23%.

MDOT Transportation Secretary Charts Course Toward Goal of Zero Highway Deaths

By MCS Staff

Published June 15, 2023 at 6:44AM

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld on Tuesday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the goal of Vision Zero – elimination of all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on Maryland roadways – and announced bold steps for the Maryland Department of Transportation to achieve that objective by 2030.

Speaking at this year’s Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Vision Zero Summit, Secretary Wiedefeld noted that 563 people died on Maryland roadways last year – including 135 pedestrians and 11 bicyclists – and the state has already seen 238 highway fatalities this year. He said the Moore-Miller Administration is committed to action, collaboration, education and enforcement to deliver the goal of zero roadway deaths while increasing safe, convenient and equitable mobility.

Maryland Department of Health Releases First Month of Medicaid Renewal Data, Urges Marylanders on Medicaid to “check in” and Update Their Information

By Patrick Herron

Published June 14, 2023 at 10:56AM

Per the Maryland Department of Health (5.9.23): The Maryland Department of Health today announced the initial data from the first round of Medicaid renewals, which is now posted on the Department’s website. May was the first month during which Maryland processed renewals for Medicaid participants.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid participants did not need to provide renewal information to maintain coverage. Federal law requires states to now begin verifying eligibility information over the course of the next year. For the month of May, Maryland Medicaid processed 119,803 renewals. Of these 119,803 renewals: