Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore yesterday visited the new Marriott Global headquarters in Montgomery County, marking the first anniversary of the headquarters opening in Bethesda. Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International David Marriott hosted the governor for a tour of the facility, which provides cutting-edge workforce development for the hospitality industry worldwide.

“Marriott’s innovative facility represents a lasting investment in Maryland that reinforces our commitment to strengthening our workforce for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “The state-of-the-art headquarters creates jobs for Marylanders, strengthens our economy, and puts Maryland on the map as a hub for global hospitality.”


“At this moment, at a time when people’s response to the political toxicity is to lean out, I’m asking you to lean in. At this moment, when the instinct is to retreat, I want you to step forward,” said Gov. Moore. “Engage in civic life. Engage in service. Because service will save us.”

In its first year, the Department of Service and Civic Innovation will place a minimum of 200 members in the Service Year Option or Maryland Corps. Each program offers a unique opportunity to explore a year of professional growth and career opportunities while earning a living wage, gaining new skills, and serving fellow Marylanders.


Marylanders are encouraged to contribute their insights through the survey, which is available on the front page of our website: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. The results of the survey will play a critical role in shaping the OAG’s efforts to ensure that the proposed merger aligns with the best interests of the state and its residents.

This merger, if approved, could potentially have significant implications for consumers, employees, farmers, and small independent grocers across the state. Currently, Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, while Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states. Together, the companies employ approximately 710,000 people nationwide, with 10,167 across more than 165 stores in the DMV area. If combined, these two companies would form a corporate entity with a vast presence across the nation.


With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing and women holding more than 10% of Fortune 500 CEO positions for the first time, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Most & Least Diverse States in America, with Maryland coming in as the 9th most diverse state.

To determine where the most idea and identity exchanges have occurred at the highest level in the U.S – and where the population is relatively more homogeneous – WalletHub compared the 50 states across six key categories: socio-economic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity. Diversity in Maryland (1=Most Diverse, 25=Avg.):


This year represents the 40th anniversary of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Congratulations to the more than 9,000 awardees recognized since 1983. Six schools in Maryland (one in Montgomery County) have been recognized in 2023– they are listed below.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.  Since its inception, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the lottery results for the 2023 black bear hunt. Having been selected by random drawing, the 950 successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the six-day hunting season open from October 23-28 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

“The black bear hunt provides a unique opportunity for hunters to pursue one of our greatest natural resources here in the state and contribute to the management of the species,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Acting Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Congratulations to those successful applicants – we wish you all good luck and safe hunting during our 20th annual black bear season.”


Fall officially kicks off Saturday, September 23, 2023—the same day as the autumn equinox—in the Northern Hemisphere. Many of us in Maryland are looking forward to leaving behind the days of record-breaking heat and welcoming clear, blue skies, cooler evenings and autumnal tree canopies. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again has started presenting its weekly Fall Foliage Report. What can we expect from fall foliage this year and when can leaf peepers catch a glimpse of fall’s best colors? Check it out below, courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

What the Science Says: For years, scientists have worked to understand the changes that occur in trees and shrubs during autumn, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, but they can agree that three primary factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night, and weather.


We Are Ready to Strike– An overwhelming 98% voted YES to an Unfair Labor Practice strike.

Kaiser Permanente workers in the DMV have authorized a strike that would begin as early as October 1st if a contract agreement between the union and the Kaiser is not reached by the end of September, according to a statement Monday by the local union representing DMV Kaiser employees. The statement can be seen below:


A bill that would increase wages for tipped employees will be introduced at the Montgomery County Council meeting on Tuesday, September 19. Bill 35-23, County Minimum Wage – Tipped Employees would adjust the calculation of the minimum wage for tipped workers and phase out the tip credit amount under the Montgomery County’s minimum wage law. Currently, businesses are required to pay servers $4.00 per hour; if a server does not make the current minimum hourly wage ($15-16.70) per hour, employers are required to make up the difference.

A statewide tip credit repeal bill considered in the Maryland General Assembly failed to pass earlier this year because of strong restaurant industry opposition and scores of servers who urged lawmakers to reject it because they make significantly more money under the current tipping system. Like all workers, restaurant tipped employees must earn at least the full applicable minimum wage per hour in base wages plus tips. There is no subminimum wage for restaurant tipped employees. Under federal, state and local minimum wage laws, employers are required to make up any deficiencies if a tipped employee does not earn enough in base wages plus tips to make at least the full minimum wage.


The University of Maryland has earned its highest-ever ranking among national universities from U.S. News & World Report, cracking the top 50 for the first time. Per the Maryland  Office of Marketing and Communications:

UMD rose nine spots since last year to No. 46 in the national listing and held steady at No. 19 among public schools in the influential 2023-24 “Best Colleges” report released on Monday.  The university now has a combined 69 top-25 undergraduate and graduate programs, according to U.S. News, which began its annual rankings 40 years ago.


“Hitting our goals will help us defend against the consequences of climate change. But I’m not here to just talk about avoiding tragedy – I’m here to talk about helping people find greater opportunity.”

“Our communities of color – our working parents – our middle-class families: They are the ones who stand to benefit most from our aggressive climate goals. Those are the hands that will install new solar panels at the local rec center. Those are the minds that will invent next-generation wind turbines that power millions of homes. Those are the hearts that will shape a stronger America, where we aren’t just building pathways to sustainability – we’re also building pathways to work, wages, and wealth.”


View More Stories