Maryland Archives - Page 318 of 400

MDOT Transportation Secretary Charts Course Toward Goal of Zero Highway Deaths

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:

Maryland State Police K-9 Unit Adds Four New Drug Detection Dogs

By Patrick Herron

Published June 14, 2023 at 10:23AM

Per the Maryland State Police: Four new K-9 teams specifically trained in drug detection will join the ranks of Maryland’s finest. The Maryland State Police Special Operations Division will graduate four canines and their Maryland State Police handlers. The K-9 teams have undergone 14 weeks of intense training, developing their ability to detect controlled dangerous substances including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

They will work at various locations and special assignments throughout the state to fully support the department’s mission, which is to ensure that Maryland is a safe place to live, work and visit. The following teams will receive their graduation certificates and will be ready to be placed into service:

126,000 SF Indoor Water Park Opens Today in Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published June 14, 2023 at 5:28AM

Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, MD, officially opens at 10am today, Wednesday, June 14th. Great Wolf Lodge Maryland will be the company’s 20th resort in North America, and their largest. It will offer 700 family-friendly suites, a 126,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 57,000 square-foot entertainment center, and 12,000 square-feet of conference space. Perryville is about 70 miles and a little less than an hour and a half away from most parts of MoCo.

Per Great Wolf Lodge: Careening down slides, jumping over waves, floating down a lazy river, and getting drenched by a thousand gallons of water cascading from a giant tipping bucket are a few of the water-filled adventures families will discover at the all-new Great Wolf Lodge Maryland. The indoor water park is the marquee attraction at Great Wolf Lodge, and the water park planned for the company’s Maryland resort will be the largest Great Wolf Lodge has ever built. The water park at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland will offer more than 128,000 square feet of enclosed fun with slides, pools and water play for all ages, and a cozy 84-degree temperature year-round.

Governor Moore Announces $6.3 Million to Support Construction of More than 200 Affordable Housing Units in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published June 13, 2023 at 2:35PM

Per MCPD: Governor Wes Moore today announced $6.3 million to support projects to support the construction of more than 200 affordable rental housing units, approved during the most recent Board of Public Works meeting. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will provide $3.5 million through the Rental Housing Works Program and $2.8 million from the Partnership Rental Housing Program to support two affordable housing projects in Silver Spring.

The department’s Rental Housing Works and Partnership Housing Rental programs provide financing for projects that create or preserve affordable rental housing units. The Rental Housing Works program finances rental housing that will be occupied by individuals with incomes at 60% of area median income. The Partnership Rental Housing Program finances rental housing that will be occupied by individuals with income of 50% below State-wide area median income. Through other programs, the department’s total investment in the two projects is more than $73 million.

Maryland Resident Pat Sajak Announces He Will Retire Following Upcoming Season of Wheel of Fortune

By MCS Staff

Published June 12, 2023 at 8:17PM

Maryland resident Pat Sajak, host of Wheel of Fortune since 1981, has announced that the upcoming 41st season of the show will be his last. Sajak and his wife Lesly Brown-Sajak are longtime residents of Severna Park, MD.

Sajak has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning three times. As a longtime Maryland resident, he has become an avid fan of the Washington Capitals and has been a season-ticket holder, making an on-ice appearances, for years– including prior to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2018.

MD U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins with State Agencies and Non-Profits to Combat Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

By MCS Staff

Published June 12, 2023 at 3:50PM

“Targeting vulnerable elderly victims is unconscionable and PROTECT Week is a great time to learn about scams targeting older adults and how to avoid them,” said Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. “But if you, or someone you know, is a victim of financial fraud, I urge you to report it. Help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) and you could prevent someone else from becoming a victim.”

PROTECT WEEK EVENTS:

UMD Set to Build $52 Million Basketball Performance Center

By MCS Staff

Published June 12, 2023 at 10:00AM

Maryland is one of only four institutions in history to have won NCAA championships in both Men’s and Women’s Basketball. With such success, Maryland stands as the only Big Ten school without a dedicated basketball practice facility for both its men’s and women’s teams. Per the University of Maryland, “It is our vision that with the new Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center, the university will continue its ascent in the Big Ten Conference and provide our teams with the infrastructure they need to continue striving for championships. This new center will help provide a transformative experience for our student-athletes, giving them an unmatched opportunity to become top collegiate basketball players.” Video available below.

“The new Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center is a gamechanger for us with Terrapin basketball. Maryland is leading the charge with the newest, state-of-the-art facilities in the country. I can’t wait until we put that shovel in the ground. Thank you to Mr. Gossett for all of his support of Maryland Athletics.” said Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard. “This training facility will keep both our basketball programs ahead of the curve and at the top of their games. We always strive to be the best and this facility will represent that. In my 17 years at Maryland, the support we’ve received is incredible and I know our fans will love seeing our programs work out of the best facility in the country.” said Maryland women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese.

Maryland Ranked #18 in List of “Most Fun States in America”, Per Report

By MCS Staff

Published June 12, 2023 at 8:10AM

With summer just around the corner and 85% of Americans planning to take a summer trip, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Most Fun States in America, with Maryland coming in at #18. To determine the states offering the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to nightlife options per capita. Maryland’s rankings in specific categories can be seen below:

Fun in Maryland (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.):

Maryland Ranked 22nd in U.S. News “Best States” List

By MCS Staff

Published June 12, 2023 at 7:06AM

U.S. News has released its “Best States” rankings, which draw on thousands of data points to measure how well states are performing for their citizens. Maryland came in ranked 22nd in 2022, falling five spots from 17th in 2021.

In addition to health care and education, the rankings take into account a state’s economy; its roads, bridges, internet and other infrastructure; its public safety; its natural environment; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents. Maryland saw its highest rankings in the Health Care (4th) and Natural Environment (5th) categories, with lower rankings in Economy (42nd) and Infrastructure (39th). More on Maryland’s ranking per U.S. News below:

Maryland Department of Emergency Management Warns of Travel Impacts Following Partial Collapse of I-95 in Philadelphia Area

By MCS Staff

Published June 11, 2023 at 7:34PM

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has warned of potential travel impacts for those traveling towards Philadelphia or I-95N, following a partial highway collapse of a section of I-95 near Philadelphia. “While this took place outside of Maryland, it could impact your travel if you are headed toward the Philadelphia area or planning to use I95. Stay safe.”

Per the City of Philadelphia: This morning, June 11, 2023, a vehicle fire under I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philadelphia caused a portion of the highway to collapse. Preliminary reports indicate a tanker truck was involved in the fire. Pennsylvania State Police closed I-95 in both directions around the area.