Maryland Archives - Page 320 of 395

Maryland State Police Bolster Patrols, DUI Enforcement Efforts for Cinco De Mayo Weekend

Published May 1, 2023 at 2:07PM

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are reminding motorists to drive responsibly ahead of Cinco de Mayo weekend. In anticipation of an increase in impaired drivers this weekend, beginning with Cinco de Mayo on Friday, all 23 barracks across Maryland will ramp up enforcement efforts to combat impaired, distracted and aggressive driving. Troopers at each barrack, along with members of the State Police SPIDRE (State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort) Team will conduct statewide DUI saturation patrols and high-visibility enforcement, which are designed to create deterrence and change unlawful driving behaviors.

A portion of the costs associated with the increased enforcement efforts will be paid through impaired driving saturation funds provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office. Since its inception in 2013, the SPIDRE DUI Team has recorded more than 4,200 DUI arrests and issued more than 30,000 citations.

2023’s Best & Worst States for Working Moms; Maryland Comes in at 16, Per WalletHub Study

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:28AM

With Mother’s Day around the corner and 73% of women with children under age 18 having been in the labor force during 2022, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst States for Working Moms, with Maryland coming in tied for 16th.

In order to help ease the burden on mothers in the workforce, WalletHub compared the attractiveness of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for a working mother based on 17 key metrics. The data set ranges from the median women’s salary to the female unemployment rate to day-care quality.

The World’s Biggest Bounce House is Coming to Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published April 30, 2023 at 8:45AM

Big Bounce America, the largest touring inflatable event in the entire world, is coming to Maryland. “We’ve created an action-packed day out suitable for all ages and featuring some of the most unique and exciting custom-built inflatable attractions ever made.” Starting May 20th and going until June 11th, you’ll be able to attend at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington (Prince George’s County).

Per Big Bounce America: “Covering an area of just over 16,000 square foot and towering 32ft from the ground to the tip of our candy-colored turrets we’ve worked hard to ensure there is never a dull moment in this, the World’s Biggest Bounce House. We’ve created a crazy inflatable landscape filled with some of the most amazing, completely customized attractions you’ll have ever seen. Not only does our massive bouncer look spectacular, it really does have something for everyone within its four walls of fun.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Named a Finalist for 2023 National Gold Medal Awards for Park Excellence

By MCS Staff

Published April 29, 2023 at 9:48AM

The Gold Medal Awards program recognizes park departments throughout the country that prove excellence in serving their communities. Areas evaluated include long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition.

“We are honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award for our parks and recreation management,” said Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Director Bill Tyler. “The Commission strives for excellence each and every day, and we are committed to continuing to provide outstanding parks and recreation services, programs, and events to residents and visitors.”

Green Paint Installation Now Complete on Old Georgetown Rd Bike Lanes

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 2:22PM

Roadwork is now complete on MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) as MDOT SHA crews have finished the installation of the green paint on the MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) bike lanes. Last October the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) announced that it started a project to significantly improve safety for bicyclists and motorists on nearly two miles of MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) in North Bethesda. The changes on MD 187, between south of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Nicholson Lane, converted one travel lane in each direction in order to add buffered bicycle lanes and the installation of flex posts to outline the new bicycle lanes.

The addition of the bike lanes has been met with mixed reviews with a petition opposing the bike lanes receiving over 8,000 signatures and a petition created in response, supporting the bike lanes, receiving over 2,000 signatures. A rally was also held, in January, in support of the Old Georgetown Rd safety improvements. Featured photo courtesy of the ‘Support the SHA redesign of Old Georgetown Road’ petition.

Congressman Jamie Raskin Announces He Is In Remission After December Cancer Diagnosis

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:58AM

Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced via social media on Thursday that he is in remission. “Tuesday I thanked nurses, doctors and pharmacists at Georgetown Hospital who serve with splendid kindness—and who saved my life over 5 months. I finished 6 rounds of 5-day chemo sessions—which they organized so I didn’t have to miss votes or hearings—and I rang the bell! A new chapter begins.” the congressman was diagnosed with cancer Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in December.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=188271080299667&mibextid=cr9u03

Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Member of Congress Via an Event Management Website

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:49AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Justin Kuchta, age 40, of Annapolis, Maryland, to four months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress.

According to his plea agreement, Kuchta made threats to murder a Member of the U.S. Congress. Specifically, a U.S. Member of Congress’ district office in Texas reported that on July 18, 2022, it received a threatening message via an event management website. The website was being used by an event planner to coordinate an event held in the State of Missouri, being attended by Member of Congress 1. The Subject line of that email read, in relevant part: “Rally in Missouri – Featured Guest [Member of Congress 1], [Individual 1], and [Individual 2].” The message stated, “Thank you for the address!!! I’m coming to murder all of you Satanist f*ckers!!! Especially the chuckle-f*ck Zodiak [sic] Killer [Member of Congress 1]!! That fat fake f*cker ass will be the first on the gallows!! SEE ALL OF YOU F*CKERS REALLY SOON!!! With my fresh militia and weapons!!! Thanks for the info f*ckers!!!” The Member of Congress’ Washington office reported that a similar message was sent on July 22, 2022, using the same event management website.

Governor Moore Announces More than $100 Million in State Scholarships and Grants for Higher Education

By Patrick Herron

Published April 27, 2023 at 1:40PM

The Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards is Maryland’s largest need-based program. The financial assistance grants will benefit students attending the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year and includes both the Guaranteed Access grant and Educational Assistance grant programs.

Each year, the Maryland Higher Education Commission is responsible for granting awards to more than 65,000 students, totaling more than $130 million dollars. The second round of awards for the program, in addition to other grants and scholarships, will be announced as they are awarded during the summer months.

BWI Airport Unveils Upgraded, Expanded Restrooms

By MCS Staff

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:11AM | Updated April 27, 2023 at 8:41AM

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has opened the first set of improved restrooms as part of a broad program to modernize and enhance restroom facilities throughout the terminal. BWI Marshall Airport has an ongoing $55 million program that will ultimately expand and improve six sets of restrooms on Concourses B, C and D.

“These improved restrooms are an important part of our overall effort to ensure a positive, world-class travel experience for our customers,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We are continuously working to provide an airport that is clean, modern, and inviting for passengers.” The new set of restrooms now open on Concourse B is nearly 4,700 total square feet. The new facilities are bright, spacious and comfortable, with full height stalls, space for stowing roller bags, solid surface materials that are easy to clean and sanitize, and improved ventilation. The new restrooms feature innovative technology such occupancy lights for the stalls and sensors to inform custodial staff when supplies need to be refilled. The facilities include honeycomb core windows that provide natural light to the open areas of the restroom while also ensuring privacy.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Expansion of EBT Card Fraud Reimbursements

By Patrick Herron

Published April 26, 2023 at 11:44AM | Updated April 26, 2023 at 2:00PM

Under the new law, Maryland will extend the reimbursement eligibility period by 21 months. The General Assembly approved $1.8 million in state general funds for the upcoming state fiscal year for reimbursing adults and families whose claims were previously denied and are now eligible. Approximately 1,095 additional households will become eligible to recover more than $826,000 in previously reported stolen cash and food assistance benefit payments. Previously, the department could only reimburse EBT benefits stolen by fraud dating back to Oct. 1, 2022.

“It’s an egregious act to steal from someone who most needs help—we believe the way Maryland is responding will not just set the tone for this state, but for the country,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. “Not only does this new state law expand stolen benefit reimbursement eligibility, it helps our department with the tools we need to strengthen EBT card security and decrease EBT fraud.”

First Maryland/Virginia Football Game In A Decade Will Be Played On A Friday

By MCS Staff

Published April 26, 2023 at 8:55AM

The Maryland Terrapins will play the Virginia Cavaliers in a non-conference matchup for the first time since 2013. The Terms edged the Cavaliers 27-26 in that meeting and lead the series between the two neighboring state schools, 44-32-2. Their game for the upcoming season, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 16th, has now been moved to Friday, September 15th, both schools announced.

The University of Maryland will is coming off of its most successful season since joining the Big Ten in 2014. The football team went 8-5, winning at least 8 games for the first time since Ralph Friedgen helped guide the Terps to a 9-4 record in 2010. Virginia is coming off of a 3-7 record, the school’s first losing record in five years. Virginia’s biggest win last season came on the road against Georgia Tech, winning 16-9, while Maryland capped off its season with a 16-12 Mayo Bowl victory against North Carolina State. The Terps have won back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2002-2003. Season tickets for Maryland Football can be purchased for as low as $99 here.