During the event, Governor Moore also presented a governor’s citation to Marcus Moore, an individual living with autism, in recognition of his contribution to the autism community and for his self-advocacy. To help Marcus achieve economic self-sufficiency, he and his family created Moore Crunch Pretzels, which are now available online and in several local stores.

Governor Moore also presented a citation to Ken White, General Manager of Historic Inns of Annapolis, in recognition of his support and promotion of opportunity, access, and choice for individuals with autism. Ken has helped spotlight Moore Crunch Pretzels, in addition to opening his commercial kitchen for use as Marcus expanded his business.


“Even if the vehicle is stolen while the owner is safely away from their car, the disruption to their quality of life is real,” said Attorney General Brown. “The time lost from work, the money spent to replace their vehicle or fix damages, even the stress of trying to find alternate transportation to get to work, school, appointments, it is all a load these owners should not have to bear, nor endure.”

 


Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday, to a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha clique of the MS-13 gang.  Torres admitted that he was the clique’s “First Word” or leader. 

On March 24, 2023, co-defendants and MS-13 members and associates Brian Samir Zelaya Mejia, a/k/a “Chispa,” age 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Jorge Isaac Argueta Chica, a/k/a “Timido,” age 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and accessory after the fact of first degree murder.


The Defendant Laundered the Drug Proceeds by Converting Bitcoin into Cash, and Through a Series of Transactions, Transferring the Money into Bank Accounts He Controlled

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Vishesh Aragam Guruprasad, age 31, of Boyds, Maryland yesterday to 42 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for a drug distribution conspiracy involving the purchase and sale of drugs through darkweb marketplaces, and money laundering.


MCPS has announced that Dr. Sheri Massey, media specialist at Cabin John Middle School in Potomac,has been named School Librarian of the Year for the state of Maryland. There were 44 nominations for the top award; that list was narrowed to 14 finalists, which also included Meredith Hickman, media specialist at Seven Locks Elementary School in Bethesda.

This top award honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. To be considered, nominees must be a current member of the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), actively working as a school librarian and serving in the same position for three or more years.


The Montgomery County Green Bank is financing the 2.18-megawatt solar project at the Seneca Village Apartments in Gaithersburg. The project will bring affordable renewable energy to affordable multifamily properties, using sizable rooftop solar panels to help aid the county in its goal to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses produced.

The Maryland Energy Administration works closely with the Montgomery County Green Bank to combine resources to bring the necessary capital to mobilize projects across the state that advance reductions in energy use, improve resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MEA has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars directed toward projects, incorporated with Green Bank Financing. Examples include a resiliency planning effort involving sites across Montgomery County, a partnership between the Green Bank and Groundswell, Inc. and an energy efficiency project at Takoma Outlook, a multi-family community in Takoma Park, Maryland.


With the labor force participation rate at 62.6%, one of the lowest rates in decades, WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring, with Maryland coming in at #8 when it comes to “employees struggling the most in hiring.”

In order to see where employers are struggling the most in hiring, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months. Maryland Hiring Struggle Stats:


Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, received $5.495 million in capital funding for 13 projects from the state of Maryland during the 2023 legislative session. The funding will be used towards park projects in six legislative districts in Montgomery County that include trail and bridge projects, playground and athletic field improvements, sports court and skatepark amenities, community garden and picnic facilities, environmental restoration, and ADA enhancements.   

“Once again, we appreciate the support of the Montgomery County delegation and the entire Maryland General Assembly. These grants will help us deliver needed projects across the county for all our residents to enjoy,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. Capital grant-funded projects for FY 23 include: 


Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today joined with officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Police and members of the transportation construction community to mark National Work Zone Awareness Week. To support worker safety, the governor announced the creation of a Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group. The group, which will be chaired by Lt. Governor Miller, will study increased protection for highway workers. Governor Moore also proclaimed April 19 as “Go Orange and Highway Worker Appreciation Day.”

“As we build an efficient and equitable transportation network, all Marylanders need to do their part to make sure the men and women doing the work are safe,” said Gov. Moore. “We must prioritize safety over speed, which is why I’m announcing the formation of a highway work zone safety work group to develop tangible solutions to protect workers, drivers and passengers.”


Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating an attempted kidnapping that allegedly occurred early this evening in Frederick County. The victim is a 16-year-old girl. She was uninjured in the incident. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50 years old with a pale complexion and a possible speech impediment. He is 5’7”- 5’9” with a medium to heavy frame. He is bald with brown eyes, a mustache and a mole on the right side of his face. He was driving a small black vehicle, possibly a minivan, at the time of the alleged incident.

At 5:15 p.m. today, the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack received a 9-1-1 call from a citizen with the report of an attempted kidnapping.  The citizen was later identified as the victim’s mother.


“Yet again, women’s health care and reproductive rights have come under attack,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “And once again, Maryland has stepped up to continue providing safe and effective reproductive health care.”

Since the FDA approved the drug more than two decades ago, mifepristone has been used safely in more than 60 countries, providing critical care for women. The medication is used for a variety of reproductive health care needs.


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