Maryland Archives - Page 323 of 419

Attorney General Brown Leads Coalition of 13 State Attorneys General Supporting Federal Rules to Improve Pipeline Safety and Protect the Environment

Published August 18, 2023 at 5:48PM

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown co-led, along with Attorney General Letitia James of New York, a coalition of 13 attorneys general in comments supporting the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) proposed Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Rules. The rules largely implement the bipartisan PIPES Act of 2020 and would require the use of commercially available leak detection technology and common-sense operational controls to minimize both intentional and unintentional releases from gas pipelines.

“Every leak from gas infrastructure poses a direct threat to our communities and fuels global warming, which we know disproportionately impacts already overburdened families and communities. This proposal is a commonsense approach to eliminate leaks and needless environmental waste,” said Attorney General Brown. “It’s a win for both the safety of our citizens and the protection of our environment.”

UMD Ranked Nation’s No. 1 College for LGBTQ+ Students

By MCS Staff

Published August 18, 2023 at 5:40PM

The University of Maryland was named the top college in the nation for LGBTQ+ students by Campus Pride and BestColleges. It leads the list of 2023’s Top 25 LGBTQ+-Friendly Colleges, recognizing educational institutions that foster inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students. Maryland was No. 1 in 2020 and appeared among the top 25 in 2021 and 2022.

The ranking is based on an extensive evaluation of various factors, including efforts to support and provide academic, financial, and social resources for LGBTQ+ students. In addition to the Campus Pride Index rating scale, BestColleges has included its own ranking methodology accounting for academic quality and college affordability. The collaboration between BestColleges.com and CampusPride aims to empower prospective LGBTQ+ students by providing them with valuable insights and information as they make decisions about their higher education journey.

Maryland Is the “State with the Best Unemployment Rate Change”, According to Report

By MCS Staff

Published August 18, 2023 at 5:28PM

With inflation slowing but prices still relatively high and the U.S. gaining 187,000 jobs in July, slightly higher than in the previous month, WalletHub today released updated rankings for its report on Changes in Unemployment Rate by State, with Maryland being the “state with the best unemployment rate change.” Recently, Montgomery County announced an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is the lowest in more than 30 years.

In order to take stock of how unemployment rates are changing throughout the U.S., WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on six key metrics that compare unemployment rate statistics from the latest month for which data is available (July 2023) to key dates in 2023, 2022, 2020 and 2019. Below, you can see highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.

EDENS Expected to Receive $3.5 Million Grant For Burtonsville Crossing Renovations

By MCS Staff

Published August 18, 2023 at 3:51PM | Updated August 18, 2023 at 4:41PM

Last month we showed you some of the progress EDENS continues to make at Burtonsville Crossing. Sprouts, the first business announced as part of the renovated shopping center, is on track to open by the end of this year. Sprouts was the first to sign a lease for the renovated Burtonsville Crossing and will be opening the grocery chain’s first Montgomery County location in the shopping center. Now, EDENS is expected to receive a $3.5 million grant towards the renovations, according to a report by Maryland Newsletters. “The state Board of Public Works takes up the grant, aimed at renovating the Route 29 center that has lain dormant for years, this month. Edens first signed grocery store Sprouts for about 23,000 feet, then added T.J. Maxx and more recently, Domain Fitness & Performance, for 32,100 feet.”

Former NBA player Jason Miskiri is part of a group that will be opening Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center that has signed on to open in the shopping center and will be located adjacent to Sprouts. Miskiri also owns several restaurants in Silver Spring, including the Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge. A representative from EDENS also confirmed to us that TJ Maxx will be opening a location in the shopping center in 2024. In addition to TJ Maxx, Creative Outlets Arts Center has announced that they’ll be moving into the shopping center from their previous Montgomery Mall location that closed in Bethesda last month. Ulta has also recently signed on to become the newest tenant at the shopping center. Progress video from last month can be seen below.

Maryland Department of Health Announces First Positive Case of Locally Acquired Malaria in Over 40 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published August 18, 2023 at 3:13PM

Per the Maryland Department of Health: Maryland Department of Health has confirmed and reported a positive case of locally acquired malaria in a Maryland resident who lives in the National Capital Region. The individual was hospitalized and is now recovering. They did not travel recently outside of the United States or to other U.S. states with recent locally acquired malaria cases.

“Malaria was once common in the United States, including in Maryland, but we have not seen a case in Maryland that was not related to travel in over 40 years,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “We are taking this very seriously and will work with local and federal health officials to investigate this case.”

Statement From Attorney General Anthony Brown on Fifth Circuit Ruling on Medication Abortion

By Patrick Herron

Published August 17, 2023 at 6:48PM

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following the statement after Wednesday’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirming portions of a district court’s order limiting access to mifepristone, a drug which is widely used for medication abortion:

“Mifepristone has been a safe and effective tool in safeguarding people’s reproductive rights for over two decades. Any attempt to limit the availability of this crucial abortion medication undermines the rights and health of people across our nation. The court ruling retains unnecessary restrictions which make mifepristone less accessible, disregarding the importance of ensuring safe and timely access to reproductive healthcare. We will continue our fight against those restrictions, which are stayed by the Supreme Court. Medication abortion has allowed countless individuals to exercise their autonomy and make personal decisions about their own bodies. The court’s decision to curtail its availability threatens to push people towards riskier alternatives and diminishes their ability to make their own informed choices.

WSSC Issues Warning For Anyone Who May Have Come in Contact With T. Howard Duckett Reservoir Water

By MCS Staff

Published August 17, 2023 at 10:20AM

WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue-green algae, known as a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), in the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir. These HABs can cause adverse health effects. The reservoir, located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties, serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water and a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating.

The on-going Health Advisory for the Triadelphia Reservoir remains in effect. WSSC Water’s drinking water is not affected and continues to meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards. As a precaution, WSSC Water is closely monitoring water quality conditions at its Patuxent Water Filtration Plant. Visitors to WSSC Water’s T. Howard Duckett Reservoir should do the following:

MD 190 (River Road) Safety Study Results To Be Shared in September Meeting

By MCS Staff

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:31PM

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has initiated a safety study along MD 190 (River Road) from Springfield Drive to Little Falls Parkway in Montgomery County. The purpose of the study is to improve pedestrians’ and bicyclists’ safety along approximately 4,000 linear feet of MD 190, which includes multiple driveways and nine intersections. The study is expected to be completed summer 2023 and the results will be presented during a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 6:30-8 p.m.

The virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 6:30-8 p.m. Details are available on the State Highway Administration-District 3 Web page: https://bit.ly/MDOTSHA-D3. You may attend by using Microsoft Teams Live or by calling 1-443-409-5228, Conference ID: ID: 302 157 731# on your phone. Those calling in will be able to hear the presenters and discussion but will be unable to see the presentation.

Montgomery County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team Has Left For Maui

By MCS Staff

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:16PM

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich made the following statement via social media: “Montgomery County’s Urban Search and Rescue team today is on its way to assist and will use its training and equipment in this massive recovery effort in Hawaii led by Maui County, the State of Hawaii, and FEMA. Our Montgomery County Urban Search and Rescue team is part of a highly specialized 70-member group known as Maryland Task Force 1. This team is among the best in the country, so it has experience with situations like this. It is my hope that its presence will help bring closure to the families impacted by this terrible tragedy.

Our thoughts go out to the people of Maui County and the people of Hawaii as they deal with this unthinkable event. This assignment will be difficult for all the search and rescue teams that have been deployed. I want to thank them for their unwavering commitment to assist others in their time of need. The search and rescue teams will make sure people in need get the help they deserve.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Major Action to Rebuild State Government and Modernize Maryland Department of Information Technology Services and Operations

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 11:13AM

The Maryland Department of Information Technology provides vital technology solutions that allow the executive branch, state agencies and coordinating offices to provide Marylanders with the services that enable them to live and work more safely, efficiently, and productively. The department leads the state’s strategic direction for IT and telecommunications, encouraging cross-agency collaboration and advocating for best practices for operations and project management.

Under the leadership of Secretary Katie Savage, the department’s new key positions will help meet the state’s latest and evolving needs in the realms of IT, AI, cybersecurity, and accessibility:

Maryland Department of Health Launches New Website Listing Vaccination Clinics

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 10:15AM

Per the State of Maryland: The Maryland Department of Health has launched health.maryland.gov/vaccines, which lists vaccination clinics offered by local health departments statewide, including children’s back-to-school and COVID-19 clinics. The new site will also list flu vaccination clinics when available. Health officials urge parents to take advantage of these vaccination clinics or talk to their health care provider about staying up-to-date on their children’s routine vaccinations as the new school year approaches.

Maryland maintains specific vaccination requirements for participation in child care and public schools, and parents statewide have done a great job keeping their children protected with required vaccinations. In 2022-2023, Maryland reported vaccination rates of 98-99% of all students reporting. For more information about how Marylanders can protect themselves against preventable disease with vaccinations, visit health.maryland.gov/immunization.