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.):


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:


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.


Program Trains State Law Enforcement Leaders to Combat Impaired Driving

Per the Maryland Department of Transportation: Twenty-nine officers from 15 law enforcement agencies in Maryland graduated today from the University of Maryland’s DUI Institute, a rigorous 40-hour program that develops leaders in the enforcement of alcohol-impaired driving laws.


Minimum wage for large employers (51 employees or more) in Montgomery County is set to increase to $16.71 an hour on July 1, 2023. The current minimum wage for large employers in Montgomery County is $15.65. The state of Maryland minimum wage is $13.25 an hour, while the federally-mandated minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

Per Montgomery County: The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1. Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.71 per hour.


This is the final weekend for Big Bounce America, the largest touring inflatable event in the entire world, which has been at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington (Prince George’s County) since May 20th. “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.”

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.


Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Graduations and school dismissals anglers are setting our younger anglers free to spend more time outdoors. Be sure to carve out time for some fishing adventures in Maryland’s varied waters.

Maryland will host the second of three license-free fishing days June 10. During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the Department of Natural Resources. All other fishing laws and regulations will apply on those days. Maryland’s free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and the Fourth of July. Ask a neighbor or friend who doesn’t fish to join you and pick up this great pastime.


Per the State of Maryland (6.8.23): Today, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to promote Maryland’s economic future through the creation of the Maryland Economic Council. The council will be the command center for analysis and recommendations for the Moore-Miller Administration to effectively implement economic policies that achieve growth, diversify our workforce, and merge our state’s assets and growing industries.

“For too long, Maryland has underutilized its assets because it lacked a cohesive economic strategy. This council will change that,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “The Maryland Economic Council will help build the robust economic strategy our state needs and our state deserves. For the next decade to be Maryland’s decade, we must invest in the infrastructure, technology, and workforce to grow the industries that will dominate the next half century of the world economy.”


The Maryland beer scene recently received big news when Flying Dog announced it was sold and will be moving production Frederick to New York. DuClaw Brewing Company has made a joint announcement with River Horse Brewing Company that it has been acquired by the New Jersey brewer. The full joint statement can be seen below:

“Attention NJ & MD craft beer lovers- we have an announcement! New Jersey’s River Horse Brewing Company, in Ewing, NJ has acquired DuClaw Brewing Company of Baltimore, MD. The powerful combination of two beloved brands that each boast a legacy of over 25 years of great beer will ensure the continued success of these products.


The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General today released its interim investigative report of the July 20, 2022, fatal officer-involved shooting in Montgomery County.

On July 20, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Domenic Mash along with nine other task force officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Hamed Ghorouni Delcheh in Gaithersburg. The officers located Mr. Delcheh inside a townhome and positioned themselves outside. After several minutes, according to officers, Mr. Delcheh threw a large kitchen knife out of the home’s front window, then jumped out himself and picked up the knife. One officer deployed his Taser, but Mr. Delcheh was able to run up the street past Deputy Mash, who began following him. According to witnesses, Mr. Delcheh then turned toward Deputy Mash with the large kitchen knife raised. Deputy Mash fired at Mr. Delcheh, striking him. Officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived, but Mr. Delcheh died on scene. A second man was also shot and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.


Kassie Cardona, a pupil personnel worker (PPW) at John F. Kennedy High School, has been named 2022-2023 Maryland State PPW of the Year.

Colleagues say she is a compassionate, dedicated and knowledgeable staff member, which has earned her a reputation as the go-to PPW with the answers. With a background as an ESOL counselor, Cardona is a strong advocate for equality for students and families, and she also works to build strong relationships and partnerships between schools and the community. She has worked with a number of organizations outside the school system, which have provided services to the Hispanic community. She has advocated at the state level for more inpatient resources to help teens with substance abuse issues.


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