Maryland Archives - Page 331 of 419

Potbelly Signs Multi-Unit Development Agreement That Includes 27 Maryland Locations

Published July 19, 2023 at 10:13AM

Per Franchising.com, “the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, today announced that it has finalized a 27-shop agreement in Maryland with the company’s founder Bryant Keil and his son Hampden.” The agreement grants Mr. Keil exclusive territory rights in seven Maryland counties – Washington, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s – to develop 15 new Potbelly shops in the next eight years. Additionally, Potbelly will refranchise 12 existing restaurant locations as part of the transaction.

“The Potbelly brand we know and love was shaped by Bryant’s leadership. He has a keen understanding of the Potbelly vision and deep appreciation for the brand and what sets us apart,” said Bob Wright, President and CEO of Potbelly. “He oversaw years of incredible expansion for our brand, and we look forward to him accelerating our growth momentum in Maryland as we continue to execute our strategic franchise and growth strategy across the U.S. Along with refranchising several of our existing shops, this agreement will extend Potbelly’s presence in central and southern regions of the state over the next decade, giving residents and visitors more access to our delicious food.”

Special Olympics Maryland and Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. Team Up to Raise Over $32K

By MCS Staff

Published July 19, 2023 at 10:02AM

Olney’s Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company teamed up with Special Olympics Maryland to host the Pint Size Polar Bear Plunge this past Saturday, July 15th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm as a 6-month kickoff to the 2024 MSP Polar Bear Plunge. The family-friendly event raised $32,530 by raffling prizes like Caps Tickets, $500 Cash, an Ocean City Trip, a Deep Creek Dunk Trip, or a TopGolf Package through the “Pint Size Polar Bear Plunge” that allowed supporters to purchase bears for $5 that were randomly plucked from the water on the Lone Oak property to select winners. A video of the event can be seen below:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cu4amT8gcRC/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Governor Wes Moore Launches Maryland ActNow Campaign to Close the Digital Divide in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 10:42PM

Gov Wes Moore ActNow Press Conference

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today launched the Maryland ActNow campaign in partnership with EducationSuperHighway, reaffirming the Moore-Miller administration’s commitment to closing the digital divide by extending broadband internet access to all Marylanders and making it more affordable. The governor was joined by U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves, state and local officials, and leadership from non-profit EducationSuperHighway to illustrate the campaign partnership, part of an effort that will also deploy $267 million in federal funding to support Maryland’s broadband infrastructure.

“Access to the internet is no longer optional – it is essential and nobody should be locked out of the internet because of their income or where they live,” said Gov. Moore. “When it comes to getting folks online, our administration is very clear: we will not rest until every single Marylander has access to affordable and reliable internet. The discounts offered under this program and the investments we are making have the power to expand opportunities for Marylanders across the state. Leaving no one behind means getting everyone online.”

MD Police Aviation Crew Rescues Injured Person On Cargo Ship In Chesapeake Bay

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 12:35PM

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police Aviation Command rescued a man after becoming injured on a cargo ship in the Chesapeake Bay Monday afternoon.

Shortly after 1:45 p.m. on Monday, the United States Coast Guard requested Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) to hoist an injured person from a cargo ship. According to a preliminary investigation, the Abtenauer Bulk Carrier Cargo Ship was traveling in the Chesapeake Bay, in the area of Stevensville, Maryland when a cargo ship worker was injured after falling more than 10 feet from a ladder. Due to the injuries he sustained and the need for an evaluation at a trauma center, MSPAC was requested to respond for a hoist rescue. MSPAC’s Trooper 1, based out of the Martin State Airport in Middle River, Maryland responded.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Appointments to Office of Social Equity and Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 10:35AM

Per the State of Maryland (7.17.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Audrey L. Johnson as Acting Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity and Courtney Davis as Deputy Director. Johnson’s nomination will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation during the 2024 Legislative Session. The Office of Social Equity, an independent agency established by the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, is charged with providing resources and support for historically disadvantaged individuals and businesses seeking to enter the adult-use cannabis market. The vital responsibilities of the office include implementing technical assistance programs for qualifying social equity applicants and licensees, reviewing regulations and laws through an economic equity and social justice lens, and supporting key programs including the Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund and the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.

“Acting Executive Director Johnson and Deputy Director Davis are exceptionally talented and committed leaders who have dedicated their professional careers to eliminating barriers to economic opportunity and promoting social justice,” said Gov. Moore. “We were very thoughtful and intentional in selecting the leadership of this agency, and I have full confidence in their ability to ensure that social equity and economic inclusion remain key pillars of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis industry.”

Six Defendants Charged as Part of Criminal Organization that Distributed Large Amounts of Fentanyl and was Responsible for Multiple Overdoses throughout Maryland Plead Guilty

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:24AM

On July 10, 2023, Maleik Christopher Moody, 28, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to several charges before Judge Mary M. Kramer of the Howard County Circuit Court, including participating in a criminal organization, knowingly distributing fentanyl, and the possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Moody was sentenced to 30 years of incarceration, with all but 10 years suspended, and will serve the first five years of that sentence without the possibility of parole. Moody was the last remaining defendant to be sentenced among the six charged in this investigation. All other defendants had previously pleaded guilty.

The case originated from an investigation by the Howard County Police Department into a nonfatal opioid overdose that occurred in its jurisdiction. The continued investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the Howard County Police Department, and the Strike Force 7 Group, led by the Maryland State Police, linked the overdose to as many as six additional overdoses in Maryland and Virginia, including at least one fatal overdose. During the investigation, detectives seized more than one kilogram of fentanyl and six handguns, observed hundreds of hand-to-hand drug transactions in multiple jurisdictions, and intercepted communications confirming the distribution of large amounts of fentanyl throughout Maryland.

Mulan Dumpling Meat and Poultry Dumplings Recalled in the DMV

By MCS Staff

Published July 17, 2023 at 5:55PM

Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. These items were shipped to retail grocery store locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Per the USDA: Several types of frozen dumpling products were produced between February 20 and June 26, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

Governor Wes Moore Announces Maryland Higher Education Commission Appointments

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 2:13PM

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is the state’s higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities, as well as for the for-profit career schools. The commission also administers $130 million in financial assistance to more than 65,000 Maryland students each year.

The commission consists of twelve members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member is a student, serving a one-year term; all other members are appointed for five-year terms.

Maryland Department of Health announces first reported heat-related death of 2023

By MCS Staff

Published July 16, 2023 at 1:41PM

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced the first reported heat-related death of 2023 in Maryland. The death occurred in Cecil County; the decedent was a male aged 52.

“We are very saddened to report our first heat-related death of the season,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “As we experience more hot days like today, this tragedy reminds us of how important it is to take every precaution to avoid overheating. Also, be sure to check on family and neighbors who are at risk for heat-related illness.”

A Joint Statement from Team Maryland on Updated FBI Criteria For Selection of New Headquarters

By Patrick Herron

Published July 15, 2023 at 6:33PM | Updated July 15, 2023 at 11:20PM

Per the State of Maryland (7.14.23): Today, members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the General Services Administration’s updated criteria for the selection of the new FBI headquarters site:

“From day one, we have been united in advocating for a fair, transparent site selection process that advances the mission of the FBI and the equity goals outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration. We are encouraged to see today’s announcement from the General Services Administration corrects the flawed approach released in September that ignored taxpayer costs and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity. Today’s revised guidelines are a critical step in the right direction. This update is in line with the language we secured in last year’s omnibus funding bill that both delegations supported.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Seven New and Redesignated Enterprise Zones

By Patrick Herron

Published July 15, 2023 at 6:28PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved three new Enterprise Zones – Woodlawn in Baltimore County; the towns of Betterton and Worton in Kent County; and the town of Snow Hill in Worcester County. The department also approved the redesignation and expansion of an existing zone in the town of Princess Anne, and has approved the redesignation of existing zones in Baltimore County’s Southwest area, Cecil County, and the City of Cambridge in Dorchester County.

“Maryland’s Enterprise Zone program has a tremendous impact on communities throughout our state, serving as a catalyst for growth and revitalization in areas that need it the most,” said Gov. Moore. “We are pleased to designate three new zones, which will be an important tool to attract new investment, encourage businesses to expand, and create new jobs.”