Read the governor’s mobile sports betting letter“Instead of decisive action to implement the voters’ decision, you have allowed the process to stagnate and become mired in overly bureaucratic procedures that have needlessly delayed the state’s ability to maximize the revenue potential of this emerging industry,” wrote Governor Hogan. “Sports fans in Maryland simply want to be able to place bets on their mobile devices—that’s what they voted for, and they are angry and discouraged over SWARC’s inability to make it happen. … Our state and its citizens deserve clear and definitive action from SWARC and a legal, transparent framework to place mobile bets—not endless bureaucratic roadblocks that continue to hold back progress.”

Ahead of the legislative commission’s next meeting tomorrow, the governor outlines several definitive actions it can take to get mobile sports betting up and running:


After the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Independence Day fireworks and celebrations are back in a big way this year. Below is a list of all the MoCo fireworks displays that have been announced:

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].


The troopers helped apprehend Joe Louis Esquivel, 23, of Hedgesville, West Virginia. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, five counts of first-degree assault, five counts of second-degree assault, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, one count of having a handgun illegally in a vehicle, one count of having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, one count of illegal handgun possession and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in the care and custody of the Washington County Detention Center.

The injured trooper has been identified as Detective Sergeant Phillip Martin. Detective Sergeant Martin is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was treated and released on Thursday for injuries sustained in the shooting.


Battle of the Crab Cakes. Governor Hogan crossed the border into Delaware today to claim his March Madness winnings from Governor Carney at Woody’s Dewey Beach. The two governors made a friendly crab cake wager earlier this year when the University of Maryland Terrapins took on the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens in the first round of the 2022 Women’s NCAA Tournament. The Terps took down the Blue Hens 102-71.

2022 OC Air Show. Governor Hogan joined thousands of Marylanders and visitors in Ocean City to watch the sky during the 2022 OC Air Show. The annual event features demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy’s F-18 Rhino Demo team, the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the WWII-era B-25 Bomber, and more.


“At my direction, we are immediately launching a critical $28 million Bay Crossing Tier 2 Study, which will not only study the new crossing, but also look at solutions for the entire 22-mile corridor from the Severn River Bridge to the 50/301 split,” said Governor Hogan. “This is the critical next step which is needed in order to move forward so we can make a new Bay crossing a reality in the years to come, and it is just one more way that together we are truly changing Maryland for the better.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are following the well-established tiered NEPA process to study potential improvements. This process applies to all projects receiving federal funding or approval.


The injured trooper is not being identified at this time. He is a 25-year veteran of the Department and is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was treated and released for injuries sustained in the shooting.

The gunman’s identity is being withheld at the moment pending charges being filed in this case. He was transported by ambulance for medical treatment where he remains under police guard. Charges are pending consultation with the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office.


ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced COVIDReady Maryland, the state’s long-term preparedness plan to maximize the tools and treatments available to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, and maintain a state of readiness to respond to emerging variants and potential waves. The plan, which emphasizes infrastructure, awareness, and adaptability, builds on the successful data-driven strategies that the state implemented throughout the pandemic.

“Our state public health response has now fully transitioned from an emergency into an ongoing operation of state government,” said Governor Hogan. “As the next phase of our nation-leading response and recovery, we are announcing our COVIDReady Maryland plan to maximize all of the available tools and treatments for preventing severe illness and keeping people from being hospitalized, and to maintain an ongoing state of readiness over the long term so that we are prepared to respond to any emerging variants and any potential waves or surges.”


The United States Attorney for the District of Maryland has released additional information regarding the incident that occurred in the area of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase on Wednesday morning:

Greenbelt, Maryland – A criminal complaint was filed today charging Nicholas John Roske, age 26, of Simi Valley, California, for federal charges of attempted murder of a Supreme Court Justice.  Roske is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan.


According to Montgomery County Police, at 1:42 a.m. MCPD responded to a call for service in the area of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase. An adult male from California was taken into custody and transported to a Montgomery County police station.  The case was then transferred to the FBI. The Washington Post reports that the man was angry over the recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe V. Wade.

The suspect is described as being in his mid-20s, and according to the WaPo article was taken into custody by police “after telling officers he wanted to kill the justice” and that “he apparently did not make it onto Kavanaugh’s property in Montgomery County but was stopped on a nearby street and was found to be carrying a gun, a knife and burglary tools, these people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.”


“This critical investment in public safety supports officers and law enforcement agencies by offering protection and increasing capacity to build trust in the communities they serve,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to provide this much-needed support through our Re-Fund The Police Initiative as we work together to make our communities safer and stronger.”

As part of the $24 million Accountability Resources Fund, the PACT grant supports law enforcement agencies across the state in developing effective accountability procedures while enhancing community relations and transparency. Funds are intended to increase safety and training for law enforcement, to promote safe communities, and to encourage engagement between law enforcement and the community.


Investigators believe online predators may often give the impression they are romantically interested in the minor being targeted, to gain their trust. As the chats progress, the suspect user will request sexually illicit photographs of the minor, and might even send photographs back to the minor in return.

If a minor sends a sexually illicit photograph of themselves to the suspect account, the suspect user will proceed to demand the minor send them money, typically in the form of gift card and prepaid credit card numbers that are readily available at most stores. The suspect accounts advise that if money is not sent, the illicit photographs of the minor will be sent to family, friends, and posted online accompanied by distasteful comments about the minor. While not always, investigators have found that the suspect accounts typically originate from foreign countries which significantly limits the ability to formally identify a suspect.


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