Maryland Archives - Page 358 of 406

Rail Safety Week Urges Marylanders to Be Aware and Help #StopTrackTragedies

Published September 20, 2022 at 7:26AM

Per the Maryland Department of Transportation: Maryland is joining jurisdictions across the country and throughout North America in promoting safety at rail crossings during Rail Safety Week, September 19-25. Through a safety and awareness campaign, Maryland Operation Lifesaver is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc., Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads in urging the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies.

In Maryland each year, on average 23 people are killed or injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. Throughout North America, 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured annually. Operation Lifesaver works to prevent these incidents from happening.

Maryland Is 2022’s 9th Best State for Teachers, According to Study

By MCS Staff

Published September 19, 2022 at 7:08AM

With World Teachers’ Day around the corner but teachers making an average of $2,150 less per year than they did 10 years ago when adjusted for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022’s Best & Worst States for Teachers. The state of Maryland was ranked as the 9th “Best State for Teachers.”

In order to help educators find the best opportunities and teaching environments in the U.S., WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers’ income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to whether the state has a digital learning plan.

(Beyond MoCo) SECU Secures Naming Rights to UMD’s Football Stadium; Named Official Banking Partner of the Maryland Terrapins

By MCS Staff

Published September 18, 2022 at 10:46AM

Earlier this week, SECU, Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union, continued its longstanding commitment to Maryland communities with an exclusive 10-year partnership with Maryland Athletics that includes the naming rights to Maryland’s football stadium. As “The Official Banking Partner of the Maryland Terrapins,” SECU will provide support for students and athletes through scholarships, financial education, and other wellness programs.

Per the press release: SECU will also secure the naming rights to University of Maryland’s (UMD) Big Ten football stadium, home of the Maryland Terrapins, which will be known as SECU Stadium. SECU Stadium will debut on October 1, 2022, as Maryland Football opens its Big Ten home opener against Michigan State.

Gov. Hogan: Korea’s UNDBIO to Open New U.S. R&D Headquarters in Montgomery County

By MCS Staff

Published September 17, 2022 at 9:58AM

Per Governor Hogan: The governor highlighted the announcement that UNDBIO—a Korean pharmaceutical company with unique proprietary insulin production technology—has leased 25,000 square feet of laboratory space in Rockville and committed $100 million for the research and development and preliminary production of insulin. The company has signed a lease with Twinlabs—a Rockville life science real estate company—to develop a state-of-the-art lab where scientists will produce insulin samples that will require U.S. FDA approval, and eventually enter the U.S. and global markets.

“Maryland is proud to be home to hundreds of life sciences companies that set the bar for biotechnology innovation and fuel our region’s innovative economy, and we are excited to welcome the life-saving work of UNDBIO to Rockville,” said Governor Hogan. “This is yet another shining example that Maryland is open for business and further evidence of our state’s special bond with the Republic of Korea.”

New Maryland Child Passenger Safety Law to Keep Children Rear Facing Until 2-Years-Old

By Francesca Luca

Published September 15, 2022 at 3:14PM | Updated September 15, 2022 at 4:11PM

Per Zero Deaths Maryland, “In April 2022, Maryland lawmakers passed SB 176, a bill that will upgrade the state’s law that protects children traveling on our roadways. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2022, and states that children must be kept rear-facing until at least two years of age, unless the child meets or exceeds the height and weight on the seat’s guidelines. Having a seat that properly fits the child is also another important consideration. SB 176 brought Maryland in line with laws in 16 other states (CA, CT, IL, LA, ME, NE, NJ, NY, NV, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, VA, WA) and the District of Columbia.”

In April 2022, Maryland lawmakers passed SB 176, a bill that will upgrade the state’s law that protects children traveling on our roadways. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2022, and states that children must be kept rear-facing until at least two years of age, unless the child meets or exceeds the height and weight on the seat’s guidelines. Having a seat that properly fits the child is also another important consideration. SB 176 brought Maryland in line with laws in 16 other states (CA, CT, IL, LA, ME, NE, NJ, NY, NV, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, VA, WA) and the District of Columbia.

Fall-Flavored Old Bay Caramel Seasoning Now Available

By MCS Staff

Published September 15, 2022 at 6:12AM | Updated September 15, 2022 at 7:06AM

Pumpkin spice is getting a new fall-flavored friend…with Old Bay in it. McCormick & Company has released a new Old Bay Caramel seasoning, which it will sell online only for a limited time, the company announced earlier this week. The seasoning unites the 18 herbs and spices of the traditional Old Bay with “luscious caramel flavor for the perfect sweet-and-salty mix,” McCormick officials said in a news release.

“This blend is the perfect seasoning to have as we make the transition from summer to fall,” McCormick said. With autumn on the horizon, the seasoning is making its debut at just the right time, according to the company. Old Bay Caramel Seasoning is made in small batches and available for a limited time online only. A 2.5 ounce jar is $5.95.

City of Gaithersburg Warns of Possible Commuter Rail Disruptions In the Event of a Strike

By MCS Staff

Published September 15, 2022 at 5:40AM

MTA recommends MARC passengers plan for alternate travel options in the event of a strike. For Gaithersburg area MARC commuters, RideOn extRa travels state Route 355 during morning and evening rush hours. Frequent buses, limited stops and connections at three Metro stations make this route almost as convenient as MARC. Learn more at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/RideOnExtra.html.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority also has online maps and schedules for their bus (including the ‘Montgomery County, Maryland, Frequent Service’) and rail systems at www.wmata.com/schedules/maps.

Justice Department Announces COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams

By MCS Staff

Published September 15, 2022 at 5:37AM

Per the Office of the U.S. Attorney, District of Maryland: Today the Justice Department announced the establishment of three Strike Force teams created to enhance the Department’s existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud.

“These Strike Force teams will build on the Department’s historic enforcement efforts to deter, detect, and disrupt pandemic fraud wherever it occurs,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Since the start of this pandemic, the Justice Department has seized over $1.2 billion in relief funds that criminals were attempting to steal and charged over 1,500 defendants with crimes in federal districts across the country, but our work is far from over. The Department will continue to work relentlessly to combat pandemic fraud and hold accountable those who perpetrate it.”

Governor Hogan Kicks Off Asia Trade Mission By Signing Memorandum of Understanding with Jeju Province

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2022 at 12:36PM

“I have always believed in the importance of looking outside of Maryland’s borders to build productive and mutually beneficial international partnerships,” said Governor Hogan. “I can think of no stronger ally than the Republic of Korea, and no better place to continue building those new partnerships than right here in Jeju Province.”

The memorandum of understanding seeks to promote information sharing, best practices, and policy initiatives between Maryland and Jeju. Long-term goals of the agreement include intergovernmental visits and delegations involving policymakers, academic institutions, and businesses, and joint participation in seminars, workshops, and meetings to raise awareness of potential new economic development opportunities.

Civil Penalty Waiver Grace Period For Video Tolls Ends November 30

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:48AM

In February, MDTA started a civil penalty waiver grace period for tolls paid in full and has ceased referring toll bills to the Central Collection Unit (CCU) and MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) temporarily. The grace period will end at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2022, and the MDTA will resume referrals of unpaid toll bills and civil penalties to CCU and MDOT MVA on December 1.

If you have unpaid Video Tolls and/or Civil Penalties, the MDTA will waive the Civil Penalties if your toll balance is paid in full between Feb. 24 and 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2022. After the grace period ends, customers will remain responsible for all unpaid tolls and civil penalties and referrals will resume.

Maryland Attorney General Frosh Urges FTC to Strengthen Car Rules to Prevent Consumer Harm, Misrepresentations

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:38AM

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general calling on the Federal Trade Commission to adopt and strengthen guidance on automobile sales.

The comment letter, led by Maryland, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, expresses approval of the FTC’s proposed updates to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule related to the sale, financing, and leasing of motor vehicles by motor vehicle dealers. The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on July 13, would provide a critical tool to address misrepresentations in sales, leasing and financing transactions, and increase pricing transparency in advertising.