Marylanders are encouraged to contribute their insights through the survey, which is available on the front page of our website: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. The results of the survey will play a critical role in shaping the OAG’s efforts to ensure that the proposed merger aligns with the best interests of the state and its residents.

This merger, if approved, could potentially have significant implications for consumers, employees, farmers, and small independent grocers across the state. Currently, Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, while Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states. Together, the companies employ approximately 710,000 people nationwide, with 10,167 across more than 165 stores in the DMV area. If combined, these two companies would form a corporate entity with a vast presence across the nation.

With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing and women holding more than 10% of Fortune 500 CEO positions for the first time, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Most & Least Diverse States in America, with Maryland coming in as the 9th most diverse state.

To determine where the most idea and identity exchanges have occurred at the highest level in the U.S – and where the population is relatively more homogeneous – WalletHub compared the 50 states across six key categories: socio-economic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity. Diversity in Maryland (1=Most Diverse, 25=Avg.):