Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Commerce announced that six small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses have been approved for a total of nearly $2.7 million in financial assistance to support business growth in Maryland. The funding comes in the forms of loans and lines of credit through two state programs—the Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program and the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority—and will help the businesses retain 29 workers and create 41 new jobs in the state.
“Today I’m proud to announce major financial assistance for six minority and veteran-owned small businesses here in Maryland,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “These loans and lines of credit will greatly benefit both these businesses and local communities. This is how we create more opportunity and I’m proud to be getting this done alongside Secretary Anderson.”
“These two programs are incredibly important in supporting our small, minority and veteran-owned businesses throughout the state,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “Not only are we proud to assist these businesses with their growth, but we are also thrilled to see them support dozens of jobs and provide good opportunities for Marylanders in the process.”
The businesses receiving assistance through the military loan program include Escape Proving Ground, a Pasadena adventure and entertainment company specializing in interactive escape rooms; Patuxent Pride Inc., a franchised PrideStaff business that provides temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire staffing services in Columbia; and the Brunch House, a startup barbeque restaurant with plans to locate in Glen Burnie. Together, these business owners have more than 32 years of experience in the Maryland National Guard, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Army National Guard.
The Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program provides no-interest loans of up to $50,000 for businesses owned by military reservists, veterans, National Guard personnel and for small businesses that employ or are owned by such people. The program is administered by Maryland Commerce in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs.
The businesses receiving assistance through the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority include Interbiome, a start-up contract manufacturing organization in Rockville that services biotechnology organizations bringing new products to market; One Leg Up Pets, a dog walking, pet sitting, daycare and boarding service provider in Laurel; and Sweeten, a Baltimore City platform for home renovation and home remodeling experts.
The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority provides financing assistance to small and minority-owned businesses throughout Maryland through direct loans, working capital, loan guarantees, and assistance in obtaining surety bonding and lines of credit. The program is managed by private contractor Meridian Management Group, a Baltimore-based professional asset manager for economic development and private equity funds.
To learn more about available financial incentives in Maryland, visit commerce.maryland.gov/fund.
Per the State of Maryland (3.13.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced Maryland’s adoption of the multi-state Advanced Clean Cars II rule, a major step in the state’s acceleration to improve air quality and combat the effects of climate change. Maryland is moving quickly to adopt the regulation, which requires manufacturers to continuously increase the share of electric vehicles they sell, reaching 100% of passenger car and light truck sales by model year 2035.
“Today, we’re talking about a major transformation that is going to define this administration—and that’s how we turn Maryland from a state powered by oil and gas to a state powered by clean energy,” said Governor Moore. “I am confident that the state of Maryland can and will lead the clean energy revolution.”
The Advanced Clean Cars II rule is a vehicle emissions standard first adopted by California using its unique authority under the federal Clean Air Act. Now that California has adopted the standards, other states can follow suit.
Maryland has the most ambitious climate goals of any state in the nation and is recognized as a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while growing our state economy. The Advanced Clean Cars II rule, coupled with strong federal and state incentives, will be one of the state’s most important emissions reduction measures.
According to a Maryland Department of the Environment analysis, 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles would be sold under the new rule by 2030, rising to 1.68 million fewer conventional vehicles by 2035. Between 2026 and 2040, the rule will deliver additional vehicular reductions of more than 6,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, as well as reduction of vehicular and power plant carbon dioxide emission by more than 82 million metric tonnes. By 2040, these reductions may potentially provide net in-state health benefits equal to about $39.9 million per year due to decreases in respiratory and cardiovascular illness and associated lost work days.
“The Advanced Clean Cars II regulation is a big step toward cleaner air and a more aggressive response to the threats posed by climate change,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This rule will help position us to meet the goals of our Climate Solutions Now Act and 2030 Greenhouse Gas Reductioct Act Plan while bringing economic benefits to Marylanders.”
According to Baltimore Gas and Electric, electric vehicles cost roughly one fourth as much to drive as gasoline cars in Maryland. Electric vehicles also generally have lower maintenance costs, and there are state and federal tax incentives for their purchase. In an effort to help make electric vehicles available to all Marylanders, the rule also features flexibility that encourages manufacturers to provide electric vehicles in overburdened and underserved communities, including community-based ridesharing or car sharing programs.
“As a business at the forefront of mobility solutions, we know that technology and market demand are both ready to support the transition to clean vehicles,” said Siemens Head of External Affairs and Policy, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Ryan Dalton. “Strong state standards that reflect the escalating consumer demand and set clear expectations for market growth over the coming years are key to managing the transition. We support the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in Maryland because it is the best way to attract investment and provide predictability for manufacturers, companies, workforces, and consumers alike.”
To adopt the rule as quickly as possible, the Maryland Department of the Environment presented the proposed regulation to the state’s Air Quality Control Advisory Council at its first meeting of the year this morning. The council voted to recommend that the department move forward in proposing a regulation to enact the new standards. MDE will follow the process for a proposed regulation,which includes a public hearing and opportunity for public comment, to allow for a regulation to take effect in September.
“By acting so immediately to advance zero-emission vehicles and reduce harmful emissions, Governor Moore and Secretary McIlwain are backing up their pledge to position Maryland as a national leader in fighting climate change and its contribution to environmental injustices,” said Executive Director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Kim Coble. “The Advanced Clean Cars II Rule is a proven policy for reducing greenhouse gasses from transportation and will jumpstart Maryland’s implementation of the landmark Climate Solutions Now Act.”
Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Upholding his commitment to protecting the public from those who violate consumer laws, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has reached a settlement with Charm City Puppies, Inc. and its owner, Wayne Cossentino (Charm City Puppies). The Division alleged that Charm City Puppies violated the Consumer Protection Act when it sold puppies to consumers in violation of the “No More Puppy Mills Act.”
The Maryland legislature passed the No More Puppy Mills Act, and in January 2020 it became illegal for retail pet stores to sell puppies. Under the settlement, Charm City Puppies is barred from offering, selling, or transferring dogs from Maryland. Charm City Puppies and its owner also agreed to refund payments made by Maryland consumers who purchased dogs with certain conditions since January 1, 2020, or pay for treatment of certain conditions. The settlement bans Charm City Puppies from selling dogs in Maryland and requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $75,000 that increases to $250,000 if the company or its owners breach the agreement.
“The sale of puppies sourced through puppy mills is illegal in Maryland. The No More Puppy Mills Act was passed to protect pets, and our office will not tolerate those who endanger those pets by violating the law,” said Attorney General Brown. “Former Charm City Puppies customers who purchased a dog that was sick or had a congenital defect are eligible for refunds.” Consumers who are eligible for refunds will be contacted by the Attorney General’s Office. Consumers may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-576-6569 with questions.
Per the Maryland Lottery: A historic Mega Millions jackpot roll came to an end on Friday night as the Jan. 13 drawing produced a $1.35 billion jackpot winner in the state of Maine. It is the second-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and fourth-largest overall in U.S. lottery history.
In Maryland, Friday’s Mega Millions drawing produced seven third-tier winning tickets. Six of those tickets are worth $10,000 each, and one delivered a $20,000 prize because the winner added the Megaplier option to the ticket. The winning numbers in the drawing were 30, 43, 45, 46, 61; and the Mega Ball was 14. The Megaplier was 2X.
There are nine prize tiers in Mega Millions, ranging from $2 up to the jackpot. There were 159,218 winning tickets sold in Maryland for Friday’s drawing. Maryland Lottery winners have 182 days from the drawing date to claim their prizes. Tickets can be checked using the ticket checking devices available at all Maryland Lottery retailers, or by using the Maryland Lottery app, available in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play.
The following retailer sold a third-tier winning ticket for Friday night’s drawing with the Megaplier option, worth $20,000:
- Royal Farms #244, 6901 Van Dusen Road in Laurel (Prince George’s County)
- Quick Stop, 3301 East Joppa Road in Baltimore (Baltimore County)
- Giant #348, 6050 Daybreak Circle in Clarksville (Howard County)
- 7-Eleven #18677, 410 North Washington Street in Easton (Talbot County)
- Safeway #1616, 444 WMC Drivein Westminster (Carroll County)
- Dash In #12091, 11001 Livingston Road in Fort Washington (Prince George’s County)
- Dash In, 8695 Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena (Anne Arundel County)
During the jackpot roll, which began in October and spanned a total of 26 drawings, Maryland Lottery retailers sold three $1 million second-tier winning Mega Millions tickets (Adelphi, Upper Marlboro and White Hall) and 26 third-tier winners worth at least $10,000 each.
There were more than seven million winning tickets sold nationally for Friday’s drawing, including 14 second-tier winning tickets worth $1 million each, sold in the following states: California (two), Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, New York (four), Pennsylvania and Texas. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred late last month in Anne Arundel County. Shortly before 1:55 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2022, troopers from the Maryland State Police Glen Burnie Barrack responded to the area of southbound I-97 at Maryland Route 648 for a report of a struck pedestrian. According to a preliminary investigation, the victim, identified as Delroy Roderick Ben, 54, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, is now believed to have been struck by two vehicles: a 2010-18 black Audi A8 or S8 and a silver 2007-2013 Nissan Altima or Maxima (stock photos of the suspect vehicles pictured below). Ben, who was on the road for unknown reasons, was declared deceased at the scene.
The drivers of the Audi and Nissan failed to remain at the scene. Investigators believe at least the Audi will have damage to the right front corner and is missing the passenger side mirror. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation. The road was closed until about 4:45 a.m. on Dec. 28 following the crash. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Glen Burnie Barrack at 410-761-5130.
After nobody matched all six numbers in last night’s drawing, the Mega Millions jackpot has reached an estimated $1.1 billion. While there was no grand prize winner, CBS News reports that a $1 million dollar ticket was sold on Friday at Marlboro Liquors located at 5725 Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro, MD. This past fall, lottery fever took over MoCo when Powerball’s jackpot reached a record-setting $2.04 billion and became the largest prize in lottery history. Like Powerball, the Mega Millions jackpot continues to build after each drawing where no ticket is matched. The next drawing takes place at 11pm on Tuesday, January.
Per Mega Million: For the fourth time in a little more than four years, the Mega Millions® jackpot has topped $1 billion! After no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Friday night – the white balls 3, 20, 46, 59 and 63, plus the gold Mega Ball 13 – the jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, January 10, is currently estimated at $1.1 billion ($568.7 million cash). If won at that amount, it would be the third largest jackpot in the game’s history.
“Mega Millions has just reached the $1 billion mark again. It’s especially nice to see the jackpot grow throughout the holidays and into the new year,” says Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “We are thankful for the support of our customers and retailers, which allows each of our 47 member lotteries to generate funds for good causes within their jurisdiction. As the jackpot grows, we encourage our players to keep within their entertainment budget and enjoy this jackpot run right along with us.”
The only Mega Millions jackpots larger than Tuesday’s estimated $1.1 billion are the game’s record of $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018, and $1.337 billion won in Illinois last July 29.
While the jackpot keeps rolling, there were millions of other prizes won in the January 6 drawing: 4,411,404 winning tickets at all other prize levels, from $2 to $1 million. Five tickets matched the five white balls to win the game’s $1 million second-tier prize; two were sold in New York and one each in Florida, Maryland and New Jersey.
Across the country, 115 tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the third-tier prize. Fifteen of those tickets are worth $30,000 each, because they included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 3X on Friday night. The other 100 third-tier winning tickets are worth $10,000 each.
There have been a total of more than 27.1 million winning tickets sold in the 24 drawings since the jackpot was last won on October 14. These include 52 worth $1 million or more, won in 20 different states from coast to coast: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Six Mega Millions jackpots were awarded in 2022, ranging from $20 million in Tennessee to that $1.337 billion in Illinois, and everything in between. The most recent jackpot win was at $502 million, shared by winning tickets in California and Florida on October 14. See a complete list of winning Mega Millions jackpots.
The top Mega Millions jackpots to date:
| Amount | Date | Winning Tickets |
| $1.537 billion | 10/23/2018 | 1-SC |
| $1.337 billion | 7/29/2022 | 1-IL |
| $1.100 billion | 1/10/2023 | ? |
| $1.050 billion | 1/22/2021 | 1-MI |
| $656 million | 3/30/2012 | 3-IL, KS, MD |
| $648 million | 12/17/2013 | 2-CA, GA |
| $543 million | 7/24/2018 | 1-CA |
| $536 million | 7/8/2016 | 1-IN |
| $533 million | 3/30/2018 | 1-NJ |
| $522 million | 6/7/2019 | 1-CA |
Mega Millions national media contacts:
Danielle Frizzi-Babb, Ohio Lottery, (216) 774-5746
Marie Kilbane, Ohio Lottery, (216) 774-5685
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on Tuesday, January 3 regarding his swearing in for a second term in the United States Senate:
“I am honored to serve the people of Maryland in the United States Senate and grateful for their vote of confidence to represent them for another six years. I know this is an immense responsibility, and I will continue working every day to uphold their trust.
“Last Congress – through the united efforts of President Biden in the White House and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate – we led one of the most productive legislative sessions in history – from critical legislation to confront the climate crisis and lower costs for American families to vital investments to modernize our infrastructure to common-sense, bipartisan first steps on gun safety, election integrity, marriage equality, and veterans’ health care.
“This session, it’s essential that we build on this progress by overseeing the effective implementation of these initiatives as we continue to build a more inclusive economy with greater shared prosperity. For Maryland, I’ll be working to invest federal resources in key initiatives across our entire state to support our schools, our workforce, our seniors and our communities, including removing the Highway to Nowhere so we can reunite divided neighborhoods in West Baltimore. And I’ll be fighting to build on the progress we’ve made to preserve and clean up the Chesapeake Bay by moving forward on our proposed Chesapeake National Recreation Area.
“On behalf of all Americans, I will continue fighting for progress on the many challenges our nation faces, including our march toward equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all. Following Republicans’ attacks on a woman’s right to choose, I remain committed to protecting reproductive freedoms, and I’ll keep working to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. And, while we have enacted some meaningful measures on gun safety and election reform, we have much more work on both of these fronts. In particular, we must eliminate the torrent of secret, dark money from special interests that is polluting our democracy. Finally, while we took important steps to bolster our national security this session – including by passing my bill to deter foreign companies and governments from stealing America’s cutting-edge technologies – we must continue working together to safeguard American interests at home and promote freedom and human rights abroad amidst the ongoing threats to democracy from authoritarian regimes.
“I’ll be working on each of these priorities this Congress to continue our work to build a more perfect union and promote more economic opportunity and greater prosperity for all Marylanders.”
The Maryland Lottery, which opened its doors in January 1973, is celebrating 50 years with a series of special events and lottery games. According to a press release, the lottery will launch its first ever $50 scratch-off ticket, which will have three $5 million top prizes, in February. Full details below courtesy MDLottery:
Lottery players have won more than $31.5 billion in prizes since 1973
When the Maryland Lottery first opened its doors in 1973, leisure suits and bell bottoms were in style, Secretariat galloped to the Triple Crown, and the pop music charts were topped by the likes of Tony Orlando, Roberta Flack and Marvin Gaye. Now, 50 years later, the Maryland Lottery is celebrating its golden anniversary with a year full of new products and promotions.
“It’s exciting for us to mark this moment in history and share it with our players, retailers and all of Maryland,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin.
Lottery ticket sales since 1973 have generated more than $31.5 billion in prizes to players and contributed more than $18.6 billion to the State of Maryland, making the Lottery one of the state’s leading revenue sources.
“For five decades, the Lottery has been focused on responsibly raising revenue to support Maryland’s good causes,” Martin said. “To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’ve planned a lot of great games and promotions that we’re eager to share with everyone.”
UPCOMING INITIATIVES
The Maryland Lottery kicked off the year with today’s launch of its first 50th anniversary-themed product, the $1 We’re 50 Win $50 FAST PLAY game. Beginning Jan. 23, Lottery players can look for the Gold Multiplier family of games, which includes four scratch-offs ranging in price from $1 to $10. Players can enter non-winning tickets into the Gold Multiplier Second-Chance Promotion for the chance to win one of five $50,000 prizes.
In February, the Maryland Lottery will launch its first $50 scratch-off ticket, 50 Years!, with three $5 million top prizes. February will also mark the beginning of the 50th Anniversary Cash Bash promotion, with another chance for players to win up to $5 million by entering eligible scratch-offs and draw game tickets. The 50th Anniversary Cash Bash promotion will culminate in September with an event that will be held at the Maryland State Fair with 10 finalists vying for a grand prize of up to $5 million. In addition, the Lottery will launch the $2 Instant Lottery scratch-off game in February, paying homage to Maryland’s inaugural scratch-off game of the same name, which launched in 1976.
Later this year the Lottery will recognize 36 “legacy” retailers that have been selling tickets for nearly the entire 50 years of the Lottery’s history.
MARYLAND LOTTERY MILESTONE DATES
Jan. 2, 1973: The Maryland Lottery opened its doors with 94 employees and 3,800 licensed retailers.
May 15, 1973: Ticket sales began for the first Maryland Lottery game, Twin Win.
May 24, 1973: The first Lottery drawing took place at Baltimore’s Hopkins Plaza.
Feb. 10, 1976: Maryland’s first scratch-off game went on sale, the $1 Instant Lottery.
July 29, 1976: The first Pick 3 drawing was held.
April 8, 1983: The first Pick 4 drawing was held.
Jan. 4, 1993: Keno was launched.
May 1, 1995: Midday Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings launched.
Sept. 6, 1996: Maryland participated in the first drawing of Mega Millions.
February 2006: Multi-Match launched replacing Lotto, the original in-state jackpot game.
Feb. 3, 2010: Maryland participated in its first drawing of Powerball.
Feb. 10, 2020: FAST PLAY sales began.
Jan. 20, 2021: Coney Market in Lonaconing (Allegany County) sold jackpot-winning Powerball ticket worth $731.1 million, the largest prize in Maryland Lottery history.
Feb. 7, 2022: The first Pick 5 drawing was held.
For a complete list of Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency milestones, click here.
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal three-vehicle crash in which one person died Tuesday evening in Allegany County. Shortly before 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, troopers from the Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack responded to westbound Interstate-68 at Route 36 in Frostburg, Maryland for a report of a multi-vehicle crash with injuries. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2017 Ford Explorer was driving westbound on I-68 when the vehicle rear-ended a tractor-trailer.
The crash sent the Ford Explorer into the next lane, where it was struck on the driver’s side by a 2004 Ford F350 truck. The driver of the Ford Explorer, identified as Corey Douglas McElroy, 31, of Friendsville, Maryland, was flown by Maryland State Police Helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he was declared deceased. Upon further investigation, it was learned that McElroy was a deputy sheriff for the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, and he was driving an unmarked departmental vehicle at the time of the crash.
The road was closed until about 10:50 p.m. following the crash. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is investigating the incident.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today toured Marriott International’s new state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown Bethesda with company leaders, including Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, Inc. David S. Marriott.
“Keeping Marriott International’s headquarters in Maryland and expanding the company’s presence here is one of the great success stories of our economic turnaround,” said Governor Hogan. “We take great pride in Marriott as a Maryland institution that is a powerful economic engine and committed community partner. This new headquarters is the perfect place for Marriott to continue its work as the world’s largest hospitality company, and ensures that Marriott will continue to call Maryland home for generations to come.”
In October 2016, following discussions with the state and Montgomery County, Marriott announced plans to stay in Maryland and move from its Fernwood Road headquarters to the new location in downtown Bethesda, a 21-story headquarters home to corporate associates supporting over 8,100 hotels in 139 countries and territories around the world. Governor Hogan took part in the groundbreaking for the site in 2018.
Earlier this year, Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford celebrated the opening of Marriott International’s new global headquarters with citation presentations at JW Marriott Seoul during a celebration of the grand opening and at the company’s ribbon cutting ceremony in Bethesda. Marriott’s new headquarters includes 20,000 square feet of collaborative workspace, over 2,800 workspaces, 180 conference rooms, and is within close proximity to the Bethesda Metro Station, Capital Crescent Bike Trail, and multiple bus routes.
Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced today that his Consumer Protection Division filed charges against Phoenix Home Remodeling Group, LLC and three of its officers – Kimberly Kagen, Andrew Avramidis, and Rockford Hawkins (Phoenix Remodeling). The charges allege that Phoenix Remodeling took large deposits from consumers for home improvement services, such as roof or window replacements, and failed to provide the promised goods and services. The company and its owners are also charged with collecting excessive deposits and failing to include required notices in their home improvement contracts. Last May, the Maryland Home Improvement Commission suspended the contractor and sales licenses held by Kagen and Phoenix Home Remodeling Group, LLC. The Attorney General’s charges also allege that the company briefly continued to offer and sell home improvement goods and services after its license was suspended.
“Taking excessive payments, failing to perform the promised work, and conducting business while unlicensed are all violations of Maryland’s consumer protection laws,” said Attorney General Frosh. “We are seeking restitution for consumers and an injunction that should stop this company and its officers from hurting anyone else.”
The lawsuit seeks restitution to be paid to harmed consumers, as well as penalties, costs, and an injunction against the company and its owners. The case is scheduled for a hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings beginning on March 7, 2023. Consumers with complaints against Phoenix Remodeling Group, LLC may call the Consumer Protection Division at 410-576-6569, file a complaint online at www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov, or write to the Consumer Protection Division at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.
Home improvement contractors are required to be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Consumers can verify a contractor’s license through the Home Improvement Commission’s website, www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic. In addition, in Maryland, it’s against
www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov
