USAID official, three corporate executives plead guilty to decade-long bribery scheme involving more than $550 million in contracts

GREENBELT, MD—A U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officer and three corporate executives have pleaded guilty in a decadelong bribery scheme involving more than $550 million in federal contracts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced this week. Two companies involved in the scheme also admitted criminal liability and entered into deferred prosecution agreements. Roderick Watson, […]

Governor Moore announces $19 million energy relief fund for limited-, middle-income Marylanders

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced the launch of a $19 million Customer Relief Fund aimed at assisting limited- and middle-income energy ratepayers across the state amid rising nationwide energy costs. The funds, donated by utility parent company Exelon, will be distributed through local nonprofit partners in the service areas of BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power. “Not a […]

Maryland Freedom Caucus condemns L.A. violence, urges proactive action to protect Marylanders ahead of planned weekend protests

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus has issued a statement condemning recent violence in Los Angeles, urging Maryland officials to take preventative measures as protests are anticipated to spread. The Caucus emphasized the importance of maintaining order and protecting communities from potential unrest. Vice Chair Delegate Kathy Szeliga stated, “What began as protests around ICE actions in Los Angeles has spiraled […]

Baltimore County to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County will observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, June 15, 2025, joining national, state, and local efforts to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. The Baltimore County Historic Courthouse dome will be illuminated in purple from June 15 through June 21 to symbolize the county’s commitment to protecting its senior population. The […]

Code Orange Air Quality Alert issued for Friday in Baltimore area

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Baltimore area. The alert will be in effect until 5:45 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 13, 2025. An Air Quality Action Day means that Ground Level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. For additional information, please visit the […]

Maryland approves $3.2 million for parks, trails across state

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works this week approved more than $3.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to develop and upgrade trails and park facilities in nine counties across the state. The funding, primarily from the Program Open Space – Local initiative, will support projects in Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Prince George’s, […]