NHTSA finalizes rear seatbelt reminder rule in new cars

WASHINGTON, DC—New vehicles are safer than they’ve ever been, but there’s always room for improvement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently finalized a new rule requiring seatbelt warning systems for both front and rear passengers (PDF), which is expected to save 50 lives and prevent over 500 injuries annually. This rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, […]

Governor Moore announces three key appointments to state boards, commissions

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Gov. Wes Moore this week announced three key appointments to state boards and commissions. Jill P. Carter was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals. The board adjudicates disputes between state agencies, contractors, and vendors doing business with Maryland. Carter, a long-time advocate for civil rights and community leader, has served as a Maryland legislator for over […]

Baltimore County man among Maryland’s first cold-related deaths of 2024-2025 winter weather season

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health on Tuesday announced the state’s first three cold-related deaths for the 2024-2025 winter season. All three individuals were men, two in their 60s and one in his 30s. Two deaths occurred in Baltimore City, while the third was in Baltimore County. The first death was reported on November 23, with the other two occurring […]

Maryland Department of Transportation kicks off new round of funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is making $30 million in federal funding available to build 29 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along designated EV Alternative Fuel Corridors in the state. This announcement marks the second round of funding under the Maryland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. The funding aims to further expand the state’s EV charging network, […]

Maryland launches mobile tool to check benefit eligibility

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland has launched a new mobile-friendly tool to help residents see if they qualify for benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, and energy assistance. Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener on December 13, 2024. It’s a joint initiative between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology. Marylanders can quickly check their […]

Former Department of Defense official sentenced in dogfighting case

BALTIMORE, MD—A former high-ranking Department of Defense official was sentenced on Thursday to 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in a multi-state dogfighting conspiracy. Frederick Douglass Moorefield, Jr., 64, of Arnold, Maryland, was also sentenced to six months of home detention and a $20,000 fine, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition to the fine, Moorefield […]