National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. visits CCBC Essex, touts Baltimore’s efforts to strengthen cyber workforce

ROSEDALE, MD—Community College of Baltimore County President Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. on Thursday welcomed recently appointed National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. to CCBC Essex. Director Coker met with CCBC’s Cybersecurity program students and also presented to more than 350 students and guests. Coker highlighted Baltimore’s successful efforts to strengthen the local cyber workforce. […]

Former Maryland social media influencer sentenced to 3 years in prison for scheming to obtain over $1.2 million in COVID-19 CARES Act loans

GREENBELT, MD—A Maryland man has been sentenced to prison in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $1.2 million in federal relief loans. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman has sentenced Denish Sahadevan, a/k/a “Danny Devan,” 32, of Potomac, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft […]

Baltimore County father and son sentenced for laundering drug trafficking Bitcoin proceeds intended for federal forfeiture

GREENBELT, MD—A father and son have been sentenced to prison for laundering drug trafficking Bitcoin proceeds. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has sentenced Joseph Farace, age 72, of Sparks, to 19 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for a money laundering conspiracy. On January 5, 2023, Judge Griggsby sentenced his son, Ryan Farace, age […]

Sports wagering contributes nearly $6.5 million to State of Maryland during December

BALTIMORE, MD—December 2023 was the best month to date for Maryland’s sports wagering market, which generated $6,482,403 in contributions to the state from a handle of $559,865,463. Each sportsbook contributes 15% of its taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. The nearly $6.5 million in contributions from the state’s 13 retail and 12 […]

FDA continues to investigate elevated lead, chromium levels found in cinnamon applesauce pouches as reports of adverse reactions mount

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate reports of adverse reactions due to elevated levels of lead and chromium found in cinnamon applesauce pouches across the country. As of January 8, 2024, FDA has received 87 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom a complaint or adverse […]

Governor Moore announces executive order on artificial intelligence, other actions to transform Maryland digital services

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced four major actions that the Moore-Miller Administration is taking to transform the digital experience in State government. The transformation focuses on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, user-centered design in digital services, ensuring equal access to all information technology, and protecting Maryland’s digital infrastructure through enhanced intergovernmental partnerships. “In our first year, we […]

Chesapeake Bay 2023 Fall Oyster Survey records remarkable numbers

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Oyster Survey recorded a remarkable year for juvenile oysters in Maryland waters, finding both prolific numbers and a widespread distribution throughout many regions of the Chesapeake Bay. The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for oysters, was 86.8 spat, or juvenile oysters, per bushel, nearly […]

Governor Moore declares first State of Preparedness ahead of dangerous winter weather system, State officials ask residents to share flood photos on MyCoast Maryland app

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday morning signed the State’s first State of Preparedness declaration (PDF) ahead of a potentially hazardous winter weather system that is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding to areas of Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, the significant weather system is expected to impact the region Tuesday afternoon and evening, […]