Chinese money laundering ring busted in Baltimore area, 17 Charged

BALTIMORE, MD—Federal agents have charged 17 people in Maryland and other states for their alleged roles in a complex money laundering scheme and illegal marijuana distribution network that led to the seizure of more than $6 million and 2,000 pounds of marijuana. The Department of Justice announced this week that a Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security investigation […]

Marriott settles data breach lawsuit for $52 million

BALTIMORE, MD—Marriott International, Inc. has agreed to a $52 million settlement with 50 U.S. attorneys general, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, following a multi-year data breach affecting 131.5 million guests. The settlement resolves allegations that Marriott violated state consumer protection and data security laws by failing to prevent the breach, which occurred between July 2014 and September 2018. […]

Congestion relief project continues on I-695, lane closures expected

BALTIMORE, MD—Motorists traveling on I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) should expect intermittent lane closures in both directions between I-70 and the Stevenson Road overpass beginning Monday, October 14th. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) announced that the lane closures will be in effect during daytime off-peak hours as part of a project to improve reliability and reduce congestion. […]

Baltimore County launches grant program to combat opioid crisis

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County has announced a new grant program to fund initiatives aimed at combating opioid addiction and overdose prevention. The Opioid Abatement Fund, supported by funds from the National Opioid Settlement, will provide resources to community organizations engaged in harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts. “The opioid epidemic continues to be a serious public health concern in Baltimore County, […]

Maryland DNR announces new oyster restoration sites

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the selection of three new sites for large-scale oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay. This marks the beginning of the state’s next phase of major oyster restoration efforts. The new sanctuaries will be located in Herring Bay, the Nanticoke River, and Hoopers Strait. These sites were chosen based on their potential […]

Baltimore County Police Department to mark 2024 Faith and Blue Weekend with community events

TOWSON, MD—As part of the fifth annual National Faith and Blue Weekend, the Baltimore County Police Department will participate in several events and activities throughout Baltimore County from October 11 to 14. The events will involve people of all ages, religions, and congregations, according to the department. “Nationwide, Faith and Blue Weekend has been embraced by law enforcement and religious […]

Baltimore County businessman pleads guilty to fraudulently obtaining over $1.3 million in COVID-19 CARES Act loans

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore County businessman has admitted to using more than $1.3 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans to purchase a Mercedes-Benz and make extensive home renovations, federal authorities announced. David Epstein, 46, of Owings Mills, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud after submitting fraudulent CARES Act loan applications, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland. The […]

Deadly deer disease spreads across Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirms that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is spreading in white-tailed deer statewide. The virus is often fatal to deer and is spread through the bites of tiny flying midges. While the disease poses no threat to humans, DNR advises hunters not to eat deer that have large, open sores. EHD is common throughout the […]