Maryland ranks 2nd among most tech-addicted U.S. states, study

BALTIMORE, MD—A recent study conducted by ZeroBounce analyzed data across U.S. states using key metrics such as the percentage of homes with smart devices, internet users per square mile, tech-related search queries, and average screen time to explore the top tech-addicted U.S. states. The research provides a ranking based on a composite score that reflects each state’s overall tech adoption […]

Baltimore County woman sentenced to 18 years for power grid plot

UPDATE: Brandon Russell, the Florida man with whom Sarah Beth Clendaniel conspired, has been convicted. Original story below… BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore County woman received 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland. On September 25, 2024, Senior United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Sarah Beth Clendaniel, of […]

Maryland to offer free AI courses to state employees

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) this week announced that it is offering free AI courses and workshops to state employees. This is part of an effort to make the technology more accessible and responsible for the public sector. The State of Maryland’s educational AI resources are made possible through its partnership with InnovateUS, a non-profit organization dedicated […]

AGs call for social media law to protect youth mental health

BALTIMORE, MD—As growing evidence suggests that social media platforms can exacerbate mental health issues among young people, a coalition of 43 attorneys general, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, is calling on Congress to pass a law to protect them. In a letter to Congress (PDF), the attorneys general cite research linking young people’s use of social media platforms […]

BCPS athletic events to utilize OpenGate security screening

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools officials have announced enhanced security measures for all athletic events during the coming school year. BCPS will utilize the OpenGate security system at all athletic events going forward. The OpenGate system is designed to enhance current security measures and provide an additional layer of protection for all attendees. The OpenGate system is a touchless security […]

Baltimore County Police Department joins forces with FBI Cyber Task Force

TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Police Department is joining forces with the FBI to bolster the nation’s cyber defenses against a rising tide of cyberthreats. Through the partnership, two Baltimore County Police corporals will become members of the FBI Cyber Task Force, a move that will make them part of 300 task forces across the country with over 140 distinct agencies. […]

Maryland to offer free online tax filing with IRS Direct File

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The state of Maryland has announced plans to implement the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Direct File online tool to simplify tax season and make tax preparation more affordable for residents. The new service, which is available to more than 700,000 Maryland taxpayers, is expected to save the state’s taxpayers approximately $5.6 million in tax preparation fees on federal returns, […]

Maryland Department of Labor announces $1.8 million in funding for cyber ranges to address cybersecurity workforce gap

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Labor on Tuesday announced that it is providing $1.8 million in funding to support the development of cyber ranges that will provide in-demand cybersecurity training to close a critical workforce gap. The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to address a projected cybersecurity skills gap of over 30,000 vacancies in 2023. The funding will […]