Maryland

The U.S. Education Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, is threatening to cut federal funding to two school districts in Maryland and Michigan. The action targets policies that protect information about students' gender identity from being disclosed to parents. The Education Department's Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) announced the move, escalating a federal crackdown on school policies that limit parental notification regarding transgender students. This represents a significant intervention by the Trump administration into local education policy, using funding as leverage to enforce parental rights over gender identity issues in schools.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:23 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has expanded his 'ratepayer protection pledge' to include 23 state governors, 187 utility companies, and data center developers, aiming to shield consumers from rising electricity costs driven by AI data center power demand. Signatories include major utilities like NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, and Pacific Gas & Electric, as well as data center firms Equinix, Digital Realty, and Prologis. The White House claims the pledge will lower electricity bills, but critics note that PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, has increased power costs by 75.5% and imposed a $2-billion infrastructure upgrade bill on Maryland, directly attributed to data centers. Oregon has passed the POWER Act requiring large electricity consumers to pay true costs, resulting in a 30% increase in data center bills and a 1.3% cut for residential customers. Several jurisdictions, including Seattle and New York, have imposed temporary bans on data center developments due to concerns over electricity costs, water quality, and noise pollution. The pledge is not legally enforceable, though California is considering legislation to codify it.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:42 AM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has expanded his 'ratepayer protection pledge' to include 23 state governors, 187 utility companies, and data center developers, aiming to shield consumers from rising electricity costs driven by AI data center power demand. Signatories include major utilities like NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, and Pacific Gas & Electric, as well as data center firms Equinix and Digital Realty. The White House claims the pledge will lower electricity bills, but critics note that PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, recently increased power costs by 75.5% and imposed a $2-billion infrastructure upgrade bill on Maryland. Monitoring Analytics attributes these cost hikes directly to data centers. Oregon has passed the POWER Act, forcing large power users to pay true costs, resulting in a 30% increase for data centers and a 1.3% cut for residential customers. The pledge is not legally enforceable, though California is considering codifying it into law. Public backlash has led to temporary bans on data center development in Seattle and New York, threatening Trump's AI policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:42 AM UTC

President Donald Trump has expanded his 'ratepayer protection pledge' to include 23 state governors, 187 utility companies, and data center developers, aiming to shield consumers from rising electricity costs driven by AI data center power demands. Signatories include major utilities like NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, and Pacific Gas & Electric, as well as data center operators Equinix and Digital Realty. The White House claims the pledge will lower electricity bills, but critics note it is not legally enforceable. Meanwhile, PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, increased power costs by 75.5% and charged Maryland $2 billion for grid upgrades to accommodate out-of-state AI data centers. Oregon has passed the POWER Act, forcing large electricity consumers to pay true costs, resulting in a 30% increase for data centers and a 1.3% cut for residential customers. Several jurisdictions, including Seattle and New York, have imposed temporary bans on data center developments due to concerns over costs, water quality, and noise pollution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:42 AM UTC

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act on July 23, 2026, banning businesses from using consumer data to set individualized prices, a practice known as dynamic or surveillance pricing. The law also imposes a one-year moratorium on the new installation of electronic shelf labels (ESLs), though existing ESLs and replacements are exempt. The legislation does not affect loyalty program pricing or discounts for broadly defined groups like teachers or veterans. The National Grocers Association had urged targeted changes, while the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union praised the law as consumer and worker protection. The New Jersey Innovation Authority will study ESL impacts during the moratorium. The law takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment, following similar actions in Maryland.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:18 AM UTC

Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old US actor best known for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, died in a car accident in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Maryland. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office confirmed the crash, noting excessive speed as a contributing factor. Hottle was one of three passengers in the vehicle. She began acting at age nine, appearing in commercials before being cast as a deaf character in the 2021 blockbuster. She reprised the role in 2024 and earned a Saturn Award nomination. Tributes poured in from co-star Millie Bobby Brown and Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin. Her father, in a social media post in American Sign Language, said the family is devastated and that he was traveling to Maryland to bring her body home.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:55 AM UTC

Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old US actor best known for playing Jia in the recent Godzilla films, died in a car accident in Maryland early Tuesday morning. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office confirmed the crash, noting excessive speed as a contributing factor. Hottle was one of three passengers in the vehicle. She began acting at age nine, appearing in commercials before being cast as the deaf character Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and reprising the role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), earning a Saturn Award nomination. She also appeared in an episode of the Magnum P.I. reboot. Her father, in a social media post in American Sign Language, expressed grief and gratitude for her 18 years. Tributes poured in from co-star Millie Bobby Brown and Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, who said she was 'absolutely gutted' by the loss.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:55 AM UTC

Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old deaf actress known for her role in the 'Godzilla' franchise, was killed in a car crash in Frederick County, Maryland. The accident occurred on a local road, and new details have been released by authorities. Hottle, who was deaf, gained prominence for her performance in 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and was a rising star in Hollywood. Tributes have poured in from co-stars and fans, including a statement from Millie Bobby Brown, who expressed devastation over the loss. The crash is under investigation, and further information is expected from law enforcement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:24 AM UTC

Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old deaf American actress best known for her roles in the blockbuster films 'Godzilla vs. Kong' (2021) and 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' (2024), died in a car accident in Frederick County, Maryland, early Tuesday morning. According to police, Hottle was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old that left the roadway and struck an obstacle. Excessive speed is believed to have been a contributing factor. Hottle was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a third occupant declined medical treatment. Her father Joshua Hottle confirmed the news to TMZ. Hottle, who grew up using sign language, played the deaf adopted daughter Jia in the Godzilla franchise alongside actors Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, and Rebecca Hall. A school for the deaf in Texas that she attended expressed deep sadness over her passing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:49 PM UTC

Business Insider reports on consumer confusion and fear amid a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce and Taylor Farms. Five salad enthusiasts describe their strategies, from avoiding bagged lettuce to cutting fresh produce entirely. The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, with symptoms including explosive diarrhea. While no deaths have been reported, the outbreak has disrupted eating habits, especially for those who rely on salads for convenience and nutrition. Some consumers have switched to cooked vegetables or local farm produce, while others express frustration over changing guidance. The article highlights the emotional and practical impact on lettuce lovers during the summer season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:59 AM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. The highest median savings are found in Massachusetts ($149,000), Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). These states generally have higher costs of living, but also higher wages. The article notes that factors such as cost of living, state income taxes, and housing prices heavily influence how much residents can save. It emphasizes using median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by very wealthy households. The piece also discusses how taxes on retirement withdrawals and Social Security vary by state, affecting overall retirement preparedness.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. States with the highest median savings include Massachusetts, Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). The article explains that cost of living, wages, and state tax policies heavily influence savings capacity. Higher-cost states like California, Hawaii, and New York require larger nest eggs but often offer higher wages. The analysis uses median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by high-net-worth households. It also notes that state income tax rates and retirement tax treatment vary considerably, affecting both saving ability and retirement income needs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. States with the highest median retirement savings include Massachusetts, Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). The article explains that cost of living, wages, and state tax policies heavily influence savings capacity. Higher-cost states like California, Hawaii, and New York require larger nest eggs but often offer higher wages. The analysis uses median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by high-net-worth households. It also notes that state income tax rates and retirement account withdrawal rules vary considerably, affecting both saving potential and post-retirement income. The piece provides context for readers to compare their own savings against national benchmarks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

Brenda Eicher-Beard, a 70-something former teacher in Virginia, quit her job after her husband suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke in January 2023, following an atypical Parkinson's diagnosis. She returned to work full-time as a reading specialist in fall 2024 to afford private caregiving costs of about $5,000 per month. Medicare covered initial rehabilitation and therapy but stopped after June 2025, leaving her to pay privately for a certified nursing assistant, physical therapy, and multiple caregivers. She uses proceeds from selling their Maryland home to supplement costs. The care includes $110/hour for exercise physiotherapy three times a week and $20-$29/hour for home health aides. She manages care from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. while working. The article highlights gaps in Medicare coverage for long-term care and the financial strain on families.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:00 AM UTC

A federal judge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, sentenced police officer Jaron Taylor to three years of probation and ordered him to pay $38,670 in restitution for his role in an auto insurance fraud scheme. Prosecutors revealed that Taylor collaborated with other officers to file false insurance claims for stolen or damaged vehicles. The scheme involved writing fake police reports, staging vehicle thefts, and leveraging their positions as police officers to make fraudulent claims appear legitimate. The goal was to collect insurance payouts and avoid paying loans on vehicles worth less than what was owed. The case highlights corruption within law enforcement and the abuse of official authority for financial gain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:00 AM UTC

A federal judge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, sentenced police officer Jaron Taylor to three years of probation and ordered him to pay $38,670 in restitution for his role in an auto insurance fraud scheme. Prosecutors said Taylor worked with other officers to file false insurance claims for stolen or damaged vehicles. They wrote fake police reports, staged vehicle thefts, and used their positions as police officers to make the fraudulent claims appear legitimate. The scheme allowed them to collect insurance payouts and avoid paying loans on vehicles worth less than what they owed.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:00 AM UTC

A Bank of America report warns that surging AI-driven data center demand could create a significant electricity supply gap in the United States. The analysts forecast the US will need over 230 GW of new generating capacity in the next five years, but regulated utilities are expected to add only about 93 GW, leaving a shortfall of more than 100 GW. Data centers alone could add roughly 125 GW of load, pushing electricity demand growth to a 4.1% compound annual rate through 2030. With large gas turbines largely sold out through 2030, developers are turning to on-site gas engines, while utilities extend coal plant operations, deploy batteries, and pursue transmission upgrades. The report highlights that intermittent renewables like wind and solar contribute less accredited capacity during peak demand, making firm resources essential. Coal plant retirements have been delayed or canceled in several states to preserve dispatchable capacity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:45 AM UTC

On July 4-10, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Trump Accounts," a tax-advantaged savings program for U.S. children born between 2025-2028. Each eligible child receives $1,000 from the government, invested in S&P 500 ETFs via a platform co-developed by Robinhood Markets and Altimeter Capital. Accounts convert to IRAs at age 18, with penalty-free withdrawals for education, home buying, or business. The program has bipartisan appeal, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore praising it, though critics cite double taxation and costs. Private donors, including the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, have pledged additional funds.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 11, 08:31 PM UTC

Veteran horse racing announcer Larry Collmus prepares to call the Preakness Stakes from Laurel Park, marking a significant full-circle moment in his career. For the first time in the race's 151-year history, the event is being held at Laurel Park while the historic Pimlico Race Course undergoes major redevelopment. Collmus, who began his career as a teenager practicing calls in a small booth at Laurel, describes the experience as both a national assignment and a personal homecoming to Maryland, where his roots in the sport began. The atmosphere will differ significantly from traditional Preakness events, with attendance capped at under 5,000 spectators due to the venue change. Collmus notes the unique challenge of calling the race while seated in the old announcer’s booth, a departure from his usual standing position. He plans to acclimate to the setup by calling preliminary races during the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Despite the changes, Collmus emphasizes the importance of this transitional step for the future of Maryland racing, maintaining his meticulous preparation routine with flashcards and study of jockey assignments.

1 reports · 1 sources

Justin Horowitz, owner of the three-year-old racehorse Hit Zero, expressed confidence in the care his horse received before its sudden death at Laurel Park in Maryland. The colt, named after his daughter Bailey’s cheerleading term for a perfect routine, died shortly after finishing last in his debut race on Black-Eyed Susan Day. Jockey Sheldon Russell reported that the horse appeared to run out of energy during the six-furlong opener. Shortly after the race, Horowitz received a call informing him that Hit Zero had collapsed from a suspected cardiac event and could not be saved by veterinary staff. A necropsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Despite the tragedy, Horowitz stated he does not question the training or medical attention provided by trainer Brittany Russell, who had carefully managed the horse’s development over 19 months. The incident occurred while Laurel Park served as the temporary venue for Maryland’s signature racing events due to redevelopment at Pimlico Race Course. The story highlights the emotional impact on Horowitz’s family, particularly his young daughter, who witnessed the event.

1 reports · 1 sources

The University of Maryland baseball team secured a decisive 12-2 victory over Penn State in a seven-inning game, marking a significant turnaround after recent pitching struggles. Starting pitcher Cristofer Cespedes delivered a dominant performance, striking out 12 batters over six innings and lowering his starting ERA to 1.42. Offensively, the Terps exploded for four home runs, with senior catcher Devin Russell hitting two solo shots and David Mendez and Bud Coombs each adding one. The offense showed remarkable improvement, raising the team's batting average from .276 to .387 in just 24 hours, with seven of nine lineup players recording RBIs. Despite an early deficit caused by a Penn State solo home run, Maryland responded quickly and maintained control throughout the game. The victory serves as revenge in the series and highlights a balanced team effort. Key contributors included Brayden Martin, who provided crucial hits, and Nate Hawton-Henley, who drove in runs despite an earlier injury scare involving teammate Jordan Crosland. This win improves Maryland's record in rubber matches this season as they approach their season finale.

1 reports · 1 sources

Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall continues his strong recruiting momentum by securing a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Cain Van Norden, known by the nickname 'Big Sandwich.' Van Norden, a prospect from Bishop McNamara High School in District Heights, Maryland, is ranked as the 53rd-best defensive lineman nationally. Although relatively new to football, his significant size and athletic versatility make him an attractive target for Florida’s defensive scheme, where he is expected to play the 5T position with flexibility to move along the line. This addition marks the third three-star defensive lineman committed to the program under Sumrall, reflecting a strategy focused on high-upside athletes. With this latest commitment, Sumrall has secured 15 total recruits for the upcoming class, a figure that significantly surpasses the number of commitments obtained by former coach Billy Napier at the same stage in the previous year. The current commit list includes high-profile prospects such as five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller and four-star quarterback Davin Davidson, signaling an impressive start to Sumrall’s tenure as he aims to rebuild the program through high school recruitment.

1 reports · 1 sources

Maurice Williams, a 59-year-old bus driver from Washington, D.C., has won the $5 million top prize in the Maryland Lottery's LUXE scratch-off game. The victory occurred shortly after his 59th birthday, with the winning ticket featuring the matching number 59, a coincidence Williams described as crazy. Interestingly, Williams purchased the winning ticket using the proceeds from a previous $50 prize won on the same game earlier that day at a 7-Eleven in Hyattsville, Maryland. Upon discovering the win, Williams expressed disbelief and spent a sleepless night before claiming the prize at the Maryland Lottery’s Claim Center. He revealed that his immediate plan for the windfall is to purchase a house for his mother, stating he will decide how to use the remaining funds later. Williams is the first of three potential winners to claim the top prize for this specific game, which launched in February. The story highlights a heartwarming personal decision amidst the excitement of a life-changing financial event, emphasizing family support over luxury purchases.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Florida Gators football program has secured a verbal commitment from three-star defensive lineman Cain Van Norden for their 2027 recruiting class. Van Norden, a standout athlete from Bishop McNamara High School in Maryland, selected the University of Florida over competing offers from Georgia, Ole Miss, and Maryland. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 265 pounds, Van Norden is considered a high-upside prospect who recently transitioned to football after primarily playing basketball. He cited the intense recruitment efforts by Florida's coaching staff, including defensive line coach Gerald Chatman and defensive coordinator Brad White, as key factors in his decision. This commitment marks the 15th addition to Florida's current recruiting cycle and the 12th since April 1. According to Rivals industry rankings, Van Norden is rated as the No. 80 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 12 player in Maryland, though some services rank him higher. His addition strengthens the Gators' defensive line depth alongside other recent commits.

1 reports · 1 sources

The 151st Preakness Stakes will be held on May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park, Maryland, marking a historic temporary relocation from Pimlico Race Course due to renovations. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade are absent, eliminating Triple Crown possibilities as they prepare for the Belmont Stakes. Fourteen horses, including Incredibolt and Taj Majal, will compete for the $2 million purse. NBC and Peacock will provide comprehensive television and streaming coverage, maintaining the event's prestige despite the venue change and notable scratchings.

37 reports · 8 sources · Updated May 17, 10:43 PM UTC

On May 15, 2026, the Mardela Warriors softball team and the Stephen Decatur Seahawks baseball team secured victories in their respective MPSSAA state quarterfinal matches, advancing to the state semifinals while maintaining their undefeated records for the season. Mardela, the defending Class 1A State Champions, shut out Patuxent 10-0 at home, marking their fourth consecutive postseason shutout. They are scheduled to face South Carroll in the semifinals on May 19 at the Bachman Sports Complex. Meanwhile, Stephen Decatur defeated Towson 11-1 in the Class 3A State Quarterfinals, driven by strong pitching performances from Caleb Loring, Rij Braciszewski, and Kyle Springle. Decatur will advance to face the winner of the Chesapeake-Damascus game, with details to be announced. Both teams entered these matches as Bayside Conference Champions. In contrast, Mardela's baseball team ended its season with a 9-3 loss to Patuxent in the Class 1A State Quarterfinals. These results highlight the continued dominance of these two programs in Maryland high school athletics as they pursue state titles.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Preakness Stakes, known as the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is temporarily relocating from its historic home at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore to Laurel Park for its 151st running on May 16, 2026. This marks the first time since 1909 that the prestigious horse race will not be held at Pimlico, ending a 115-year continuous stint at the venue. The move is necessitated by a sweeping $400 million redevelopment project aimed at modernizing Pimlico, which includes demolishing the aging grandstand and rebuilding significant portions of the track. Laurel Park, located approximately 30 miles south of Baltimore in Anne Arundel County, will serve as the temporary host. Local officials anticipate that the nationally televised event will provide a significant economic boost to the region through increased tourism, hospitality, and entertainment spending. While the Preakness has moved locations in the distant past, including stints in Westchester County and Brooklyn in the late 19th century, this relocation represents a major shift in modern Triple Crown history.

1 reports · 1 sources

Laurel Park in Maryland is set to host the 2026 Preakness Stakes, marking a significant moment before the venue transitions into a dedicated training track. Originally opened in 1911, Laurel long competed as a secondary option to Pimlico until the Schapiro family transformed its status. In 1950, Morris Schapiro purchased the track, and his son, John D. Schapiro, introduced the Washington, D.C. International Stakes in 1952. This innovative turf race attracted top thoroughbreds from Europe and beyond, effectively putting Laurel on the global map. The event became a diplomatic tool during the Cold War, featuring entries from Russia and royalty like Queen Elizabeth II. The Schapiros actively promoted the race internationally, leveraging connections in Paris and London to secure elite competitors. This historical overview highlights how Laurel evolved from a local track prone to flooding into a prestigious international venue, culminating in its current role hosting one of horse racing's Triple Crown races before shifting its operational focus.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains an available option in the NFL free agent market as training camps approach. According to ESPN reporter John Keim, the Washington Commanders are emerging as a plausible destination for the veteran player. Keim suggests that Diggs would not need to assume the role of primary receiver in Washington, given the presence of established star Terry McLaurin. Instead, Diggs could serve as an immediate-impact No. 2 option, playing effectively in the slot or as a flanker. This arrangement would also provide valuable development opportunities for rookie Antonio Williams. The report highlights Diggs' versatility and experience as key assets for a playoff-contending team. Furthermore, personal ties may facilitate a deal, as Diggs was born and raised in Maryland, just a short distance from the Commanders' stadium in Landover, and played college football at the University of Maryland. This potential move positions Diggs as a strategic addition for Washington, offering both on-field production and local market appeal while allowing younger players to mature within the roster structure.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thoroughbred racehorse Hit Zero died shortly after his debut race at Laurel Park in Maryland during the 2026 Preakness Stakes weekend. The three-year-old colt, trained by Brittany Russell, collapsed from a suspected cardiac event despite immediate veterinary care. A necropsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. This tragedy occurred while Laurel Park temporarily hosted major races due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course, reigniting scrutiny over equine safety in horse racing amidst historical concerns about fatalities at Maryland tracks.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated May 16, 01:22 AM UTC