Maryland
Maryland prepares to kick off holiday shopping season on Black Friday
BALTIMORE — As Thanksgiving comes to a close, the holiday shopping season officially begins.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported the period from Black Friday and Cyber Monday could break records, as they predict more than 183 million people will be shopping.
Even with the dominance of online shopping, in-person shopping remains a big preference for some shoppers.
WJZ talked to several Baltimoreans about whether or not they’ll be shopping on Black Friday and for every person who said they wouldn’t, someone said they would.
“It’s a little hectic,” said Regina Webb. “[Also] my kids don’t really like shopping.”
Jamall Watts said he couldn’t wait, and he is planning to get his son an iPhone and buy some furniture for his house.
In its annual survey, the NRF predicts nearly 132 million people are going to shop on Black Friday. Two-thirds of those shoppers are expected to head to the store.
For anyone heading out, AAA reminds shoppers to put whatever they buy in the trunk and out of sight.
“You don’t want to leave them visible,” said Ragina Ali with AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This is true, not just for Black Friday and holiday shopping, but all of the time. Make sure your packages are securely in the trunk of your vehicle, so as not to entice potential thieves.”
More than 72 million people are expected to shop on Cyber Monday, according to NRF estimates.
AAA warns scammers will be working around the clock this holiday season. To lessen the chance of becoming a victim, AAA recommends buying from major retailers or verified vendors.
Also, use a credit card if you have one. Ali said credit cards often have more protections against fraudulent charges and identity theft than debit cards.
The following area malls will be open on Black Friday. It should be noted that some stores in these malls could be open earlier than the mall itself.
- Towson Town Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- White March Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Eastpoint Mall will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Mall in Columbia will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Arundel Mills will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Annapolis Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Marley Station Mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The following retailers will be open on Black Friday:
- Target will open at 6 a.m.
- Walmart will open at 6 a.m.
- Kohl’s will open at 5 a.m.
- Macy’s will open at 6 a.m.
- JCPenney will open at 5 a.m.
- Best Buy will open at 6 a.m.
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Maryland man has been arrested in connection with a string of thefts targeting heating and air conditioning units that impacted more than 10 businesses across the region, authorities said.
On Dec. 31, 2025, detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside investigators from the Prince George’s County Police Department, took Thomas Guinyard, 30, of Hyattsville, into custody.
Charles County deputies said Guinyard has several active arrest warrants tied to the theft of heat pumps and air conditioning units valued at more than $40,000.
Authorities said the thefts caused widespread disruption to local businesses, with investigators confirming that more than 10 were affected.
SEE ALSO | Man accused of stealing circuit breakers from nearly 50 Maryland homes
When deputies tried to approach him, Guinyard allegedly ran away but was apprehended without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office. During the arrest, deputies said they learned the vehicle Guinyard was driving had been reported stolen.
Guinyard faces a charge of theft and destruction of property. He is being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
Investigators continue to review the case to figure out whether more charges or related thefts may be connected to Guinyard, the sheriff’s office said.
Maryland
Md. Gov. Moore touts public safety funding increase, even with crime continuing to drop – WTOP News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore noted the continuing decrease in crime across the state and shared a proposal to spend $124.1 million on public safety in the next fiscal year budget.
Executive Aisha Braveboy and Police Chief George Nader(WTOP/John Domen)
Maryland lawmakers return to Annapolis next week, and plugging a roughly $1 billion budget hole will be one of many items on their agenda as the 2026 session gets underway.
This week, Gov. Wes Moore has been touting parts of the budget he’ll be unveiling, to go with legislation he intends to champion in Annapolis.
On Thursday, he stood in front of a huge gathering of police, federal law enforcement and prosecutors at the Maryland State Police Barracks in College Park to talk about the continuing decrease in crime and share a proposal to spend $124.1 million on public safety in the next budget.
“That is the highest level of funding in our state’s history, and a $2.3 million increase over last year’s budget,” Moore said. “These are real resources for local police departments all throughout the state of Maryland.”
He said the funding will support overtime patrolling and new equipment that “officers need to make sure they are doing their job safely and that they can get home to their families.”
Moore also took issue with the premise, often posed to Democrats, that you have to choose between siding with law enforcement or siding with “the community,” arguing that he does both “unapologetically.” He also promised that his plan for public safety is both urgent and strategic.
“This is backed by data and built on three core pillars,” Moore said. “Provide the resources and the support that law enforcement needs; build stronger, more vibrant communities that leave no one behind; and coordinate all aspects of government and community to make sure that our streets are safer.”
As he enters the final year of his term, Moore highlighted a 25% reduction in homicides around the state, to a number he said is the lowest in 40 years. He also touted a 50% violent crime reduction and a sharp drop in non-fatal shootings.
“This is not trends or vibes. It happens because we made smart investments, and it happened because we chose to do something really unique — work together,” Moore said. “We are standing here coordinated, bipartisan, nonpartisan, knowing that community safety does not have a partisan bend and protecting our neighbors does not have a political affiliation.”
At the same time, Moore said he wasn’t taking a victory lap about the heartening trends in crime just yet.
“We are making progress, yes, but we will not rest until everybody and all of our communities feel safe,” he said. “Too often, false choices will dominate the public safety debate. Do we want to hold criminals accountable, or do we want to focus on rehabilitation? We’re told to pick a side without understanding that’s not how people live.”
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