Connect with us

Maryland

Chamber of Commerce: Maryland’s Infrastructure Decline Threatens Business Competitiveness – Conduit Street

Published

on

Chamber of Commerce: Maryland’s Infrastructure Decline Threatens Business Competitiveness – Conduit Street


According to a new report from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland’s decline from 22nd to 31st in CNBC’s 2024 Top States for Business rankings highlights a growing concern for the state’s ability to attract and retain businesses.

Along with a 32nd place finish in U.S. News’ Business Environment rankings, these trends underscore the urgent need for improvements across several areas, with infrastructure shortcomings taking center stage.

Infrastructure Deficiencies Lead to Economic Decline

Advertisement

CNBC’s 2024 rankings emphasized infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, airports, utilities, and development sites. Maryland’s infrastructure ranking plummeted by 22 spots from 15th to 37th.

Local governments face increasing challenges maintaining deteriorating roads and bridges, which businesses rely on for daily operations. The Chamber stresses that without urgent investments in infrastructure, businesses cannot thrive, supply chains will falter, and economic progress will stall.

In Maryland, local governments have no authority to levy their own transportation revenues – counties and municipalities depend entirely on a share of state-levied revenues to support safety and maintenance work on local roads and bridges across the state.

For decades, the State supported a balanced approach to maintaining its transportation infrastructure. The bulk of transportation revenues — mainly motor fuel and vehicle titling taxes — have been split between the State (for its consolidated Transportation Trust Fund, serving multiple modes) and local governments (who own and maintain roughly five of every six road miles across the state).

The State faced a mid-year budget crisis during the “Great Recession” in 2009. In turn, the Board of Public Works adopted a 90% reduction of the local distributions of these Highway User Revenues and a roughly 40% reduction to Baltimore City’s allocation (the largest by far to any jurisdiction).

Advertisement

Since then, the state has fully or primarily restored many recession-driven cutbacks. However, Highway User Revenues still lag far behind historic levels, even after the State enacted a substantial transportation revenue increase.

The State’s fiscal 2025 budget remains far short of Maryland’s proper and historic funding levels, even on a simple dollar-to-dollar basis. Accounting for road maintenance and materials costs would expand this gap even further.

Restoring and expanding local transportation funding is critical to ensuring the state has the infrastructure to support long-term economic growth.

High Costs Stifle Business Expansion

The Maryland Chamber also notes that Maryland ranks 47th in cost of doing business, one of the highest in the nation. This high-cost environment and infrastructure deficiencies make it increasingly difficult for companies to operate and expand in the state, according to the Chamber.

Advertisement

The Maryland Chamber advocates for reforms to the state’s tax structure to reduce the burden on businesses and make Maryland more competitive with neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Stagnant Workforce Development Remains a Barrier

The Chamber points to Maryland’s stagnant workforce development, ranked 28th, as another factor holding back its competitiveness.

With only 33 available workers for every 100 open positions, businesses struggle to find the needed talent. The Maryland Chamber advocates for stronger workforce development programs that align with industry needs, including education initiatives and incentives to attract workers to Maryland.

Competing with Neighboring States

Advertisement

Maryland’s struggles are exacerbated by fierce competition from neighboring states.

The Maryland Chamber highlights that Virginia, ranked 1st overall in business competitiveness, boasts a stronger infrastructure and a more business-friendly environment. Pennsylvania, ranked 17th, also outperforms Maryland. According to the Chamber, Maryland must take bold steps to improve its business climate to remain competitive.

What’s Next?

According to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the state must immediately address its declining business competitiveness.

The Chamber prioritizes infrastructure improvements, including bolstering funding for local roads, bridges, and transit systems. Additionally, it advocates for tax policy reforms and stronger workforce development initiatives to attract investment and promote sustained growth.

Advertisement

The Chamber emphasizes that swift action is essential to creating a more business-friendly environment and ensuring a competitive, resilient economy for Maryland’s future.

Visit the Maryland Chamber of Commerce website for more information.





Source link

Advertisement

Maryland

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case

Published

on

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case


Dayton Webber, the professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee accused in a deadly shooting, was indicted by a grand jury on Friday on first-degree murder charges. 

What we know:

Advertisement

Webber is accused of fatally shooting 27‑year‑old Bradrick Michael Wells in La Plata on March 22. 

Webber picked up two witnesses from work in a vehicle, with Bradrick Wells already in the front passenger seat, according to charging documents. The documents state that, while driving, an argument broke out between Webber and Wells.

Advertisement

Two witnesses told police that Webber pulled out a firearm and shot Wells twice in the head during the argument. Webber then pulled the vehicle over and asked the passengers to remove Wells from the car, which they refused.

The two witnesses exited the vehicle and flagged down a police officer, the documents state, while Webber drove off with Wells still inside the car. A resident in Charlotte Hall discovered Wells’ body on the side of the road and contacted police.

Police say that Webber’s vehicle was later located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Webber was found at a hospital seeking treatment. Webber was extradited from Albemarle County Detention Center last month and bough to Charles County, Maryland. 

Advertisement

What they’re saying:

“At the end of the day, we’re dealing with a homicide. Someone lost their life. And from that base perspective, our job is to make sure that we put the case together, we prepare the case and be ready for trial,” said Karen Piper Mitchell, Deputy State’s Attorney for Charles County. 

Advertisement

What’s next:

Mitchell said the attention the case has received could mean a longer jury selection process. 

“It may be a more lengthy jury selection because you have to make sure that people can be fair and impartial based on what they’re going to hear in the courtroom, not based on what it is they may have seen in whatever news report or Internet or everything, so you take the time making sure that you do select a fair and impartial jury,” said Mitchell. 

Advertisement

Dig deeper:

Webber lost all four limbs as an infant due to a severe bacterial infection, according to previous reports.

Advertisement

He gained recognition over the years for competing in sports and other activities despite his disability.

Webber has shared videos on YouTube showing himself participating in outdoor and recreational activities, including hunting and shooting firearms.

Some videos show him climbing elevated hunting stands with a rifle and firing a muzzleloader, based on clips posted to social media platforms.

Advertisement

In one video, captioned “No Hands No Feet vs 15 foot Ladder Stand!!!! #nolimits #mossyoak #hunting #inspiration #motivation,” he is seen climbing a hunting stand with a rifle on his back.

Another video, captioned “No Hands No Feet Shooting .54 cal Caplock Muzzleloader!!!!!! #nolimits #TheWorldWontWait #gun,” shows him firing a muzzleloader.

Advertisement
Maryland CrimeCharles CountyNews



Source link

Continue Reading

Maryland

Maryland Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for April 12, 2026

Published

on

Maryland Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for April 12, 2026


play

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Advertisement

Here’s a look at April 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 8-4-4

Evening: 7-3-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 2-5-9-9

Advertisement

Evening: 1-7-7-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 7-9-7-1-1

Evening: 3-2-3-7-0

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 12 drawing

9 a.m.: 08

1 p.m.: 08

6 p.m.: 11

11 p.m.: 01

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

05-06-12-28-36, Bonus: 38

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.

Advertisement

Claiming by Mail

Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

Advertisement

For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:

  • Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
  • MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
  • Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
  • Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
  • Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
  • Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
  • Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
  • Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
  • MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Maryland

SUN: Do the records match Wes Moore’s story? Spotlight on Maryland investigates

Published

on

SUN: Do the records match Wes Moore’s story? Spotlight on Maryland investigates


A new statewide poll shows a growing number of Marylanders disapprove of Gov. Wes Moore’s leadership, with some citing dishonesty.

At the same time, a yearlong investigation by Spotlight on Maryland has found gaps, discrepancies and unanswered questions in the personal and professional story Moore has used to build his public image.

The findings come as criticism of the governor is no longer limited to political opponents.

Baltimore pastor P.M. Smith recently described Moore as “pathological” in his handling of the truth, claiming he “lies.” Armstrong Williams, co-owner of The Baltimore Sun and a longtime friend of Moore, publicly urged the governor to “tell the truth and release the facts.”

Advertisement

Instead, the governor has repeatedly declined to release full records, refused repeated requests for a sit-down interview and left dozens of detailed questions unanswered — even as Moore promotes transparency as a defining principle of his administration.

What Spotlight reviewed and will show

This investigation is built on a simple premise that public trust depends on verifiable truth. Over the past year, Spotlight on Maryland examined:

  • Thousands of pages of state and federal records obtained through the Maryland Public Information Act and the Freedom of Information Act;
  • Two decades’ worth of Moore’s public statements, speeches and interviews;
  • Archival reporting and application materials;
  • Interviews with a range of sources and subject-matter experts;
  • Direct responses and non-responses from the governor’s office.

The reporting goes beyond Moore’s official resume. It tests the full narrative he has presented to the public — about his military service, athletic achievements and leadership — and compares it against what can be independently verified.

In the coming days and weeks, Spotlight on Maryland will publish a series of reports examining Moore’s life, from 1996 to the present, and dissecting what he has said that may not be true. The sweeping investigation includes:

Comment with Bubbles

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Advertisement

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun’s website.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending