Maryland
Victims, lawmakers critical of Maryland’s response to stolen benefits
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BALTIMORE — Victims and lawmakers are rising annoyed with the state’s response to stolen meals stamps and federal money help.
The quantity stolen to date this yr is greater than triple that of final yr, however Governor Hogan nor the Division of Human Companies has outlined what they plan to do about it.
“About 1:36 within the morning, an ATM withdrawal of $1,000 was taken off my card,” stated Kristian Herbert, who makes use of her advantages to help her three youngsters and youthful sister.
Paris Respass not too long ago misplaced $500. “I wakened about 6, 7 o’clock within the morning, they stated that my test was gone,” she stated.
And Jamee A. had her Short-term Money Help (TCA) advantages swiped twice in two months, regardless of getting a brand new card and pin quantity. “The cash got here out, $1,000 got here out on 725 Eden Avenue at 1:36 a.m.,” she stated. “I’m in my mattress asleep at 1:30 a.m. with the cardboard below my mattress.”
These ladies are among the many 453 experiences of stolen meals stamps or TCA this yr. By means of July 31, round $344,000 in advantages had been reported stolen in comparison with $92,500 in all of 2021.
Maryland Division of Human Companies Secretary Lourdes Padilla hasn’t but agreed to talk with WMAR-2 Information Mallory Sofastaii about this improve in fraud and state senators are feeling stonewalled.
A race to the ATM: Households having to beat thieves to their very own meals and money help
“I requested if the info held by the Division had been compromised in a cybersecurity assault or knowledge leak sooner or later, they haven’t answered that query,” stated Senator Katie Fry Hester (D-Howard and Carroll Counties), Senate Chair for the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Data Expertise, and Biotechnology.
Hester despatched a letter in June to DHS. A month later, she acquired a response.
After a month, my workplace acquired a response, nevertheless it shed little mild on how the Dept. deliberate to help victims or forestall fraud going ahead. pic.twitter.com/DW7DE8mnuP
— Katie Fry Hester (@katiefryhester) August 8, 2022
“It didn’t actually reply nearly all of the questions,” Hester stated.
She’s additionally requested a number of occasions for the contact data for the state’s liaison at Conduent, the seller being paid $30 million {dollars} in state and federal funds to implement and function the digital advantages switch system (EBT).
“I additionally requested the Division how they deliberate to extend the safety of the EBT playing cards to stop the fraud, which is clearly rising. I’ve not acquired a response,” Hester acknowledged.
A DHS spokeswoman has stated it is in ongoing communication with Conduent about enhanced safety features, however didn’t say once they can be carried out.
When requested why DHS isn’t reimbursing victims, Lauren Graziano, Director of Authorities Affairs wrote:
“Concerning reimbursement of stolen advantages, federal rules don’t enable states to interchange stolen SNAP advantages with federal funds. Presently, there aren’t any state funds appropriated to reimburse victims of this or different varieties of fraud. As it is a federal program, we might encourage stakeholders to deal with the potential want for added funding with the Maryland Congressional Delegation.”
“Why do you assume the Division isn’t doing extra to assist victims?” Sofastaii requested Hester.
“They don’t have the workers. The workers that’s working there was there a very long time and is burned out, usually 30 % of the roles are unfilled. That isn’t an excuse. However finally, if this was a precedence of the governor, it might be getting executed,” Hester responded.
California’s legislation permits replacements when advantages are stolen. In Maryland, that’s not the case.
“I feel it’s ridiculous in a state that has a $6 billion Wet Day Fund that you simply want laws to inform them to reimburse these victims of theft, $300,000 or regardless of the whole is now, but when that’s what it’s going to take, then that’s what I’m ready to do,” stated Hester.
Victims can apply for different state help packages, nonetheless, that takes time.
Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger’s workplace can be engaged on drafting federal laws in response to this nationwide subject.
Should you’re the sufferer of this crime, you’re inspired to use for emergency money help by the Client Portal or by visiting any of the 24 native Departments of Social Companies, and by calling 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-735-2258).
And get in touch with your native elected officers. You could find their data by clicking right here. Sort in your handle below the “lookup” tab and you will have the choice to electronic mail all of the checked legislators.
RELATED REPORTS:
Maryland households report $286,000 in meals stamps and money stolen by thieves
Maryland households robbed of $170k in SNAP and money help in final two months
Households are dropping meals and money help to thieves; state says it’s unable to interchange advantages
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Maryland
Heat, muggy and storms in Maryland for Fourth of July
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Maryland
Suspect attempts to return stolen merchandise for cash refund at Maryland grocery store
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BETHESDA, Md. – Surveillance photos have been released of a suspect who entered a grocery store and attempted to return stolen merchandise to receive a cash refund.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery that occurred on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, inside the Giant Food grocery store in the 7100 block of Arlington Road in Bethesda.
Officers responded to the above location for the report of a robbery around 11:30 a.m.
According to police, the suspect entered the store and attempted to return stolen merchandise to receive a cash refund. When his attempt was unsuccessful, the suspect punched an employee in the face, snatched an undisclosed amount of money from another employee and left the scene.
The suspect is described as a Black male, between thirty and forty years old, approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall, 200 lbs, with a beard, heavy set, wearing a black baseball cap, a white t-shirt, blue jean shorts, black sneakers and a black backpack.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact police.
Maryland
4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Maryland & Virginia
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The Fourth of July is a short distance away and the festivities are in the air. And a fireworks show is a must to celebrate the Independence Day of America. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact scenic viewpoints to watch fireworks. In this article, we will explore the top scenic locations in Maryland and Virginia to watch the fireworks the right way.
Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch in 2024 celebrations in DC
Fourth of July fireworks show in Maryland: Top locations to visit
Six Flags America Fireworks Celebration: Timing
Plan your day at Six Flags America for the celebration of the Fourth of July with their day-long activities including rides, slides, and entertainment and an evening filled with DJ parties. Conclude your day with a display of fun fireworks at 9:15 pm. The tickets for the three-day event from July 4 to July 6 are priced at $25 and offer VIP fireworks packages as well, as reported by NBC Washington.
Germantown Glory Concert and Fireworks: Timing
For the folks residing in Montgomery County, the concert will be a family-friendly option to celebrate Independence Day. There is no entry fee and the concert will start at 7 pm on July 4. Visit the South Germantown Recreational Park in Boyds with your picnic sets and enjoy food from vendors as you enjoy the lively performance by the Central City Orchestra. No pets and alcoholic beverages are allowed at the concert.
Also Read: 2024 Fourth of July survey: Best US cities to celebrate Independence Day
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration: Timing
Enjoy the music era of the 80s and 90s covered by the band Uncle Jesse followed by the address from the mayor and council. As reported by NBC Washington, visit Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park (1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland) by 7 pm and enjoy a performance by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. There are parking lots available and everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and picnic sets to enjoy a comfortable evening. Fireworks will follow at 9:15 pm and there is no admission fee.
Frederick’s 4th: Timing
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Frederick County at Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland from noon to dusk. The two-stage set for the event will ensure family entertainment with rides, food, fireworks and more one and performances by Milk Mountain, Sons of Pirates, and 8 OHMS on the other. Wine and beer from three separate gardens will be available followed by an evening of fireworks. There is no admission fee for the celebrations.
Charles County Fairgrounds Fireworks
Station yourself at Charles County Fairgrounds (8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, Maryland) by 10:30 pm on the Independence Day evening to celebrate with live music, food from vendors, rides for children and the must-show of fireworks. There is no admission fee to pay at the venue.
Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Los Angeles
Fourth of July fireworks show in Virginia: Top locations to visit
Stafford County
Those looking to celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, DJ and lawn games can head to John Lee Pratt Park (120 River Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia) with fireworks at 9:30 pm. According to NBC Washington, the event is free for residents of Stafford County and for others, there is a charge of $10 for every car and $5 for every walk-in. A life performance by the Fredericksburg concert band is also scheduled at 6:30 pm.
Manassas’ Celebrate America
The historic downtown of Manassas will start its celebration at 3:00 pm at Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William St. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm preceded by fun activities including kids’ rides, face paintings, and food from vendors. People interested can bring chairs, tables and blankets and station themselves on the Manassas Museum lawn.
Also Read: 4th of July sales in US: Shop top brands on furniture, fashion, beauty and more
Great Falls
Looking for farms to celebrate the Fourth of July? Head towards Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls in Virginia who are offering fun activities including inflatable rides, a climbing wall and a cornhole tournament at a donation of $20 per family and premium locations for fireworks at $150-$300. The farms will open at 6 pm and individuals can participate or volunteer for the tournament through their website. Fireworks will follow at 9 pm.
Fairfax: We Stand United
The Fairfax High School is celebrating Independence Day with historic home tours and parades at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax. The evening shows will begin at 6:30 pm and fireworks at 9:30 pm. There is a space crunch in parking lots, however, people can park at Woodson High School and take a shuttle bus to the location of the fireworks, as reported by NBC Washington.
Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration
Head to 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains for a day full of activities priced at $50 per car in advance for up to six passengers and $60 at the gate. The Great Meadow is hosting their 35th annual Fourth of July celebrations which will start at 5 pm. Their award-winning fireworks with drones and will fire off at dusk. The day will kick off with an air show by the Flying Circus and lawn games for the family. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase or people can bring their picnic.
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