Candy Woodall

🧵 Spotlight on Maryland has been investigating how the state allowed a shadowy industry to thrive at the expense of vulnerable seniors and taxpayers. Our investigation found more than 115 unlicensed assisted living facilities operating in Baltimore — and we continue to learn about more each day. Spotlight’s work will show there are exponentially more unlicensed facilities operating across the state and how the situation could get worse as Maryland’s senior population grows over time. Here are our stories so far:

The AAA average fuel price is officially over $4 a gallon for the first time since mid-August 2022. Prices are up over $1 since the war in Iran began. Americans are paying $50 a month more in fuel costs. This is a significant psychological milestone that could start to cause Americans to pullback on spending, especially with borrowing costs also rising.

GOOD MORNING. THE BUCCOS PLAY BASEBALL TODAY.

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Gov. Wes Moore is calling for “transparency.” But his own military and academic records? Still not fully released. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins has the full story at 10 p.m. tonight on @FOXBaltimore and @7NewsDC , and you can read the full story in the @baltimoresun tomorrow.

Maryland lawmakers are advancing a bill to require tampons in all public restrooms — including men’s rooms. The cost? “Not feasible” to estimate. Critics say it raises questions about priorities as the state faces a deficit. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @PatrickHauf has the story.

Maryland lost nearly 25,000 federal jobs. The state says Feds to Eds is helping. But Spotlight found: ➡️ Fewer than 1% made it into classrooms ➡️ Many districts don’t track the data ➡️ The state can’t fully verify the numbers Is it working? Spotlight on Maryland reporter @TessaBentulan has the full investigation ⬇️

He’s clocking in … and walking out. For nearly a month, a Maryland delegate has left session minutes after it starts — while still collecting a taxpayer-funded paycheck. He says, “I’m still doing the job.” Is he? Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins has the full story. Watch below:

For nearly a month, a Maryland lawmaker has routinely left the House chamber shortly after the daily roll call, leaving behind a marble statue of Aristotle in his seat. bit.ly/4bBtHRG

A Maryland delegate votes present...then leaves. For nearly a month, the House lawmaker has walked out of session, leaving a statue of Aristotle in his seat. Some constituents say they're paying for full representation -- not 5 minutes of it. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins has the full story tonight on @FOXBaltimore @7NewsDC and in the @baltimoresun tomorrow.

Maryland lost nearly 25,000 federal jobs. The state says its Feds to Eds program is helping. But fewer than 1% of those workers have transitioned to classrooms, and many school systems aren't tracking the data. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @TessaBentulan takes a deeper look tonight on @FOXBaltimore and in tomorrow's @baltimoresun

🚨AI could hit Maryland harder than any other state in the nation. A new study finds: ➡️40% of Maryland jobs at high risk of automation ➡️Key industries like finance and tech already vulnerable ➡️Mass layoffs accelerating nationwide Experts warn Maryland workers "ought to be very worried." State leaders say they're investing in training. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @PatrickHauf takes a look at the state's preparedness tonight on @FOXBaltimore. Read more in @baltimoresun tomorrow morning.

Baltimore lawmakers are deadlocked over a bill to increase oversight of the taxpayer-funded youth fund amid transparency concerns. bit.ly/4dBhPBT

The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund gets 99% of its funding from taxpayers but operates outside government oversight. City Council members are stalled on a bill to tighten rules on the fund, which received $16 million in taxpayer money this year. Spotlight reporter @PatrickHauf has a story coming on why it all matters. Keep watching @FOXBaltimore and @baltimoresun for more.

Maryland admits it doesn't fully know the scope of fraud in government programs. Now, a federal crackdown is coming and state leaders are divided. Who's accountable for taxpayer money? Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins has the full story on @FOXBaltimore, @baltimoresun and @7NewsDC.

More than 12,000 child sex abuse claims have been filed against the state of Maryland. Now lawmakers admit: 👉There's no money set aside 👉No clear plan to pay The cost could hit $4.9 billion or more. Who pays? Maryland taxpayers. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins has the full story on @FOXBaltimore, @baltimoresun and @7NewsDC

Maryland has a $1.4 billion deficit. Residents are leaving. Costs are rising. Lawmakers are rewriting the state constitution with gender-neutral language. Some call it progress. Others call it a waste of time. Is this what Annapolis should be focused on right now? We want to hear from you. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @PatrickHauf has the full story on @FOXBaltimore and @baltimoresun.

Scoop: Pentagon planing to keep the National Guard deployed in DC through the rest of Trump's term - into 2029. abcnews.com/Politics/penta…

Billions in potential abuse claims. A new federal crackdown on fraud. Questions are growing about who's watching taxpayer dollars -- and who isn't. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @realgarycollins will have more on these stories tonight on @FOXBaltimore and in @baltimoresun tomorrow.

Maryland lawmakers face a $1 billion deficit, rising costs and outmigration. Now, Democrats are pushing to update the state constitution with gender-neutral language. Some Republican women call it a waste of time. What do you think lawmakers should prioritize? Spotlight on Maryland reporter @PatrickHauf will have the full story tonight on @FOXBaltimore and in tomorrow's @baltimoresun.

Maryland's gambling boom is generating billions in revenue for the state. It's also driving billions in financial losses and a surge in addiction. And now, lawmakers want to expand online gambling in Maryland. Spotlight on Maryland reporter @PatrickHauf has the full story below, which first aired on @FOXBaltimore. You can also read the investigation in the @baltimoresun.