Category: MARYLAND

Maryland Fishing Report – July 1

July 4 is a license-free fishing day throughout Maryland, so if you have a friend or relative who doesn’t currently fish, take them out with you.

Large red drum are providing catch-and-release fishing for anglers near the mouth of the Potomac River.

White perch can be found in the tidal rivers and creeks, sometimes mixed in with spot and croaker.

All the tidal rivers have populations of blue and channel catfish, and the larger female blue catfish are showing signs of being finished with spawning; they are now on the prowl to build up body stores. .

Check out the full report.

How Cryptocurrencies are Revolutionizing the Online Gambling Industry

The advent of cryptocurrency has sparked a modern-day digital gold rush, as investors and industries race to leverage the power of coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. While crypto volatility grabs headlines, a quiet revolution is happening in online gambling. Cryptocurrencies enable fast, private betting unrestricted by regulation or banking bottlenecks.

This perfect storm of anonymity and independence is accelerating the $66.7 billion global online gambling industry’s shift from fiat money. Let’s explore the undercurrent sweeping bookmakers, casinos, lottery, poker, and bingo brands to crypto.

Trustless Transactions Build Trust

Cryptocurrency solves two central issues for the online gambling sector – privacy and speed. For instance, RetroBet players have traditionally relied on banks or payment processors like Visa and PayPal to move money. These financial middlemen demand identity verification, track transactions, and can block payments they deem suspicious.

For passionate online gamblers seeking anonymity, this is unacceptable overreach. Cryptocurrencies operate on public blockchains secured by advanced cryptography, not third parties. Gambling sites leveraging crypto allow fast deposits and withdrawals without collecting sensitive user data. Their decentralized design also makes government oversight extremely difficult.

Most recreational bettors prefer privacy and convenience over brand recognition. A 2021 study showed that 58% of online gamblers use crypto to conceal their activity, while 68% cited faster payouts as the main benefit. As more players experience the perks firsthand, adoption is soaring.

Key Crypto Gambling Statistics

  • – 130 million people play online casino games or bet sports using cryptocurrency as of Q1 2022
  • – The crypto gambling industry will reach $260 billion by 2027
  • – 58% of online gamblers use crypto to hide gambling activity from banks or family members
  • – 68% say faster withdrawals and deposits are the main appeal
  • – 81% of online gambling sites now accept at least one cryptocurrency

Bitcoin and Offshore Sites

In crypto’s early days, Bitcoin was essentially the only game in town. The first regulated gambling site to accept BTC was SatoshiDice in 2012. But Bitcoin’s fixed supply and independence from banks appealed most to unlicensed offshore sites operating in legal grey areas.

Through the mid-2010s, crypto gambling remained an exotic concept. But pioneers like FortuneJack, BitStarz, mBit, and Betcoin.ag built reputations for quick cash outs without onerous “know your customer” requirements. This attracted American players to overseas sites as an end-run around restrictive US gaming laws.

Bitcoin’s semi-anonymous nature (all transactions are public, but wallet owners remain unknown) enabled true global access. Whether seeking big jackpots or sports odds unavailable locally, players used Bitcoin to place otherwise impossible bets anonymously. Crypto gambling sites saw usage and revenues grow steadily through word-of-mouth.

The offshore sector now generates $16 billion in cryptocurrency wagers annually from 30 million players. While still a fraction of fiat totals, it’s growing over 20% per year despite little mainstream promotion. However, Bitcoin’s high fees and slow settlement saw players yearn for better crypto options.

Altcoin Adoption – Lower Fees and Higher Speed

Since 2017, rising transaction costs and congestion have strained Bitcoin’s capacity. With average fees approaching $20, gambling sites adopted lower-cost cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. This altcoin boom gave players more choice between privacy, speed, or brand familiarity.

The most widely-used alternatives today are Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Tron (TRX), Monero (XMR), and stablecoins like Tether (USDT). Transaction fees are just pennies, while confirmation times range from seconds for XRP/TRX to minutes for BCH/LTC/ETH. Sites typically recommend using TRX or XRP to move funds cost-effectively.

According to CryptoGamblingNews, altcoin support is now mandatory for any credible site:

“Every online crypto casino worth its salt needs to have at least Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and Tether as options nowadays. Supporting other coins like Cardano, Solana or Polkadot is also becoming more common.”

This flexibility lets gamblers choose their deposit/withdrawal coin based on fees, volatility, wealth growth, or other factors. Lesser-known cryptos also enable betting emerging niches like gaming, sports collectibles, prediction markets, and more via features unavailable using fiat.

Regulation

While most government entities still grapple to define cryptocurrency, much less legislate it appropriately, the EU is pushing forward. In 2021, the bloc advanced a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets like utility and security tokens.

More locally, Malta pioneered accepting digital assets back in 2018. The small Mediterranean nation has since attracted significant operations from top global gaming brands like Betsson, Kindred, and GiG. Rival jurisdictions like Isle of Man, Curacao, Gibraltar, and the UK also regulate crypto gambling to varying degrees.

The biggest sign of crypto’s online gambling legitimacy came recently from Sweden. In 2021, state-run operator Svenska Spel integrated cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals across its sportsbook and lottery platforms. Players can now fund accounts in BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, DOGE, and more.

Svenska Spel Sport & Casino CEO Jonas Nygren explained the landmark decision:

“When consumers show increasing interest in other payment solutions than those traditionally offered, we as a company must adapt. It is then natural for us to also open up the opportunity to deposit with cryptocurrencies.”

Look for other European nations and Canada to follow suit in regulating cryptocurrency gaming transactions, either directly or through digital asset legislation. This will spur the next phase of mainstream crypto adoption.

In Summary

Rising from obscure origins on Bitcoin-friendly offshore sites, cryptocurrencies now stand poised to disrupt online gambling. The core appeals of privacy and speed that first attracted players still hold true. But increased altcoin support, regulation, and adoption by traditional brands are set to unlock mass market potential.

As more people realize the benefits of trustless, instant transactions for betting and gaming, expect crypto to challenge fiat currency’s dominance. Much like the gold rushes of centuries past, the early pioneers gave way to big business. But this time everyone with an Internet connection can stake their claim.

 

 

Trump’s Administration Scores Major Supreme Court Win

26, 2026

SUMMARY-The article describes the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. The article also highlights the Trump Administration’s efforts to end the catch-and-release policy, expedite deportations, and crack down on sanctuary cities.

The Supreme Court has delivered a major victory for American sovereignty, ruling that the Trump Administration has full authority to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. The Biden Administration weaponized TPS as a backdoor amnesty to flood the country with millions of unvetted migrants — and that loophole is finally closed.

This is the latest decisive win in President Donald J. Trump’s relentless effort to end the border invasion and put American citizens first.

The Trump Administration has made 60 changes in border rules since being elected :

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Paul Byington nominated for 2025 Civilian of the Year Award

The work of a fire safety inspector is rarely thrilling or glamorous. There are no flashing lights or fancy uniforms, no urgent radio calls, and no crowds gathering to watch. Most days pass quietly, and that suits Fire Safety Inspector Paul Byington.

“I’ve always been quiet—that’s just my personality. I tend to observe more than I speak,” Byington said. “But once people get to know me, I open up and they see more of who I am.”

Those who know him learn that he is a veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Army, with deployments to Honduras, the Bahamas, Japan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He served in the Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees. While stationed in Louisiana, he supported recovery efforts by removing debris and assisting with infrastructure repairs in communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

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Inaugural Martyrs Day Celebrations Coming to New York, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware

In its inaugural year, Martyrs Day, a new national day of remembrance honoring American protesters and activists whose lives were lost in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, justice and equality in the United States, will be recognized nationwide on July 5, 2026. 

Cities planning events on July 5th to commemorate the inaugural Martyrs Day include:

  • New York City, New York
  • Hyattsville, Maryland
  • San Francisco, California
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (virtual)
  • Lewes, Delaware
Continue reading “Inaugural Martyrs Day Celebrations Coming to New York, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware” →

Maryland Fishing Report

Maryland offers free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4, the perfect time to introduce a friend to freshwater or tidal fishing, with no fishing license or trout stamp needed. In this wonderful time of the year for fishing, it is great to have a mentor who can guide you, and this is the perfect opportunity. 

Children under 16 don’t need a license, so anytime is right for someone in their life to introduce them to the joys of fishing.  

On June 13, there will be a free Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) fishing derby and outreach event, Snakes on the Dundee V, at Gunpowder Falls State Park and Dundee Creek Marina. Information about the derby can be found on the DNR website.

CNB Hunting News: Maryland Spring Turkey Harvest over 5,000 Birds

Maryland Spring Turkey Hunters Report Harvest of 5,094 Birds

June 1, 2026

Wild turkey

Photo by Tessa Farley, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

Maryland hunters harvested a total of 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season. This year’s harvest was 5% higher than last year but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 set in 2023. 

“Favorable weather helped contribute to another productive spring season for Maryland turkey hunters,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “While populations can fluctuate across regions and from year to year, turkey hunters continue to enjoy quality hunting opportunities across Maryland.” 

Garrett County reported the highest harvest with 542 turkeys, followed by Charles County with 452 and Worcester County with 430 turkeys. Allegany and Washington counties also reported over 300 birds each.

Youth hunters started the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt, April 11-12. A total of 441 wild turkeys were taken during that weekend, representing 8% of the total. Sunday hunting accounted for 14% of the statewide harvest.

Hunting licenses for the 2026-27 season will be available starting July 1 on the Maryland DNR website. The major fall hunting seasons begin Sept. 1 with mourning dove season, and deer hunting begins with archery season on Sept. 11. 

Harvests by county for the past five seasons are below:

County20222023202420252026
Allegany282483345314372
Anne Arundel85136106118101
Baltimore82101897185
Calvert7299107101100
Caroline168174151162192
Carroll94132125118130
Cecil679586112130
Charles334445472445452
Dorchester170180211226216
Frederick343391322281294
Garrett436579546506542
Harford9112810598108
Howard5161404346
Kent160184130184193
Montgomery164206150121137
Prince George’s115164135129123
Queen Anne’s144170191186240
Somerset176199202175184
St. Mary’s204253226282293
Talbot849695119102
Washington400515445406382
Wicomico193215238254242
Worcester293350442400430
Total4,2085,3564,9594,8515,094

Community Activist Bruce Darrow Charged With Alleged Theft of over $6,000

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?

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CNBNews Digital Files: January 2012 Cheers and Jeers

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

Cheer –Newly appointed Superintendent of School Paul Spaventa found out that not all video tapes of school board meetings were being given to the Local cable Channel 19 for public viewing. Someone either in the administration and/or on the school board was choosing what tapes the public got to view. As soon as it was brought to his attention the superintendent corrected the problem. Thanks Mr. Spaventa for righting a wrong.

JEER-To shoppers and staff members that smoke directly outside the entrance to a store or business. Smokers certainly have the right to engage in this activity, but more consideration needs to be given to where you smoke so that individuals do not have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter. CVS often has a smoky entrance due to some of their own employees

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