Maryland Gov. Wes Moore focuses on 4 pillars in 2024 State of the State address

In his second State of the State address, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore further advanced his vision to “leave no one behind” through four pillars.

Moore’s address on Wednesday focused on making the state safer, more affordable and competitive, as well as a state that serves. To do so, he said his administration will enact a state plan that prioritizes public safety, housing, child care and child poverty.

The governor declared the state of the state as strong while acknowledging unfinished work to solve big problems, as well as lessons learned in his first year in office.

“One year ago, we began our work together. We knew our state had boundless opportunities and blinding potential. But we were leaving too much on the table. One year later, we still have work to do. We learned a lot of lessons. And solving big problems can’t happen overnight. But change is happening. And today, the state of our state is strong,” Moore said.

Moore pointed to a new state plan that he said will establish “specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound goals” for the next three years that will be accomplished through a partnership between the executive and legislative branches.

“We need to stand united – with a clear commitment to doing the work, and with a clear understanding that the months and years ahead will be hard,” Moore said. “But if there’s one thing the last 12 months have taught us, it’s that Marylanders do hard things – and they want us to accomplish hard things in partnership.”

Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey Jr., R-District 36, delivered the Republican Response, saying Maryland Republicans are prepared to work alongside the governor to find common ground.

“Gov. Moore has put forth a bold and ambitious plan for Maryland, one that is built on the promise that no Marylander will be left behind. This is a vision we can certainly support; after all, our ultimate goal is the success and well-being of every single Marylander,” Hershey said. “However, we must underscore that achieving such a lofty goal requires much more than grand declarations. It necessitates concrete actions and collaborative efforts.”

Supreme Court hears arguments on Trump’s ballot eligibility in 2024 race

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in Trump v. Anderson, a case that questions whether former President Donald Trump is ineligible for the presidency because of his conduct related to the assault at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The case, which stems from a lawsuit filed by six Colorado voters, cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment as the reasoning for keeping Trump off the ballot.

Missing Marine Corps helicopter carrying 5 troops from Nevada to California has been located

A Marine Corps helicopter that had been missing with five troops aboard as an historic storm continued drenching California was found Wednesday morning in a mountainous area outside San Diego.

The aircraft was located just after 9 a.m. by civil authorities near the mountain community of Pine Valley, about a 45-mile (72-kilometer) drive from San Diego but rescue crews said snowy conditions were making access challenging on the ground.

They were “using ground and aviation assets to locate the aircrew in coordination with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and multiple federal state and local agencies,” the Marine Corps said in a statement.

The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas, where they had been doing unit-level training and were returning home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, defense officials said.

It was not immediately known what time the helicopter left Creech nor what time they were due to arrive. Waves of heavy downpours hit the area throughout the night and snow was forecast for San Diego County mountains.

The five U.S. Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar, the Marine Corps said in a statement.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department was notified at 1 a.m. that the craft was overdue for arrival at Miramar and was last seen in the area of Pine Valley, a mountainous region near the Cleveland National Forest about 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of downtown San Diego, Lt. Matthew Carpenter said.

The military was coordinating search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Civil Air Patrol, the Marine Corps said.

The National Weather Service in San Diego called for 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) of snow in the mountains above 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) and gusty winds late Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon a tornado warning was issued but quickly canceled with the weather service saying the storm was not capable of forming a twister.

About 99 feet (30 meters) long, the CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the military. It can move troops and equipment over rugged terrain in bad weather, including at night, according to the Marine Corps website. It is also nicknamed the “hurricane maker” because of the amount of downwash generated from its three engines.

Two CH-53E helicopters were used in the civil war-torn capital of Mogadishu, Somalia, in January 1990 to rescue American and foreign allies from the U.S. embassy.

King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer

Recently-crowned King Charles the 3rd has officially been diagnosed with cancer. According to a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the 75-year-old king found out his diagnosis during a recent doctor’s visit. Due to his sickness, he will pause on public-facing duties, and continue to focus on his health. During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.” On Monday, Charles started “a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the palace said, and during this time he’ll “continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”

“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure,” the palace continued. “He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

They did not specify what type of cancer he was diagnosed with or the type of treatment he would be receiving. Prayers up for Charles! 🙏🏾 Thoughts?