The most important issue for Marylanders this week is being actually cool, not just trendy. If you work outdoors or in tough spaces, better look out for yourself -- state agencies are still muttering over what kind of help to offer you (by insisting that your employers take responsibility for it).  In states where the worst of the heat wave has already come and gone, politicians are found to be busy telling other people what to do (for instance, Ten Commandments in each school's classroom, and displayed at 11 x 14 inch size or larger, thankyouverymuch).

In addition to the heat, Maryland leaders and activists are thinking about money, as always -- the Blueprint for educational improvement, the costs of the state's climate plan, and light rail on the next-version Key Bridge (as well as the revived Red Line in Charm City) are all getting a workout. Even in summer. Stay tuned to News You Can Use.

As we kick off this week's memo, we are thrilled to see the growing recognition and celebration of Juneteenth across the nation, especially here in Maryland. This celebration of freedom and community is picking up momentum, and we're proud to be part of a state that honors this significant day. Be sure to check out our Juneteenth Jubilees section for a roundup of celebrations happening statewide. And as we continue to celebrate Pride Month, there are still plenty of events happening so be sure to check those out as well.

June is also African American Music Appreciation Month, established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to honor the invaluable contributions of African American musicians across all genres. Look at the "Rhythms of June" section for events celebrating the rich legacy of Black musicians throughout Maryland.

As always, we have a packed agenda this week, with updates from our issue campaigns and taskforces. Read on to stay informed and for ways to get involved!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Maryland's usually compliant Public Service Commission says "no" to Exelon conglomerate's local minions; Gov. Moore will pardon 175,000 (!) marijuana "offenders" and the summer weather finally emerges from its lair and gets our attention. Plus doctors join the picket line, more or less, and it is getting harder to hire police. It's News You Can Use.

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Most of what we see going on in Maryland is pretty much housekeeping as Wes Moore continues to put some shape on a successful but haphazard Assembly session. Other legislative outcomes, especially in red states, are scarier. And the just-finished elections for the European Parliament, though disconnected from any national elections, show a scary authoritarian trend too, as we hear from People's Action. Struggles are ahead, no doubt. Information improves your luck, so give a look at our News You Can Use collection every week, just to keep up.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time for us to focus on the importance of mental well-being. This month is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, advocating for mental health policies, and supporting those who struggle in silence. Let's take this opportunity to educate ourselves and our community, fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized.

Read on for exciting updates on our task force initiatives and issue campaigns.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Costs of living -- can't keep track of them. Just when you are feeling good about a just-signed state law protecting against excessive electricity costs, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision raises the ante (and the costs) for our region. We've all been waiting for prices to go down along with inflation, but somehow the big merchants didn't catch on. Why should they when they can reap extra profits and hope nobody notices? Well, surprise, big merchants are losing market share as consumers catch on. Now the prices are coming down. Good work, savvy consumers. Plus: we don't want to compare Maryland's teachers and the coveted rockfish, or striped bass -- but both are in short supply and measures are being taken, or at least proposed, to remedy that. And signs of recovery from the Key Bridge disaster are showing up, one by one. There's more, too, from states and cities around the US, and national trends (why are we setting records for how long we keep our cars?) It's all News You Can Use.

We are proud to announce that 6 out of our 7 endorsed candidates have successfully made it through the primary and will be on the ballot in November. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community and supporters.

In Baltimore, we are proud to support:

• Brandon Scott, who won the primary for Mayor of Baltimore.
• Mark Parker, who will advance in the City Council race for District 12.
• Paris Gray, moving forward in the City Council race for District 7.
• Jermaine Jones, advancing in the City Council race for District 8.

In Prince George's County, we celebrate:

• Tiffany Andorful, who won the primary for School Board candidate in District 1.
• Phelton Moss, advancing for School Board District 7.
• Zakyia Goins-McCants, moving forward for School Board District 8.

We also want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our post-primary discussion. Your insights and enthusiasm were invaluable, and we look forward to working together as we prepare for the election in November.

In this week’s memo, we have exciting updates on our task force initiatives and issue campaigns. Read on to learn about the strides we’re making together and how you can get involved in our efforts.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here in Maryland, the container ship Dali has been refloated and moved from its blocking position in the ship channel in Baltimore, raising hopes that near-normal shipping traffic can be envisioned as debris from the Key Bridge is removed or pushed aside. Video is offered, below. Meanwhile, the gaudy low unemployment numbers here bring a Maryland labor shortage that is now strapping public jobs including law enforcement. The state is showing up badly on inspection of nursing homes and getting a slow start on replanting trees in our treeless urban spaces. Plus news from other states facing and dealing with problems similar to ours, and People's Action's weekly report on the nonperformance of the US legislative branch.