Maryland Overdose Deaths Rise 16 Percent

ANNAPOLIS – Drug- and alcohol-overdose deaths have risen sharply in Maryland since 1997, according to a study released last week

University Speech Policy May Face Litigation

COLLEGE PARK – The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union plans to file a lawsuit against the University of Maryland, College Park, alleging the institution’s policy of limiting public speaking to specified areas violates the First Amendment

Maryland Public Defenders Overburdened With Cases

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is so bogged down with cases it would have to hire more than 300 attorneys just to meet the American Bar Association’s minimum standard

Overlapping Police Jurisdictions Cause Confusion in College Park

COLLEGE PARK – A rising awareness of violent crime in College Park has students and residents wondering just who is responsible for their safety and how well different police departments communicate with each other

Despite Ehrlich Win, His Crime Program Faces Tough Road

ANNAPOLIS – Project Exile has led Gov

Catching Sniper Killer Takes Toll on Police

ANNAPOLIS – Montgomery County Police say their officers are handling the stress of tracking an elusive gunman just fine, but experts on police anxiety said the frustration may be beginning to take a mental toll

Craft Store Proximity Adds to Sniper Puzzle

ANNAPOLIS – Police have yet to discuss a possible connection between the shootings attributed to the area’s sniper and the killer’s seeming fondness for Michaels craft stores

Serial Shootings Stifle Montgomery County Business

ASPEN HILL – It is definitely not business as usual in the shopping centers surrounding Aspen Hill, where the area’s serial sniper felled three of four Montgomery County victims last week

Prayer Book Turns Aside Shooting-Spree Bullet

WHEATON – The first bullet fired in a shooting spree that killed five people in Montgomery County Wednesday and Thursday, narrowly missed Ann Chapman, who was working at Michaels arts and crafts store in Northgate Shopping Center

State Toughens Laws on Reckless Driving Offenses

BETHESDA – Reckless drivers beware: Starting this week, there will be tougher penalties for hit-and-run, repeat drunken driving and passengers drinking alcohol in a car