Smithsonian’s chief says more museums must wait, maintenance is top priority

WASHINGTON – As the public demand for new museums increases, the Smithsonian Institution’s chief says his top priority is getting on top of a huge maintenance backlog at the world’s largest museum and research complex before he considers expanding.  Smithsonian…

Chesapeake farmers target runoff reduction, lawmakers seek conservation funds

MIDDLETOWN, Maryland — A gaggle of excitable white turkeys gobbled and clucked in their pen at Open Book Farm on a chilly afternoon in late October. Most days, the birds roamed free in one of the farm’s pastures, scratching and…

Maryland Democratic lawmakers press oversight of Trump administration

Since Donald Trump’s first week as president, Maryland Democratic lawmakers have been at the forefront of a widespread effort to hold the administration accountable for potentially illegal or unethical behavior, possible conflicts of interest, questionable travel practices, and contacts with Russians during and since last year’s presidential election.

Cardin among critics who want change in war-fighting policy

WASHINGTON – The International Criminal Court last week said it plans to begin investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Afghan conflict. The probe will include looking into actions by the International Security Assistance Force, which includes American…

Most Maryland Democrats think Sessions should resign

WASHINGTON – Most Maryland Democrats are calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after failing to disclose to Congress conversations he had last year with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Sessions met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak…

Trump speech gets thumbs down from Maryland Democrats

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s Tuesday night address to a joint session of Congress did little to ease the worries of Maryland’s Democratic lawmakers. Trump’s address lacked significant detail, said Rep. Anthony Brown, D-Upper Marlboro, and left him “yearning for…

Maryland Democrats celebrate election wins in Congress

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Democrats won big in Maryland on election day with Maryland 8th Congressman Chris Van Hollen defeating Maryland House Minority Leader Kathy Szeliga in the U.S. Senate race,  State Senator Jamie Raskin coming out on top in…

Maryland comes up short at critical time for women politicians

WASHINGTON — After former Rep. Connie Morella was elected to the House in 1986, four out of 10 members of the Maryland congressional delegation were women. Today, the number of women in Maryland’s congressional delegation is down to two –…