Lawmakers are pushing for a statewide mandate requiring every police department in Maryland to equip officers with body cameras, however the cost for equipment and maintenance of the footage may be the biggest challenge.
Annapolis
Maryland works to fix racial disparities in juvenile centers
Over the last 10 years, Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services has seen a decline in admissions into its seven detention facilities across the state, but the number of Black children admitted is still disproportionately high.
Board of Public Works approves natural gas pipeline permit
The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday afternoon voted 3-0 to approve a permit for a controversial natural gas pipeline in Somerset and Wicomico counties.
Disconnected: Students struggle with e-learning obstacles, lawmakers earmark solutions
Students say hotspots and low-cost internet packages don’t bridge the digital divide in two of Maryland’s least-connected districts. Lawmakers and state officials say it’s time for a statewide approach and to start considering internet access as a basic utility.
Hogan cautions Marylanders while COVID-19 surges again
Gov. Larry Hogan has started to implement more regulations across the state as coronavirus spikes. Statewide positivity and hospitalizations are at their highest rates since June. Hospitals are preparing for an influx of sick patients and nursing homes should brace for additional precautions, officials said.
Supreme Court hears case affecting Maryland LGBTQ
The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, which questions whether religious-based foster care agencies choosing not to work with same-sex parents are exempt from nondiscrimination laws. Catholic Charities of Baltimore no longer provides foster or adoption services but FreeState Justice, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, fears other Maryland social services could be affected by a religious exemption ruling.
Maryland Senate President releases plan for next session
Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore on Friday released an operational plan for how the Senate will conduct the next session during the ongoing pandemic, including how health checks, voting procedures and public testimony will be conducted.
Marylanders cast Election Day votes on ballot questions
Marylanders faced two statewide ballot questions addressing Constitutional amendments this year — addressing the budget process and sports betting. Early returns indicate both are likely to pass.
Maryland officials encourage drop box use, confirm security
Maryland elections officials are encouraging the use of ballot drop boxes as the mailing deadline approaches, and outlined the safety of the receptacles to state lawmakers earlier this month.
Maryland turnout follows expected trends for district races
Maryland State Board of Elections’ early voting numbers so far do not indicate any surprise upsets in Congressional district races. However, issues like police reform drive a few away from major party candidates.