Local News Network

Should Maryland schools ban cellphones? Here’s what school board candidates say

Of the 74 candidates who responded to the Local News Network’s campaign questionnaire, 64 favored strict restrictions on cellphones in schools, and only 10 expressed reservations about limiting cellphone use or touted their positive aspects. 

Support for book bans varies in Maryland school board races

Amid parents, activists and school boards challenging books across the state, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Freedom to Read Act into law earlier this year in an attempt to put an end to book bans in Maryland public schools.

On gender identity in schools, Maryland school board candidates are divided

School boards that set policy for those districts face a dilemma: Do they prioritize a student’s autonomy over their identity or the parents’ right to know who that child really is?

On child care, a fitful search for local solutions to a national problem

America’s child care shortage extends far beyond Maryland, the overall condition of child care in the U.S. being described as a “dumpster fire”.

Maryland’s pre-K expansion plan proves to be unpopular with child care providers

As Maryland expands its pre-K program, the state is counting on private child care to take part, despite reluctance from providers.

Finding child care in Maryland is hard. Finding the right child care is even harder.

Interviews with several Maryland families showed that while finding child care is hard, finding a facility that fits a family’s needs and budget is even harder.

Child care is scarce in Maryland and the nation — and the pandemic made matters worse

In many parts of Maryland, child care has gone missing, made worse by the pandemic. Take a look at these county-by-county child care trends.

Child care in Baltimore County

The number of child care providers in Baltimore County fell 18.16% between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2024. That’s the seventh largest decrease in the state. Meanwhile, the number of child care slots in Baltimore County decreased from 30,625…

Child care in Washington County

The number of child care providers in Washington County fell 19.16% between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2024. That’s the fifth largest decrease in the state. Meanwhile, the number of child care slots in Washington County decreased from 4,789…

Child care in Prince George’s County

The number of child care providers in Prince George’s County fell 18.03% between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2024. That’s the eighth largest decrease in the state. Meanwhile, the number of child care slots in Prince George’s County decreased…