Maryland

State Encourages Cover Crops to Cut Erosion, Pollution, But Funds Lag

ANNAPOLIS – Charles County farmer Chip Bowling harvested his corn crop back in September and immediately planted the same fields with wheat and rye

Outlook for Deer Harvest Fair as Busiest Hunting Weekend of Year Kicks Off

ANNAPOLIS – Wildlife officials expect the deer harvest to about average in the firearm season that kicks off Saturday, traditionally one of the busiest hunting weekends of the year

Recalled Toys Are No Fun for Charities

WASHINGTON – Maryland’s traditional holiday toy drives are being pickier in accepting donations this winter — with good reason

Food Banks Face Shortfalls With Rising Need

WASHINGTON – Maryland’s food banks are coming up short this holiday season

Republicans Dig for Maryland Money to Win Presidency

WASHINGTON – Maryland, long known as a Democratic state, has given a record amount, more than $2 million, to Republican presidential candidates this year

When Grease Makes Green: Thanksgiving Cooking Means Business for Plumbers

ANNAPOLIS – Retailers are not the only businesses who reap big profits on the day after Thanksgiving — for plumbers, it’s known as Black Friday, too

Merry Halloween! Christmas Shopping Now Starts Well Before Thanksgiving

ANNAPOLIS – As soon as she started taking down the Halloween decorations from her Annapolis crafts store, Natalie Silitch replaced them with silver-frosted pine cones, grinning reindeer with evergreen antlers, and angel tree-toppers

^Teachers, Schools, Counties Worry Over Cuts in State School Aid

ANNAPOLIS – The General Assembly’s decision to reduce expected aid to local school districts by $152 million in the next fiscal year has teachers and county officials worried that they are in for “a difficult time over the next two years

^Special Session Tax on Cheap Cigars is a Near-Miss

ANNAPOLIS – State lawmakers increased taxes on cigarettes during the special session, but the loosie slipped through their fingers

Despite Toy Troubles, Experts Expect Big Holiday Sales in Hot Products

ANNAPOLIS – What kids want, kids get