Birdwatching, or birding, is considered one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the country. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, about 45 million Americans participate in the hobby. Many people first picked up birding during the COVID-19 pandemic and discovered a new passion while restricted to their homes or trying to stay isolated outdoors.
Washington
Lawsuit accuses Maryland-based disability claims firm of unlawful practices
A recent lawsuit filed on behalf of veterans alleges that Just4Veterans, a Clarksburg, Maryland-based disability claims consultancy that operates nationally, is violating federal law.
Anne Arundel County gets $400,000 to help youths get back on track after low-level offenses
Maryland lawmakers secured $400,000 in funding last month for an Anne Arundel County-based diversion program for youths accused of low-level offenses. The program is called Fresh START (which stands for Fresh Safe, Trauma-Informed, Accountable, Restorative, Transparent).
Maryland’s Cardin vows to halt military aid to Egypt over human rights abuses
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, announced plans to block future U.S. military aid and arms sales to Egypt unless that country shows “concrete, meaningful, and sustainable steps” to improve its human rights record.
COVID-19 numbers in Maryland and region surge amid decline in preventive measures
Kate McPhaul, an associate research professor in the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, said the prevalence of testing is lower now than earlier in the pandemic.
Speaker fight fallout: Pelosi, Maryland’s Hoyer lose Capitol hideaways
Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-California, were evicted Tuesday from their United States Capitol hideaway offices in the aftermath of the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Washington’s World Culture Festival focused on peace and community
Last weekend the nation’s capital hosted the fourth World Culture Festival, a celebration of culture, peace and community, on the National Mall.
Washington’s Art Museum of the Americas features transgender and nonbinary works
An exhibit at the Art Museum of the Americas is shining a light on challenges that transgender and nonbinary people face throughout Latin America, while also trying to promote change.
Raskin leads effort to recognize Banned Books Week
Instances of book banning increased by 33% from the 2021-2022 school year to the 2022-2023 school year, according to the nonprofit PEN America.
With no breakthroughs as government faces shutdown Saturday, impacts would be widespread
There are no signs of a settlement in an impasse among House Republicans who are fighting over the size of spending bills, funding additional border measures and providing U.S. aid to Ukraine.