WASHINGTON – Maryland hospitals say they have reached a financial “crisis point” that could force them to shut down some of the state’s trauma centers by summer, threatening what is considered one of the best trauma networks in the country

WASHINGTON – Despite the economic downturn and rising unemployment, the average number of Marylanders on welfare fell from 68,221 in fiscal 2001 to 65,565 in fiscal 2002

ROCKVILLE – Set two days before Valentine’s Day, the banquet at Seven Seas Restaurant had all the makings of romance: tables set with fine linen, the smell of exotic dishes floating in from kitchen and bright red napkins folded like blooming flowers

CLARKSBURG – Instead of mugshots, there were coffee mugs

WASHINGTON – Chris Remuzzi shoots guns for a living, but it’s the price he pays for gas that kills him

ANNAPOLIS – Attempted murder

ANNAPOLIS – A proposal to expand arrest powers for Montgomery County arson investigators sailed through the county’s House delegation Friday, minutes after a public hearing that few people, including some lawmakers, knew was scheduled

WASHINGTON – Maryland officials plan to request federal funding for transitional housing for people in drug treatment, despite concerns that faith- based organizations will be able to compete for the money in the proposed White House program

ANNAPOLIS – Three racetracks will spend more than $1 billion to upgrade their facilities, largely for slot-machine players, and they’re asking for a bigger share of the proceeds to pay for their trouble

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland’s snow emergency will continue through next week, Gov