Maryland public school students have had some of the fewest opportunities in the nation to attend regular in-person instruction despite the state’s moderate COVID-19 spread.
Chesapeake Bay, southern Maryland could see new federal park, heritage designations
The Maryland congressional delegation is pushing legislation to protect and enhance the natural resources throughout southern Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay area with new federal park and heritage designations. Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both of Maryland,…
Maryland lawmakers wrap up 2021 session with pandemic aid; reforms to police, betting
The Maryland General Assembly operated like never before in 2021 but still passed significant measures that included a multi-billion dollar COVID-19 relief plan, historic police reform, legalized sports wagering, and a wave of overrides of the governor’s vetoes.
House committee passes DC statehood bill
A House panel on Wednesday approved a bill granting statehood to the District of Columbia, setting the stage for a full House floor vote as early as next week. After hours of debate, the House Oversight and Reform Committee voted…
Biden to withdraw troops from Afghanistan starting May 1, ending by Sept. 11
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday he will begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan on May 1, completing a full withdrawal by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. “I’m now the fourth United States president to preside…
Pandemic upends usual procedures in adoptions and foster care
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced departments of social services and foster care programs across the nation to adapt. But for many children and youth, who rely on stability, there is still a lot of disruption, experts say.
Biden administration takes aim at improving Black maternal health care
Marking Black Maternal Health Week, the Biden administration is moving to put more federal resources behind improving Black maternal health care. “Make no mistake. Black women in our country are facing a maternal health crisis,” Vice President Kamala Harris said…
A look at a family’s journey of adopting amid a pandemic
Before the pandemic, the process of adopting a child took six to nine months. But now, it may take up to a year, according to Stephanie King, program manager for the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s therapeutic foster program in Baltimore.
About Essential and Exposed
These stories were produced by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, part of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, in collaboration with journalists from Boston University, the University of Arkansas and Stanford University. The mission…
Bias training bill passes in Maryland Legislature
A bill that would, among other things, mandate healthcare workers participate in implicit bias training, is on the desk of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R.