The Maryland State Department of Education moved to authorize standardized testing in the Spring. The testing format will be shorter this year and will only include mathematics and english language arts. Both in-person and virtual learners will be required to do testing.
Baltimore organizations work to get COVID relief money to underserved residents
Mayor Brandon Scott relaunched a $6 million emergency COVID relief program for the city. The program begins March 1, distributing $400 debit cards to up to 15,000 households with a focus on marginalized communities.
Fraudulent unemployment claims present concerns in Maryland
Unemployment claims in Maryland have increased greatly since the start of the pandemic, and more than half filed since January were found to be fraudulent.
Maryland General Assembly targets suicide prevention
A series of bills aimed at improving mental health care systems in Maryland are under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly.
Bill would grant Maryland high school seniors added year of eligibility
A bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly would grant public high school senior athletes an added year of eligibility to make up for the challenges and interruptions that the coronavirus pandemic brought.
Vaccine Hunters take control of appointment search
Residents disgruntled by tumultuous vaccine rollout and inability to book appointments collaborate through a booming Facebook group called Maryland Vaccine Hunters.
Lawmakers launch new effort at tightening background checks on gun sales
Amidst a surge in firearms sales, lawmakers in the Senate and House have introduced legislation expanding background checks for all gun purchases. “Background checks are simple, easy, and they save lives. That’s why more than 90 percent of Americans support…
Biden’s COVID relief plan includes $130 billion to help schools reopen
President Joe Biden’s $130 billion school reopening plan focuses on making schools safer for teachers and students, although returning to school remains a contentious and difficult issue. Reopening the majority of K-8 schools within his first 100 days in office…
D.C. statehood backers mobilize behind legislation that faces tough odds
Advocates for making the District of Columbia the 51st state have introduced bills with record numbers of sponsors in Congress, but it still will take a hefty effort to win a final victory on an issue that has dogged the…
A Maryland House bill is working to help patients with medical debt
Silver Spring, MD – Between 2009 and 2018, Maryland Hospitals have sued patients more than 145,000 times over unpaid medical bills, according to National Nurses United. A bill in the Maryland House aims to put a stop to patients losing their income and housing over unpaid bills that can be under $1,000.