Bill would mandate teaching about the Holocaust in schools

A recent survey found that almost one fifth of those between 18 and 34 had not heard of–or were not sure if they heard of–the Holocaust. With that in mind, Montgomery County Senator Ben Kramer is sponsoring a bill that would require a course on the Holocaust be taught in all public and private schools throughout the state.

Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants

The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.

Annual Montgomery County program helps with preparing women leaders for the future

The theme for this year’s annual Women’s Legislative Briefing, sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, was “Women Igniting and Achieving Change.” Elected officials, activists and future leaders spent the day on issues impacting women and young girls throughout the state.

State’s largest animal shelter gets $250,000 grant for Valentine’s Day

The Petco Foundation on Wednesday surprised BARCS–the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter –with a $250,000 grant in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The shelter is the largest in the state with over 12-thousand animals taken in every year.

Valentine’s Day’s roots are more than candy and roses

Roses, chocolates and cards are how we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, but that isn’t how it was celebrated in A.D. 269. Saint Valentine was known for bringing lovers together but was eventually martyred for it. February 14, the day of his death, is now what we know as Valentine’s Day.

Maryland state senator called to active duty during the legislative session

Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith is being deployed. Smith, a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, will soon be on his way to Afghanistan ten days before the 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly wraps up.

Maryland lawmakers push bill to simplify financial aid for independent students

WASHINGTON – Maryland lawmakers are proposing a bill to simplify the process of applying for federal aid for students who have no contact with their parents. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Timonium, and John Sarbanes, D-Towson, introduced the FAFSA…

Legislation would stiffen penalties for ransomware attacks

Using ransomware to hold computers hostage would draw stiffer penalties under legislation — prompted in part by attacks on Maryland hospitals over the past few years — state lawmakers are considering.

Hoyer slams Trump’s border emergency claims, says there’s no border crisis

WASHINGTON — With the threat of another government shutdown looming, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, took aim Wednesday at President Donald Trump’s claims of a border emergency, saying “there is no crisis.” “The bottom line he found is (the…