More than two years after the final U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, over 70,000 refugees from that nation are living in a legal limbo that Congress has yet to change. But Bipartisan legislation, known as the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA), was introduced in July in the Senate and the House. It would provide Afghans who sought refuge in the United States with a pathway to apply for permanent legal residency.
Lead persists as problem in holiday gifts, environmental cost
Lead poisoning has hit the news recently with pollution from leaded aviation gasoline, poisoning from applesauce pouches and federal lead pipe replacement projects. But some lead poisoning threats come during the holiday gift-giving season from jewelry, toys, makeup and other gifts.
Lawmakers propose reforms to Peace Corps amid budget uncertainty
For decades, the Peace Corps has been championed as a hallmark of cultural exchange and international service. In recent years, the agency has also faced problems with mental health discrimination, sexual assault and racial bias. Some reforms are included in bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last summer.
Board of Public Works approves purchase of Wicomico County watershed forest land
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Department of Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 20 acres of forested land in Wicomico County Wednesday for $49,000. The new plot will help maintain the water quality of the Nanticoke River watershed and preserve the habitat of species endemic to forest interiors.
Senate panel gives thumbs up to Maryland’s O’Malley as next Social Security commissioner
The Senate Finance Committee voted 17–10 Tuesday to advance to the full Senate the nomination of former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to be the next commissioner of the Social Security Administration. O’Malley’s nomination now awaits a confirmation vote by the full Senate. If confirmed, O’Malley would head the federal agency for a term ending in January 2025.
New MCAP results show signs of recovery from pandemic learning loss in English and math while science declines
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests for grades 3 to 8. The results show that student proficiency in English Language Arts has surpassed the level it was at before the pandemic. Math scores have improved, but have yet to fully rebound from the pandemic, while science scores have declined, according to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
School principals prepare to implement the Blueprint For Maryland’s Future
As Maryland rolls out the 2021 landmark education reform law called the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, many school administrators are unsure what the plan means for their schools.
The lights are up and Washington’s Downtown Holiday Market is open
Located along F Street N.W. between 7th and 9th Streets, next to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.’s Holiday Market is open.
Historic Laurel Park faces shaky future
A determination will come from the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to make recommendations on the redevelopment of Laurel Park and Pimlico racecourses – the two most prominent, historic, but aging, Thoroughbred racetracks in the state.
Endangered Species Act at 50: wins, losses and controversy
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, one the the most influential conservation laws in U.S. history. But, the occasion is marred by 21 species newly classified as extinct.