ANNAPOLIS -Despite progress in closing the health care gap between minorities and whites, a legislative panel says millions of dollars is needed to ensure better access and better quality health care in minority communities

ANNAPOLIS – More than two of every three Marylanders favor an outright ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, once again putting the spotlight on a legislation that has been killed in the General Assembly for the past four years

WASHINGTON – Maryland collects less in taxes and fees than most other states relative to its economy, according to a study released Wednesday by the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute

ANNAPOLIS – Fishery scientist Stephanie Reynolds had wanted to bring an oyster aquarium into the plush meeting room of the House Environmental Matters Committee to demonstrate how oysters can filter water from murky to clear in a matter of minutes

ANNAPOLIS – Following the death last week of a young man in custody, juvenile justice advocates pressured Maryland lawmakers Tuesday for stronger legislative oversight of the Department of Juvenile Services

ANNAPOLIS – The O’Malley administration on Tuesday said it will try to meet a May 2008 federal deadline for tightening security in issuing drivers’ licenses and other state identification

WASHINGTON – It’s the useless deaths that are bringing Gilda Carbonaro to the National Mall today

ANNAPOLIS – The timing seemed too perfect to be a coincidence

ANNAPOLIS – It was below freezing Friday morning on a sunny little peninsula in Harness Creek

WASHINGTON – Mental health patients deserve the same treatment under insurance plans as other medical patients, according to Rep