Supporters, opponents square off over proposed hike in state’s minimum wage

In a hearing before the House Economic Matters Committee, supporters of a proposed hike in Maryland’s minimum wage argued that the current rate leaves hundreds of thousands of the state’s working families trapped in a cycle of poverty. Opponents say that increasing the current $9.25 an hour to $15 would only hurt small businesses and possibly lead to the elimination of many jobs.

Annapolis rally calls on Governor to fully fund mental health, addiction aid

-Hundreds rallied on Lawyer’s Mall in front of the State House on Thursday to urge Governor Hogan to “keep the door open” for those suffering from mental and behavioral health challenges. The demonstrators say the General Assembly last year expanded a program to tackle the heroin and opioid addiction problem. But, they say, the Governor’s budget proposal fails to fully fund it.

Navy Marine-Corps Memorial Stadium begins transformation for Capitals Stadium Series match-up

The NHL has officially begun the transformation of the Navy Marine-Corps Memorial Stadium into an outdoor hockey rink where the Washington Capitals will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

League of Dreams gives children with special needs a chance at baseball

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — The University of Maryland baseball team partnered up with the League of Dreams organization to hold a baseball clinic for children with special needs. League of Dreams helps teach individuals with special needs the sport of baseball.…

State delegate works to make streets safer following grandson’s murder

There were 342 homicides in Baltimore last year. Among the victims, the grandson of Baltimore City Delegate Talmadge Branch. Branch is sponsoring legislation to try and expand a violence prevention program already operating in the city in the hopes of saving the lives of others

Montgomery County students walk out of class, demand change in gun legislation

Hundreds of Montgomery County students joined with others from around the region in a rally in front of the White House on Wednesday. The students say they wanted to add their voice to the students from Douglas High School in calling for changes in the law to prevent massacres at schools like the one last week at the Parkland, Florida school that left 17 students and faculty members dead.

College players and pros provide some special baseball lessons for area kids

Many children with special needs and autism from around Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. attended a baseball clinic hosted by the University of Maryland baseball team. The clinic was organized by League of Dreams, a non-profit foundation that focuses on teaching the game of baseball to children regardless of mental or physical disabilities.

Maryland delegate sponsors bill allowing school employees to carry guns

Baltimore-Harford County State Delegate Rick Impallaria says schools need a comprehensive plan and additional protocols to protect students and staff from tragedies like this week’s deadly high school shooting in Lakeland, Florida. Impallaria is asking the legislature to approve a bill that would allow school employees to carry guns on school grounds.

Bill proposes age limits on tackle football for young athletes

Good Counsel High School freshman William Leatherwood has been playing tackle football since second grade. Leatherwood says playing tackle football for so many years has helped get him to Good Counsel and their athletic program. But that could change for younger athletes in the future.

Anne Arundel County receives additional help to combat homelessness

It was only a couple of years ago that Ossie Jones had a good paying contractor’s job with the government. But, circumstances changed and she lost her job and, eventually, her home. Now, thanks to a local program, she’s back on her feet and starting over.