Despite some good news from the first quarter of this year, cocaine-related deaths have skyrocketed annually in Maryland since 2015, with nearly half of those occurring in Baltimore. The vast majority of those deaths — 82%, according to the Maryland Department of Health — involved fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous synthetic opioid.
Opening the curtains: The data behind 90 days in Annapolis
Capital News Service gathered data from the 2019 legislative session and conducted an analysis to report on some of the most striking takeaways from the General Assembly.
Hundreds gather in Annapolis to honor Michael Busch
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Politicians, dignitaries and the general public gathered Monday afternoon at the Maryland State House to pay their respects to the late House Speaker Michael Busch.
Remembering Michael Busch, Maryland’s longtime House Speaker
On Sunday, Michael Busch passed away. He was 72. Busch spent over three decades in the Maryland House of Delegates, and 16 years as the Speaker. He was a mentor to both sides of the aisle, a staple of Maryland politics, and a friend to many. As the general assembly wrapped up, everyone’s hearts were with the late Speaker.
Final day of General Assembly filled with sorrow as the legislature wraps up
Final day of General Assembly filled with sorrow as the legislature wraps up.
Success, failure, mourning at close of Md. General Assembly
It was a bittersweet and busy day for Maryland legislators as they pushed to get their bills through both House and Senate chambers on Sine Die, the final day of the General Assembly on Monday.
Acting Baltimore mayor draws lawmakers’ optimism, support
Members of the General Assembly from Baltimore said they have confidence in ex-officio Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, the city council’s president, after meeting with him early Tuesday morning. Young is taking over the city’s helm after Mayor Catherine Pugh — who is under scrutiny for undeclared sales of children’s books to and through organizations doing business with the city — stepped aside for health reasons.
Maryland House votes to reprimand Delegate Jay Jalisi
Two days after the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics released a damaging 16-page report on what it called an “ongoing pattern of bullying and abusive workplace behavior” the Maryland House of Delegates voted to reprimand Baltimore County Delegate Jay Jalisi.
Legislation seeks increase in education funding according to recommendations from the Kirwan Commission
Lawmakers urged the General Assembly to approve a funding plan based on the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.” The proposed legislation is an outgrowth of the work being done by the Kirwan commission which is looking at ways to improve Maryland’s school system and provide students with the resources to succeed in college and their careers.
Ex-offenders seek second chance in the workforce
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Those who have committed crimes often have a tough transition back into the workforce. On the national Day of Empathy, a group hit the halls in Annapolis to lobby lawmakers for the removal of questions regarding criminal…