By ZACH SELBY and CHRIS CIOFFI Capital News Service WASHINGTON – John McCain, “a drum major for courage, truth and justice,” was honored by family, friends and colleagues Friday in a United States Capitol Rotunda service. “This is one of…
Amazon incentive plan awaits Governor’s signature
Governor Hogan’s $8.5 billion incentive plan to help convince Amazon to build its second headquarters in Montgomery County won final legislative approval in Annapolis on Wednesday sending the bill on to the Governor for his signature.
Annapolis roundup: Bill signing; veto override; census suit
Governor Larry Hogan signed seven bills while two of his vetoes were overridden. Meanwhile, Maryland joined 19 other states to sue the federal government over citizenship questions on the 2020 census.
Maryland craft brewers hope to press for revamping laws next year
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – The state’s craft brewing community and its allies failed to convince the legislature this year to ease restrictions on the production and distribution of craft beer, but the industry expects to try again next session. “The battle…
Supreme Court to hear Maryland gerrymandering case on Wednesday
It’s been years in coming and tomorrow, Maryland’s gerrymandering case that’s been making its way through the courts, ends up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Congressional lines were re-drawn between 2010 and 2011 by state legislative leaders–all Democrats. Soon after some residents of the state’s Sixth Congressional District filed suit. Opponents claimed that the congressional lines had been gerrymandered by the Democrats, violating their First Amendment rights and reducing the chances for a Republican to be elected from that district.
Buildings demolished to help Baltimore fight crime, rebuild neighborhoods
They’re boarded up and crumbling down. Blocks of abandoned houses in Baltimore are being demolished as part of city and state’s joint Project C.O.R.E.–Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise. Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh says the buildings being targeted often contribute to the sale and use of drugs and other criminal gang activity. She says that bringing those structures down and rebuilding those neighborhoods and communities will help to push the city forward.
Non-public school students rally at the State House to encourage continued state aid
Students came from across the state, missing school for the day, so that they could meet with lawmakers in Annapolis. They were all part of the Council of American Private Education (CAPE) annual Advocacy Day promoting its BOOST program. With help from the state, the BOOST program provides scholarships to students to help cover the cost the attending the state’s nonpublic schools.
Baltimore City police use swimming to bridge gap with youth
Baltimore has had a difficult time in recent years with a growing violent crime problem and turmoil in the police department. But there are still ongoing efforts to build relationships within the community in the hopes of turning things around. One such program takes aim at some of the city’s youngest residents. That program has kids and officers taking to the water together.
General Assembly celebrates Shock Trauma leader’s decades of service
Dr. Thomas Scalea has spent the past 20 years pioneering new methods of treating trauma in Maryland. Most recently, he is working to spread the “Stop The Bleed” program to make tourniquets common in public spaces.
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.