Maryland lawmakers look to increase the age to buy tobacco products

State lawmakers are being asked to approve legislation that would raise the age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. If approved and signed into law, Maryland would become the seventh state to increase the age for purchasing tobacco products.

Supreme Court hears oral arguments for Bladensburg Peace Cross case

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday for the Bladensburg Peace Cross, a controversial 40-foot-tall World War I monument. The prosecution says the cross is a violation of the Establishment Clause and separation of church and state. The defense argues the monument serves as a secular memorial for the fallen soldiers.

House Democrats introduce bill to fight voter suppression

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed, ensuring the right to vote to black voters as well as enforcing oversight of places where voter suppression was common. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the oversight requirement. House Democrats want to bring it back to guarantee that exclusionary voting laws are not passed.

Katsucon 2019 created a world of fantastical characters

NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – By day, Jamal Johns works as a luxury jewelry consultant in New York’s Soho neighborhood. By night, he crafts elaborate costumes. At last weekend’s Katsucon, Johns was strolling the Gaylord National Convention Center in his latest…

Maryland lawmakers looking to increase transparency in the USM Board of Regents

Legislators are pushing to improve the University of Maryland System Board of Regents’ transparency through proposing a bill that would add members and create other changes to increase openness.

Preparations underway for latest winter storm

The State Highway Administration started days ahead of the Wednesday’s snowfall to prepare roads around Maryland for the latest winter storm. Locals also made sure they were ready with snow removal supplies for the predicted snowfall of up to six inches.

Anne Arundel teen maintains silent State House protest to support the environment

14-year-old Kallan Benson is making her voice heard…through silence. The Crownsville teenager is staging her protest in the shadows of the Maryland State House through the entire 90 days of the legislative session. Kallan wants lawmakers to approve legislation calling for an amendment to the state constitution guaranteeing the public’s right to clean air, clean water and a clean environment.

Bill would mandate teaching about the Holocaust in schools

A recent survey found that almost one fifth of those between 18 and 34 had not heard of–or were not sure if they heard of–the Holocaust. With that in mind, Montgomery County Senator Ben Kramer is sponsoring a bill that would require a course on the Holocaust be taught in all public and private schools throughout the state.

Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants

The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.

Annual Montgomery County program helps with preparing women leaders for the future

The theme for this year’s annual Women’s Legislative Briefing, sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, was “Women Igniting and Achieving Change.” Elected officials, activists and future leaders spent the day on issues impacting women and young girls throughout the state.