With pandemic benefits ending, Maryland and U.S. poverty rates could rise

The combination of different federal initiatives implemented throughout the pandemic has supported large populations enough to prevent them from falling into poverty. However, as these temporary solutions are coming to an end, it may have detrimental effects on these populations that have been relying heavily on this financial support.

International travel for Americans could open up in some countries this summer

With summer almost upon us and families looking to travel for vacation, countries around the world are still wary about letting international travelers across their borders. But recent statements from the European Commission, as well as signs from some other…

Emergency first responders doing vital but dangerous work during the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency first responders’ efforts have increased in both necessity and danger. Emergency medical services workers are some of the most vulnerable front-line workers, but they have gone almost unnoticed in reporting about front-line workers during the pandemic.

Disconnected: Students struggle with e-learning obstacles, lawmakers earmark solutions

Students say hotspots and low-cost internet packages don’t bridge the digital divide in two of Maryland’s least-connected districts. Lawmakers and state officials say it’s time for a statewide approach and to start considering internet access as a basic utility.

Health experts cite virus’s effect on Maryland’s Latino community

Latino communities in Maryland have been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic because of shared housing situations, lack of access to government benefits and distrust in health officials, experts told a legislative panel last month.

In Wicomico County, a couple struggles to stay afloat with underwater mortgage

SALISBURY, Maryland – Each week, John Peters does yard work for neighbors, shuttles friends to doctors’ appointments and works as a janitor at Crossroads Church of God. The jobs bring in extra money used to keep the family afloat while…

With Record Day postponed to June, stores look to new ways to sell vinyl

Matthew Moffatt, the owner of Smash! Records in Washington, D.C., was looking forward to Record Store Day, the annual April event when music fans descend upon local record stores to purchase limited-release music recorded on vinyl. Music stores, like all…

A familiar face rejoins Maryland’s congressional delegation

Kweisi Mfume, 71, once again is representing Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, which includes parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the majority of Howard County. The district formerly was represented by Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died last October.

Seafood industry visa fix collides with coronavirus, leaves great uncertainty

WASHINGTON – With the aid of lawmakers, seafood businesses in Maryland, Virginia, Alaska and North Carolina last month won federal approval of an additional 35,000 visas for non-immigrant workers, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. Within days, the coronavirus…

Extremists trying to take advantage of coronavirus crisis to recruit

White supremacists across the nation are attempting to capitalize on the crisis to take advantage of the scared and confused in hopes of recruiting new followers.