CDC releases new COVID-19 community-level tracker as cases decrease across the nation

The tracker is part of the CDC’s effort to analyze daily COVID-19 numbers by individual communities. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky explained that this new system is intended to help guide research toward more efficient precautionary measures.

Broad coalition launches effort to help resettle Afghan refugees; Hogan urges aid

Following the withdrawal of American troops in Afghanistan, this new initiative, Welcome.US, allows Americans to easily donate money to frontline organizations, host families or provide essential services.

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.

Maryland lawmakers close out 2019 session, honor Speaker Michael Busch

Maryland lawmakers worked through bills and meetings to close the 2019 state legislative session on Sine Die, despite the somber mood set by Speaker Michael Busch’s death.

Maryland voters maintain high approval of Hogan

Despite being in a largely Democratic state, Republican Governor Larry Hogan continues to get an overwhelming approval by Marylanders, according to the latest Gonzales Poll.

Schools may start before Labor Day as Senate bill advances

After several days of debate, a Senate bill to effectively rescind Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day passed 31-13 on Tuesday, with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no.

Maryland Senate votes to return school start dates to local school boards

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in 2016, requiring Maryland’s public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. Now, Maryland senators are pushing back, approving legislation giving local public school boards throughout the state the authority, again, to determine the start and end date of the schools in their county. The measure now moves on to the House.

Senate committee hears testimony on governor’s Judicial Transparency Act

Members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard heated testimony for and against Governor Hogan’s proposed Judicial Transparency Act of 2019. The bill would require a state Sentencing Commission to publish an annual report that includes detailed, judge-by-judge information about the sentences handed down to convicted violent offenders.

School safety app and hotline rolled out to help prevent school shootings

Governor Hogan has announced the launch of a 24-hour tip line and a mobile app for Maryland students to help prevent school shootings. The goal is for students, parents, teachers and anyone else to report troubling behavior to try and avoid possible problems. The hotline and the app are anonymous and operate 24 hours a day.

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.