The Fines for Smoking in Public, Stops, and Searches law was approved during the final minutes of the 2023 session.
Annapolis
Problems persist in juvenile services schooling 2 years after transfer from education department
Two years after the Maryland General Assembly transferred responsibility for incarcerated students’ education from the state Education Department to an independent school board within the Juvenile Services Department, students confined in Maryland’s secure youth facilities continue to face multiple long-standing challenges.
Moore counters political polarization with positive messaging
Gov. Wes Moore flashed his signature smile to the crowd as he pointed to people saying, “We need you,” and thanking everyone like he’d just won an Oscar. The smile and shoutouts that punctuated the October launch of his service year program have become characteristic of Moore’s optimistic style.
Trans patients face geographic, availability barriers to care, medications
Gender-affirming care is a medically necessary group of treatments, including hormone therapy, alterations to voice, laser treatment and surgeries. But medical “care” also includes using the patient’s preferred pronouns and staying up-to-date on gender identities and protocols.
While access to gender-affirming care has improved in recent years, it still varies across Maryland. From finding experienced doctors to the availability of prescribed hormones, trans care can require a lot of work on the patient’s part.
Lead persists as problem in holiday gifts, environmental cost
Lead poisoning has hit the news recently with pollution from leaded aviation gasoline, poisoning from applesauce pouches and federal lead pipe replacement projects. But some lead poisoning threats come during the holiday gift-giving season from jewelry, toys, makeup and other gifts.
Board of Public Works approves purchase of Wicomico County watershed forest land
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Department of Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 20 acres of forested land in Wicomico County Wednesday for $49,000. The new plot will help maintain the water quality of the Nanticoke River watershed and preserve the habitat of species endemic to forest interiors.
Historic Laurel Park faces shaky future
A determination will come from the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to make recommendations on the redevelopment of Laurel Park and Pimlico racecourses – the two most prominent, historic, but aging, Thoroughbred racetracks in the state.
Maryland Republicans pledge to ‘restore balance’ with public safety agenda
The package would increase penalties for gun theft and violent firearms offenses, authorize law enforcement to search vehicles based on the smell of cannabis alone and limit eligibility for bail or reduced sentences for those charged with or convicted of violent crimes.
‘No more deliberation, there’s no more questioning:’ Maryland leaders defend FBI relocation
Maryland politicians defend the decision to relocate the FBI Headquarters to Greenbelt. The decision received criticism and allegations of corruption from Virginia politicians and the FBI Director.
As flood plans come to fruition, climate experts say they’ll quickly be inadequate
City Dock floods more than 50 times a year, often forcing business owners along Dock Street to close up shop.