Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Author Archives: Brian Witte
Associated Press
Posted inClimate Change
Chesapeake Bay health grade dips after hottest year on record and extreme rainfall patterns
The Chesapeake Bay’s health declined from a C-plus to a C in the latest annual report, with scientists attributing the drop to extreme weather patterns during the hottest year on record. Despite the setback, long-term trends show improvement in key areas like dissolved oxygen, aquatic grasses, and nutrient levels, though challenges from climate change and declining water clarity remain.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Police: 3 dead, 3 wounded in shooting at Maryland home stemming from dispute
By BRIAN WITTE. June 12, 2023 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Three people were killed and three wounded in a shooting Sunday night at a house in Maryland’s capital city, police said. Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson told reporters at a media briefing that the shooting stemmed from what he described as an “interpersonal dispute” and […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland lawmakers reach deal on state budget
By Brian Witte, The Associated Press Maryland lawmakers got past their differences and reached a deal March 31on the state’s $62.5 billion budget that includes making major investments in prekindergarten through 12th grade education. In one major highlight, they agreed to allocate $900 million for future costs to the state’s huge pre-K-12 education funding reform […]
Posted inHealth
As many as 80K Marylanders could lose Medicaid eligibility
By Brian Witte, The Associated Press Maryland officials are preparing for as many as 80,000 residents who could no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage this spring, as the federal government reinstates a requirement that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic for states to verify the eligibility of recipients. Michele Eberle, the executive director of the Maryland […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity
By Brian Witte, The Associated Press Maryland is working toward creating a recreational marijuana industry with greater social equity, lawmakers said Feb. 3, with more licenses for minority-owned businesses and proceeds directed to areas adversely impacted by the war on drugs. The measure before the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, will enable the […]
Posted inMaryland Government
In Maryland, Moore elected as state’s first Black governor
By BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Democrat Wes Moore was elected Maryland’s first Black governor Tuesday, defeating Republican Dan Cox in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Moore’s victory flips a governor’s office from Republican to Democratic. Of the 36 governor’s races this year, Maryland and Massachusetts represented the best chances […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Wes Moore, Black Democrats aiming to make Maryland history
By Brian Witte,The Associated Press Wes Moore could soon make history if elected Maryland’s first Black governor, and he’s not alone: Rep. Anthony Brown would be the state’s first Black attorney general. Aruna Miller, Moore’s running mate who emigrated from India, would be the first Asian-American elected statewide in Maryland. If these Democrats win — […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Prosecutors drop charges against Adnan Syed in ‘Serial’ case
By BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Prosecutors dropped charges against Adnan Syed on Tuesday in the 1999 killing of Hae Min after additional DNA testing excluded him as a suspect in a case chronicled by the hit podcast “Serial.” Marilyn Mosby, the state’s attorney for the city of Baltimore, said her office would continue […]
Posted inNational News
‘Serial’ host: evidence that freed Syed was long available
By Brian Witte, The Associated Press The creator of a true-crime podcast that helped free a Maryland man imprisoned for two decades said on Sept. 20, that she feels a mix of emotions over how long it took authorities to act on evidence that’s long been available. The judge’s order to release Adnan Syed and […]
Posted inPolitics
Wes Moore wins Democratic primary race, secures party nomination for governor
By BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Bestselling author Wes Moore won the Democratic primary for Maryland governor on Friday, setting up a general election contest against Republican Dan Cox, a hard-line conservative endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Moore, the author of the book “The Other Wes Moore” and the former CEO of […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore prosecutor Marilyn Mosby defeated in primary
By BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Marilyn Mosby, a high-profile prosecutor who aligned herself with criminal justice reformers but ended up with legal problems of her own, has lost the Democratic primary for Baltimore state’s attorney to Ivan Bates, a defense attorney. Baltimore is heavily Democratic, and there is no Republican candidate […]