By Katharine Wilson, Capital News Service Americans are reporting fewer frauds since a peak in 2021. However, experts at a Jan. 31 Senate hearing said scammers are only getting better at extracting more money from their victims. Witnesses and senators agreed that action is needed to fight this issue – but they differed on what […]
Author Archives: Capital News Service
Posted inDMV News
One year into Metro’s Silver Line extension, ridership is modest
By Ryan MercadoCapital News Service The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the last Silver Line stations in northern Virginia, despite modest ridership numbers. “We are thrilled the six new Silver Line stations have had more than 3.4 million trips since we opened last year,” WMATA […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Several Maryland Democrats expected to vie to replace Cardin
By Ian Decker, Capital News Service With long-serving Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin recently announcing his retirement, Democrats are likely to see a primary fight next year to replace him. So far, one Democrat – Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando – has announced his candidacy to replace Cardin, which most political observers consider a safe Democratic […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Biden infrastructure program so far has sent $2.6 billion to Maryland
By IAN DECKER, Capital News Service WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s infrastructure program so far has funneled $2.6 billion over the last two years to projects in Maryland, according to White House data. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by Biden in November 2021, has been touted as a once-in-a-generation piece of legislation and the president is […]
Posted inHealth
Light pollution has far-reaching effects on environment and human health
By Hunter Savery, Capital News Service It’s becoming more and more difficult to see the stars every year. This will come as no surprise to residents of cities like Washington and Baltimore, where it is often difficult to see more than the moon. Although it may not garner the same popular attention as other forms […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Federal banking rules make funding Maryland cannabis industry tricky
By GREG MORTON, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. – With less than a week left in Maryland’s legislative session, most elements of Maryland’s plan to create a legal market for cannabis have been decided. Bills on track to pass establish details like licenses to be allotted, the types of operators allowed and provisions to create […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Republicans apologize for harsh tone that ended House session
By MICHELLE LARKIN, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland Del. Nic Kipke, R-Anne Arundel, apologized to House Speaker Adrienne Jones Tuesday afternoon after he told her to “sit down” in the final minutes of this year’s General Assembly session in a harsh exchange over a provision to cannabis legislation. A debate between Democrats and […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Advocates call for Senate to pass ‘Safe Harbor’ protections for sex trafficking victims
By MICHELLE LARKIN, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Monique Smith was sex trafficked from New York to Maryland at age 1. Because of the abuse she suffered, she decided to run away to Florida at age 18, where she experienced prostitution and trafficking again. “As a survivor and advocate, I want to see more […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Controversial gun control bill advances in Maryland Senate
By JENNIFER GABLE, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Senate passed the controversial Gun Safety Act of 2023, which limits the circumstances where someone can carry a weapon even with a concealed carry permit, on Monday evening following a spirited debate. Initially sponsored by Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher, D-Montgomery, and then-Sen. Susan Lee, D-Montgomery, […]
Posted inU.S. Government
Supreme Court ruling could impact 800,000 Maryland student loan borrowers
By Hunter Savery, Capital News Service A ruling from the Supreme Court against the White House’s student debt relief program could impact more than 800,000 Maryland student loan borrowers who are currently eligible for relief according to data from the federal Department of Education. So far, about 320,000 Maryland borrowers have had their loans forgiveness […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Unpredictable cherry blossom bloom underscores climate change concerns
By Hannah Ziegler, Capital News Service After a mild winter in the Washington metro region triggered some local cherry blossom trees to bloom in early February, the National Park Service announced Wednesday that this spring’s peak bloom for the iconic trees will occur between March 23-25. The announcement signals that warmer winter weather across the […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Existing service year programs may provide model for Moore proposal
By KARA THOMPSON, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. — While details of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s service year option for high school graduates are still being worked out, there are many other existing service year programs in the state, nationally and worldwide that allow people to gain the experience and give back to the community […]