By Michael Eugene Johnson To be a Black man in Baltimore, 2026 is to live in a state of profound, exhausting duality. It is to walk the streets of a city that is simultaneously breaking historic records for safety and still grappling with the jagged, unhealed remains of a century of systemic neglect. As we […]
Tag: General Assembly
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: It’s time to allow beer and wine sales in Maryland’s grocery stores
The Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. argues that Maryland’s ban on beer and wine sales in grocery stores is discouraging full-service grocers from locating in underserved neighborhoods, worsening food access and community decline. The author argues that allowing these sales would help attract supermarkets, reduce vacant properties and give families better access to healthy, affordable meals.
Posted inMaryland Government
Annual report reveals health insurance denials rarely challenged, but appeals often successful
Maryland Attorney General Brown is proud to announce that the Health Education and Advocacy Unit saved nearly $2.6 million for patients in FY 2025.
Posted inNational News
South Carolina lawmakers haven’t been paid after one of their own sued over raise
South Carolina lawmakers have gone unpaid for months after a lawsuit challenged the first legislative raise in 30 years. The state Supreme Court froze both the increase and current payments, leaving legislators to cover expenses out of pocket until the case is resolved or the next session begins.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland governor announces hiring freeze to mitigate budget cutsÂ
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a statewide hiring freeze starting July 1 to address a $121 million budget cut imposed by the General Assembly, drawing criticism from citizens and Republican lawmakers. The move, seen as conflicting with Moore’s recent efforts to support unemployed federal workers, includes additional cost-saving measures like voluntary separations and eliminating vacant positions.
Posted inTransportation
Red Line and other transit projects face tough odds this spring
Maryland lawmakers are putting transit priorities, including Baltimore’s Red Line, on hold due to bleak federal funding prospects and a search for savings in the state budget, while some lawmakers argue that investing in transit is essential for economic growth and rural transit agencies are struggling to provide reliable service.