Maryland

States, White House gear up to bring prescription costs down

Maryland’s prescription drug affordability board will evaluate eight drugs for potential cost reduction. The federal government could help move the process along, one expert says.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Port aid, protections for highway and election workers signed into law

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed bills supporting Baltimore-area businesses and workers affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

  • By Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters

Study: Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers produce as much pollution as long car trips

A report from the Maryland Department of the Environment report recommends that state and local governments promote the use of electric lawn equipment instead of air polluting tools like leafblowers.

  • By Josh Kurtz, Maryland Matters

Digital Driver’s Licenses Expand

Maryland has become the first state to offer digital licenses and IDs for both Apple and Android devices. At least 17 states allow for digital licenses.

  • By Susan Miller

States Should Improve Opportunities for Older Youth in Foster Care Systems

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report said more investments are needed toward job training, post-secondary education and stable housing for those in foster care between the ages of 14 and 21.

  • By William J. Ford, Maryland Matters

Governor Recommits Maryland to Highest National Climate Goals for EV Sales

Gov. Wes Moore's decision reverses one by former Gov. Larry Hogan to pause Maryland's participation in meeting the California standard for electric vehicles.

  • By Josh Kurtz, Maryland Matters

State & Local Roundup: A Historic Week for a New Governor

Plus: Pennsylvania ditches state job degree requirements. Pickleball! News you can use from across the country.

  • By Elizabeth Daigneau

With New Power in 4 States, Democrats Prepare to Push for Previously Blocked Priorities

After key midterm wins, the party will gain additional “trifectas” in 2023, holding both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. The change will unlock new policymaking possibilities.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

A Governor Declares Dec. 23 a Holiday for State Employees

"This is just another way to show our appreciation to our dedicated state workers," the state chief executive said.

  • By Bill Lucia

States Post Yellow Alerts to Try to Nab Hit-and-Run Drivers

Hit-and-run crash fatalities in the United States jumped 26% from 2019 to 2020.

  • By Jenni Bergal, Stateline

The Rise of the Trump Agenda in This Year's Governors Races

Republicans in a number of key gubernatorial contests want to pursue priorities in state government aligned with the former president's platform. Will the strategy work to win over voters?

  • By Daniela Altimari

Maryland is Ending 4-year Degree Requirements for Thousands of State Government Jobs

Officials there say the proposal is first of its kind among states. It comes as agencies are grappling with worker shortages.

  • By Bill Lucia
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The States and Counties Taking Russian Vodka Off Liquor Store Shelves

Removing Russian-made products from government-run stores “is just the right thing to do,” one official said.

  • By Andre Claudio

Librarians Now Frontline Workers in Combating Covid-19

Public libraries nationwide are handing out test kits and masks in a growing effort by counties and cities to better protect their residents from the virus.

  • By Andre Claudio

Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Covid Surge

Coronavirus hospitalizations in Maryland are headed towards a record peak, said Gov. Larry Hogan, who is activating state National Guard members to help with response efforts.

  • By Bill Lucia

8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.

A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.

  • By Andre Claudio

Black People Killed by Police at More Than Twice the Rate of Whites

An analysis of police violence also shows that the National Vital Statistics System misclassified and underreported about 55% of the estimated deaths by law enforcement for nearly 30 years.

  • By Andre Claudio

State Lawmaker Accepts $15,000 Fine for Legislating from Operating Room

A Maryland delegate who is also a plastic surgeon participated in two legislative meetings while operating, an oversight board found.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Using Rapid Drug Analysis to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths

A partnership between the Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Health will allow for faster and broader testing of illicit drugs found in the state.

  • By Andrea Noble

How Public Health Officials Overcame Vaccine Barriers in Minority Communities

A series of reports issued by the Communivax Coalition explores resistance to Covid-19 vaccinations in four states and strategies to improve immunization rates.

  • By Andrea Noble

The Safest and Least Safe Cities in the U.S.

Columbia, Maryland tops a list for safest cities, while St. Louis is at the bottom, according to a recent report.

  • By Andre Claudio