State government

The package is expected to draw opposition some groups and politicians in Maryland who believe each locality should be given autonomy over how to control housing within their borders.

The Democrat urged the room filled with cabinet members, prosecutors, law enforcement and lawmakers — some of whom have been at the center of debate over the state’s troubled youth legal system — to “lead together” to keep Marylanders safe.

With only 90 days to turn ideas into laws, legislative leadership sets priorities on what could be hotly contested issues well before opening day. Here’s a look at some of the biggest challenges before them this year.

A group of state agencies will study how AI can incrementally and ethically be used in state government operations, such as workforce development and economic development, and protecting people from the risks of AI.

Children need protection from risks of online abuse and addiction stemming from their social media engagement, Maryland Del. C.T. Wilson says.

Maryland must move to eliminate biases that create disadvantages for Black homeowners in valuations and tax assessments, says Aja’ Mallory, an attorney whose practice focuses on housing and consumer issues.

Stacy Rodgers, who’s overseen Baltimore County government operations for almost five years, intends to retire from county government in April 2024.

What we learned from the latest plan to revitalize Maryland horse racing.

A new plan for reviving thoroughbred horse racing in Maryland would center the industry around a revitalized Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights that would be owned by a new state entity.

The nonprofit organization represents thousands of women in court each year and advocates for laws that protect and promote women’s rights. “I thought it would be a perfect blend of the experience I’ve had as a prosecutor and a jurist,” O'Malley said of her new role.

A key Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center official is out after a pointed letter from top lawmakers prompted a DJS investigation into the failure to detain kids accused of violent crimes.

Maryland must continue to carry out legislative initiatives to make public transportation more available and equitable, state Sen. Cory McCray says.

This go-round of talks is Gov. Wes Moore’s first with the labor union, which represents approximately 20,000 state workers who would be affected by the deal’s outcome.

Critics of a law that requires minors in custody to talk with a lawyer say it hurts police investigations. Defenders say it’s critical to ensuring that youths understand their constitutional rights before they potentially waive them.

Manufacturers must be held accountable for risks from "forever chemicals," says an attorney who represents individuals in environmental pollution cases across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Communities in South Baltimore neighborhoods along the Patapsco River can thrive alongside the industrial facilities there, Brad Rogers, executive director of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, says.

A new minimum wage, fewer telephone spam calls and updates to health insurance coverage are coming to Maryland with the start of the new year.

Maryland’s underfunding of its Office of the Public Defender has left hundreds of positions unfilled, making it harder for the office to provide clients with the services they need, says Marci Tarrant Johnson, president of the Maryland Defenders Union.

YesCare will keep providing medical care to incarcerated people while the state reviews bids for a new contract.

Maryland’s combined medical and recreational cannabis market could hit $1.1 billion in sales over the first 12 months, according to the state’s top regulator.