Articles by Brian Witte

Maryland Governor Requires All State Agencies to Submit Climate Change Plans

State agencies in Maryland will be required to submit a plan to help address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, under an executive order signed by Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday. The plan calls for all state agencies to …

Maryland Governor Signs Bills on Gun Safety Center, Minimum Firearms Standards

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a bill into law last Thursday to create a new statewide center to help prevent gun violence. The governor described the center as the first of its kind since the White House urged states to …

Maryland Hopes to Rebuild Baltimore Bridge for $1.9B With Insurance, Federal, Other Funds

Maryland plans to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in just over four years at an estimated cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, a state transportation official said Thursday. The state plans to build a new span by fall …

Maryland Launches Programs to Help Port of Baltimore Businesses and Workers

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced last Friday the start of a program to help Port of Baltimore businesses retain employees in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The $12.5 million program aims to prevent layoffs while recovery …

Investigators Focus on Electrical System of Ship That Hit Baltimore Bridge

During the initial stages of a federal probe into the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the …

University of Maryland Lifts Suspensions on Most Fraternities Amid Hazing Probe

The University of Maryland has lifted its suspension of most fraternities and sororities after an investigation into hazing and alcohol-related activities, the university said Friday, though five chapters will remain under investigation and continue to be subject to limited restrictions …

Maryland Governor Signs Order on AI Use, Creates Cybersecurity Task Force

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Monday announced a starting point for addressing the use of artificial intelligence in state government, as well as efforts to bolster cybersecurity. The governor signed an executive order that he described as setting fundamental principles …

Maryland Man Wrongly Imprisoned for 32 Years Gets $2.9M

A Maryland board approved $2.9 million in compensation Wednesday for a man who was wrongly imprisoned for 32 years, including a decade on death row, for two murders he did not commit. John Huffington was pardoned by former Gov. Larry …

Maryland Begins Sales of Recreational Marijuana

Maryland is becoming the latest state to legally sell recreational marijuana, as businesses aim to tap into July Fourth festivities to kick off sales. About 100 stores already licensed to sell cannabis for medicinal purposes were able to begin selling …

Maryland Revises Gun Laws in Response to Supreme Court’s Bruen Ruling

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed gun-control measures into law on Tuesday, after lawmakers passed measures this year in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The high court’s ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen last …