NEWS
By Erin Cox, The Baltimore Sun | April 22, 2013
National Rifle Association President David Keene said Wednesday the organization will pursue lawsuits in two states where Democratic governors are believed to have presidential aspirations, but it might not challenge new state gun laws elsewhere. "We're already in court in New York, and we will be in court in Maryland," Keene said in an interview. "Our feeling is that you've got a case in two states in particular that are one-party states. They both have governors who, when they close their eyes, see themselves in the White House.
NEWS
By Erin Cox, The Baltimore Sun | April 17, 2013
First lady Michelle Obama came to Annapolis on Wednesday to praise a new Maryland law, saying it sets a national standard for removing barriers for veterans in transition to the civilian workforce. The legislation - unanimously approved by the General Assembly - was signed into law by the governor Wednesday as Obama looked on. It requires agencies to expedite the processing for veterans of 70 professional licenses, including those for nurses, paramedics and teachers. The measure also spells out how agencies and universities should translate military education and experience for licensing purposes and college credits.
NEWS
By Scott Dance, The Baltimore Sun | February 6, 2013
When Phylicia Barnes' disappearance drew national attention two years ago, it prompted calls for stronger response to reports of missing children - particularly minorities. Some who made those pleas said Wednesday that Michael Maurice Johnson's conviction in Barnes' murder validated their efforts. The case spurred the General Assembly to pass "Phylicia's Law" in 2012, promoting better coordination of law enforcement and search efforts in the crucial first hours after children go missing.
NEWS
By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun | February 5, 2013
A Western Maryland paper mill and several others in the region have collected millions of dollars over the past eight years by taking advantage of an obscure provision in a state law that is supposed to encourage the development of wind, solar and other renewable energy projects. The paper manufacturers routinely burn waste byproducts from their mills to make the energy to run them. But since 2005, they've been getting paid to do so by selling "renewable energy credits" to power companies, which can buy the paper waste credits rather than purchase ones generated by the sun or wind.
NEWS
By Douglas F. Gansler | January 14, 2013
It has been one month since the devastating tragedy in Newtown, Conn., and most of us are still trying to come to grips with the events of that terrible day. When gun violence rips through a community it is always hard to bear, but when the victims of the violence are innocent children, it is unbearable. We are left wondering how so many young lives could be taken so quickly, and how we can prevent it from happening again. In our national search for answers, many have understandably been drawn to solutions that might reduce a perpetrator's ability to kill multiple people in short order: restrictions on high-capacity magazines and semi-automatic assault rifles like the Bushmaster .223 used by Adam Lanza.
NEWS
By Arthur Hirsch, The Baltimore Sun | December 20, 2012
What a lovely spot for a veto. Clark's Farm in Ellicott City spreads out on 540 acres along Route 108, where cattle roam the pastures and where Humpty Dumpty, Willie the Whale, Little Red Riding Hood and other characters from the old Enchanted Forest theme park have found second homes. It's also the former home of the late state Sen. James Clark Jr., the father of Maryland's agricultural land preservation program. County Executive Ken Ulman chose the location this month to spike a piece of County Council legislation dealing with development rights on rural property - such as Clark's Farm, which has been in preservation since the 1980s.