Maryland likely to become sanctuary state in wake of abortion ruling
Abortion remains legal in Maryland after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday overturning Roe v. Wade, but advocates and experts warned that the broad ruling could still have significant consequences here. As other states enact abortion bans, Maryland is likely to become something of a sanctuary state for women seeking to terminate pregnancies, said Del. Ariana B. Kelly, D-Montgomery County. Kelly helped pass a law this year that broadened the types of medical practitioners who can provide abortions to include nurse practitioners, certified midwives and physicians’ assistants.
At the Baltimore Basilica, a prayer for states to respect life
On the first Sunday following the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Rev. James Boric addressed a congregation at the Baltimore Basilica. “Heaven has to be the lens through which we see and do everything,” he said to a small early morning gathering. He would address a larger group later in the morning. The service came two days after the nation’s highest court, by a 6-3 vote, overturned the landmark 1973 ruling that had provided constitutional protections for abortion access. Boric mentioned the decision Sunday, joining Catholic leaders across the country who have reacted to the ruling.
Opinion: The most dangerous gun ruling in history, at the worst possible time
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday striking down a New York gun law isn’t just the most significant ruling on the Second Amendment in a dozen years — it may be the most significant, and most dangerous, such ruling in the nation’s history. At a time when the United States continues to reel from mass shootings and everyday gun violence, this decision will make it far harder to ensure public safety. Part of that has to do with the century-old law that was struck down in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen, which required those seeking “concealed carry” handgun licenses to show “proper cause” for such approval.
U.S. Supreme Court Gun Rights Decision Has Major Implications for Md. Concealed Carry Law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a New York law that made it illegal to carry a firearm in public without showing a special need for protection — throwing into doubt the legal status of a similar Maryland law. The court ruled that New York’s concealed carry law violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution — a major decision that expands the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The opinion comes at the same time Congress is considering new gun control legislation following two deadly mass shootings.
Baltimore City Council approves budget, but cuts $500,000 from sheriff citing eviction concerns
The Baltimore City Council unanimously passed Mayor Brandon Scott’s $4 billion budget Thursday after actions of lawmakers clashed on the council floor, ending a contentious budget season that featured 85 hours of hearings and sharp criticisms of Scott’s funding priorities and cabinet leaders. The council’s progressive wing spearheaded a $500,000 cut from the sheriff’s office, which passed by one vote. The funds will come out of the office’s surplus. Council President Nick Mosby decried the measure, as well as a $196,000 cut to an arts office, saying they are politically motivated and will fail to produce any meaningful progress.
Opinion: Hogan Veto Deprives Low-Income Marylanders of Their Fair Share of Energy Efficiency Benefits
With the extreme heat of summer upon us, Governor Hogan’s recent veto of an energy efficiency bill failed to put in place measures to protect Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens. House Bill 108 and Senate Bill 524, which passed the General Assembly this year with broad support from Democrats and Republicans, sought to lower the disproportionately high energy burden borne by low-income Marylanders. Nearly one out of every five Maryland households qualifies as low income. Many of these residents live in buildings with inadequate weatherization and moldy or dusty air.
Another challenge is getting worse for businesses. It’s fueling inflation.
Biden And East Coast Governors, Including Hogan, Team Up To Boost Offshore Wind
The White House is launching a formal partnership with 11 East Coast governors, including Gov. Larry Hogan, to boost the growing offshore wind industry, a key element of President Joe Biden’s plan for climate change. At a White House meeting on Thursday, Biden administration officials will meet with governors and labor leaders to announce commitments to expand important parts of the offshore industry, including manufacturing facilities, ports and workforce training and development.
Weston: Is medical debt vanishing from credit reports?
Health care bills are about to become far less threatening to the financial well-being of millions of Americans. The three major credit bureaus are erasing most medical debts from people’s credit reports, and the Biden administration is reducing or eliminating medical debt as a factor in government lending decisions. Here’s what you need to know about medical debt now.
This Md. company wants to help you pack your lunch more sustainably
As a mother of four young children, Kirsten Quigley often found herself packing 20 school lunches a week — and, in doing so, using and throwing away dozens and dozens of single-use plastic baggies. It was this weekly routine that made her aware of how much plastic is tossed into landfills each year — 27 million tons in 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency — and led her to find a solution to replace single-use plastic bags for food storage.
