Commentary: Trust the science, but listen to the experts
Almost exactly four years ago, virtually every segment of American life was placed on indefinite hold as our nation and the world fell into a public health crisis. As we navigated those uncertain times, our government leaders repeated the following phrases: Trust the science. Listen to the experts. Indeed, following that advice is surely a sensible way to approach any situation, certainly one for which data is still being collected and analyzed.
Commentary: Tax-dodging multinational corporations should pay their fair share
Lobbyists for a small number of immensely powerful multinational corporations are working overtime this week to protect a loophole that makes Maryland’s corporate income tax virtually optional for their clients. They’re worried because the House of Delegates’ just-released revenue package wisely includes a rule — called “worldwide combined reporting” — that will close this gaping loophole and make long-time abusers of corporate power pay their fair share of Maryland taxes.
SquashWise looks to bridge racial gap after purchasing Greyhound station
SquashWise is working to introduce Baltimore City School students to a new sport and improve their education all while preserving a historic building. Squash is a racket sport for multiple players using a small rubber ball inside a four-walled court. SquashWise in Baltimore has been operating since 2008. It’s the only public school squash program in the city. It primarily works with students who live in under-served communities
Baltimore mayor announces blueprint for downtown growth at Downtown Partnership event
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced plans Thursday evening for a blueprint for downtown growth that aims to add more residents and businesses, improve safety, cleanliness and pedestrian access, and attract arts and entertainment “Downtown RISE – Baltimore’s Downtown Action” will help chart the next chapter of downtown, Scott said.
Annapolis goes Dutch, leads trip to study climate-driven flooding
Alex Haley’s bronze shoes were dry Thursday afternoon, safely above the 2-foot flood tide that slipped over the dinghy landing at City Dock in Annapolis. The statue of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author is an unofficial flood gauge in America’s capital of climate change, where rising seas pose a threat to the future of a historic seat of government. The city is embarking on a $90 million remake of its downtown waterfront to protect its most vulnerable neighborhoods.
A public swim event is planned for the Baltimore Harbor in 2024, likely the first in decades
On a warm Friday morning in early September, a small group of people gathered in Fells Point to do what some consider unthinkable: jump into the Baltimore harbor. With pool noodles and inner tubes in hand, 20 or so harbor advocates and researchers organized by Baltimore’s Waterfront Partnership leapt into the water from a pier at Bond Street Wharf.
Teacher pay structure to change in Baltimore City, County as part of Blueprint education reform plan
Officials at school districts across Maryland are in the process of raising teacher salaries and kickstarting a new pay structure, changes required by the state’s landmark education reform plan. But some teachers’ unions have said there is unclear guidance from state education officials on the specifics of the payment structure, called a career ladder, and whether districts can offer their current pay structure as one of multiple ways to earn a raise.
Maryland State Fair chairman Gerry Brewster to depart, ending family legacy of more than 60 years
Former state Del. Gerry Brewster, who is indelibly tied to the Maryland State Fair, is stepping down as its chairman in November — concluding a decades-long family legacy. Since taking the helm of the nonprofit that runs the fair in 2017, the north Baltimore County native has overseen renovation of fairgrounds facilities, including the Timonium racetrack grandstands and a brand-new Farm and Garden Building to start construction this fall.
Anne Arundel County gun safety literature law gains support amid appeal from Maryland Shall Issue nonprofit
Gun rights nonprofit Maryland Shall Issue appealed a federal judge’s decision to uphold an Anne Arundel County law requiring gun sellers to hand out pamphlets on suicide prevention and safe gun storage. Since then more than 20 parties have filed amicus briefs defending the county’s bill.
In effort to improve public policy, simulations put everyday people in policymakers’ shoes
Ever wondered what it’s like to serve in the halls of Congress? Think you can do better than the elected officials there now? A unique public policy experiment created by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation seeks to put the average American in the decision-making shoes of their congressional representatives — and sow common ground and build public policy polling at the same time.
