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Commentary

Chris Van Hollen tries to navigate the Democrats’ dilemma: What to do about Israel?

To the left, two women repeatedly pushed U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen to stop dodging and say whether he would support a resolution to block $20 billion in arms shipments to Israel. “It’s up to Congress to provide checks and balances on the Biden administration, and the only way is to stop the weapons and you have the power to do that,” said Cole Breedlove, a volunteer with CodePink and other peace groups. (Photo Credit: Rick Hutzell/The Baltimore Banner)

Larry Hogan’s ‘symbolic’ vote sends the wrong message

As Election Day draws nearer, it seems increasingly common for former President Donald Trump to say something on the campaign trail that draws backlash. On Sunday, he was on Fox News calling for the U.S. military to be deployed to fight “the enemy from within” — meaning Americans he deems “radical left lunatics,” a group he termed more dangerous than “China, Russia and all these countries.” During a Saturday rally in California, Trump said a female heckler should “get the hell knocked out of her” — apparently because he found her comments disruptive.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
PSC decision could have huge impact on state’s economic development, union jobs

In the coming months, Maryland leaders will implement policies that will either attract data centers to the state and grow our economy or risk sending the jobs to our neighbors. In particular, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is at the center of a debate about where and how data centers should get their electricity. On behalf of the more than 25,000 workers we represent, we encourage Maryland’s leaders to create an environment where data centers can thrive. This is the industry of the future for working families in Maryland.

Students should be worried about Trump’s plans for universities

The Republican National Convention in July featured a variety of peculiar characters, from Marjorie Taylor Greene to Hulk Hogan, but as a college student, I found it most interesting that the event included University of North Carolina college students — fraternity members — as flag bearers. As a college student myself, this imagery surprised me and gave me pause. It has long been thought that college-educated and younger populations lean liberal, but the Republican Party is seeking to shift that narrative.

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Question 1 is about reproductive rights, despite what critics say

We live in a moment of profound uncertainty regarding the future of reproductive rights. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the United States Supreme Court removed U.S. constitutional protections, overturning Roe v. Wade. Almost immediately a flood of state laws across the country has created a functional barrier to abortion. Due to the Dobbs decision, 14 states restrict abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Five states ban abortions at six weeks (about 1 1/2 months) when cardiac activity is detected.

person wearing orange and gray Nike shoes walking on gray concrete stairs
It doesn’t matter how old you are — if you run, you’re a runner

At 66, Karin Miller is not the runner she used to be. And she’s cool with that. She ran her very first race in her 20s, and through courses all over the country and the world, she has seen her gait slow, her body change, and evidence of age show up in aches and pains that can’t be wished away. This year has been particularly stressful, including a recent illness and dealing with a tree that fell on her house and “demolished the whole upstairs,” she said.

Born in another ugly era, Columbus Day is an accident of history

Another Columbus Day will soon be upon us, and many Americans will spend the occasion debating the propriety of observing the holiday. The explorer’s arrival in the New World in 1492 came at horrendous cost to indigenous people. These are important conversations, but they’ll likely overlook an important bit of history — because Columbus Day’s origins are much bloodier and more complicated than many realize.

Hurricanes powered by climate change: An overdue epiphany

The one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have been especially devastating to the Southeast. It will be weeks, perhaps even months yet before communities from Florida to North Carolina are back on their feet and functioning anywhere near normal again. The fierce winds and torrential rains have been horrific, and Americans grieve with their neighbors over the death and destruction left in the wake of these historic storms.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Fracking is banned in Maryland, but mineral rights remain to befuddle heirs

If you watched the Harris-Trump debate in Philadelphia recently, you probably learned more about fracking and suddenly asked yourself, “Fracking in Maryland?” The answer could be Yes and No! Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method for extracting natural gas or oil from shale and other “tight” rock forms.

(NEW PODCAST ALERT) The Trail Episode 11: Current Thoughts, Maryland Senate Debate, FEMA Lies & More

Stakes could not be higher as we are approaching 20 days away from the 2024 Presidential Election. In this week’s episode, the gang gives their current thoughts about the race, recap the Senate debate between County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Former Gov. Larry Hogan, as well as discuss Trump’s FEMA lies.

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