Politics

In the United States, health concerns that land someone in the hospital or require multiple visit to the doctor can be a taxing experience on emotional, logistical and financial fronts. But for about 17% of Marylanders facing medical debt, these struggles get compounded, leading to additional stressors that can further impact health outcomes, particularly for Black families and patients, according to economic policy organizations.

Maryland’s top echelon of lobbyists earned slightly less during a six-month period that includes the most recent legislative session compared to a year ago and their share of every dollar spent on lobbying fell to its second-lowest point in four years. Growth in the total number of registered lobbyists — more than 660 — is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a review of data from the Maryland State Ethics Commission.

Four years ago, the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution calling for the Maryland General Assembly to change the process by which a Baltimore mayor selects a police commissioner nominee to require the creation of a diverse committee to assist the city’s top elected official. The push followed months of drama surrounding the rollout of a mayoral pick to lead Baltimore Police, during which critics had slammed secrecy around the selection process and called for both greater transparency and community engagement.

President Joe Biden has selected Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be the Navy’s top officer. If confirmed, she would be the first woman in the Navy’s history to hold the job, and the first woman in the joint chiefs of staff. Franchetti, who is currently serving as the vice chief of naval operations, commissioned in 1985 and has served as the commander of US Naval Forces Korea, deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy of the Joint Staff, according to her official biography.

While leaders of Chesapeake Bay organizations are optimistic about Gov. Wes Moore’s approach to ensuring the viability of the bay’s ecosystems and industries, there are specific changes they’d still like to see to the state’s approach. Moore said Thursday that his administration intends to target water quality improvement in areas with the most potential to boost wildlife populations and habitats and protect shorelines from rising sea levels.

Congressman Glenn Ivey, D-Md., who represents much of Prince George’s County, Maryland, is part of a group of bipartisan lawmakers pushing for new legislation that would fund the development of turnout gear for firefighters free of PFAS, which are also known as “forever chemicals.” “They’re already putting their lives at risk to fight fires. We don’t want to put them at risk just from the gear that’s supposed to be saving their lives,” Ivey said at a news conference last week at PGFD Fire Station 802 in Capitol Heights.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners supports county government efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emissions, especially if those efforts save money. The county’s Department of Public Works came before the commissioners Thursday to suggest the formation of a countywide energy management program to develop practices that minimize energy costs through building construction, rooftop solar panels, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her husband, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, announced they are ending their marriage. They released a statement Friday confirming what already appeared to be true based on divorce filings. “After careful consideration and much prayer, we have decided to end our marriage. We want to emphasize our commitment as strong co-parents moving forward.