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Maryland Health Department to request 144 contracted positions be converted to regular ones

The Maryland Department of Health plans to ask the Board of Public Works next week to convert 144 contractual positions to regular ones — a move the department said won’t cost the state additional money if it also eliminates some contractual positions. The Board of Public Works, the body tasked with approving how the state government spends tax dollars, is authorized to create additional positions under the Fiscal Year 2024 budget bill so long as it abolishes 1.25 full-time contractual positions per new regular position, state health department spokesman Chase Cook wrote in an email.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Olszewski proposes strengthening Baltimore County’s inspector general

With a look back at past corruption in Baltimore County, County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. on Monday announced plans to strengthen the county’s inspector general’s office and ensure employees comply with investigations. After invoking the names of Spiro Agnew and Dale Anderson — two former county executives who ended up with federal convictions — Olszewski said that he recognizes “that Baltimore County has to continue to do better.”

Mosby unveils redistricting alternative, but mayor objects to planned vote this week

City Council President Nick Mosby put forward Monday a counter proposal for rewriting Baltimore’s district lines and a timeline where City Council would vote on the proposal this week — drawing objection from Mayor Brandon Scott. In some key areas, Mosby’s map resembles the one introduced by Scott nearly a month ago, but aims to resolve complaints raised in recent weeks by numerous community groups about plans to divide their neighborhoods between different districts.

White’s Ferry talks offer ‘glimmers of hope’ for MoCo Council president

There were “glimmers of hope” in the White’s Ferry talks in the Montgomery County Council’s Transportation and Environmental Committee meeting Monday, MoCo Council President Evan Glass (D-At-Large) said. “From here, I’m hopeful that we can make meaningful progress,” Glass said in a Monday press conference. He declined to give a more specific timeline. White’s Ferry, which transported commuters across the Potomac River between Poolesville in Montgomery County and Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia, has been closed since December 2020. White’s Ferry has operated since about 1786.

 

Read More: MOCO360
Baltimore City Council president rolls out alternative redistricting plan with vote set for Thursday; mayor’s office opposes

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby introduced an alternative map for the city’s redistricting effort Monday and set an aggressive timeline for a vote later this week that Mayor Brandon Scott’s office has said it will oppose. The new map, seen by some members of the council and administration for the first time during a committee meeting Monday, would make adjustments to the majority of the city’s 14 council districts, including several in areas where residents have voiced concerns.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Maryland’s Moore, Raskin and others declare solidarity with Israel at DC rally

Against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, members of the Washington area Jewish community and elected officials on Friday joined to show support for Israel at a rally in the city’s Freedom Plaza. “I’m here to say very clearly, we are here to stand with the state of Israel, to recognize the right of Israel to exist, to recognize the right for Israel to defend itself, to recognize the right of Israelis to live without fear,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told the crowd.

How a 73-year-old rec center became South Baltimore’s latest environmental battle line

In an open field on a hilltop overlooking industrialized South Baltimore, city officials plan to build a glossy, $14-million-dollar recreation center. The proposed, 20,000-square-foot complex — which could include a gymnasium, fitness center, patio and gathering rooms — would replace the modest brick structure down the hill, Curtis Bay’s longtime rec center. Erected in 1950, the old building’s yellow paint is chipping away in places and the “A” in “RECREATION” hangs slightly askew.

Alsobrooks chalks up another high-profile endorsement

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks adds another high-profile endorsement to her campaign for U.S. Senate.  Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) gave Alsobrooks the nod during a Friday event in Baltimore.  “I have watched and worked alongside Angela for years as she has navigated Annapolis and negotiated with lawmakers, as she advocated for common sense legislation,” Ferguson said in a statement.

Read More: WTOP
Fighting for the rights of people with disabilities

Meghan Marsh calls fighting for the rights of people with disabilities her purpose. After volunteering at a Head Start program and then completing an internship at a children’s psychiatric hospital, she developed the desire to “fight systemic problems” that she saw through her work at both agencies. Marsh, 53, has spent 30 years as a disability rights advocate. In 2020, she was awarded the Benjamin L. Cardin Public Service Award by the Maryland Carey Law Alumni Board.

Trone announces dozens of endorsements

In the race for U.S. Senate, Rep. David Trone (D-6~th) announced seven endorsements this week from state and local officials, as well as endorsements from new endorsements from 35 members of Congress and four former representatives.  The campaign said it brings their total endorsements up to 111 in the race. “I couldn’t be more proud to have the support of 111 of my friends and colleagues in this race.

Read More: WTOP

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