‘AGING WORKFORCE’ IN HEALTHCARE PRESENTS CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES: A new report from the Maryland comptroller highlights that older workers represent a “defining feature” of Maryland’s healthcare system. The report, titled “Maryland Industry Analysis: Healthcare and the Economy,” reveals that 11% of healthcare practitioners and technical occupations in Maryland are 65 years or older, contrasting with a national figure of 6%, according to Comptroller Brooke Lierman’s (D) office. Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters.
NEW CASH ROUNDING LAW LETS BUSINESSES ADJUST CHANGE: Maryland has enacted a new law affecting cash transactions at checkout. This emergency legislation allows businesses to round change amounts to the nearest nickel, offering flexibility for retailers. David Collins/WBAL 11.
DONORS TIED TO $70M COUNTY PROJECT GAVE $41K TO HO CO EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE: Prior to any construction at The Source, a new community center proposed in Columbia, approximately $12 million in public funds have already been allocated. Members of the nonprofit organization associated with this project have maxed out their contributions to Vanessa Atterbeary, the leading candidate in fundraising for the Howard County executive position and endorsed by Governor Wes Moore. Kiersten Hacker and April Santana/The Baltimore Sun.
HARRY DUNN AND OTHERS SUE TRUMP OVER $1.77B ‘TAXPAYER-FUNDED SLUSH FUND’: Retired U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging that the funds could benefit individuals who participated in the January 6 riots—many of whom were pardoned by former President Donald Trump upon his return to office last year. The officers assert that these funds could be misused to finance additional violent actions. Jacob Fischler/Maryland Matters.
MD, DC, RANK AMONG NATION’S LEADERS IN ACADEMIC RECOVERY: A recent national education report reveals that students across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area are demonstrating some of the most significantacademic recovery since the COVID pandemic in the United States. John Gonzalez/7News WJLA.
SCOTT SHELLENBERGER, SARAH DAVID, AND LAUREN LIPSCOMB SQUARE OFF IN A FORUM: The candidates faced off for an hour, discussing pressing issues relevant to a county with a population of 856,000 residents, including juvenile crime, sexual assault prosecution practices, lack of transparency in prosecution data, and high staff turnover within the office. The trio is vying for nominations in the upcoming June 23 Democratic primary, with no Republicans contesting the position. Rona Kobell/The Baltimore Banner.
MOUNTAIN BRANCH OWNER CONTINUES PUSH FOR DATA CENTER PROJECT: As Harford County considers a ban on data centers, Bill Vasilakopoulos, the owner of Mountain Branch Golf Club in Joppa, remains optimistic about collaborating with Harford County to realize his vision for an “AI Infrastructure Campus”. Matt Hubbard/The Aegis.
NEIGHBORS PUSH BACK ON DATA CENTERS AT BALTIMORE COUNTY PLANNING MEETING: Residents of Baltimore County gathered at the Jefferson Building in Towson on Thursday evening to voice their opinions regarding data center development in front of the county’s Planning Board. The meeting focused on establishing guidelines on where and how data centers may be constructed. Residents are seeking to influence decisions about future infrastructure. Taylor Epps/WMAR 2.
FRIEDSON SPENDING BIG ON ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN IN MO CO EXECUTIVE RACE: In his pursuit of the Montgomery County executive seat, Democrat Andrew Friedson is substantially investing in advertising, reporting nearly $1 million in ad spending according to the latest campaign finance reports released on Tuesday. His campaign efforts underscore the competitiveness of the upcoming election. Ceoli Jacoby/Bethesda Today.
PENSION BOARD SEEKS PUBLIC TRUSTEES: The Board of Trustees for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) is currently looking for two trustees, one from Montgomery County and another from Prince George’s County. These public trustees will serve a term of three years, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, ensuring fiduciary oversight of the ERS for the exclusive benefit of its members and beneficiaries. Residents interested in applying should submit a statement of qualifications and resume by 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 2026 to [email protected]. For more details, contact [email protected], call (301) 454-1415, or visit us online at ers.mncppc.org.
FIRST AND ONLY HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION’S CAUTIOUS NEXT STEPS: In 2021, Montgomery College earned designation as the first and only Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Maryland, a status that requires at least 25% Latino enrollment. This recognition has ignited efforts to enhance the educational experience for Hispanic students and broaden access to federal grants. Rosanne Skirble/Maryland Matters.
FARM GRANTS PATH FOR SECOND CHANCES: This initiative is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. It enables men from a nearby correctional facility to care for horses retired from racing due to injuries or health issues. Wambui Kamau/WYPR.
FIGHT IS BREWING ALREADY BETWEEN HO CO AND INSPECTOR GENERAL: Complaints from whistleblowers and informants have reached 61 submissions to Howard County’s newly appointed inspector general, Kelly Madigan. However, the watchdog mentioned that shefaces challenges in obtaining the records necessary for her investigations. The County Council had previously authorized legislation in 2024 granting the inspector “the right to obtain full and unrestricted access to all records and files.” Lillian Reed/The Baltimore Banner.
ANAPOLIS MAYOR GETS FLAK FROM CITY COUNCIL FOR CHANGES TO DISCRETIONARY SPENDING: A portion of the Annapolis city budget is typically reserved for one-time expenditures, which have previously included traffic studies, support for after-school initiatives, funding for a food pantry, and various facility improvements around the city. Mayor Jared Littmann has allocated nearly 100% of the $1.8 million designated for such uses, leaving a mere $24 unallocated. This decision has drawn criticism from city council members. Cody Boteler/The Baltimore Banner.
