STATE LAWMAKERS CONCERNED OVER ONLINE PREDICTION MARKETS: Platforms specializing in prediction markets assert that they function similarly to commodity markets, where contracts allow for speculation on the future prices of items such as corn or oil, rather than resembling sportsbooks that facilitate betting activities. In Maryland, lawmakers are taking action to regulate platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, as federal authorities assert their jurisdiction. Kevin Hardy/Maryland Matters.
PRESIDENT OF JOHNS HOPKINS INVOLVED IN FORMULATING TRUMP’S HIGHER EDUCATION PLAN: Ron Daniels, the president of Johns Hopkins University, played a role in the development of a new higher education policy framework issued by the Trump administration earlier this week. This framework urges institutions to increase the hiring of conservative faculty, reduce tuition costs, combat grade inflation, and implement other adjustments in alignment with the administration’s objectives. Ellie Wolfe/The Baltimore Banner.
CIRCUIT COURT ALLOWS LAND SURVEYS FOR PIEDMONT POWER LINES TO MOVE FORWARD: A federal appeals court has ruled that land surveys for the proposed Maryland Piedmont power line project can proceed, despite objections from landowners. This ruling was made public on Thursday. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
KEVIN SEXTON APPOINTED TO LEAD HOSPITAL RATE COMMISSION: Former president and CEO of Holy Cross Health hospitals, Kevin Sexton, has been appointed to chair a significant state commission responsible for setting hospital rates in Maryland, as announced by the Moore administration on Thursday. Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters.
TOWN HALL MEETINGS INITIATED TO DISCUSS OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND USE: Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response has commenced town hall meetings aimed at gathering public input on the allocation of $250 million that the state will receive from opioid companies over the next 15 years. Scott Maucione/WYPR-FM.
LAWSUIT AGAINST DAHLI SHIP BUILDER DISMISSED: A lawsuit claiming that negligence by the shipbuilder of the cargo ship Dali contributed to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was dismissed by a federal judge this week. The judge determined that another jurisdiction would be a more suitable venue for the case. Maggie Trovato/The Baltimore Sun.
TRIBUTES HONOR FORMER DISTRICT 14 STATE SENATOR KAREN MONTGOMERY: Karen Montgomery, a resident of Brookeville who served in legislative District 14 for over a decade in the Maryland General Assembly, passed away last month, according to officials who had worked with her. She was 90 years old. Ceoli Jacoby/Bethesda Today.
PROSECUTORS CLAIM ICE CONCERNS DISCOURAGE WITNESSES IN MARYLAND: Some prosecutors in Maryland report that increased federal immigration enforcement is hindering their ability to hold offenders accountable, as the fear of potential immigration arrests is leading witnesses to hesitate in reporting crimes or giving testimonies in court. Brian Carlton and Maggie Trovato/The Baltimore Sun.
SENATOR’S CAR PARKING ON TREE PROMPTS QUESTIONS IN ANNAPOLIS: Following a social media uproar surrounding a Maryland state senator’s luxury SUV rising to prominence,the Annapolis Police have yet to indicate whether they are investigating claims that the vehicle struck a parked car prior to resting partially on a sidewalk and against a tree.Gary Collins/The Baltimore Sun.
FIRST LADY SCOTT RECEIVES $51K FROM YOUTH FUND: The wife of Mayor Brandon Scott was awarded $51,000 in taxpayer dollars from Baltimore City between 2024 and 2025 through a now-defunct nonprofit, as outlined by documents acquired by Spotlight on Maryland. Patrick Hauf/FOX 45 NEWS.
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