DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS CLASH OVER ‘AFFORDABILITY’: As the countdown to the 2026 General Assembly begins, leading Maryland lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are making affordability a central issue. They are actively debating the “A-word,” reminiscent of the discussions between Democratic and Republican legislators in Washington, D.C. This conversation gains urgency as an election year approaches, with the governor and all General Assembly members facing the electorate. Brenda Wintrode/The Baltimore Banner.
WHAT TO EXPECT TODAY IN ANNAPOLIS: The Banner is hosting its third annual Inside the Legislative Session event this morning in Annapolis. Key legislative figures, agency leaders, and advocacy groups will engage in discussions about the legislation that will shape the current session, with Banner reporters facilitating the conversation. Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk will be the first to take the stage. Madeleine O’Neill/The Baltimore Banner.
COLUMN: TWO MINUTES TO CHANGE THEIR WORLD: The General Assembly is gearing up for its legislative duties this week. A vast array of hearings covering topics like energy, insurance, and much more will happen until April 13. Thousands of individuals will present their testimonies to delegates and senators in hopes of swaying opinions in their favor. Typically, each speaker gets just two minutes—possibly a little extra time from the committee chair—to make their case. Rick Hutzell/The Baltimore Banner.
ATTORNEY GENERAL BROWN ON UPHOLDING MARYLAND’S RULE OF LAW AGAINST THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) has emphasized the importance of countering the “chaos emanating from Washington” since President Donald Trump took office again on January 20, 2025. Brown discussed his role in a coalition of 23 attorneys general from Democratic states and the District of Columbia who are determined to challenge the policies of the Trump administration in court. Their preparations for litigation began after Trump’s election in 2024, guided by a policy agenda set forth in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which served as a blueprint for the administration and the Republican-led Congress. William Ford/Maryland Matters.
MOORE RAISES OVER $7 MILLION FOR RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN: Governor Wes Moore has successfully raised $7 million in the past year as he aims to convince voters to support his bid for a second term against a group of less prominent Republican challengers. This financial boost, to be detailed in the Democratic governor’s upcoming campaign report, brings Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller’s total funds to approximately $8 million. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
CONGRESS APPROVES SURPRISE FUNDING BOOST FOR BAY CLEANUP: In defiance of significant budget cuts suggested by the Trump administration, Congress has sanctioned additional funding for the cleanup and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay beyond what the White House requested. This includes increased allocations for restoring the oyster population, managing invasive blue catfish, and evaluating if menhaden, a crucial forage fish in the Bay, are overfished. Tim Wheeler/The Bay Journal.
BALTIMORE COUNCILMAN JOINS NONPROFIT BOARD AND DRAFTS REGULATORY BILL: A Baltimore City councilman has taken a seat on the board of a publicly funded nonprofit while simultaneously drafting legislation aimed at regulating that same organization—a move that has raised concerns regarding conflicts of interest, particularly as the nonprofit faces increasing scrutiny over its public spending practices. Patrick Hauf/The Baltimore Sun.
BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCILMAN CRANDELL WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION: Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell, a Republican from Dundalk, has announced he will not run for another term after serving the southeastern section of the county for over a decade. Crandell, who is now 56, first won election to the council in 2014, marking a significant milestone as he was the first Republican to represent that area since the council’s inception in 1956. Natalie Jones/The Baltimore Sun.
- His decision comes in the wake of a protective order filed against him by his wife about eight months ago, citing “severe verbal abuse” attributed to his alcohol consumption, according to court documents. The filing also mentioned an alleged drunken incident involving Baltimore County Police in 2024. Jess Nocera/The Baltimore Banner.
PRINCE GEORGE’S TO DEVELOP A MINI-SPHERE VENUE: Sphere Entertainment Cos., the developer of the largest spherical building in the world located in Las Vegas, has announced plans for what they claim will be the first “mini-Sphere” venue situated along the Potomac River in Maryland. This immersive facility, which will accommodate 6,000 guests, is expected to launch by 2030. Erin Cox, Travis M. Andrews, and Ethan Beck/The Washington Post.
- Governor Wes Moore remarked that establishing a Sphere venue at National Harbor “will represent one of the largest economic development initiatives in the history of Prince George’s County—once more showcasing that our state is the premier location for making dreams a reality.” Jess Nocera/The Baltimore Banner.
- According to Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, the revenue generated by the proposed Sphere entertainment venue will significantly surpass that produced by both the Washington Commanders and Six Flags combined. Thomas Robertson and Dan Ronan/WTOP-FM.
FLU CASES DECLINE, BUT 14 MARYLAND RESIDENTS HAVE DIED: Maryland appears to be experiencing a decline in a “severe” flu outbreak that spiked during the winter holidays and early January, according to state health statistics. However, public health officials warn that it is premature for Maryland residents to relax their protective measures, as the flu season is still ongoing. So far this year, there have been 14 flu-related deaths reported in Maryland, a figure that has already doubled last year’s death count, with several weeks still left in the current flu season, which did not peak until February in the previous year. Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
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