FIREARM SUICIDES OUTNUMBER GUN HOMICIDES IN 2025: Recent statistics released by the Maryland Department of Health indicate that gun-related suicides in Maryland have surpassed gun homicides for the year 2025. Ijeoma Opara of Capital News Service/Maryland Reporter.
FINAL TRACKS OF PURPLE LINE INSTALLED; OPENING TARGETED FOR LATE 2027: When the state’s Purple Line was originally envisioned in the late 1980s, Gov. Wes Moore (D) was just a child. On Thursday, he joined a group of local and state officials to lay down the final tracks for the line, using purple hammers to secure the purple rail spikes. Officials announced that the light rail, which will link various parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, is set to open for public use in late 2027, following required safety testing. Sophia Solano/The Washington Post.
STATE’S BUSINESS GROWTH MAY FALL SHORT OF GOVERNOR’S CLAIMS: Gov. Wes Moore has been vocal about Maryland’s business climate, asserting last week that the state has seen the establishment of over 55,000 new companies and the attraction of 85 international firms since he assumed office. However, federal labor statistics indicate that this assessment overlooks critical elements such as business closures, job losses, and the operational status of these companies—factors that are vital for an accurate picture of the state’s economic status. Mennatalla Ibrahim/The Baltimore Sun.
DECREASE IN OPIOID-RELATED DEATHS: 57% DROP SINCE COVID: According to a data analysis by Capital News Service, opioid-related overdose deaths in Maryland have declined by 57% since a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state experienced over 2,500 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2020, whereas the count for the previous year stood at just over 1,000. Stella Canino-Quiñones of Capital News Service/Maryland Reporter.
SUPREME COURT CASE POSES THREAT TO ACCESS TO ABORTION MEDICATION IN MARYLAND: Currently, over 500 Maryland residents receive abortion medication through mail after a telehealth consultation each month—an increasingly popular method for managing unwanted pregnancies since 2022. However, abortion rights advocates fear that a forthcoming Supreme Court case regarding mifepristone, a medication used in both abortion and miscarriage care, could adversely affect the ability of Marylanders to receive abortion medication by mail. Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCILMAN WADE KACH STEPS DOWN: Wade Kach, 79, Baltimore County Councilman and the longest-serving Republican in Maryland’s history, has announced his immediate resignation, effective Thursday. Kach, who represented the northern sections of the district for 12 years, had been facing health issues and seldom attended meetings in person this year. His colleagues were only informed of his resignation the following Friday. Prior to his role on the council, he served 40 years in the Maryland House of Delegates. Rona Kobell/The Baltimore Banner.
PENSION BOARD SEEKS PUBLIC TRUSTEES: The Board of Trustees for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) is in search of two trustees, one each from Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. These Public Trustees will hold a three-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, overseeing fiduciary responsibilities of the ERS for the benefit of its members and beneficiaries. County residents interested in applying must submit a statement of qualifications and a resume by 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 2026, to [email protected]. For additional information, reach out to [email protected], call (301) 454-1415, or visit ers.mncppc.org.
TAXPAYERS ADVISED OF EXPECTED DELAYS IN REFUNDS: Taxpayers should be prepared for delays in receiving their refunds, as the Comptroller of Maryland has notified the public via its website that paper return processing may take up to 30 days due to budgetary limitations and a reduction in staff. Economists warn that this slowdown could have negative implications for small businesses relying on timely refunds. Lorraine Mirabella/The Baltimore Sun.
COLUMN: STRIVING TO STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE FIELD FOR HOYER’S SEAT: As Rep. Steny Hoyer prepares to leave Congress after 40 years, a wave of political ambition has surged within his district, resulting in a crowded contest. There are now 23 Democrats (down from 24), three Republicans, two independents, and one retired federal stenographer running as a write-in candidate. Thanks to a strong Democratic presence in Prince George’s, the victor of the June 23 primary is likely to become Hoyer’s successor, overshadowing candidates from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Rick Hutzell/The Baltimore Banner.
STATE PARKS TO BROADEN ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM: Starting this summer, Maryland officials plan to broaden the online reservation framework implemented last year at several prominent state parks, initially requiring advance registrations for just five parks. Park officials report that this registration policy has significantly reduced long wait times and is improving visitor experiences, preventing early closures due to overcrowding. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
UMMC PHARMACIST CHARGED WITH COMPUTER-RELATED CRIMES AGAINST MEDICAL STAFF: The FBI has recovered intimate images of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. These images ranged from basic passport photos to more distressing private pictures captured in their homes or while working. Authorities report that someone accessed their Google accounts and emails searching for sensitive terms. The FBI has identified approximately 200 victims involved in this incident. Tim Prudente/The Baltimore Banner.
OP-ED: MARYLAND’S NEW MEDIA LAW – A CURE OR A CURSE? There is ongoing debate among media scholars regarding the decline of local news organizations and its potential to foster government corruption. While I agree that this is a pressing issue, it’s disheartening that Maryland’s recently enacted law intended to tackle this problem could further complicate it. Passed on the final day of the 2026 legislative session, the law mandates that Maryland state agencies allocate 50% of their advertising budgets to local media. Although the aim of this legislation is to bolster local journalism, its protectionist nature could ultimately undermine independent media. As the saying goes, sometimes a cure can be worse than the illness. J.H. Snider/Maryland Matters.
HOUSING CHALLENGES EMERGE AT ANNE ARUNDEL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE FORUM: At a county executive candidate forum on Thursday, Chantel Seetram shared her experience of relocating to Anne Arundel County from Baltimore in hopes of starting anew following significant family trauma. “It’s been challenging,” she stated. “Jobs didn’t consider my responsibilities of caring for a child and attending therapy three times a week, which led to my losing multiple jobs.” She added, “Housing has been part of that struggle.” Three out of four Democratic candidates for county executive attended the forum organized by the Anne Arundel Affordable Housing Coalition. Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
MARYLAND INVESTS IN SMALLER SPHERE PROJECT: In Las Vegas, extravagant experiences abound, but the Sphere stands out as a unique destination. With a height of 366 feet and a width of 516 feet, this enormous structure is poised to leave a lasting impression. Maryland officials are planning to develop a smaller Sphere in National Harbor, a move they believe will stimulate economic growth in the region and fundamentally transform Prince George’s County in the coming years. The anticipated opening is set for 2030. Hau Chu/The Baltimore Banner.
