Maryland lawmakers are weighing bills to end tax deductions for prescription‑drug commercials and direct the revenue to Medicaid eligibility operations and premium subsidies.

HB 257 would cap medical‑debt interest at 3% and keep most medical bills off credit reports, but committee amendments have narrowed protections against wage garnishment.

Kissimmee is delaying its new firefighter schedule and may give crews hundreds of hours of paid leave while officials finish the rollout.

Otero County voted in an emergency session to renew a five‑year ICE contract, saying bond payments and jobs depend on the decision even as a state ban approaches.

Pete Smith’s new education plan centers on teacher pay, workforce housing, school construction and expanded student supports in Anne Arundel.

The Sixth Circuit upheld dismissal of lawsuits tied to Athens' 2022 fireworks and sanctioned two attorneys for fabricating citations and misstatements.

Court‑appointed special prosecutors in Cook County billed more than $773,000 in 2024–25, prompting questions about oversight and how appointments are made. Public records and advocates say transparency is limited.

Assembly Republicans introduced a bill to adopt DOCCS' HALT committee recommendations, loosening limits on segregated confinement and setting up a policy fight in Albany.

State Rep. Scott Allen and Common Council President Alicia Halvensleben will face off for Waukesha mayor on April 7, with budgets and growth front and center. The race hinges on competing plans for the city’s finances and endorsements from county leaders.

House bills would license earned‑wage access providers, set a $50,000 bond and cap transaction fees, while consumer advocates warn the apps can resemble payday loans.

New local data show UNC's Black share slipping while NC State and NC Central gained ground; Duke's figures are muddled by a jump in students not reporting race. The pattern reflects a wider post‑affirmative‑action reshuffle.

House Bill 1184 — the "Not On Our Dime" Act — would let Maryland sue nonprofits over support for Israeli settlement activity; Jewish leaders say it singles out Israel. Lawmakers and advocates are clashing in Annapolis.

An Opinion Works poll finds 73% of Maryland voters back eliminating a tax break for pharmaceutical ads; sponsors say about $24M would go to Medicaid and marketplace subsidies.