Statewide smoking ban's chance of approval may improve in the House
Legislation to ban smoking at bars and restaurants statewide will probably be assigned to a different House committee than in previous years, possibly giving it a greater chance of moving forward.
Dodd: U.S. needs to crack down on predatory lending practices
The government must reform lending practices that prevent the poor from saving money and owning a home, said Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., the incoming chairman of the Senate committee on banking, housing, and urban affairs.
Eminent domain returns as assembly opens
Legislation to ensure fair compensation to businesses dislocated during eminent domain proceedings has already been introduced in the Maryland Senate, bringing back one of last year
States take Enron shareholders' side
Thirty states, including Maryland, have taken the side of Enron shareholders seeking damages from big investment banks in a federal case over the banks
O'Malley plans less glitzy inaugural than Ehrlich's
Maryland returns to Democratic rule next week, but incoming Gov. Martin O
Former Mass. House speaker pleads guilty to obstruction of justice
Former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas Finneran, once considered the most powerful man in the Statehouse, pleaded guilty Friday to obstruction of justice in a deal that spares him prison time for misrepresenting his role in a redistricting plan that diluted the clout of minority voters.
Nancy Pelosi visits hometown after becoming Speaker of the House
Newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took a victory lap Friday through Baltimore, the blue-collar city where she grew up and learned politics from her father, who was mayor in the 1940s and 50s.
Business groups to propose health insurance issues alternatives
After two years trying to fend off legislative efforts to require certain companies to offer health benefits, state business groups are taking a hands-on approach to the health insurance debate this year.
President signs U.S. Postal Service legislation into law
New postal reform legislation that passed Congress calls for the first major changes in decades on how the post office works. Few Americans are likely to notice the difference.
Dems could change Md. immigrant law
Advocates for illegal immigrants are optimistic that immigration law will favor them now that a Democrat is in the governor's office with a compatible General Assembly.
Fair scores with auction, bond (1095)
Horse auctioneer Fasig-Tipton Co. is willing to finance the lion’s share of a $2.5 million upgrade at the Maryland State Fairgrounds as part of a new lease, said Howard “Max” Mosner Jr., head the nonprofit organization that runs the Timonium complex.