MOORE BACKS BILLS TO EASE HOUSING CRUNCH: Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday announced he would quarterback another effort to mitigate high housing costs in Maryland during the 90-day legislative session that begins next week. Moore is endorsing three bills meant to spur construction and increase housing in ways both big and small. They’re also a chance for Moore to notch wins on an issue he has prioritized before voters decide this year whether to give him a second term. Hallie Miller and Daniel Zawodny/The Baltimore Banner.
- An official with a lobbying group for Maryland county leaders, a key opponent last year, said county officials hope to come to agreement with the Moore administration on this year’s housing legislation. “I think 2026 will be a different story,” said Michael Sanderson, executive director for the Maryland Association of Counties. “We’ve had a lot of conversations leading up to this year, and I think that’s been productive.” Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
COMMENTARY: EXAGGERATED REPORTS ABOUT SQUATTERS UNDERMINES TENANT RIGHTS: Increasing foreclosures in recent months – from speculative rental mortgages, the Trump administration’s continuing war on federal workers (who are disproportionately Black women) and soaring rents and home prices – are putting more of our neighbors at risk of homelessness. Now, more than ever, policies that support safe, stable homes for all Maryland families are really important. Khalilah M. Harris and Katie Curran O’Malley/Baltimore Brew.
MOORE PROMISES ACTION ON UNLICENSED ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: Gov. Wes Moore has directed his administration to take new steps in response to mounting allegations that vulnerable seniors are being exploited and “trafficked” through unlicensed assisted living facilities — a problem Spotlight on Maryland has reported for months and that state officials now acknowledge had largely escaped leadership’s attention. Gary Collins/The Baltimore Sun.
REPORT: JUVENILE CENTER PLAGUED BY UNSANITARY CONDITIONS, IMPROPER MEDICAL CARE: Unannounced inspections of the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center last year revealed a persistent rodent infestation, malfunctioning air conditioning, and a paraplegic child housed in the infirmary who was left sitting in his own waste. Ben Conarck/The Baltimore Banner.…