NURSING HOMES INSPECTIONS ALMOST CAUGHT UP, BUT UNLICENSED ASSISTED LIVING POSES NEW CHALLENGE: State health officials reported tremendous progress Thursday on a backlog of nursing home inspections, going from 130 cases last year to just 10 today, about half the time they thought it would take to clear the backlog. But in the same House Health Committee briefing on oversight of senior living facilities, officials said they face a rising challenge keeping track of assisted living facilities, many of which are unlicensed and undetected until a complaint is filed. “We’re in a much stronger place than we were a couple years ago, even last session, but still have a lot to do,” said Dr. Meg Sullivan, Maryland’s deputy director of public health services, in testimony to the committee. Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters.
MOORE PUSHES STATE AGENCIES TO IMPROVE RESPONSE TO AUDITS: After a string of damaging audits for state agencies, Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday directed his Cabinet secretaries to enhance their responses to repeat problematic findings by auditors. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
HO CO SAYS NO TO PRIVATE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTERS: The Howard County Council unanimously voted Thursday night to block a private immigrant detention center nearing completion in Elkridge. Lillian Reed/the Baltimore Banner.
SENATOR STAGES ONE-MAN PROTEST TO PUSH FOR REDISTRICTING: Maryland state Sen. Arthur Ellis is staging a public, one-man protest against Senate President Bill Ferguson’s plan to stall a congressional redistricting map that’s favorable to Democrats. Pamela Wood, Brenda Wintrode, Madeleine O’Neill and Lee O. Sanderlin/Baltimore Banner
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL ELECTIONS COULD BE ON THE HORIZON: A measure that would require special elections be held at the same time as the regular statewide primary and general elections to fill Maryland General Assembly vacancies could finally get passed after 18 years since its first introduction, state lawmakers told The Baltimore Sun. Katharine Wilson/The Baltimore Sun.
SENATE BILL TARGETS GUNS THAT CAN BE CONVERTED TO AUTOMATIC WEAPONS: Supporters say legislation is long overdue, opponents say bill targets responsible gun owners William J. Ford/Maryland Matters.
JOHNS HOPKINS STUDIES ELECTION REFORM OPTIONS IN SALISBURY: A new Johns Hopkins University study is examining potential election reforms in Salisbury by comparing alternative voting models used in Maryland and Delaware. Josh Davis/The Baltimore Sun.
MOORE’S COMMENTS ON MD FLAG SPARKS BACKLASH, THEN BACKTRACKS: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore moved Thursday night to tamp down backlash over remarks calling the state flag a “contradiction,” responding on social media after Spotlight on Maryland pressed his office to clarify whether he believes the flag’s Confederate and Union symbolism calls for change. Gary Collins/Spotlight on Maryland/Fox 45 News.
