MD ACLU seeks other targets of state police spying

The Maryland chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said it filed public information requests Tuesday to determine if state police spied on organizations beyond the activist groups it has already admitted to tracking. More  Read More →

Subpoena power increased for state prosecutor

Increased subpoena power for the state prosecutor’s office and stiffer fines for people who illegally provide alcohol to people under 21 go into effect this week in Maryland. More  Read More →

Hard times complicate recruiting of foster parents

A veteran of 15 years in child welfare, Penny Esser has never weathered a tougher climate for the work to which she’s so devoted — recruiting foster parents. “It’s as bad as I’ve seen,” said Esser, who’s based in Medford, Ore. “We are really at a critical shortage — we’re crowding the foster homes that we have.” More  Read More →

In California, you can drive with a dog in your lap

It’s legal to drive with a dog in your lap in California, now that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have banned the practice for Paris Hilton and other motorists. More  Read More →

New Hampshire man arrested for 152nd time

A New Hampshire man accused of stealing a $1.99 can of beer from a convenience store is being held on $10,000 bail because prosecutors complained that this is the 152nd time he’s been arrested. Paul Baldwin, 48, has convictions for a wide variety of offenses, including theft, receiving stolen property, arson and criminal mischief. In addition to 152 arrests, he has amassed 75 police citations and eight trespass notices. “I don’t need a lawyer,” he told Judge Sawako Gardner in his arraignment... More

Maryland police find remains in freezer

A mother told police that child-sized human remains uncovered in her basement freezer were those of her two adopted daughters and police believe she is responsible for their deaths. Police were investigating an abuse complaint Saturday when they discovered the remains encased in ice. The mother told investigators that they had been in her southern Maryland home for at least seven months, and police said they are considering the case a homicide. More  Read More →

Hunting-dog owners try to keep opponents at bay

RICHMOND, Va. - In a state considered the American birthplace of hunting with hounds, George Washington’s favorite sport has become a target for some Virginia landowners who say baying dogs and their owners are trampling property rights. More  Read More →

Hearing for man accused in kid’s deaths postponed

A competency hearing for a Rockville man accused of drowning his three children in a Baltimore hotel has been postponed. More  Read More →

Border Patrol is a boost for struggling towns

EL CENTRO, Calif. - The U.S. Border Patrol’s gleaming new regional headquarters building is just one sign of how the fast-growing agency is boosting the local economy. Agents frequent the restaurants and gyms. A new indoor shooting range relies on Border Patrol employees. And dry cleaners do brisk business pressing green uniforms. More  Read More →

Local governments can seek housing aid next week

State and local governments seeking a piece of $4 billion in federal aid to purchase, fix up and sell foreclosed properties can apply as soon as next week. More  Read More →

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