The statewide mask mandate in schools may soon drop, after a vote from the State Board of Education. Baltimore County Public Schools lays out a plan for when to lift their mandate. A federal judge ruled that the Baltimore County Council must redraw its redistricting map to reflect the diverse population. The same judge also sets a trial date for Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. The Maryland House of Delegates moves one step closer to legalizing recreational use of cannabis. And our executive editor Danyell Irby steps from behind the scenes to kick off a series of conversations with Black women in medicine.

More counties are dropping their indoor mask mandates this week. Attorneys for Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby file charges to dismiss her case. The state medical examiner’s office in Baltimore remains behind on at least 200 autopsies. And a conversation with two Baltimore City teachers who speak candidly about how the past two years have affected their lives and what they see for the future of teaching.

Baltimore County is ready to lift pandemic restrictions as COVID metrics trend downward. A coalition of education advocates say Gov. Larry Hogan has shortchanged Maryland schools by over $100 million…and they want that money put back. In Maryland legislative news: a hearing on a Senate bill to ban untraceable ghost guns goes long into the evening. A Republican caucus committee presents a package of bills they say will restore integrity to state elections. Maryland’s senate president says a deal has been reached that will keep clubs on The Block open until 2 a.m., but one club owner says: what deal? And Paul McCartney makes a return to Baltimore after more than five decades.

A U.S. District Court judge has heard testimony and is expected to soon rule on the challenge to Baltimore County’s redistricting map. State Democratic lawmakers are pushing an emergency bill to address errors on absentee ballots, but Republicans are crying foul. A package of climate solution bills and the push to legalize recreational cannabis are also working their way through the legislature. And the CDC says pregnant people who get vaccinated for COVID pass on immunity to their babies.

Face mask requirements in municipal buildings and some schools are dropping across the state…but some argue it’s politics over science. House Dems in Maryland introduced a package of bills today to protect the right to abortion in the state. Eating healthy to stay heart healthy is easier said than done for many. There’s a program that’s trying to help.

The CDC releases a new study on the effectiveness of COVID boosters. The FDA postpones authorizing vaccines for children under 5. Governor Hogan calls for an end to the school mask mandate. BCPS is launching a campaign to get more kids vaccinated. Maryland lawmakers consider a bill that would grant workers paid family leave. They’re also considering bills that would change the way the state addresses stalking. And a conversation with Dr. Leana Wen on the debate over lifting COVID restrictions.

Gov. Larry Hogan announces a lottery for boosted adults. Baltimore launches a long-awaited water bill discount program. Maryland lawmakers debate whether to ban ghost guns. Two expansive housing bills come before the Baltimore City Council. And a conversation with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on the latest COVID guidelines.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are back under 1200…a number not seen since mid-December. Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We’ll hear from a doctor and advocate on how racial disparities affect access to treatment. Plus a conversation with Baltimore’s director of homeless services, on ongoing and future efforts to get people safely sheltered – and rehoused.

Health experts are urging continued caution, though Maryland’s COVID-19 rates continue to go down. Gov. Hogan and Mayor Scott hold a closed-door meeting in Annapolis to discuss violent crime. Democrats and Republicans clash over a proposed crime package. And the president and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank says even as the pandemic dies down, food insecurity continues.

Maryland’s COVID numbers continue to go in the right direction…down. State lawmakers and housing advocates push for legislation this session to hold landlords more accountable when it comes to evictions. Thousands of firefighters from across the country and abroad came to Baltimore today to honor three of their own, killed in the line of duty last month. And Baltimore County’s Executive says he’s keeping his campaign promise to build two new high schools.