The state’s COVID positivity rate has dipped below 10%. Baltimore County is ending its indoor mask mandate. Tributes continue pouring in for three Baltimore City firefighters killed last week in a deadly vacant rowhouse blaze. Mayor Scott announces an internal review of operations and policies involving vacant houses. The CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools talks about the challenges posed by omicron and the way forward. And while 2022 could be a big year for Republicans…in Baltimore County, candidates are shying away from two county-wide seats on the ballot.

Maryland lawmakers give a new legislative redistricting map their final stamp of approval. Arrested minors would receive a lawyer before being questioned by police under a new bill being considered. And a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Baltimore County schools is now on the decline.

Environmental advocates are trying to expand solar energy this General Assembly session. Former Mayor Catherine Pugh gets an early release from federal prison. The City Council passes bills requiring the fire department to make some internal procedures public. Gun safety activists rally in Annapolis against ghost guns. There’s heated debate about extending the voting power of the student member on the Baltimore County School Board. And, following numerous complaints from tenants, a Baltimore City Council committee holds an investigative hearing on evictions.

Maryland’s positivity rate continues to go down. Health officials say there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic that the end of the omicron surge means a new normal, but warn that new variants can still emerge. Three Baltimore City firefighters have died after fighting a two-alarm fire. And a psychiatrist discusses some of the reasons why people remain unvaccinated, and the importance of compassion.

We’re halfway through Gov. Larry Hogan’s state of emergency and COVID-19 metrics are improving, but Hogan says Maryland must stay vigilant. State senators clash over voting rights as they advance a redistricting map. A new report analyzes child fatalities in the city over the last five years. Baltimore County’s Inspector General finds a too cozy relationship between a developer and a former county official. Senate president Bill Ferguson wants lights out at 10 p.m. on what’s known as Baltimore’s “Block.” Chickens come home to roost in Baltimore County. And the President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare discusses what the surge has been like for health care workers – and the challenges that lie ahead.

Gov. Larry Hogan outlines the final budget of his tenure. The Baltimore County School Board hears from students and teachers who say the board’s proposed budget falls short. Staffing shortages at Maryland’s Department of the Environment could spell trouble for enforcement and inspection of the state’s drinking water systems. And Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby’s proposed dollar house program is panned by city agency leaders.

More COVID-19 testing sites are opening across Maryland for residents desperately trying to find one. Public schools across the state are being hit hard with positive COVID cases. In Baltimore County, that number has tripled. Lawmakers expressed frustration that their questions about December's ransomware attack on the Maryland Health Department are going unanswered. And our City Hall reporter has the latest on the federal charges against Baltimore State’s Attorney, Marilyn Mosby.

The Maryland General Assembly convened its 2022 legislative session today. Once again, lawmakers are discussing the legalization of marijuana. Baltimore City Hall employees are set to work remotely again due to the omicron surge….It’s also forcing the city to alter its recycling services. The Baltimore County School Board has run afoul of state law, according to a report by The state Inspector General for Education. And City Council members hear from those trying to find shelter for the homeless.

While Baltimore County schools are set to reopen later this week, one-third of Baltimore City schools are shifting back online. If you’re a parent or child stressed out about the return to school, we have some tips from a child psychiatrist on how to manage anxiety and self-care. Delegate Maggie McIntosh is retiring after nearly three decades of service. She reflects on what will be her final legislative session this year. And Gov. Hogan announces an expansion to his Refund the Police initiative.

There’s a very slight dip in the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate. Could it signal the beginning of a decline? It’s still a challenge to find a COVID-19 test in Maryland. Gov. Larry Hogan and local leaders have announced a list of new testing sites to meet the demand. Baltimore City students returned to the classroom after the winter break yesterday, but some teachers say omicron has thwarted the learning process. If you’re looking for health insurance, Maryland’s open enrollment period has been extended. And the director of the CDC tries to clarify guidance and build public trust.