Karrington Anderson, Author at Conduit Street

Federal Health Coverage Changes Prompt MD Health Commission Proposal

As Maryland continues to brace for potential federal health coverage losses, the state's health commission is considering a proposal designed to reduce the impact on hospitals, consumers, and the broader health care system. The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) is seeking stakeholder feedback on a draft proposal aimed at mitigating anticipated coverage losses, supporting hospital finances, and maintaining access to affordable health care across the state. Comments are due by June 24, 2026.…

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June 18, 2026

Howard County Expands Free Wi-Fi Network at Columbia Lakefront

Years of investment in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion continue to reshape connectivity across Howard County. Howard County is continuing to expand broadband access and digital inclusion efforts, with new free public Wi-Fi now available at the Columbia Lakefront. The expansion increases access to Howard County's public Wi-Fi network, which now includes 118 locations at parks, libraries, community centers, senior centers, and other public facilities throughout the county. From the press release: Access to the…

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June 18, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Finance and Procurement / Transportation and Public Works

Governor Moore Executive Order Promotes MD Wood Products in State-Funded Projects

A new Executive Order from Governor Moore encourages State agencies to prioritize Maryland-sourced wood products in public projects. Governor Moore issued an Executive Order directing Maryland State agencies to prioritize the use of in-state wood products in public projects whenever wood is an appropriate and cost-competitive building material. The order aims to strengthen Maryland's forest products industry while advancing sustainable economic development and responsible forest management. According to the announcement, Maryland's forestry and wood products…

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June 17, 2026

Information Technology

Governor Moore Appoints Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible AI

Governor Wes Moore announced Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the State of Maryland. According to the Office of Governor Moore, Maryland will expand its efforts to deploy artificial intelligence responsibly across government operations, with Governor Wes Moore announcing Michael Boyce as the State's new Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence. In this role, Boyce will advise the Governor, the Department of Information Technology, and Maryland's AI Subcabinet as the…

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June 11, 2026

Cyber / Information Technology

Federal Bill Could Restore Free Cybersecurity Services for Local Govs

A new federal proposal from US Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) aims to restore and strengthen cybersecurity support for state and local governments through renewed funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). In a recent article from Government Technology, the proposed federal Guaranteeing Universal Access to Cybersecurity Act would provide $50 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027 to support the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), a program operated by the…

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June 11, 2026

County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Feds Propose Changes to Grant Rules Affecting Counties

The rules governing how counties administer federal grants may be headed for a major update. The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released a proposed rule that would significantly revise the federal government's Uniform Guidance regulations governing grants and cooperative agreements. According to a NACo article, the proposal represents the most substantial overhaul of federal grant rules since the Uniform Guidance was first established in 2013. The Uniform Guidance establishes the administrative requirements,…

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June 9, 2026

Information Technology

Federal Executive Order Expands Cybersecurity Efforts

While primarily focused on federal agencies and technology developers, a new executive order contains provisions that could benefit local governments. Among them are expanded cybersecurity services and workforce initiatives. A new federal executive order directs federal agencies to strengthen cybersecurity defenses across critical infrastructure sectors, with particular attention to the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI systems. As covered in an article from NACo, the order is primarily aimed at federal agencies and technology…

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June 4, 2026

County News / Health and Human Services

St. Mary’s County Releases 2026 Health Status Report

A newly released health report from the St. Mary's County Health Department provides a comprehensive look at the factors shaping health outcomes across the county. The St. Mary's County Health Department has released its 2026 Health Status Report, providing an overview of community health trends and challenges across the county. The report compiles the latest available data on a wide range of health indicators, including population demographics, social drivers of health, behavioral health, maternal and…

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June 4, 2026

County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Prince George’s County Opens Free Grocery Store Inside Library

Food access remains a challenge in many communities, particularly for older adults and residents living in areas with limited grocery options. A new initiative in Prince George’s County seeks to address both challenges through a free grocery store located inside a public library. In a recent WTOP article, Prince George’s County has launched an innovative new approach to addressing food insecurity by opening a free grocery store inside the Fairmount Heights Branch Library. The initiative,…

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June 1, 2026

Health and Human Services

MD Launches Opioid Settlement Dashboard to Track Use of Restitution Funds

Maryland's Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) launched a new public dashboard designed to track how opioid settlement dollars are being distributed and used across the state. This dashboard offers residents a clearer view into one of the state’s most significant ongoing public health investments. The online dashboard allows users to see how settlement dollars from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies are flowing to state and local governments and supporting overdose prevention and substance use disorder…

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May 28, 2026