WYPR Headlines

A bill expanding Maryland's gun laws another raising taxes on gasoline are among more than 250 measures set to be signed into law today by Governor Martin O'Malley. With the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, we look at how gambling is benefiting Maryland's horse racing industry. Civilian Defense Department employees at Fort Meade and U.S. Naval Academy are getting ready for furloughs brought on by the federal sequestration cuts. Plus: tuition to increase in the University System of Maryland System, a look at Attorney General Doug Gansler's possible entry in the 2014 Governor's race, and more.

A bill that would require companies that win large contracts from Baltimore to hire at least 51% of their new employees from within the city has won preliminary approval in the City Council. Delegate Don Dwyer says he'll plead guilty to a charge of boating while under the influence of alcohol when he appears in court today. WYPR's Fraser Smith looks at how trees are revealing the effects of climate change. Plus: a reduction in the female blue crab catch limit in the Chesapeake Bay, higher docking fees proposed for the Inner Harbor, MD's fast-growing gaming market, and Preakness preparations.

Republicans are calling for an independent investigation of Maryland's prison system; Governor Martin O'Malley vows to "root out corruption" at state corrections facilities. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown is expected to formally enter the 2014 Governor's race today. Today is the deadline for bids to run a casino in Prince George's County -- only one has come in so far. Plus: Frederick County property tax rates rise, a nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs shuts down, Maryland State Police hold their Fallen Heroes Ceremony today, and police and the state Attorney General's office hold "Statewide Gun Turn-In Day" on Saturday.

The third most senior official at the Baltimore City Detention Center -- its Security Chief -- is out of the job, as the investigation into a corruption scandal at the jail continues. Anne Arundel County Police Chief Larry Tolliver has given his two-week notice; he'll return to retirement on May 21. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown plans to officially get into the 2014 Governor's race on Friday. A local hiring mandate is moving forward in the Baltimore City Council. Plus: the "Baltimore Spectator" Trial, sports at Towson University, BWI's record March traffic, a push for Sunday bus service in Frederick County, and more.