Author: delmarvatimes.com

A former senior official at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly concealing government records during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. David M. Morens, 78, who served as a senior adviser from 2006 to 2022, faces multiple charges including conspiracy against the United States, destruction or falsification of records, and concealment of federal documents. Prosecutors allege Morens participated in a scheme to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to COVID-19 research grants by hiding or altering communications. The indictment claims he and others…

Families on Maryland’s Lower Shore may soon gain significantly better access to special education services. Two new facilities are slated to open in Wicomico County within the next year, expanding local options for children who require specialized support. Chimes International and the Benedictine School are both well‑established providers for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities and are preparing to launch new sites in the county. Julie Hickey, Vice President of Children’s Services at the Benedictine School, said the upcoming location will offer a full range of services, including speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, nursing care, behavioral support,…

SALISBURY, Md. — A longtime employee of Wicomico County Public Schools is facing numerous charges tied to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, as authorities warn there may be additional victims. Russell Lee Camper Jr., an instructional aide with more than 20 years in the school system, was arrested March 13, 2026, following an investigation launched earlier that month by the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center. Investigators say the alleged abuse dates back several years and involved a student at Parkside High School. Camper is now charged with a range of serious offenses, including sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree…

Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis have passed the so-called Youth Charging Reform Act (SB 323) and now stands before the Governor. But like many statewide policies, its real-world impact will be felt most clearly in places like the Eastern Shore. At its core, the bill expands juvenile court jurisdiction, steering more young offenders—including those accused of serious crimes—away from adult court and into a system focused on rehabilitation. While that may sound like a compassionate reform on paper, it raises serious concerns for smaller, rural communities. Here on Delmarva, we don’t have the luxury of large, layered public safety systems. Our…

A common thing we see in Maryland is an abundance of Virginia tags on vehicles. Since Maryland borders Virginia, it’s hard to tell who’s a resident or not. However, many Maryland residents have Virginia tags due to the low cost compared to the extreme registration fees in Maryland. People simply do it to save money. With the State of Maryland having revenue and spending problems, state legislators decided to target all Marylanders in 2025 by doubling the registration fees. In 2026, it now costs a Maryland resident $191.50 to register their personal vehicle for just 1-year. Of course, this drove…

After last year’s legislative session doubled vehicle registration fees in Maryland, you might expect the Maryland Vehicle Administration to be operating more efficiently with the additional revenue. Instead, performance appears to have declined, with repeated missteps and delays. The situation has deteriorated to the point that it raises serious concerns about oversight and accountability. Below is a registration renewal. It was postmarked 3/18/2026 and received on 3/21/2026. When the bill was opened, it shows the tags expire on 3/31/2026. By the time someone receives this, they would have to immediately send a payment. Chances of receiving the renewal stickers by…

GEORGETOWN, DE. – The Delaware State Board of Education has voted to revoke the charter for Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, bringing the school’s operations to an end at the close of the current academic year. Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten announced the decision Thursday, citing ongoing concerns related to enrollment, finances, and organizational performance. The move follows a formal review process that began in December, when Marten placed the school under heightened scrutiny. Last month, the Delaware Department of Education’s Charter School Accountability Committee recommended that the school’s charter be revoked after evaluating its performance and operations.…

Image Courtesy of Somerset County Public Schools SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. – The Somerset County Board of Education (SCBOE) recently voted to appoint Interim Superintendent W. David Bromwell to Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) under a four-year contract beginning Jul. 1. Bromwell was first named Interim Superintendent in November of last year, following Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell’s resignation on Oct. 31, 2025. He previously served as the Superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools from 2019 to 2024. The Board says this action provides stability and continuity for the school system following recent leadership transitions. “The Board is confident that Mr.…

Dan Cox is making another run for Maryland governor, this time with Robert Krop — a Frederick County gun‑range co‑owner and Cox’s former legal client — as his running mate. Cox filed his candidacy Friday, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections. In a brief text to the Frederick News‑Post, he said a full announcement video will be released over the weekend and shared a summary of his platform. His stated priorities include expanding economic opportunity, supporting families and retirees, lowering taxes and fees, promoting affordable homeownership, increasing fiscal transparency, and pursuing “reliable” clean energy without straining the grid.…

Maryland lawmakers are considering a new measure aimed at cracking down on residents who live in the state but keep their vehicles registered elsewhere. Senate Bill 111, introduced by Sen. McCray, lays out a formal process for identifying improperly registered vehicles, notifying owners, and enforcing compliance with Maryland’s registration laws. If the owner fails to properly register the vehicle, a civil fine of $7 per day is assessed for up to 60 days until the vehicle is properly registered. The bill is scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026, if passed. Why This Bill Exists Maryland law already requires residents…