Regional News From WBAL-TV

Plans For Unemployment Insurance Relief Announced. Gov. Martin O’Malley has announced a proposal to address big increases in unemployment insurance rates for Maryland small businesses. Part of the plan, which will require legislation, would provide $83 million in rate relief for Maryland employers. The governor also wants to change unemployment insurance laws to enable Maryland to get about $127 million in federal stimulus money for the unemployment insurance trust fund. (Note: See this post in Annapolis Politics for a businessperson’s opinion)

Commission Rejects City Slots Proposal. Anne Arundel Questions Linger. The state slots location commission met Thursday afternoon to discuss the latest proposals for slots in Maryland, rejecting a Baltimore city bid. The commission voted unanimously to reject the bid by the Baltimore Entertainment Group. Commission Chairman Don Fry said the site in Baltimore will be open for new bids next year.

Report Calls For Better Control Of Electronic Weapons. A task force commissioned by the Maryland attorney general on the use of electronic control weapons released its final report Thursday and made several recommendations. The task force was created in October 2008 to examine best practices for the use of electronic control weapons, including devices such as Tasers, within the state.

Area Hunkers Down For First Significant Snow. Winter storm warning in effect from midnight tonight to 6 am est Sunday, The NWS in sterling Virginia has issued a winter storm warning for snow, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 6 am est Sunday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect. Precip type, snow. Accumulations, heavy snow with accumulations of 5 to 10 inches through sunset Saturday. Locally higher amounts possible, mainly in or near southern Maryland. A