Drought linked to fish deaths

An explosion of toxic algae that led to at least 15 fish kills in the Chesapeake Bay was the result of this summer's drought, a University of Maryland scientist said.

Shootings by police on the rise

As homicides and shootings have soared in Baltimore this year, so has the number of people shot by city police officers: 24 since January, compared with 15 in 2006 and eight in 2004.

Chlamydia cases soar in state

Reported chlamydia cases in Maryland jumped by 57 percent from 1997 to 2006, and one state health official called it "the tip of the iceberg" for the often symptomless sexually transmitted disease.

O'Malley to close tax 'loopholes'

Gov. Martin O'Malley vowed to close corporate "loopholes" that he said allow large companies to avoid paying millions of dollars in state and local taxes each year.

Charges dropped in rape case

Prosecutors dropped charges against a Baltimore man who had been held in the rape and assault of a 59-year-old Roland Park woman last month, saying the DNA at the scene did not match Chaz Ricks, 20.

Typical fall, dry winter in forecast

Weather experts are predicting typical fall weather but a mild winter that offers little respite from drought. Winter conditions are expected to be driven in part by La Nina, a climate cycle that typically means mild, dry winters.