small businesses

Her family had been torn apart by drugs and mental illness, and Rosalind Holsey had little hope for the future. Then her life took a new direction. She was shut out of cosmetology in high school and found herself among the boys in a barbering class. "This industry literally changed my life," she said.

For more than 27 years, Donald Elliott has represented Carroll County at the Maryland House of Delegates in Annapolis. But that all ended in June when he was defeated in the primary election.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake used her first veto since taking office in 2010 to strike down a bill passed by the City Council aimed at reducing or eliminating many of the so-called "minor privilege" fees the city charges.

Doreatha Johnson was one of many shoppers to visit Kohl's Sunday, the first day of Maryland's annual tax-free shopping week, which continues through Saturday.

Havre de Grace has taken the first step toward abolishing RAD loans that have helped numerous owners develop, expand, relocate or otherwise keep their businesses afloat since 1990.

The federal government steered $83.1 billion in contracts to small businesses last year, meeting a goal intended to boost those firms for the first time in eight years, according to a report released by the Obama administration Friday.

Scammers have developed a variety of methods of convincing unsuspecting people to give them money, but local residents can protect themselves from being victims in many cases by knowing the tricks scammers use, a representative of the Maryland Attorney General's Office told those who gathered for a meeting of the Abingdon Community Council Monday evening.

Arnold M. Jolivet, a longtime advocate for minority- and women-owned businesses who was a familiar presence at City Hall, died Sunday morning at Sinai Hospital. The Village of Cross Keys resident was 71.

One needs to know how to write well before attempting to speak publicly. Oral presentations are a one-shot deal; public speaking can be unforgiving — unless, of course, you already are famous and accepting an Oscar.

Johns Hopkins Hospital workers shouldn't have to wait for $15 an hour.

When did we go back to being defined by our vaginas? In two years we've gone from superwomen who have successful careers, thriving families, meaningful relationships, to "I can't afford to pay for my birth control pills" and throwing temper tantrums over someone else not paying for our abortions.

Gap Inc. brands ¿ Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime, Athleta and Intermix ¿ are among a growing group of major U.S. retailers now paying more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour for entry-level employees.

Joe Burke, of Westminster, is on a mission to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs to the youth of Carroll County.

Catonsville man third among 10 candidates in primary

Some members of the Baltimore County Council were waiting to see whether they survived primary challenges, with results of their races undetermined late Tuesday evening.

Regulations should keep e-cigarettes cheaper and more convenient than conventional cigarettes, but still expensive and inconvenient enough to deter a new generation of nicotine addicts. Banning e-cigarette use inside public buildings would be a great step toward achieving this.

Howard County's State House delegation will be filled with fresh faces when session starts in January.

Several General Assembly incumbents were trailing opponents after early primary voting results were released Tuesday evening — but many incumbents worked to turn back tough challenges.

Dongarra not a 'one-issue' candidate

Summaries of The Sun's picks for Tuesday's primaries, with links to the full endorsement editorials.

Redistricting since the last election has significantly altered the boundaries of Legislative District 35. What was formerly an all-Harford County district encompassing Abingdon, Bel Air and the northern third of the county has been shifted eastward to take in western and northern Cecil County, with the Bel Air area and Abingdon moving into neighboring District 34.

Excess phosphorus in Chesapeake Bay from chicken manure is a problem that can be fixed

While the field of candidates in many state and local races is thin, there is no shortage of people running to replace Gov. Martin O'Malley, who isn't eligible to run for re-election.

In District 1, Jon Weinstein in the best choice for Howard County's legislative body

Howard County's newest district is also one of its more interesting state-level races.

Baltimore County received $1.5 million to fund small, women and minority owned businesses through the Maryland Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Loan Fund, according to a Wednesday, June 18 county-issued statement.

Voters in the greater Aberdeen and Havre de Grace areas will have the opportunity to select new Harford County Council representatives in this year's election, as seats in the two council districts covering the cities are open.

The Howard County Times and Columbia Flier endorsed candidates running in contested races in the Maryland primary on June 24.

Latest report shows state's lackluster GDP is not the fault of high taxes or regulations but reduced federal government spending

The Sun makes endorsements in selected Howard County races.

Herbst: 'Humbled and proud' to have Kamenetz' support