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Wrap-up of news stories taken from the day's local headlines.

News Wrap: MD Graduation Rates Rise; Hogan Plans State of the State

High School Graduation Rates Increase

The Maryland State Department of Education says newly released data shows that more Maryland high school students are graduating than ever before. The state says the dropout rate in the state has declined, while the graduation rate climbed to more than 86 percent in 2014. “Every student who graduates from high school moves a step closer to college, career, and a world of opportunities,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. “These results show that Maryland is headed in the right direction, but we also must continue work to close gaps in graduation rates that persist among students of different backgrounds.” The four-year cohort graduation rate reached 86.39 percent in 2014 -- more than 4 percentage points better than the 81.97 percent rate registered in 2010. 

Hogan’s State of the State Scheduled

Governor Larry Hogan will deliver his first State of the State address one week from today on February 4. The speech, which is set to start at noon, will be broadcast live by Maryland Public Television. Hogan’s spokesman says the governor wants to share his “long-term vision of economic growth and prosperity” and how it can be done in a bipartisan fashion.

HoCo Farmers’ Roundtable

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman led a roundtable discussion this morning about the future of farming in the county. Local farmers discussed their needs and how the county's recent restructuring of the Office of Community Sustainability (formerly the Office of Environmental Sustainability) can help support them. The revamped OCS now includes agriculture in addition to its mission to preserve and protect natural resources.

Anne Arundel Battles Heroin

Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh is declaring a county-wide heroin public health emergency. Schuh signed an executive order yesterday, directing county agencies to use “all best efforts” to fight the use of the drug in Anne Arundel County. A task force has also been created to make recommendations for a heroin action plan in the county.

AG Confirmation Hearings Underway

Loretta Lynch, President Obama’s nominee for Attorney General, faced the first of two days of confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Lynch is a veteran federal prosecutor from New York and faced tough questions from Republican senators. Lynch addressed a panel led by Republicans, saying, “I pledge to all of you and to the American people that I will fulfill my responsibilities with integrity and independence.”

Snow Possible

Though Maryland received only a glancing blow from Monday’s snowstorm, the area’s next potential winter storm is forecast to arrive tomorrow. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service say rain and snow is likely tomorrow afternoon with a chance of the wintry mix continuing into the night. There are no advisories, watches or warnings so far, and no predictions of any accumulation at this point. 

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