Year: 2018

Maryland’s congressional delegation asks General Motors to reconsider closing White Marsh plant or at least return $100 million grant; lawmakers also meet with UM over football program, problems; Comptroller Franchot says new system will mean faster tax returns; state women’s prison finds benefits from healthier food for inmates; Montgomery considers way to stop Gov. Hogan from widening Capital Beltway; Washington County businesses seek to loosen reins on Sunday alcohol sales; new State House senators, delegates begin two-day orientation; as Maryland emoluments suit against President Trump continues, documents, sources reveal Saudis booked 500 nights at Trump Hotel following election; and conservative radio talker Les Kinsolving dies at 90.

State reveals simplified public school performance ranking system, using stars. More than half received either four or five stars, with 3% receiving lowest ranking, many in Baltimore City; study also tracks excessive school absences; rankings outlined for Arundel, Baltimore City; Frederick, Harford, Montgomery and Washington County schools; Gov. Hogan says redrawing the 6th Congressional District, without adoption, may be enough to satisfy court; Comptroller Franchot urges lawmakers to create rainy day fund for anticipated windfall; two electioneering complaints filed against delegate-elect; and in Maryland-D.C. emoluments suit, dozens of subpoenas issued for Trump businesses.

Federal judge clears way for Maryland, D.C. to issue subpeonas in lawsuit claiming that President Trump violated emoluments clause; economist says Maryland lost its bid for Amazon’s 2nd headquarters due to “antiquated regulations,” higher taxes; Attorney General Frosh urges Supreme Court to overturn lower-court decision on Maryland’s 6th congressional district; state report ends hopes for Red Line for Baltimore City; General Motors chief to meet with state congressmen over decision to close White Marsh plant; state to close offices on Wednesday to honor late President George H.W. Bush; as county executives take the oath of office: Calvin Ball hopes to strengthen Ellicott City’s flood resiliency; Steuart Pittman urges public involvement in Arundel’s communities; Marc Elrich challenges Gov. Hogan over plans to widen Capital Beltway; and Angela Alsobrooks urges pride in Prince George’s County.

In a surprise upset, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings beats incumbent Kathleen Matthews to head Maryland’s Democratic Party; hoping to cut toll of smoking on African-Americans, Legislative Black Caucus to seek to raise age for buying tobacco products to 21; legislative leaders say odds are improving to legalize sports betting in Maryland; Trump administration authorization of disruptive searches for oil, gas in the Atlantic worries local environmentalists; Senate President Miller fills committee posts; U.S. Rep. Sarbanes to introduce legislation to drain the D.C. swamp; and counties to see new leadership taking office today: Alsobrooks in Prince George’s; Elrich in Montgomery; Pittman in Arundel; Ball in Howard County; and Olszewski in Baltimore County;

Homeland Security finds that Maryland’s November election wasn’t breached; proposed bill would add regulations for new building in historic Ellicott City; concern over pollution of Baltimore trash burner grows among state, local lawmakers; Kirwan education panel hears from stakeholders in marathon meeting; Pittman reassures business; red Frederick County sees a mini blue wave; U.S. Rep. Raskin gets a leadership post in upcoming Democrat-controlled House; Prince George’s County Executive-elect Alsobrooks puts together her leadership team; outgoing state Sen. Richard Madaleno to become budget chief in Montgomery; Facebook posts lead to call for Arundel ed board hopeful to step away; and Howard County prosecutor will not pursue charges against register of wills.