HOGAN’s SECURITY DETAIL FOR TRAVEL TOPS $220,000 FOR 2022: Maryland taxpayers paid $236,584.80 for Gov. Larry Hogan’s security detail on out-of-state and out-of-country trips from January through September of this year, according to information provided by the Maryland State Police. Some of Hogan’s out-of-Maryland trips were on official business but many more were for personal political business. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
ANALYSIS: HOWARD TURNS BLUE: The results of the November election say it is definitely Democrat Blue. Neighboring Anne Arundel County still swings slightly Purple but is trending Blue. What trends played into this change? Len Lazarick/MarylandReporter.com.
DEMS EXPAND STRENGTH IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: With the final votes being counted in the 2022 elections, it’s clear that Democrats will not only maintain their supermajority in the Maryland General Assembly, they’re expanding it, too. Gov. Larry Hogan’s endorsed candidates did not fare well in Maryland. But he did much better in picking candidates in other states. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
HOYER PONDERS FUTURE OUTSIDE OF LEADERSHIP: For the first time in decades, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer will ponder a life outside the top echelon of Democratic politics — where he mentored scores of young lawmakers, raised tens of millions of dollars for his party and helped muscle through bill after landmark bill, from the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Affordable Care Act to this year’s Inflation Reduction Act, all while maintaining a bipartisan reputation for generosity and grace. What does the future hold for the Maryland congressman? Mike DeBonis/Politico.
REPUBLICANS OPEN UP ABOUT PARTY LOSSES: Having held his tongue during the campaign, state Sen. Chris West of Towson is now among Maryland Republicans openly criticizing their party over its string of defeats in the November elections that left its voters disenchanted and its state committee in a flare-up over its future leadership and direction. Jean Marbella and Jeff Barker/The Baltimore Sun.
STATE CRACKS DOWN ON LOTTERY WINNERS ‘DISCOUNTING:’ State lottery officials are cracking down on schemes involving fraudulently cashing in winning tickets in ways that help some evade paying taxes, child support and even spouses. The effort comes as a recent review by the Office of Legislative Audits reported more than 360 people claimed high-dollar prizes 20 or more times in calendar year 2020. John Martin, director of the state lottery, told lawmakers that in many cases, the claims are part of a scheme known as “discounting.” Bryan Sears/The Daily Record.
OFFICIALS BEGIN REWRITING ARUNDEL CHARTER: Following the passage of eight amendments to the Anne Arundel County Charter in the general election this month, government officials are now working to rewrite the charter in the 30 days after the election. Dana Munro/The Annapolis Capital.
ARUNDEL’s HIGHEST PAID EMPLOYEES ARE … Anne Arundel County’s chief administrative officer, fire chief, chief of police and director of public works are the county’s highest-paid employees in fiscal 2023, according to data obtained by The Capital. Dana Munro/The Capital Gazette.
THREE HARFORD WOMEN MAKE HISTORY: Three Harford County women have won the general election in positions that had long been held by men. Those women, all Republicans, are: Jessica Boyle-Tsottles, who will serve as the District E council member; Alison Healey, who will serve as state’s attorney; and Michelle Karczeski, who will serve as clerk of the Circuit Court. Jason Fontelieu/The Aegis.
BAY COMMISSION EXEC DIRECTOR RETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS: Not long after Ann Swanson began working to restore the Chesapeake Bay, a grade school student asked her, “What are you going to do when the Bay is saved? What’s your next job?” Swanson recalls that question with a wry smile. She never got another job. She’s been laboring for nearly four decades to clean up and revitalize the ailing estuary. On Nov. 21, she retired after almost 35 years as executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Timothy B. Wheeler/Bay Journal News Service.
GUARANTEED INCOME AIDING B’MORE RESIDENTS: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is among more than 100 mayors across the country participating in the Mayors for Guaranteed Income initiative. He worked with groups such as the nonprofit CASH Campaign of Maryland (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope), on the details. CASH operates the program. Billy Jean Louis/The Baltimore Sun.
JUDGE RULES BA CO POLICE VIOLATED COUPLE’s RIGHTS: Baltimore County police violated the constitutional rights of a Gwynn Oak couple when officers forced them from their home at gunpoint during a February 2019 arrest, according to a federal judge, who ruled Tuesday that a resulting lawsuit could move forward. Lia Russell and Sabrina LaBoeuf/The Baltimore Sun.