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Maryland Matters
@marylandmatters.org
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Nonpartisan and nonprofit coverage of Maryland Politics and government. Find us at https://marylandmatters.org/
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marylandmatters.org
Officials who oversee foster care and out-of-home youth placements say they’ve made significant progress reducing the number of youth in improper living situations – after months of backlash for kids living in hotels, hospitals and office buildings.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/l...
Lawmakers grill DHS over 'hospital overstays' for youth under the state's care - Maryland Matters
Officials who oversee foster care and out-of-home youth placements say they’ve made significant progress reducing the number of youth in improper living situations – after months of backlash for kids ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:53 PM
marylandmatters.org
Most everyone agrees that a bill prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility employee bonuses would only be a drop in the bucket when it comes to reducing electricity bills -- but it still got plenty of discussion at a House hearing Wednesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
Maryland utilities fight bill that would regulate employee bonuses - Maryland Matters
Most everyone agrees that a bill prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility employee bonuses would only be a drop in the bucket when it comes to reducing electricity bills -- but it still got ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:52 PM
marylandmatters.org
The House Judiciary Committee pushed through a bill Wednesday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities, amending it to make it emergency legislation that would take effect immediately on signing by the governor.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/h...
House committee advances bill to ban sheriffs' agreements with ICE, a day after Senate panel OK - Maryland Matters
The House Judiciary Committee pushed through a bill Wednesday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities, amending it to make it emergency legislation that would take e...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:50 PM
marylandmatters.org
A divided Maryland Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that police cannot pull over drivers who are merely touching their cell phones while behind the wheel, actions that could be permitted under the state’s distracted driving laws.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/t...
'Touching' your phone behind the wheel is not enough for a traffic stop, Supreme Court rules - Maryland Matters
A divided Maryland Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that police cannot pull over drivers who are merely touching their cell phones while behind the wheel, actions that could be permitted under the state’s ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:49 PM
marylandmatters.org
Del. Bonnie Cullison will step down after 16 years, Sen. Jim Rosapepe tries to get by without a staff, and while some kids are stuck in the house by the snowstorm, the children of some lawmakers are stuck in the House, in political notes.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/c...
Cullison hangs it up, Rosapepe misses staff, snow days mean kids at the State House, in notes - Maryland Matters
Del. Bonnie Cullison will step down after 16 years, Sen. Jim Rosapepe tries to get by without a staff, and while some kids are stuck in the house by the snowstorm, the children of some lawmakers are s...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:47 PM
marylandmatters.org
The Maryland Senate could take up bills as early as Thursday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities and to prohibit masks on law enforcement agents, after a Senate committee pushed through both Tuesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/s...
Senate panel advances bills to ban agreements with ICE, face coverings for law enforcement - Maryland Matters
The Maryland Senate could take up bills as early as Thursday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities and to prohibit masks on law enforcement agents, after a Senate ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:46 PM
marylandmatters.org
An annual report evaluating statewide tobacco regulations marked Maryland down for cutting $5 million from tobacco prevention programs, at a time when uncertain federal funding and support make state-level actions more influential than ever.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
Maryland gets ‘thumbs down’ after reducing funding for tobacco control programs - Maryland Matters
An annual report evaluating statewide tobacco regulations marked Maryland down for cutting $5 million from tobacco prevention programs, at a time when uncertain federal funding and support make state-...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:45 PM
marylandmatters.org
More than 200 witnesses signed up to testify on a congressional redistricting plan and the House Rules Committee heard more than five hours of debate Tuesday, but the outcome was never in doubt: The panel voted on party lines to advance the bill.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/27/h...
House committee presses ahead with mid-cycle Congressional redistricting bill - Maryland Matters
More than 200 witnesses signed up to testify on a congressional redistricting plan and the House Rules Committee heard more than five hours of debate Tuesday, but the outcome was never in doubt: The p...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:44 PM
marylandmatters.org
Officials with an oversight board for Maryland’s morticians and funeral services said that a 300-inspection backlog has been cleared, after unsanitary conditions at a Charles County crematorium mired the board in controversy a year ago.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/27/b...
Board of Morticians clears inspection backlog, but looks to legislators for further improvements - Maryland Matters
Officials with an oversight board for Maryland’s morticians and funeral services said that a 300-inspection backlog has been cleared, after unsanitary conditions at a Charles County crematorium mired ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:43 PM
marylandmatters.org
A Virginia circuit court struck down a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving lawmakers the option to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, a major setback for Democratic leaders who hoped to put it before voters in April.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/27/r...
Virginia court strikes down redistricting amendment headed for April ballot - Maryland Matters
A Virginia circuit court on Tuesday struck down a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving lawmakers the option to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, dealing a major setback to Democr...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:42 PM
marylandmatters.org
Gov. Wes Moore unveiled a legislative energy proposal Tuesday that aims to deliver another $40 electric bill refund to Marylanders, along with policy changes focused on modernizing transmission lines and bolstering clean power in the state.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/27/m...
Moore proposes another $40 electric bill credit for Marylanders - Maryland Matters
Gov. Wes Moore unveiled a legislative energy proposal Tuesday that aims to deliver another $40 electric bill refund to Marylanders, along with policy changes focused on modernizing transmission lines ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:40 PM
marylandmatters.org
Gov. Wes Moore's (D) $70.8 billion spending plan unveiled last week closes a more than $1.5 billion deficit for fiscal 2027 but does little to ease projected future budget pain, lawmakers were told Monday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/27/m...
Moore's budget fixes current deficit, but analysts pessimistic about future - Maryland Matters
Gov. Wes Moore's (D) $70.8 billion spending plan unveiled last week closes a more than $1.5 billion deficit for fiscal 2027 but does little to ease projected future budget pain, lawmakers were told Mo...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:39 PM
marylandmatters.org
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that an Anne Arundel County man should not get a new trial in the attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend after prosecutors withheld some information from him in the case.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/26/u...
U.S. Supreme Court rules Anne Arundel County man will not get new trial in attempted murder - Maryland Matters
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that an Anne Arundel County man should not get a new trial in the attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend after prosecutors withheld some information from him i...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:37 PM
marylandmatters.org
The White House rejected Senate Democrats' call to renegotiate the Homeland Security budget after the shooting of Alex Pretti, demanding the Senate pass the entire budget package before a government shutdown begins this weekend.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/26/r...
Congress hurtles toward partial shutdown after Alex Pretti killing in Minneapolis - Maryland Matters
The White House rejected Senate Democrats' call to renegotiate the Homeland Security budget after the shooting of Alex Pretti, demanding the Senate pass the entire budget package before a government s...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:36 PM
marylandmatters.org
Gov. Wes Moore hates the thought of another government shutdown, but he also said there needs to be some accountability for immigration officers using increasingly aggressive tactics that led to the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/26/m...
Moore signals support for ICE funding challenge that could spark a partial government shutdown - Maryland Matters
Gov. Wes Moore hates the thought of another government shutdown, but he also said there needs to be some accountability for immigration officers using increasingly aggressive tactics that led to the s...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:28 PM
marylandmatters.org
A federal district judge in Virginia has granted Dominion Energy’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Interior Department's order to stop work at the utility's $11.2 billion offshore wind project, allowing work to proceed for now.
marylandmatters.org/briefs/domin...
Dominion Energy resumes work on offshore wind project, remains on schedule - Maryland Matters
A federal district judge in Virginia has granted Dominion Energy’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Interior Department's order to stop work at the utility's $11.2 billion offshore win...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:27 PM
marylandmatters.org
The recent leadership shake-up at Maryland’s Public Service Commission came as Gov. Wes Moore (D) was seeking a fresh direction for the board, which regulates gas and electric utilities in the state.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/26/m...
Moore pushed for change at Maryland Public Service Commission, citing high electric bills - Maryland Matters
The recent leadership shake-up at Maryland’s Public Service Commission came as Gov. Wes Moore (D) was seeking a fresh direction for the board, which regulates gas and electric utilities in the state.
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:24 PM
marylandmatters.org
A partial federal government shutdown appeared unexpectedly back on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by immigration agents in Minneapolis led key Senate Democrats to say they will oppose a funding bill for immigration enforcement.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/25/r...
Deadly shooting in Minneapolis could lead to partial government shutdown over ICE funding - Maryland Matters
A partial federal government shutdown appeared unexpectedly back on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by immigration agents in Minneapolis led key Senate Democrats to say they will oppose a fu...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:23 PM
marylandmatters.org
Even before this month's meeting between Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy jump-started talk of public-private funding to replace the American Legion Bridge, federal officials were already moving in that direction.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/25/f...
Feds were already looking to revive P3 funding for American Legion Bridge before Moore meeting - Maryland Matters
Even before this month's meeting between Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy jump-started talk of public-private funding to replace the American Legion Bridge, federal official...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:18 PM
marylandmatters.org
Comptroller Brooke Lierman appears to know something about campaign money, too, the state gets a new lobbyist in Washington, and David Trone staffs up with some familiar names in his bid to retake his old House seat, in political notes.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/25/c...
Campaign cash for the comptroller, a new federal lobbyist, takebacks for Trone, in political notes - Maryland Matters
Comptroller Brooke Lierman appears to know something about campaign money, too, the state gets a new lobbyist in Washington, and David Trone staffs up with some familiar names in his bid to retake his...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:47 PM
marylandmatters.org
State leaders who want to curb the increasingly violent arrest tactics of immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis and elsewhere are struggling to push back.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/25/s...
States, cities are hard-pressed to fight violent ICE arrest tactics - Maryland Matters
State leaders who want to curb the increasingly violent arrest tactics of immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis and elsewhere are struggling to push back.
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 PM
marylandmatters.org
Maryland was one of 10 states declared disaster areas by President Donald Trump over the weekend as a result of the winter storm that stretched from the Southwest to the Northeast.
marylandmatters.org/briefs/feder...
Federal government grants disaster declaration for Maryland to respond to snowstorm - Maryland Matters
Maryland was one of 10 states declared disaster areas by President Donald Trump over the weekend as a result of the winter storm that stretched from the Southwest to the Northeast.
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:27 PM
marylandmatters.org
Little is known about the two sets of skeletal remains uncovered during an excavation of a historical site in downtown Frederick earlier this week — only that police are convinced they’re “historic in nature.” But local historians have their guesses.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/23/h...
Historical human remains discovered in Frederick, close to Revolutionary War barracks - Maryland Matters
Little is known about the two sets of skeletal remains uncovered during an excavation of a historical site in downtown Frederick earlier this week — only that police are convinced they’re “historic in...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:15 PM
marylandmatters.org
Longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer endorses freshman Maryland Del. Adrian Boafo as his successor in Congress, the Legislative Black Caucus gets new leadership, Sen. C. Anthony Muse chooses between two jobs and more in political notes.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/23/h...
Hoyer backs Boafo, new leaders for Black Caucus, Muse makes a choice, more in political notes - Maryland Matters
Longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer endorses freshman Maryland Del. Adrian Boafo as his successor in Congress, the Legislative Black Caucus gets new leadership, Sen. C. Anthony Muse chooses between two jobs and...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:14 PM
marylandmatters.org
The number of people enrolling in health care plans through the state’s insurance marketplace may be at a record high, but the quality of coverage is down for thousands of Marylanders, officials told lawmakers this week.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/24/h...
Health care insurance is up, but rising costs drive thousands to select cheaper plans - Maryland Matters
The number of people enrolling in health care plans through the state’s insurance marketplace may be at a record high, but the quality of coverage is down for thousands of Marylanders, officials told ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:13 PM