Maryland Matters
@marylandmatters.org
Nonpartisan and nonprofit coverage of Maryland Politics and government. Find us at https://marylandmatters.org/
The Charles County Democratic Central Committee chose Yonelle Moore Lee on Saturday to fill the vacant District 27A seat in the House, setting up a conflict with Prince George's County Democrats who backed a different candidate Tuesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/c...
Charles County taps Yonelle Moore Lee for vacant House seat, in conflict with Prince George's pick - Maryland Matters
The Charles County Democratic Central Committee chose Yonelle Moore Lee on Saturday to fill the vacant District 27A seat in the House, setting up a conflict with Prince George's County Democrats who b...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:59 AM
The Charles County Democratic Central Committee chose Yonelle Moore Lee on Saturday to fill the vacant District 27A seat in the House, setting up a conflict with Prince George's County Democrats who backed a different candidate Tuesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/c...
Maryland lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump's Saturday raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it an act of war without congressional approval, but the state's sole GOP member said it was "about time" the U.S. acted.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/r...
Maryland Democrats question legality of raid in Venezuela; Harris says 'it's about time' US acted - Maryland Matters
Maryland lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump's Saturday raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it an act of war without congressional approval, but the state's sole GOP m...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:58 AM
Maryland lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump's Saturday raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it an act of war without congressional approval, but the state's sole GOP member said it was "about time" the U.S. acted.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/r...
Proposals for new data centers seem to be cropping up left and right, but there's no cohesive statewide policy regulating the facilities, which demand huge amounts of energy. Decisions now are largely local, but state lawmakers could soon change that.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/d...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/d...
In 2026, more data center regulations could be coming in Maryland - Maryland Matters
Proposals for new data centers seem to be cropping up left and right, but there's no cohesive statewide policy regulating the facilities, which demand huge amounts of energy. Decisions now are largely...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Proposals for new data centers seem to be cropping up left and right, but there's no cohesive statewide policy regulating the facilities, which demand huge amounts of energy. Decisions now are largely local, but state lawmakers could soon change that.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/d...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/03/d...
Federal regulators directed the operator of the nation’s largest electricity grid to establish transparent rules for AI data centers to connect directly to power plants, a move meant to manage electricity costs as the race to develop AI centers heats up.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/f...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/f...
Federal regulators say more clarity needed on how data centers connect to power sources - Maryland Matters
.Federal regulators directed the operator of the nation’s largest electricity grid to establish transparent rules for AI data centers to connect directly to power plants, a move meant to manage electr...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Federal regulators directed the operator of the nation’s largest electricity grid to establish transparent rules for AI data centers to connect directly to power plants, a move meant to manage electricity costs as the race to develop AI centers heats up.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/f...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/f...
One of the murkiest questions on Bay cleanup seems like it would be the easiest to answer: Is the water getting clearer? The data long said no, but underwater grass expansion said otherwise. Turns out ,researchers now may have measured wrong.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/u...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/u...
Understanding Chesapeake Bay water clarity isn’t clear cut - Maryland Matters
One of the murkiest questions on Bay cleanup seems like it would be the easiest to answer: Is the water getting clearer? The data long said no, but underwater grass expansion said otherwise. Turns out...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:53 AM
One of the murkiest questions on Bay cleanup seems like it would be the easiest to answer: Is the water getting clearer? The data long said no, but underwater grass expansion said otherwise. Turns out ,researchers now may have measured wrong.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/u...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/u...
The most-read Maryland Matters stories of 2025 included taxes and Trump, health care, courts and politics, probably not surprisingly. But there were also catfish and park passes, overlooked ailments and fraud scams. We list the top 25 of 2025.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/2...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/2...
25 from '25: A rundown of the most-read Maryland Matters stories of the year - Maryland Matters
The most-read Maryland Matters stories of 2025 included taxes and Trump, health care, courts and politics, probably not surprisingly. But there were also catfish and park passes, overlooked ailments a...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:53 AM
The most-read Maryland Matters stories of 2025 included taxes and Trump, health care, courts and politics, probably not surprisingly. But there were also catfish and park passes, overlooked ailments and fraud scams. We list the top 25 of 2025.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/2...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/2...
The feud between a prominent local Jewish leader and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) over Gaza is a reminder of how volatile the issue has become in American politics and how it is almost certain to factor into the midterms, in Maryland and elsewhere.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/a...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/a...
Analysis: Is Gaza a sleeper issue in the Maryland midterms? - Maryland Matters
The feud between a prominent local Jewish leader and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) over Gaza is a reminder of how volatile the issue has become in American politics and how it is almost certain to fac...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:49 AM
The feud between a prominent local Jewish leader and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) over Gaza is a reminder of how volatile the issue has become in American politics and how it is almost certain to factor into the midterms, in Maryland and elsewhere.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/a...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/a...
The Federal Emergency Management Agency cannot unilaterally terminate a program that provides billions of dollars in disaster-preparation aid to communities nationwide, including nearly $1 billion in the Chesapeake Bay region, a federal judge has ruled.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/f...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/f...
Federal judge blocks FEMA from ending disaster preparedness program - Maryland Matters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency cannot unilaterally terminate a program that provides billions of dollars in disaster-preparation aid to communities nationwide, including nearly $1 billion in ...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:48 AM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency cannot unilaterally terminate a program that provides billions of dollars in disaster-preparation aid to communities nationwide, including nearly $1 billion in the Chesapeake Bay region, a federal judge has ruled.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/f...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/f...
Maryland officials must respond to Republican states that are redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections with a redistricting of their own, writes Lisa Brown, or risk damage to its communities by a federal government that does not represent voters here.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/m...
Majority of Marylanders want Annapolis to fight for democracy - Maryland Matters
Maryland officials must respond to Republican states that are redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections with a redistricting of their own, writes Lisa Brown, or risk damage to its communities by a fed...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Maryland officials must respond to Republican states that are redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections with a redistricting of their own, writes Lisa Brown, or risk damage to its communities by a federal government that does not represent voters here.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/m...
Youth crime has been on a steady decline, but you might not know it to read the headlines, writes Robin Campbell, who blames it on a lack of solid data, and calls for state agencies to work together to streamline data and help the public understand.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/b...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/b...
Better data, better policies, better outcomes for kids and safety - Maryland Matters
Youth crime has been on a steady decline, but you might not know it to read the headlines, writes Robin Campbell, who blames it on a lack of solid data, and calls for state agencies to work together t...
marylandmatters.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:46 AM
Youth crime has been on a steady decline, but you might not know it to read the headlines, writes Robin Campbell, who blames it on a lack of solid data, and calls for state agencies to work together to streamline data and help the public understand.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/b...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/02/b...
As home prices and rents soar, advocates, lawmakers and administration officials share a goal of protecting families in an unstable housing market. Balancing all their competing demands will be a challenge, but advocates say it must be done.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/i...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/i...
In 2026, affordable housing is needed 'now more than ever,' but getting there is the challenge - Maryland Matters
As home prices and rents soar, advocates, lawmakers and administration officials share a goal of protecting families in an unstable housing market. Balancing all their competing demands will be a chal...
marylandmatters.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:48 PM
As home prices and rents soar, advocates, lawmakers and administration officials share a goal of protecting families in an unstable housing market. Balancing all their competing demands will be a challenge, but advocates say it must be done.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/i...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/01/i...
The year started with one House speaker and ended with another. It showed that President Donald Trump was all he said he was going to be, and then some, and spawned protests: No Kings, no ICE, Good Trouble and more. The year in pictures.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/s...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/s...
Shutdowns, shakeups, budget fights, chromite: Looking back on 2025 through our camera lens - Maryland Matters
The year started with one House speaker and ended with another. It showed that President Donald Trump was all he said he was going to be, and then some, and spawned protests: No Kings, no ICE, Good Tr...
marylandmatters.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:47 PM
The year started with one House speaker and ended with another. It showed that President Donald Trump was all he said he was going to be, and then some, and spawned protests: No Kings, no ICE, Good Trouble and more. The year in pictures.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/s...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/s...
President Donald Trump's second term and the resistance to it played out over a year that brought a seemingly endless array of history-making events and policy change, to immigration, tariffs, the Education Department, federal health care and more.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/d...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/d...
Deportations, tariffs, court clashes, record shutdown mark a historic year in Washington, D.C. - Maryland Matters
President Donald Trump's second term and the resistance to it played out over a year that brought a seemingly endless array of history-making events and policy change, to immigration, tariffs, the Edu...
marylandmatters.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:46 PM
President Donald Trump's second term and the resistance to it played out over a year that brought a seemingly endless array of history-making events and policy change, to immigration, tariffs, the Education Department, federal health care and more.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/d...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/d...
States, including Maryland, must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
Priced out at College Park: Graduate students struggle with high rents - Maryland Matters
University of Maryland graduate students are being priced out of College Park rentals, forcing them farther from campus and cutting into time for teaching, research and coursework. Campus and city off...
marylandmatters.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
States, including Maryland, must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
States, including Maryland, must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/r...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/r...
After Minnesota fraud allegations, HHS orders states to justify child care spending - Maryland Matters
States must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.
marylandmatters.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 PM
States, including Maryland, must now provide “justification” that federal child care funds they receive are spent on “legitimate” providers in order to get those dollars, President Donald Trump’s administration announced.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/r...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/r...
Maryland ends the year with almost 15,000 fewer federal jobs than it had at the start of the year, according to the latest estimates from the Maryland Labor Department, which said the drop from 163,100 to 148,500 was steepest among states.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/m...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/m...
Maryland lost almost 15,000 federal jobs in 2025, a 9% drop in the workforce, state data shows - Maryland Matters
Maryland ends the year with almost 15,000 fewer federal jobs than it had at the start of the year, according to the latest estimates from the Maryland Labor Department, which said the drop from 163,10...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Maryland ends the year with almost 15,000 fewer federal jobs than it had at the start of the year, according to the latest estimates from the Maryland Labor Department, which said the drop from 163,100 to 148,500 was steepest among states.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/m...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/m...
The Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee chose one of its own Tuesday, Darrell Odom Sr., to fill the vacant District 27A seat left by Kevin Harris, whom the committee selected last month for the state Senate seat from District 27.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
Prince George’s Democrats choose one of their own to fill vacant District 27A seat - Maryland Matters
The Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee chose one of its own Tuesday, Darrell Odom Sr., to fill the vacant District 27A seat left by Kevin Harris, whom the committee selected last mont...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee chose one of its own Tuesday, Darrell Odom Sr., to fill the vacant District 27A seat left by Kevin Harris, whom the committee selected last month for the state Senate seat from District 27.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/31/p...
The Public Service Commission gave an initial green light Tuesday to a Constellation Energy proposal for a new natural gas plant in Perryman, moving it to an expedited review approved last year by lawmakers anxious to boost in-state energy production.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/n...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/n...
Natural gas plant proposed for Harford County can get expedited review, commission says - Maryland Matters
The Public Service Commission gave an initial green light Tuesday to a Constellation Energy proposal for a new natural gas plant in Perryman, moving it to an expedited review approved last year by law...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The Public Service Commission gave an initial green light Tuesday to a Constellation Energy proposal for a new natural gas plant in Perryman, moving it to an expedited review approved last year by lawmakers anxious to boost in-state energy production.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/n...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/n...
After being sued by 16 states, including Maryland, the Trump administration has agreed to review frozen grants to universities without using controversial standards that discouraged gender, race and sexual orientation initiatives and vaccine research.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/t...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/t...
Trump administration agrees to drop anti-DEI criteria for stalled health research grants - Maryland Matters
After being sued by 16 states, including Maryland, the Trump administration has agreed to review frozen grants to universities without using controversial standards that discouraged gender, race and s...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:39 PM
After being sued by 16 states, including Maryland, the Trump administration has agreed to review frozen grants to universities without using controversial standards that discouraged gender, race and sexual orientation initiatives and vaccine research.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/t...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/t...
A federal judge in Tennessee is ordering federal prosecutors to turn over some documents to lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia as they try to show his indictment on human smuggling charges was the product of vindictive prosecution.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/f...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/f...
Federal judge orders release of some records for Abrego Garcia's vindictive prosecution claim - Maryland Matters
A federal judge in Tennessee is ordering federal prosecutors to turn over some documents to lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia as they try to show his indictment on human smuggling charges was the produ...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:34 PM
A federal judge in Tennessee is ordering federal prosecutors to turn over some documents to lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia as they try to show his indictment on human smuggling charges was the product of vindictive prosecution.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/f...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/f...
A proposal to ban 287(g) agreements -- which allow local police to cooperate with, and in some cases act in place of, federal immigration agents -- failed at the last-minute in the 2025 General Assembly, but it could be a major topic in 2026.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/a...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/a...
As immigration arrests surge, advocates rue lawmakers' failure to pass protections in 2025 - Maryland Matters
A proposal to ban 287(g) agreements -- which allow local police to cooperate with, and in some cases act in place of, federal immigration agents -- failed at the last-minute in the 2025 General Assemb...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:32 PM
A proposal to ban 287(g) agreements -- which allow local police to cooperate with, and in some cases act in place of, federal immigration agents -- failed at the last-minute in the 2025 General Assembly, but it could be a major topic in 2026.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/a...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/30/a...
New House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) unveiled an overhauled leadership team and committee structure Monday, adding a new standing committee and replacing all but a handful of committee chairs.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
Peña-Melnyk unveils House leadership shake-up, expands standing committees - Maryland Matters
New House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) unveiled an overhauled leadership team and committee structure Monday, adding a new standing committee and replacing all but...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:31 PM
New House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) unveiled an overhauled leadership team and committee structure Monday, adding a new standing committee and replacing all but a handful of committee chairs.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
The Prince George's County Council wasted no time Monday, tapping District 6 Council member Wala Blegay to fill the at-large council seat vacated just last week by Calvin Hawkins, who stepped down to take a job in the county's administration.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
Prince George’s Council appoints District 6 member Blegay to vacant at-large seat - Maryland Matters
The Prince George's County Council wasted no time Monday, tapping District 6 Council member Wala Blegay to fill the at-large council seat vacated just last week by Calvin Hawkins, who stepped down to ...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The Prince George's County Council wasted no time Monday, tapping District 6 Council member Wala Blegay to fill the at-large council seat vacated just last week by Calvin Hawkins, who stepped down to take a job in the county's administration.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/p...
New Border Patrol agents can now get up to $60,000 in hiring and retention bonuses with money from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act, as the Department of Homeland Security touts a record year for job applications at the agency's various arms.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/c...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/c...
Customs and Border Protection increases hiring incentives, amid record DHS recruiting year - Maryland Matters
New Border Patrol agents can now get up to $60,000 in hiring and retention bonuses with money from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act, as the Department of Homeland Security touts a record year for job a...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
New Border Patrol agents can now get up to $60,000 in hiring and retention bonuses with money from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act, as the Department of Homeland Security touts a record year for job applications at the agency's various arms.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/c...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/c...
Maryland will get $168.2 million for rural health care in the first year of a five-year, $50 billion program aimed at offsetting some of the looming cuts to Medicaid spending over the next decade under the Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/m...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/m...
Maryland gets $168.2 million for rural health in first year of program to offset Medicaid cuts - Maryland Matters
Maryland will get $168.2 million for rural health care in the first year of a five-year, $50 billion program aimed at offsetting some of the looming cuts to Medicaid spending over the next decade unde...
marylandmatters.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Maryland will get $168.2 million for rural health care in the first year of a five-year, $50 billion program aimed at offsetting some of the looming cuts to Medicaid spending over the next decade under the Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law.
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/m...
marylandmatters.org/2025/12/29/m...