Gay Matters: Growing number believe sexual orientation to be birth factor, poll finds

A new poll released today shows the largest measured gap between Americans who believe individuals are born gay and those who believe sexual orientation is caused by external factors. According to Gallup, 47 percent of Americans chose "nature" over "nurture" when asked about same-sex orientation,...

Roads, bridges, transit projects announced with gas tax hike

The gas tax increase Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law Thursday will pay for weekend MARC service between Baltimore and D.C., roads and bridges throughout the state and construction on the Red and Purple lines to begin as soon as 2015.

Maryland agrees to buy Annapolis post office

Maryland officials agreed Wednesday to buy the historic Annapolis post office building from the U.S. Postal Service for use as part of the government complex surrounding the State House.

Franchot presents governor with $271 check

The Most Interesting Man in Maryland made an interesting presentation to Gov. Martin O'Malley Wednesday -- a $271 check representing royalties owed for an appearance in a movie while O'Malley was mayor of Baltimore.

Z on TV: Bill O'Reilly riding O'Malley hard over jail scandal

Fox News is not backing off on the Baltimore prison story sscandal despite a bunch of big national stories that have conservatives salivating over the damage they see the Obama administration suffering.

Rawlings-Blake named grand marshal for LGBT celebration

Organizers of this year's Baltimore Pride celebration have chosen Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to serve as grand marshal in recognition of her support for the gay community.

Dwyer sentenced to 30 days in jail in drunken boating incident

Saying that "those who made the laws have an obligation to obey them," a District Court judge in Annapolis sentenced state Del. Donald H. Dwyer Jr. on Tuesday to 30 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to operating a boat while under the influence.

Z on TV: O'Malley makes it to the Oval Office -- but not the one in Washington

I saw it with my own eyes -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley standing centerstage Tuesday in the Oval Office.

Officials' phone records show political, personal contacts

Days before last November’s election, Gov. Martin O’Malley used his cellphone to call Jim Murren, the chief executive of MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas.

Council OKs bill that would force contractors to hire city residents

In a unanimous vote, the City Council gave preliminary approval Monday to a bill that would require businesses getting large city contracts or financial support to hire 51 percent of new workers from Baltimore.

Sen. Zirkin seeks reelection

Sen. Bobby Zirkin announced his reelection campaign Monday and said in an interview that he considered not running for a fifth term in the General Assembly after a "very, very hard session" that kept him away from his two young children.

Disaster response expert named city transportation chief

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake appointed an executive with a disaster response company Friday to lead Baltimore's Transportation Department at a time when the agency continues to struggle with its speed camera program.

Brown is first to enter 2014 gubernatorial race

Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown became the first candidate to join the 2014 Maryland governor's race Friday with a call to close the gap between rich and poor in education, health and economic opportunity.

IRS admits to improperly targeting conservative groups

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service improperly screened applications from conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status, a senior IRS official said Friday.

Maryland prompts federal action on pharmacy oversight after meningitis outbreak

State health officials don't know how often Marylanders use medications mixed in facilities lacking safety oversight, like a Massachusetts facility linked to three deaths here, but a newly passed law could tell them — and help demonstrate a gap in federal regulation.

Perez vote delayed as confirmation fight intensifies

WASHINGTON -- A Senate committee vote on Labor Secretary nominee Tom Perez was postponed hours before it was set to take place Wednesday, highlighting what appears to be a growing partisan fight over the confirmation of the former Maryland official. 

Attorney general says courts will uphold gun bill

In the face of a threatened lawsuit by the National Rifle Association, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler has formally advised Gov. Martin O’Malley that he can sign the bill next week without fear of any part of it being overturned in the courts.

Maryland enrollment soars in federal phone program

Lifeline program faces renewed scrutiny in Congress

GOP ramps up criticism of Perez

WASHINGTON -- Congressional Republicans, including Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, stepped up their criticism of Labor Secretary nominee Tom Perez on Tuesday, amplifying their concerns a day before the former state official faces a Senate committee vote on his confirmation.

Richard E. 'Dick' Hug, Republican fundraiser and civic leader, dies at 78

Richard E. "Dick" Hug, a prominent businessman and prolific fundraiser for Republican candidates, died Saturday. He was 78.