MARYLAND POLITICS

Policy pits candy against sugar

Policy pits candy against sugar

Some of Baltimore's best-known candy makers are pressing Congress to overturn a decades-old sugar policy they say is leaving a bad taste in their mouth.

MORE HEADLINES

Council to consider mayor's proposed pension changes

With the city retirement system short hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded liabilities, officials say they are likely to begin requiring municipal employees to contribute to their pensions.

Gill sworn in as natural resources chief

Gov. Martin O'Malley swore in Joseph P. Gill as Secretary of Natural Resources Tuesday, replacing John R. Griffin at the top of the 1,200-employee agency.

Peace Corps opens door for same-sex couples to serve together

The U.S. Peace Corps will begin accepting applications from same-sex couples who wish to serve overseas together for the first time next month, the agency announced Tuesday.

Counties, city face potential loss of piggyback revenue

Maryland's counties and Baltimore face a collective loss of more than $40 million a year and some taxpayers could get refunds if a decision by the state's highest court isn't reversed on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Beretta has no plans to leave, yet

Despite Beretta's threats that the company would leave Maryland if new gun laws were passed and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, Beretta USA has no current plans to abandon its headquarters in Prince George's County. 

President talks economy, jobs in Baltimore

As he traveled through Baltimore to promote his jobs agenda on Friday, President Barack Obama found himself sitting near a 29-year-old man who was uncertain how to reset his life after being released from prison two years ago.

Andy Harris to deliver Republican address on Obamacare

Days after voting again to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, congressional Republicans have tapped Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland to deliver their weekly address.

Carroll commissioners to take stand against gun control

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners will host a public forum Wednesday to discuss and possibly vote on a resolution opposing the state's recently passed Firearm Safety Act of 2013.

A $1 billion plan for new city schools: Non-starter becomes historic law

Last year, a plan to pay for new city schools got nowhere in Annapolis. A $1 billion bill passed this year through the efforts of many people -- including a legislative leader who wanted to support his hometown.

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,...

Governor O'Malley signs gun bill

Gun control, school funding, gas tax among 250 bills to receive signature

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.