Recent stories by Annie Linskey

7:50 PM EST, December 19, 2012

Faith leaders, city lawmakers urge new gun control laws

Several religious leaders joined Baltimore's mayor and state lawmakers Wednesday in urging new state gun control laws, calling for a wide-ranging package of bills designed to prevent tragedies like the shooting in Connecticut.

9:12 PM EST, December 17, 2012

Push to ban more assault weapons expected in Annapolis

Legislation to ban assault weapons like the Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle used in the Newtown school massacre will be revived in Annapolis when the General Assembly convenes next month, according to leading lawmakers pushing to make the change.

6:51 PM EST, December 18, 2012

O'Malley likely to introduce gun legislation

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday he will likely introduce a gun control package in the coming legislative session and reiterated his opposition to assault weapons like the one used in the Newtown massacre.

7:00 AM EST, December 17, 2012

O'Malley travel costs up for debate after Sun records request

House Republicans in Annapolis requested last week that Gov. Martin O'Malley reimburse state taxpayers for nearly $100,000 in travel costs incurred by the state police for protecting him on out-of-state trips — a debate sparked by a routine records request by The Baltimore Sun.

8:39 PM EST, December 13, 2012

At last, state gets good budget news

For the first time since a recession gripped the country in 2008, Maryland is approaching a General Assembly session with good fiscal news: Neither tax increases nor drastic budget cuts are likely to be needed to balance the budget.

9:25 AM EST, December 2, 2012

As DGA run ends, O'Malley likely to stay on national stage

President Barack Obama no longer needs Gov. Martin O'Malley as a top campaign surrogate, and the Democratic Governors Association is set to elect someone else as its chairman on Monday when the group meets in Los Angeles.

9:25 PM EST, November 28, 2012

Diverse coalition funded same-sex marriage effort

A broad coalition of donors — including casino giant MGM, Delta Airlines, a Washington nightclub and thousands of individuals across the country — together gave nearly $6 million to the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland, providing a financial advantage that supporters say was critical to the effort's success.

5:10 PM EST, December 9, 2012

Revolving door for government staffers questioned

Right now Rick Abbruzzese works at a desk a few feet from Gov. Martin O'Malley's office in the State House. In two weeks, he'll report a few blocks away to the Annapolis law firm Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan and Silver LLC, where he will likely lobby his soon-to-be former boss.

9:40 PM EST, November 13, 2012

Maryland budget forecast brightens

After years of budgetary gloom and shortfalls in the billions of dollars, Maryland's fiscal forecasters offered lawmakers a brighter outlook Tuesday, saying the state's operating budget could be just $27 million in the red next fiscal year.

5:49 PM EST, November 19, 2012

Lawmakers who backed gambling look now to collect

Now that the governor's proposal to expand gambling in Maryland has passed at the ballot box, some state senators and delegates who backed the controversial measure are looking to collect.

6:20 PM EST, November 10, 2012

Gay marriage supporters seized victory after tough start

The two Baptist pastors didn't know a soul at Gov. Martin O'Malley's big breakfast for supporters of his same-sex marriage bill back in January.

6:38 PM EST, November 10, 2012

Gay marriage supporters seized victory after tough start

The two Baptist pastors didn't know a soul at Gov. Martin O'Malley's big breakfast for supporters of his same-sex marriage bill back in January.

8:34 PM EST, November 7, 2012

Maryland Democrats win big on ballot questions

One of the biggest winners in Maryland Tuesday night was not technically on the ballot: the Democratic leadership in Annapolis.

8:28 PM EST, November 5, 2012

Now, the voters decide key races, ballot questions

After months of being bombarded by slick advertising, celebrity endorsements and candidate pleas, Maryland voters will go to the polls today — in large numbers, according to one estimate — to have the final word.

12:45 AM EST, November 7, 2012

Voters approve same-sex marriage law

Marylanders made history Tuesday as they voted to make same-sex marriage legal — a question that had been defeated each of the 32 times it had been on the ballot in other states.

8:52 PM EDT, October 31, 2012

Early voting resumes at record pace

The opportunity to vote in a highly charged presidential election and on several closely contested ballot questions drew Marylanders back to the polls Wednesday, keeping the state's early voting turnout on a record pace.

6:16 PM EDT, October 30, 2012

Early voting hours extended

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday he will extend the hours for early voting this week to help make up for the time lost because of storm Sandy.

7:06 PM EDT, November 3, 2012

Now, it's all about turnout

With just two days left until polls open on Election Day, all sides of Maryland's fiercely contested ballot questions are turning to their final task: getting their supporters into the voting booth.

3:34 PM EDT, October 29, 2012

Claims disputed in spot opposing same-sex marriage

Opponents of Question 6 are airing a television commercial that claims same-sex marriage could be "taught in schools" if the law is upheld in the November election.

11:43 PM EDT, October 27, 2012

Md. voters evenly split on same-sex marriage

As the Nov. 6 election nears, likely Maryland voters are evenly divided on whether to make same-sex marriage legal in the state after opposition has grown in recent weeks, according to a new opinion poll conducted for The Baltimore Sun.

7:55 PM EDT, October 24, 2012

Elections board acknowledges absentee ballot errors

Maryland's Board of Elections has acknowledged sending out some incomplete absentee ballots and some with incorrect address information, but officials say both problems were limited in scope and have been resolved.

8:10 PM EDT, October 23, 2012

Governor's brother disagrees on some election issues

Gov. Martin O'Malley's brother has apparently split with the governor on two election issues, backing a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate and signing a petition to put the state's same-sex marriage law on the November ballot.

4:22 PM EDT, October 21, 2012

State ballot campaigns woo black voters

Whether the issue is gay marriage, Vegas-style gambling or college for illegal immigrants, all of Maryland's ballot campaigns have this in common: They are lavishing attention on black voters.

11:13 AM EDT, October 23, 2012

Names of petition signers public

Maryland's rarely used referendum mechanism includes a twist few anticipated when they signed petitions over the past two years: All of those names and addresses are public information.

6:42 PM EDT, October 17, 2012

Opponents to same-sex marriage roll out 'consequences' pitch

Opponents to same-sex marriage are airing a new television commercial that claims passing question 6 will generate intolerance for those who do not support gay marriage.

7:11 PM EDT, October 16, 2012

Gallaudet official wants job back, compensation

The Gallaudet University diversity officer who was suspended from her job after signing a petition to put Maryland's same-sex marriage law to referendum said she wants her post back and is owed compensation for the emotional toll caused by the firestorm.

9:20 PM EDT, October 12, 2012

Same-sex marriage foes get help from out of state

By most measures, Frank Schubert, the strategist running campaigns in four states against same-sex marriage, ought to be nervous about Maryland.

12:05 AM EDT, October 12, 2012

Same-sex marriage supporters condemn action against petition signer

Gov. Martin O'Malley and other supporters of the law to allow same-sex marriage in Maryland called Thursday for the reinstatement of a university administrator who was placed on leave for signing a petition aimed at overturning the measure.

6:19 PM EDT, October 9, 2012

Ad claims children 'do best' when raised by 'their married mom and dad'

A new 30-second television commercial opposing same-sex marriage makes a claim that children "do best" when reared in a traditional, heterosexual marriage — or, as the ad says, by "their married mom and dad."

7:38 PM EDT, October 7, 2012

As referendum nears, faithful push for traditional marriage

Bishop Willard E. Saunders Jr. quieted his Cherry Hill sanctuary Sunday morning, signaling for the music and the hallelujahs to stop so his words would come across clearly.

8:42 PM EDT, October 8, 2012

Congressional map draws tepid support, even opposition, from some Democrats

Gov. Martin O'Malley and the ruling Democrats in Annapolis worked hard to draw a new congressional map that could force a Western Maryland Republican from office. But the result is such a contorted tangle of districts that even some Democrats have declined to support it.

8:52 PM EDT, October 11, 2012

Rep. Hoyer, daughter discuss support of same-sex marriage

Sixteen years after U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer voted to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives has disavowed that view and is pushing to uphold Maryland's new same-sex marriage law.

7:46 PM EDT, October 10, 2012

Law would not force churches to perform gay weddings, spots note

Supporters of same-sex marriage began running two television commercials in the Baltimore market this week. Each features a Baptist minister pointing out that the new Maryland law would not force churches to perform same-sex ceremonies.

7:01 PM EDT, October 1, 2012

Raven Matt Birk joins fight against same-sex marriage

Ravens center Matt Birk is expected to film a video this week opposing Maryland's new same-sex marriage law, making him the second player on the team to take a public stand on the referendum.

6:51 PM EDT, October 1, 2012

Youth jail plans moving forward, O'Malley says

Gov. Martin O'Malley said that plans for a new youth detention facility in Baltimore are "moving forward" and described the current building as "a very old and decrepit facility."

5:06 PM EDT, September 22, 2012

At Morgan State, Michelle Obama urges supporters to work

While polls show President Barack Obama beginning to widen his lead over Republican rival Mitt Romney nationally and in key states, first lady Michelle Obama had a message for supporters Friday at Morgan State University: Take nothing for granted.

7:45 PM EDT, October 8, 2012

UMBC researchers say Dream Act could generate millions in revenue for state

Providing illegal immigrants more access to higher education in Maryland could generate an extra $5 million in revenue for the state per graduating college class, according to a new cost-benefit study by University of Maryland, Baltimore County researchers.

11:10 PM EDT, September 29, 2012

Poll finds support for same-sex marriage, but not gambling

Five weeks before the election, a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland has seen a surge of support and is now favored by likely voters, 49 percent to 39 percent, a new Baltimore Sun poll has found.

7:32 PM EDT, September 9, 2012

Burns backs off bid to silence Ravens player

After drawing national attention for his attempt to muzzle a football player who supported gay rights, a Maryland delegate walked back his position Sunday and said Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo should be allowed to speak out in favor of same-sex marriage.

8:52 PM EDT, September 13, 2012

Maryland's same-sex marriage campaign looks to New York – and elsewhere – to raise money

— In one corner, comedian Sandra Bernhard, wearing a sparkly black skirt, chatted with a longtime fan. In another, Broadway producer Paul Boskind made a pitch to Susan Sarandon. Somebody shouted that Josh Charles had just arrived.

8:20 PM EDT, September 4, 2012

Penn National opens checkbook in ballot campaign

Gambling giant Penn National Gaming Inc. has spent $5.5 million to limit gambling in Maryland — the latest move in a casino-vs.-casino battle that could saturate the airwaves and overwhelm other ballot initiatives this fall.

8:22 PM EDT, August 16, 2012

Gambling law's donation curbs may not limit much

When the legislature went to work on Gov. Martin O'Malley's gambling bill, one of the first provisions to be rolled back was a sweeping ban on political contributions from casino interests.

8:12 PM EDT, September 25, 2012

Source: Penn National angling to buy share in Maryland Live casino

Penn National has spent $13 million to defeat Question 7 and protect its gambling interests in Maryland.

8:43 PM EDT, August 15, 2012

O'Malley signs gambling expansion bill

Gov. Martin O'Malley signed legislation Wednesday asking voters to approve expanded gambling in Maryland as supporters and opponents prepared for what could be a bruising referendum campaign this fall.

6:17 PM EDT, September 24, 2012

Some gambling opponents focus fight on Prince George's

Some gambling opponents are hoping to block a sixth casino from being built in Maryland by focusing their energy in one place: Prince George's County.

9:14 PM EDT, September 16, 2012

O'Malley pays a visit to Iowa's core Democrats

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley was in this first-in-the-nation caucus state Sunday to give the keynote address to hundreds at a Democratic barbecue — a role frequently reserved for likely presidential candidates.

7:09 PM EDT, August 18, 2012

Voters face barrage of ads as they decide four major ballot questions

Maryland enters uncharted political territory this fall as voters for the first time in decades face four major ballot questions. An onslaught of costly advertising is likely as competing interests from all over the country try to sway the state's electorate.

10:19 PM EDT, August 13, 2012

House panel approves gambling bill; debate could come today

A key House committee voted Monday night to guarantee deeper tax breaks for some Maryland casino operators, the most significant change so far to Gov.Martin O'Malley's gambling bill.

7:40 PM EDT, August 24, 2012

Del. Dwyer's career hurt by boating accident, experts say

Republican Del. Donald H. Dwyer Jr.'s political future is in question after he drunkenly piloted a speedboat that collided with another vessel and sent six people — including four children — to the hospital, political observers said Friday.

12:43 AM EDT, August 15, 2012

General Assembly OKs casino bill

The Maryland General Assembly gave final approval to Gov. Martin O'Malley's gambling bill early Wednesday morning, agreeing to allow table games and a sixth casino in the state while also giving new tax breaks to casino owners.

4:02 PM EDT, August 11, 2012

Challenge to map referendum fails

A Democratic Party-backed attempt to block a statewide referendum on Maryland's new congressional map failed Friday when a judge ordered that it be on the November ballot.

9:06 PM EDT, August 6, 2012

General Assembly to discuss pit bull legislation

After animal advocates protested a ruling by the state's highest court deeming all pit bulls inherently dangerous, state lawmakers now will consider a bill to overturn the decision during the special session this week.

4:54 PM EDT, August 11, 2012

Casino law would mark major shift

Maryland lawmakers are poised this week to transform the state's restrictive gambling law into one that allows six full-blown Vegas-style casinos, complete with roulette wheels and poker tables open 24 hours a day.

9:35 PM EDT, August 9, 2012

O'Malley casino bill could get Senate vote Friday

8:54 PM EDT, August 9, 2012

Some in GOP may back gambling bill

As House Democratic leaders try to muster the votes to pass a gambling bill in Annapolis, they may have some unusual allies: Republicans.

5:02 PM EDT, August 4, 2012

Maryland casino expansion debate sparks TV ad campaigns

On a recent night, sandwiched between television coverage of Olympic dressage and synchronized diving, a commercial touted the benefits of a new casino at National Harbor in Prince George's County.

6:20 PM EDT, July 18, 2012

Maryland Dream Act supporters launch campaign to uphold law

Amid chants and cheers, a group including clergy, unions and a university president rallied Wednesday in support of Maryland's law to give tuition breaks to illegal immigrants.

9:46 PM EDT, August 10, 2012

Senate passes gambling expansion bill

The Maryland Senate passed Gov.Martin O'Malley's gambling expansion bill on a 28-14 vote Friday, sending the legislation to a more closely divided House of Delegates when the General Assembly's special session continues Monday.

10:31 AM EDT, August 2, 2012

Busch says priority in gambling bill is revenue for state

Speaker Michael E. Busch told fellow Democrats in the House of Delegates on Wednesday night that his top priority in legislation to expand gambling is to "generate significant new revenue for the state."

9:07 PM EDT, July 10, 2012

Same-sex marriage petition certified

Maryland's Board of Elections certified a petition Tuesday to put the state's new same-sex marriage law on the November ballot, the final procedural step needed for voters to challenge the controversial law.

8:05 PM EDT, July 11, 2012

Foes of congressional map meet target

A Republican-led group trying to repeal Maryland's new congressional map has gathered enough valid signatures to trigger a referendum, the State Board of Elections said Wednesday.

7:43 AM EDT, June 18, 2012

FedEx Field skybox lets Lt. Gov. Brown entertain lobbyists, politicians

Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown used his 18 tickets to the state skybox at FedEx Field to entertain business leaders, union officials, state politicians, lobbyists, friends and family, according to records requested by The Baltimore Sun.

11:58 PM EDT, July 24, 2012

GOP freshman challenges Maryland power structure

By any standard measure, Neil Parrott's place in Maryland politics ought to be toward the very bottom. He's a freshman Republican delegate in a very blue state, without pedigree or government connections.

8:08 PM EDT, June 15, 2012

MGM wants National Harbor casino — but only with lower tax rate

MGM Resorts International says it would build a resort and casino at National Harbor near Washington if the state authorizes a site there — but only if Maryland lowers the tax rate on gambling revenue and allows table games.

9:53 PM EDT, July 2, 2012

GOP confident in petition bid to challenge redistricting

The Western Maryland Republican leading a campaign to repeal the state's new congressional map said Monday that the signatures his group collected will withstand Board of Elections scrutiny, forcing a fall referendum on the issue.

6:54 PM EDT, July 9, 2012

Campaign to trigger vote on political map inches forward

Activists trying to trigger a referendum on Maryland's new congressional map were within striking distance of their goal Monday, with the state's Board of Elections accepting 46,700 names after analyzing about 80 percent of the signatures submitted.

10:43 PM EDT, August 7, 2012

O'Malley unveils gambling expansion legislation

Gov. Martin O'Malley unveiled legislation Tuesday night that would expand gambling in Maryland, limit the influence of gambling interests in state politics and extend tax breaks to casino operators who would face increased competition if the plan is approved.

3:14 PM EDT, July 7, 2012

Not-quite-casinos to stay open in Arundel, Calvert

CHESAPEAKE BEACH — Doug Raines likes to travel by boat to his favorite gambling spot. He ties up at a marina outside Abner's Crab House and finds a seat in the "game room," where he pumps cash into one of the establishment's 100 slotlike machines.

7:53 PM EDT, July 30, 2012

Caesars-led group expected to get city casino license Tuesday

After months of planning, a group led by gambling giant Caesars Entertainment Corp. is expected to get the green light Tuesday to build a 3,750 slot-machine casino ringed with restaurants a few blocks from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

6:25 PM EDT, June 14, 2012

New American citizens take their oath

The white-haired Bosnian grabbed his certificate of citizenship with two hands, held it over his head and smiled broadly. A South Korean woman bowed. A long-haired woman from Ecuador posed like a beauty queen.

8:36 PM EDT, May 29, 2012

Same-sex marriage opponents gather twice the signatures needed for referendum

Activists working to repeal Maryland's same-sex marriage law have collected more than twice the signatures needed for a referendum — likely ensuring that the measure will be on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

7:40 PM EDT, July 6, 2012

No special session next week, but stay tuned

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Friday he won't bring lawmakers back to Annapolis next week to expand the state's gambling program as initially planned, but he will continue pushing the issue.

7:48 PM EDT, June 6, 2012

Hoyer's daughter discloses she is gay

The daughter of Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland disclosed Wednesday that she is a lesbian, an announcement gay advocates hope will boost their effort to keep the state's new same-sex marriage law on the books.

9:11 PM EDT, June 29, 2012

Income tax rate rising for state's high-earners

High-earners in Maryland will feel a financial pinch as employers start withholding more money from paychecks to accommodate the higher income tax rates approved by the General Assembly in May and signed into law by Gov.Martin O'Malley.

8:26 PM EDT, June 25, 2012

Supporters of gambling expansion take to the airwaves

Days after political talks on expanding gambling in Maryland collapsed, a group pushing for a casino at National Harbor has taken its case to the public by buying television ads in the Baltimore market and staging a rally in Annapolis.

8:43 PM EDT, June 3, 2012

Nine tornadoes tear through Maryland

At least nine tornadoes ripped through Maryland on Friday during a 41/2-hour period, the National Weather Service said Sunday.

8:05 PM EDT, May 16, 2012

O'Malley builds on tax-raising legacy

The General Assembly's speedy embrace of Gov. Martin O'Malley's income tax increases this week cleaned up a political mess in Annapolis, but the rate hikes could come back to haunt the Democrat if he seeks national office when his time in the governor's mansion is up.

10:27 PM EDT, April 13, 2012

Maryland's budget not balanced

Maryland's General Assembly failed to pass a balanced budget, according to a memo obtained by The Baltimore Sun. Enacting a balanced budget is the legislature's primary constitutional requirement.

9:08 PM EDT, May 14, 2012

Democratic tax plan faces challenge from within

A carefully choreographed strategy to raise state income taxes to stave off so-called doomsday budget cuts faces a challenge in the General Assembly after several Democrats defied party leaders with a proposal to raise the sales tax instead.

9:48 PM EDT, June 18, 2012

Gambling work group makes decisions behind closed doors

Members of a state work group on expanding gambling met behind closed doors for about four hours Monday, agreeing to recommend that Maryland allow table games at its casinos and keep its current cap of 15,000 slot machines statewide, according to several people who attended the session.

4:53 PM EDT, May 13, 2012

Ire over income tax plan to get louder Monday

A Maryland family making more than $175,000 will pay at least $254 more in income taxes this year under a revenue-raising plan the Maryland General Assembly is expected to take up when it convenes for special session on Monday.

9:01 PM EDT, May 16, 2012

General Assembly raises income tax on top 14 percent

It took three carefully scripted days, but Maryland's ruling Democrats finally put in place the budget deal that eluded them in the waning hours of the state's regular session last month.

8:07 PM EDT, April 18, 2012

Miller denies that gambling bill derailed budget

In a letter to Maryland senators, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says there's been "tremendous misinformation" circulating about the final day of the General Assembly session and insisted that he did not hold up a bill to raise income taxes over legislation to expand gambling.

6:38 PM EDT, June 2, 2012

O'Malley takes party's message to New Hampshire

— Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley took center stage before a convention of New Hampshire Democrats Saturday, rallying the faithful in a state important to his party's hopes to hold the White House in November — and to his own future should he run for president.

6:19 PM EDT, April 14, 2012

Annapolis budget meltdown could sully leaders' reputations

Instead of the confetti, balloons and good will that typically mark the end of the General Assembly's 90-day session, the legislature adjourned Monday with a toxic mixture of anger and disbelief that the Democratic-controlled body gridlocked and was forced to enact a fallback budget that cuts deeply into Democratic spending priorities.

9:42 PM EDT, May 15, 2012

House poised to approve income tax increase

After beating back a series of challenges in the House of Delegates, lawmakers are poised to give final approval Wednesday to a plan to raise the state income tax to fund schools, police and Medicaid.

9:46 PM EDT, May 10, 2012

Obama could boost same-sex marriage cause in Md.

Advocates trying to uphold Maryland's same-sex marriage law hope President Barack Obama's new stance will boost their efforts by firing up supporters and nudging black voters who traditionally have been resistant to the idea.

9:27 PM EDT, May 9, 2012

Agreement reached on plan to increase taxes

Gov. Martin O'Malley and legislative leaders announced Wednesday an agreement to raise taxes on 16 percent of the state's earners and reverse a series of so-called "Doomsday" cuts the General Assembly enacted last month when a budget deal collapsed.

6:36 PM EDT, April 12, 2012

O'Malley takes some blame for budget fallout

Gov. Martin O'Malley on Thursday accepted some of the blame for the budget impasse that left the state with a spending plan that cuts about half a billion dollars from key Democratic priorities such as education.

1:31 AM EDT, April 10, 2012

Assembly fails to pass tax bill, adopts 'Doomsday' budget

The Maryland General Assembly's regular 90-day session ended in disarray Monday at midnight as legislators failed to approve an income tax measure to which their leaders had agreed.

9:04 PM EDT, April 5, 2012

Annapolis lobbyists see big win from gambling

A high-stakes bill to expand gambling in Maryland is still unsettled in Annapolis, but one thing is clear: Right now, the payout is going to lobbyists.

9:38 PM EDT, April 7, 2012

Assembly still hasn't passed a budget

Pushing legislative brinkmanship to its limits, the General Assembly will go into the last scheduled day of its 90-day session Monday without an agreement on the one thing it must get done under Maryland's Constitution: pass a balanced budget.

7:28 PM EDT, May 27, 2012

Same-sex marriage opponents set to turn in first petitions

Church-led activists hoping to repeal Maryland's same-sex marriage law plan to deliver the first batch of petitions ahead of schedule this week, and they say the number of signatures will far exceed the mark.

8:09 PM EDT, May 7, 2012

State labor secretary to be mayor's chief of staff

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has once again looked outside Baltimore government for a chief of staff, tapping Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez for the position.

7:58 PM EDT, April 20, 2012

Miller wants to reopen tax negotiations

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says he wants a "modification" to a budget deal that General Assembly conferees signed hours before the legislative session ended in confusion last week.

4:49 PM EDT, April 5, 2012

O'Malley may try for sales tax increase to fund roads, transit

Gov. Martin O'Malley says he still hopes to convince the legislature to raise money for highway and transit projects — possibly by adding another penny to Maryland's six-percent sales tax and dedicating the extra revenue to transportation.

5:44 PM EST, February 22, 2012

Senate postpones same-sex marriage debate until Thursday

Maryland's Senate will wait until Thursday to debate Gov. Martin O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill, delaying the discussion one day at the request of opponents to the measure.

6:01 PM EDT, April 23, 2012

Baker, unions push Md. lawmakers on gaming

Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and several labor groups are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to consider legislation to allow an expansion of gambling if the General Assembly returns for a special session.

8:52 PM EDT, April 10, 2012

House-Senate deal collapsed in final hours

About 10:30 p.m. Monday, House Speaker Michael E. Busch walked across the State House and delivered a grim message to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller: There weren't enough votes in the House to pass the gambling bill.

9:49 PM EDT, April 7, 2012

House approves subsidy for Ocean Downs

Maryland's House of Delegates narrowly approved a bill Saturday that would provide $1.2 million to the owner of a racetrack and casino on the Eastern Shore, setting aside objections from some lawmakers who called it a giveaway to the "one percent."

6:54 PM EDT, April 6, 2012

Maryland set to raise school attendance age to 18

Maryland is poised to join a growing number of states that are requiring students to stay in school until their 18th birthday, a shift that President Barack Obama urged during his State of the Union address in January.

8:43 PM EDT, April 2, 2012

Next Baltimore election delayed for 1 year

The General Assembly on Monday night put the final touch on a measure that delays Baltimore's next local election by a year — aligning the city's voting cycle with the presidential schedule and allowing a one-time, five-year term for MayorStephanie Rawlings-Blakeand other city officials.

7:30 PM EDT, March 27, 2012

Group seeks referendum on new Md. congressional map

A group that has already put one referendum issue on November's ballot has turned its sights to Maryland's new congressional map, announcing Tuesday that it will try to gather enough signatures to give voters a chance to throw out the redistricting plan.

8:01 PM EST, March 7, 2012

Senate panel hears bill to end death penalty

A passionate group of advocates — including NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and an innocent man who was on Maryland's death row for two years — came to Annapolis Wednesday to argue against the state's death penalty.

10:02 PM EDT, March 30, 2012

Mayor backs casino bill as debate moves to House of Delegates

A measure that would pave the way for a casino in Prince George's County picked up support Friday from Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, even as some city lawmakers raised concerns that it would take money away from the gambling venue planned near M&T Bank Stadium.

7:53 PM EDT, March 24, 2012

City election change moves forward in House

A measure to move Baltimore's election to the presidential cycle was among scores of bills that cleared the House of Delegates during a rare Saturday session, setting the stage for MayorStephanie Rawlings-Blakeand the current city council to be in office for an additional year.

8:17 PM EDT, March 15, 2012

Maryland Senate votes to tax the rich

The state Senate voted Thursday to significantly raise taxes on Marylanders earning half a million dollars or more — prompting complaints that liberals were bent on launching class warfare in the state.

4:58 PM EST, February 26, 2012

Assembly shifts attention from love to money

The first 45 days of the General Assembly session were dominated by talk of marriage. The theme for the second half is shaping up to be money — and there's not enough of it.

12:02 PM EDT, April 2, 2012

Counties bristle as Assembly proposals seek to expand state power

As the General Assembly session rushes to a close, many conservative lawmakers and local officials are battling to halt a series of bills, large and small, that they say would shift decision-making power from counties to the red brick buildings of Annapolis.

6:31 PM EST, February 14, 2012

O'Malley offers locals a gas tax sweetener

Gov. Martin O'Malley is offering local governments a significant sweetener — more money for local road projects — as part of an effort to secure their support for his proposal to apply the state's 6 percent sales tax to gasoline.

9:09 PM EDT, March 27, 2012

O'Malley bill to limit septic systems clears Senate

Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to curb sprawl by limiting septic systems — a key piece of his legislative agenda — cleared the Maryland Senate Monday, albeit in a weakened form.

6:22 PM EDT, March 24, 2012

A growing thirst in Damascus

Stop by the Red Rooster, a 10-seat joint just off Main Street in this rural community an hour west of Baltimore, and you can order a burger, some barbecue or the fried chicken that some locals claim is the best on the East Coast.

5:36 PM EDT, March 17, 2012

In Annapolis, a second debate in cyberspace

Republican Del. Justin Ready rose during a recent debate in Annapolis to complain that Maryland's process for petitioning a bill to referendum is "complicated and cumbersome."

8:56 PM EST, March 2, 2012

House, Senate both eye higher income taxes

A whopping budget battle is shaping up in Annapolis, where the leaders of the House of Delegates and Senate floated widely divergent proposals Friday to raise income taxes as part of a plan to close a $1 billion shortfall.

8:32 PM EST, February 23, 2012

Maryland Senate passes gay marriage bill

Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to legalize same-sex marriage quickly won approval in the Maryland Senate Thursday night. The measure now needs the governor's signature.

7:49 PM EST, March 1, 2012

O'Malley signs same-sex marriage bill

Amid cheers and camera flashes from a crush of onlookers, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law Thursday his bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland — legislation that raises his national profile and, advocates say, gives momentum to those pushing similar measures in three states.

8:24 PM EDT, March 16, 2012

Caesars says it's true to Baltimore

Executives of Caesars Entertainment, the leading bidder for a slots parlor in Baltimore, gave lawmakers explicit assurances Friday that their company will not abandon the city for Prince George's County if the General Assembly approves a casino there.

2:23 PM EDT, March 11, 2012

O'Malley, Va. governor debate on 'Meet the Press'

Political frienemies Martin O'Malley and Bob McDonnell made their latest joint appearance Sunday morning — this time on NBC's "Meet the Press," the nation's premier Sunday morning talk show.

8:16 PM EST, March 9, 2012

Patients urge approval of medical marijuana

A clean-cut young man with Tourette's syndrome sat at the witness table in Annapolis Friday afternoon, his head occasionally jerking back and forth, and pleaded with Maryland lawmakers to make it legal to use marijuana for medical purposes.

8:05 PM EST, February 16, 2012

Ethics committee recommends Currie be censured

The General Assembly's joint ethics committee has recommended unanimously that the Senate censure Sen. Ulysses Currie, once a powerful committee chairman, for failing to disclose that he was being paid to represent a grocery chain before state agencies.

5:10 PM EST, March 4, 2012

Outspoken first lady fights for those 'on the outside'

Catherine Curran O'Malley grew up with a swirl of history at her doorstep. Daughter of a powerful Maryland senator, her dad's positions led white supremacists to picket her home. The neighborhood priest once denounced him from the pulpit.

7:35 PM EST, February 21, 2012

Gay marriage bill clears Senate panel, may go to floor Wednesday for debate

The governor's bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland sailed through the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesday and is expected to be debated on the Senate floor as early as Wednesday.

9:40 PM EST, February 10, 2012

Sides trade arguments on same-sex marriage

Del. Heather Mizeur choked back tears as she described losing her best friend after she told him she was gay.

9:31 PM EST, February 24, 2012

New legislative map becomes law

The balance of legislative power in Maryland tips farther away from Baltimore under the new legislative boundaries that quietly became law Friday.

7:41 PM EST, February 20, 2012

Same-sex marriage bill moves to Senate

Gov. Martin O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill is set for a vote in a key Senate panel Tuesday, the next step after a drama-filled week in which the measure passed the House of Delegates by a narrow margin.

7:01 PM EST, February 18, 2012

After soul searching, swing votes make difference for same-sex marriage

A former math teacher. A firefighter. A lawyer. A small-business woman. A full-time doctoral student. A congressional aide.

7:55 PM EST, February 14, 2012

O'Malley grilled on green agenda

Gov. Martin O'Malley fielded skeptical questions from lawmakers about three of his top environmental initiatives Tuesday as he appealed to them to approve bills aimed at promoting offshore wind energy, limiting development and improving water and sewer systems.

10:25 AM EST, February 18, 2012

Md. House passes same-sex marriage bill

A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage squeaked through the House of Delegates on Friday night with just one vote above the minimum needed for passage, putting Maryland on the cusp of becoming the eighth state to allow such unions.

12:10 AM EST, February 15, 2012

House committees send same-sex marriage bill to floor

Two House committees voted Tuesday evening to send to the floor Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to legalize same-sex marriage, buoying the hopes of activists who saw the move as a sign that House leaders think they have the votes to pass it.

11:28 PM EST, January 31, 2012

Religious leaders testify against O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill

They have the governor's backing and a rewritten bill, but advocates of legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland have made little progress in quieting the concerns of many faith leaders who adamantly oppose the legislation.

11:34 PM EST, January 18, 2012

Gansler leads in money race

State Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler has taken a strong lead among prospective Democratic candidates for governor in 2014 in terms of money in the bank, but his lead narrows when his fundraising last year is compared with that of three possible rivals.

11:38 AM EST, February 17, 2012

Maryland lawmakers under national pressure on marriage bill

As a handful of undecided Maryland delegates wrestle over their position on same-sex marriage, they've received calls from national leaders trying to move them one way or another on the bill.

8:22 PM EST, February 6, 2012

Currie appears before ethics panel

Prince George's County Sen. Ulysses S. Currie attended a closed-door meeting of the legislature's ethics committee Monday, making his first appearance before a panel expected to recommend whether he should be punished for failing to report income on financial disclosure forms.

10:24 PM EST, January 30, 2012

Same-sex marriage foes push traditional unions at rally

More than 300 protesters filled a courtyard in front of the State House in Annapolis on Monday evening, listening to ministers and chanting slogans in opposition to a same-sex marriage bill introduced by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

7:05 AM EST, January 19, 2012

Critics rail against O'Malley's spending plan

Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed budget was assailed on many fronts Wednesday as county executives, education advocates, Maryland hospitals and Republican leaders began making their case against the $36 billion spending plan.

8:47 PM EST, February 9, 2012

Fate of same-sex marriage bill rests with handful of delegates

About a dozen members of the House of Delegates are believed to be undecided on Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland. They are the audience that activists on both sides most want to reach as they prepare to make their best case at a hearing Friday.

12:22 PM EST, January 18, 2012

O'Malley defends plan to raise taxes

Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday defended his proposal to ask 20 percent of Marylanders to pay more income taxes, calling his budget plan "a balanced approach" that preserves funding for priorities such as education.

6:41 PM EST, January 22, 2012

O'Malley under scrutiny as he serves in two roles

On Monday, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is set to unfurl the most ambitious legislative agenda of his six years in office. By Thursday evening, he's scheduled to be 200 miles north in a Midtown Manhattan hotel, schmoozing with contributors to the Democratic Governors Association.

9:23 PM EST, February 2, 2012

Firms vying for state contracts fund O'Malley-led group

Companies seeking lucrative state contracts and business deals in Maryland made five- and six-figure contributions in recent months to a Democratic governors group led by Gov. Martin O'Malley, federal records show.

8:13 PM EST, February 1, 2012

O'Malley makes his case for 'investments' in Maryland

Gov. Martin O'Malley used his State of the State address Wednesday to make his case for his most ambitious legislative agenda since taking office.

9:45 PM EST, January 23, 2012

O'Malley introduces same-sex marriage bill

Gov. Martin O'Malley introduced legislation Monday night to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland, presenting a bill to the General Assembly that aides said would offer broad protections for groups that would not want to perform or honor same-sex marriages.

4:55 PM EST, January 1, 2012

Same-sex marriage supporters, opponents ready to face off

After nine months of plotting and organizing, the two sides of Maryland's same-sex marriage debate are ready to campaign with full force during the General Assembly session, which begins next week.

10:51 PM EST, January 12, 2012

General Assembly's ethics committee takes up Currie case

A General Assembly committee charged with reviewing the behavior of state Sen. Ulysses Currie met briefly Thursday behind closed doors in what was described as an organizational session.

8:33 PM EST, January 13, 2012

Slots commission rejects Landow's bid for Rocky Gap

Maryland's slots commission threw out a bid Friday by former state Democratic Party Chairman Nathan Landow to build a casino at Rocky Gap, leaving a single offer in play for the Western Maryland resort.

7:00 PM EST, February 3, 2012

City prosecutors seek new office space

Baltimore prosecutors might soon be packing up and leaving their cramped digs in the city's 112-year-old courthouse for a newer downtown office building.

7:42 PM EST, January 10, 2012

O'Malley seeks $370 million for school construction

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday he will seek more than $370 million in school construction funding in next year's budget, making the pledge at the same Anne Arundel County elementary school where six years ago he promised a massive infusion of state money if elected governor.

6:27 PM EST, January 7, 2012

Delegate pushes to allow cash rewards for fantasy sports

The Ravens get gold rings if they bring home the big prize this season, but what happens if your fantasy team wins, too?

5:55 PM EST, January 7, 2012

Baltimore Police investigating three shootings, one fatal

Baltimore City police were investigating three shootings that occurred Friday night and Saturday morning, including one that took the life of a 27-year-old East Baltimore man.

10:07 AM EST, January 17, 2012

Burst pipe floods some Senate offices in Annapolis

A rusted pipe burst Monday afternoon in the William S. James Senate Office Building in Annapolis, flooding some rooms on two floors and prompting the Department of General Services to shut the building.

10:37 PM EST, January 16, 2012

Maryland lawmakers want — finally — to ratify the 17th Amendment

Two Democratic lawmakers in Annapolis want to spur a debate about the influence of money in politics and send a rebuke to tea party leaders by having the General Assembly ratify the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which required that U.S. senators be elected directly by voters instead of by state legislatures.

10:34 PM EST, December 16, 2011

Baltimore loses clout in redistricting

Baltimore would lose two of its 18 delegates and share one of its six senators with Baltimore County under new state legislative map proposed Friday by a panel appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

8:16 PM EST, January 28, 2012

O'Malley's proposal to raise taxes on "high earners" draws protests in Annapolis and beyond

Frank and Joanne McShalley don't think of themselves as rich. He works for an insurance company. She's an office manager. They've got two kids in Baltimore County Catholic schools.

9:43 PM EST, January 17, 2012

O'Malley proposes $240 million shift of teacher pension costs to counties

Teachers, local elected officials, affluent Marylanders and health care providers are among those likely to be aggrieved Wednesday when Gov. Martin O'Malley releases his budget for next year.

4:50 PM EST, January 8, 2012

So much to do: Annapolis Democrats push ambitious agenda

Democratic leaders in Annapolis have compiled a "To Do" list for the next three months that includes raising taxes and changing the definition of marriage. Some also want to close off big chunks of Maryland to development and open even more casinos in the state.

10:27 PM EST, December 15, 2011

PG delegate faces more criminal charges

Prince George's County Del. Tiffany Alston is facing new criminal charges after being accused Thursday of making the General Assembly pay the salary of an employee in her private law practice.

7:04 PM EST, December 22, 2011

Prosecutors portray Manning as determined leaker

In closing arguments Thursday, Army prosecutors presented a damning portrait of Pfc. Bradley Manning as a soldier who used his top-secret security clearance to scour classified computer networks for documents and burn the data onto discs with the express purpose of leaking it.

11:58 AM EST, January 12, 2012

O'Malley floats sales tax increase

Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday floated the idea of adding one cent to the sales tax to address Maryland's budget problems, saying the money would give the state "flexibility" to pay for programs and to borrow more for road projects.

12:25 AM EST, January 25, 2012

O'Malley seeks religious support for same-sex marriage bill

It is highly unlikely that there will be a gay wedding at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George's County, which defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. But its pastor, the Rev. Delman Coates, went to Annapolis on Tuesday to support Gov. Martin O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill.

6:11 PM EST, December 21, 2011

Manning defense rests after calling two witnesses

Two witnesses for Pfc. Bradley Manning described a chaotic work environment with lax supervision as the defense presented its case Wednesday for the former security analyst charged with turning over classified documents to WikiLeaks.

7:33 PM EST, January 7, 2012

Airman from Westminster is killed in Afghanistan

A 24-year-old airman from Westminster was killed when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle in Afghanistan, the Defense Department said Saturday.

1:07 PM EST, January 7, 2012

Four arrested in September death of Frederick County man

Four men, including a Hagerstown father and his two sons, were arrested Saturday in connection with an August bar fight that caused the death of a 26 year-old from Rocky Ridge, state police said.

10:07 PM EST, December 20, 2011

Judges hear challenge to Maryland congressional map

Three federal judges expressed skepticism Tuesday that Maryland's political mapmakers intentionally diluted black voting power when they drew new congressional districts, as the map's opponents have argued.

9:40 PM EST, January 17, 2012

Obama earns 55% approval in Md.

A new poll shows that national and state Democratic leaders are well regarded in Maryland, even as voters are split on progressive initiatives such as same-sex marriage and discounted in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.

8:30 PM EST, January 6, 2012

Miller, Busch warn counties to maintain school spending

CAMBRIDGE — The legislature's Democratic leaders scolded county officials Friday for failing to keep up their end of the bargain to fund K-12 education, raising the possibility that the General Assembly will revisit the state's landmark school-funding formula during the 90-day session that starts next week.

7:57 PM EST, December 1, 2011

Rule would allow campaign donations by text message

You can text FOOD to give money to UNICEF or text AFRICA to support the International Rescue Committee. Soon you'll be able to contribute via text to a Maryland politician, state officials say.

7:46 PM EST, December 6, 2011

O'Malley to lead Democratic governors for second term

Democratic governors meeting Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles elected Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to lead their organization for a second term, keeping him at the helm of the Democratic Governors Association for the busy 2012 election year.

7:18 PM EST, December 11, 2011

Md., Va. governors compete nationally, but play nice at home

Republican Gov. Robert McDonnell of Virginia made no secret about who he thought should win Maryland's 2010 gubernatorial campaign. It wasn't Martin O'Malley.

7:31 PM EST, December 17, 2011

Attorney: Manning showed signs of distress in Iraq

Military prosecutors building a case against the 24-year-old Army soldier accused of sending hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks sought to show Saturday that Pfc. Bradley Manning had access to the secret documents and the ability to share them with the world.

9:03 PM EST, November 14, 2011

Caesars group wants high-end casino in Baltimore

The head of Caesars Entertainment Corp. promised Monday to bring a "world-class" Harrah's casino to Baltimore that would be marketed heavily to 43 million gamblers in the company's rewards program if his group is given the go-ahead by Maryland's slots commission

11:26 PM EDT, November 3, 2011

Miller says higher gas tax is coming

State Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller predicted Thursday that the General Assembly would approve an increase in Maryland's gas tax, putting his considerable influence behind an issue that is likely to be divisive in the coming legislative session.

5:14 PM EST, December 10, 2011

Governor opens home for the holidays; cookies steal the show

The cookies could not be resisted.

11:24 AM EST, December 10, 2011

Man stabbed at pub in Middle River late Friday, police say

A man was stabbed Friday night at Benchwarmer's Pub in Middle River, Baltimore County police said. Police received a call at 11:28 p.m. and determined that the man was stabbed in the torso.

12:29 PM EST, November 14, 2011

Potential gubernatorial hopefuls start 2014 fundraising early

It will be three years before ballots are cast in Maryland's next election for governor, but half a dozen potential candidates for the office are already asking donors for cash.

6:03 PM EST, November 13, 2011

Potential gubernatorial hopefuls start 2014 fundraising early

It will be three years before ballots are cast in Maryland's next election for governor, but half a dozen potential candidates for the office are already asking donors for cash.

10:24 AM EST, December 10, 2011

Man found dead in overturned Jeep Saturday in Balto. Co.

A 20-year old Lutherville man was found dead in his overturned Jeep Cherokee near Cockeysville early Saturday morning, Baltimore County police said.

9:12 PM EST, November 9, 2011

Common Cause calls for Currie censure

A leading government watchdog organization has called on the Maryland Senate to censure state Sen. Ulysses Currie, the once-powerful budget committee chairman who was acquitted of political corruption charges this week.

8:43 PM EST, December 9, 2011

State cuts revenue estimate by $120 million

After a series of cheerful announcements about better-than-expected tax revenues, Maryland's Board of Revenue Estimates reversed that Friday, projecting that the state would take in $120 million less, mostly blaming weaker-than-expected sales tax figures.

9:04 AM EST, November 27, 2011

Firms with interests in Md. pour cash into DGA

Some companies with interests in Maryland have found a new way to show support for Gov. Martin O'Malley: They're contributing tens of thousands of dollars to the Democratic Governors Association.

6:48 PM EST, November 12, 2011

Maryland Republican Party owes over $100,000 to vendors

Maryland's Republican Party is once again in the red and plans to move its party headquarters to cut costs, according to financial reports discussed Saturday at the party's annual convention.

8:58 PM EST, November 10, 2011

Iowa group to fund suit against Maryland's congressional map

An Iowa-based foundation is financing a federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn Maryland's new congressional map on the grounds that it unconstitutionally splits minority communities.

9:06 PM EDT, October 29, 2011

Md. power elite close ranks around Currie

The No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives called Ulysses S. Currie a "decent, honest person." A former governor said he is "a gentleman." And Maryland's lieutenant governor described him as a "man of strong integrity."

8:55 PM EDT, October 26, 2011

Ehrlich takes stand for Currie in bribery trial

Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. testified Wednesday on behalf of state Sen. Ulysses S. Currie, calling him "a gentleman" and "very friendly."

8:32 AM EST, November 9, 2011

Would-be casino operators unveil ideas for Rocky Gap

— One group that wants to open a casino at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Resort envisions amenities including five restaurants, a spa, a golf and tennis academy and an automobile museum. The other promises to invest $62 million to build a 50,000-square-foot gambling palace and stresses that its team has the experience to get the job done.

4:50 PM EDT, October 22, 2011

New map, new politics in Western Md.

With a bit of math and a few clicks of a mouse, state Democrats transformed a once-sleepy congressional district in Western Maryland last week into one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds in the nation.

9:12 PM EDT, October 19, 2011

O'Malley's map easily wins House approval

A new political map aimed at adding a seventh Democrat to the state's congressional delegation is expected to be sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley Thursday for his signature.

9:49 PM EDT, October 28, 2011

Patient killed at Perkins mental hospital, police say

State health officials moved Friday to bolster security and reassess patients at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, after the second patient slaying in a week at the state mental facility.

7:04 PM EDT, October 20, 2011

O'Malley signs congressional map into law

Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law Thursday a new congressional map that gives Democrats a shot at picking up another member of the U.S. House of Representatives, scoring a political victory here and adding to his burgeoning national profile.

8:06 PM EDT, October 18, 2011

Congressional redistricting set for final debate

Maryland's House of Delegates is poised to give final approval Wednesday to Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to redraw the state's eight congressional districts, but not before lawmakers engage in a final showdown over the controversial map.

3:54 PM EDT, November 2, 2011

MARC to add 16 rail cars

Maryland commuter train riders will have more seats when the state adds 16 rail cars to its busy MARC lines. But the cars won't arrive until 2013.

12:12 AM EDT, October 25, 2011

Woman dies from blunt-force trauma

A woman died Monday evening after suffering blunt-force trauma in the Pen Lucy neighborhood of northeast Baltimore, city police said. The woman was hurt in the 900 block of East 41st street around 5:20 p.m. and died several hours later, police reported.

8:05 PM EDT, October 15, 2011

O'Malley unveils proposed congressional map

Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley released his congressional redistricting plan Saturday evening, hours after a handful of African-American lawmakers walked out of a Legislative Black Caucus meeting and prevented the group from taking an official position on an earlier draft.

8:36 PM EDT, November 2, 2011

O'Malley names new Perkins hospital CEO

State officials tapped a veteran psychiatric hospital administrator Wednesday to take over leadership of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, where two recent killings have sparked questions about the safety and therapy provided at Maryland's maximum-security mental facility.

7:33 PM EDT, October 18, 2011

County leaders ask for gas tax

Leaders from Maryland's two largest counties and Baltimore asked lawmakers Tuesday to raise the state's gas tax as a way to fund road projects and create jobs, making their case for an increase as tea party activists rallied against the idea in a plaza outside.

10:19 PM EDT, October 17, 2011

Senate gives initial approval to O'Malley map

Gov. Martin O'Malley's political redistricting plan earned a quick first stamp of approval from the Maryland Senate on Monday night despite a day full of objections from top Republicans — and a sitting Democratic congresswoman — who slammed the map as partisan gerrymandering that dilutes minority voices.

6:36 PM EDT, October 5, 2011

Higher alcohol tax to pay for school projects

Money from higher prices at bars and liquor stores is paying for athletic fields in Howard County, renovations to schools in Montgomery County and a new high school performing arts center in Anne Arundel.

9:09 PM EDT, October 12, 2011

Proposed congressional map draws more criticism

A congressional map drafted by Maryland Democrats drew more opposition Wednesday as Republican leaders offered alternative proposals, the state NAACP requested changes and the O'Malley administration released 600 comments — mostly critical — submitted by citizens.

6:48 PM EDT, October 11, 2011

Health advocates seek increase in tobacco tax

After successfully pushing a new dime-a-drink alcohol tax, health care advocates are advocating for a new $1 levy on tobacco.

10:41 PM EDT, October 3, 2011

Redistricting panel targets Rep. Bartlett

A panel appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley recommended a new political map Monday evening that would pack Democrats into a redrawn 6th Congressional District in Western Maryland, giving the state's majority party a shot at sending a seventh Democrat to Washington.

7:19 PM EDT, September 8, 2011

Harford County voter rolls investigated

State elections officials are seeking a criminal investigation into irregularities in the Harford County voter rolls, which they say have been artificially inflated.

12:55 AM EDT, October 15, 2011

Lawmakers to kick-start discussions of issues they'll take up later

A new congressional map is the focus of next week's special session in Annapolis, but state lawmakers will take the opportunity to discuss proposals the General Assembly will take up in January.

7:51 PM EDT, October 7, 2011

Groups question legality of new districts

Two disparate groups suggested Friday that Maryland's proposed congressional map might illegally dilute the power of minority voters, though national experts warned that any potential lawsuit would face a high hurdle in federal court.

8:56 PM EDT, August 29, 2011

Irene takes light from some, gives it to others

Live from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Reisterstown in recent days: a calm, confident and casually dressed Gov. Martin O'Malley issuing hour-by-hour reports about Hurricane Irene.

9:02 PM EDT, October 6, 2011

Two congressmen discuss state redistricting with O'Malley

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Thursday night that two Maryland congressmen — one Democrat, one Republican — have asked him to make "substantial" changes in the state's proposed new political map.

8:30 PM EDT, September 22, 2011

Developers show interest in Baltimore slots license

Two developers say they are planning to submit bids Friday to operate a casino in Western Maryland, and the head of the state slots commission said there are "multiple people interested" in the Baltimore slots license.

8:07 PM EDT, October 17, 2011

O'Malley considering gas tax rise

Gov. Martin O'Malley signaled Monday that he might support an increase in Maryland's gasoline tax as part of a broader effort to create jobs through a massive construction program focused on transportation and schools.

8:52 PM EDT, September 22, 2011

National group to aid in-state tuition repeal

The Washington group Judicial Watch filed papers Thursday to intervene in the lawsuit over legislation to extend in-state tuition discounts to illegal immigrants.

9:07 PM EDT, October 11, 2011

Democrats oppose new congressional map

A chorus of Democratic officials concerned about minority voters in the Washington suburbs said Tuesday that they oppose the new congressional districts proposed by Gov. Martin O'Malley's redistricting commission, setting up a key battle as the General Assembly prepares to take up the issue.

10:41 PM EDT, September 30, 2011

Two maps emerge in redistricting discussions

As the General Assembly prepares to draw new boundaries for Maryland's eight congressional districts, majority Democrats are considering plans aimed at squeezing out one or both of the state's Republican congressmen, according to a Democratic strategist familiar with the discussions.

3:39 PM EDT, September 30, 2011

New laws go into effect Saturday

Glancing at a text message or an e-mail from behind the wheel will cost $500 in fines starting Saturday, when a new law goes into effect clarifying Maryland's muddled driving-while-texting rules.

7:44 PM EDT, September 16, 2011

Attention Baltimore: There's still one more election

Anyone peeking in the window at Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's campaign headquarters on Howard Street Friday morning could be forgiven for thinking the mayor's race had ended.

8:02 PM EDT, September 28, 2011

Slots panel throws out two bids

The state slots commission voted unanimously Wednesday to throw out bids by some developers seeking to build casinos in Baltimore and Western Maryland, saying the applications failed to provide minimum requirements.

11:36 AM EDT, October 13, 2011

GOP, others find faults with proposed map

Maryland Republicans criticized a proposal Tuesday to redraw the state's congressional map, saying a Democratic-controlled panel seeking to bolster the party's position would separate communities with like-minded views and fuse areas with little in common.

8:40 PM EDT, September 21, 2011

O'Malley considering jobs bill

With the state unemployment rate inching upward, Gov. Martin O'Malley is considering several jobs measures when the General Assembly meets in special session next month, he said Wednesday.

10:55 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Search on airline delays some BWI passengers

Passengers on a Southwest flight were delayed at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for about an hour Monday evening as federal and state law enforcement searched their plane for an object that "raised the concerns of the airline," an airport spokesman said. No object was found.

7:38 PM EDT, August 23, 2011

O'Malley planning India trade mission

Gov. Martin O'Malley is planning to lead a trade mission to India, he said Tuesday, in what would be his second international trip this year.

9:52 PM EDT, September 1, 2011

State budget surplus greater than expected

Maryland finished the most recent budget year with nearly $1 billion in unspent funds, a surplus that was more than 50 percent higher than expected, mostly due to stronger-than-anticipated income tax receipts, officials said Thursday.

8:06 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Senior at Carver arrested on gun charge

A senior at Carver Vocational-Technical High School was arrested Monday afternoon after officers determined that he was carrying a handgun, according to a news release from the Baltimore City Public Schools.

10:24 PM EDT, September 4, 2011

A jubilant finish line for the Grand Prix

Tens of thousands of spectators trooped through crowded paddocks and grandstands, clutching ear plugs and checkered flags. Auto-racing teams praised the exciting twists and straightaways through roads normally choked with harried commuters.

6:27 PM EDT, August 27, 2011

Crime, economy top list of concerns

While concern about the economy has grown since the last mayoral election, crime remains the top worry among likely voters in Baltimore's Democratic primary next month.

12:31 PM EDT, September 1, 2011

Officials attack BGE over outages; City, Baltimore. Co., Arundel most affected

Power restoration to Baltimore County homes in the wake of Hurricane Irene lagged behind the rest of the state Wednesday, as tens of thousands of residents entered a fourth evening without lights.

9:40 PM EDT, September 30, 2011

New laws go into effect Saturday

Glancing at a text message or an e-mail from behind the wheel will cost $500 in fines starting Saturday, when a new law goes into effect clarifying Maryland's muddled driving-while-texting rules.

10:13 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Longtime city budget czar to retire

Baltimore's top financial officer and longtime budget writer said Monday he will retire from city government, the first Cabinet-level departure since Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake won the Democratic primary this month.

8:59 PM EDT, August 19, 2011

Goodbye summer, hello new taxes?

The legislature's special legislative session in October is supposed to be limited and quick. The to-do list includes approving a new congressional district map for the state, and not much else.

4:44 PM EDT, September 10, 2011

Pugh applies signature charm

Schmoozing after a mayoral candidate forum at Morgan State University last week, state Sen. Catherine E. Pugh draped a long, slim arm around a student's neck and drew him close for a chat.

8:03 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Fire blazes in Northwest Baltimore

Baltimore city firefighters were battling a blaze Monday night at the 4100 block of West Belvedere Avenue near the Pimlico Race Course, fire officials said.

9:36 PM EDT, August 11, 2011

Redistricting: Mighty Baltimore to lose influence

Baltimore's once-hefty delegation in the state legislature is due to slim down again when new political boundaries are drawn this year: The city is guaranteed to lose at least part of one of its six legislative districts.

10:39 PM EDT, July 22, 2011

O'Malley to lead push for same-sex marriage next year

Gov. Martin O'Malley pledged Friday to lead the charge next year for a law to recognize same-sex marriage in Maryland, saying he would include the effort among a "handful" of legislative priorities during the 2012 session.

September 26, 2011

State senator's future hangs in the balance at corruption trial

As state Sen. Ulysses Currie faces trial this week on federal corruption charges, his lawyer is expected to argue before a jury that the legislator's work on behalf of a grocery chain in Annapolis didn't constitute an illegal bribe but merely an ethical lapse.

7:25 PM EDT, September 14, 2011

Gas tax increase discussed by Senate panel

Increases to the gas tax, vehicle registration fees and the titling tax were among the options discussed to raise transportation revenues during a lengthy Senate Budget and Taxation Committee hearing Wednesday.

7:57 PM EDT, September 27, 2011

Opening statements given in Currie trial

A federal prosecutor detailed extensive contact between state Sen. Ulysses Currie and various state agencies on behalf of Shoppers Food Warehouse during her opening statement Tuesday in his bribery case, seeking to draw a picture of a senator willing to pull every imaginable string on behalf of a company that was paying him.

7:45 PM EDT, August 6, 2011

Democrats eyeing Western Maryland

Ed Coile and his husband are true-blue Democrats. But they were thinking about saving money, not their congressional representation, when they decided to move from Washington to conservative Frederick County last year.

8:04 PM EDT, August 8, 2011

City tries to sweeten casino deal

Baltimore officials are planning to sprinkle some sugar on the deal for a city casino by offering additional cash and assurances to potential developers.

4:39 PM EDT, September 11, 2011

Mayoral candidates push to get supporters to polls

Mayoral candidate Otis Rolley bounded down the steps of a West Baltimore home and flashed what looked like two victory signs.

9:20 PM EDT, June 24, 2011

Ehrlich cites friendship in address at Del. Kirk's funeral

Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. struck a wistful tone while speaking at his first public event since two top campaign aides were indicted, saying to the mostly African-American audience at the funeral Friday for former Del. Ruth M. Kirk that a "generation of political leadership is passing us by."

9:07 PM EDT, August 1, 2011

Immigrant advocates file suit to toss tuition referendum

The immigrant advocacy group Casa de Maryland asked a court Monday to toss out the referendum aimed at overturning the new law that extends in-state tuition breaks at Maryland's public colleges and universities to illegal immigrants.

7:25 PM EDT, August 5, 2011

Federal judge denies state senator's bid to throw out bribery charges

A federal judge in Baltimore has denied efforts by state Sen. Ulysses Currie and two former executives of Shoppers Food Warehouse to throw out bribery and extortion charges, leaving the prosecutor's case intact.

February 5, 2010

Dixon remains unapologetic, silent to the end

Sheila Dixon sat silently in court Thursday during her final hours as mayor of Baltimore, receiving a scolding from a judge who said she was leaving office "in total disgrace" after stealing gift cards intended for needy families and would carry a "badge of dishonor" for the rest of her life.

10:43 PM EDT, July 7, 2011

In-state tuition opponents have signatures for referendum

Opponents of in-state tuition breaks for illegal immigrants have submitted more than enough valid signatures to suspend the controversial new law until voters have their say next year, state elections officials said Thursday.

10:34 PM EDT, August 3, 2011

N.M. lays claim to Md. casino fees

The State Lottery Agency says it wants to return $3 million in fees submitted by backers of a failed bid for the Baltimore slots license.

12:17 AM EDT, May 10, 2011

U.S. drops part of case against Currie

Federal prosecutors have dropped nearly half of the bribery charges against state Sen. Ulysses Currie, chopping seven counts that were connected to an outdated legal theory.

9:55 PM EST, February 17, 2011

Gay marriage has the votes to pass state Senate

A key senator announced his support for gay marriage legislation on Thursday, giving it enough votes to clear the upper chamber.

11:24 PM EDT, July 10, 2011

Baltimore police investigate three Sunday deaths

In Baltimore Sunday, two men were murdered, four others were shot and a woman's body was discovered, city police reported. The incidents appeared to be unrelated and occurred in different parts of the city.

8:43 PM EDT, July 22, 2011

O'Malley to lead push for same-sex marriage next year

Gov. Martin O'Malley pledged on Friday to lead the charge next year for a law to recognize same-sex marriage in Maryland, saying he would include the effort among a "handful" of legislative priorities during the 2012 session.

10:00 PM EDT, July 20, 2011

City slots bidders get two-month extension

State officials agreed Wednesday to extend the bidding deadline for the Baltimore slots license by nearly two months, a move that delays the selection process until after the city's contested mayoral primary in September.

9:45 PM EDT, June 30, 2011

In-state tuition opponents confident of referendum

Opponents of a new law to extend in-state tuition discounts to illegal immigrants delivered nearly 75,000 more signatures to the state Thursday, a number they believe is more than enough to keep the measure off the books until voters have their say.

4:39 PM EDT, June 29, 2011

Alcohol tax increase expected to bump up prices at the bar

Maryland lawmakers voted this year to raise the sales tax on alcohol by three cents on the dollar.

3:54 PM EDT, July 10, 2011

Catonsville hotel fire causes $3.5 million in damage

The Saturday night blaze at a Catonsville hotel caused $3.5 million in damage, according to the Baltimore County fire department.

2:42 PM EDT, July 12, 2011

Woman found dead in Southeast Baltimore identified

Baltimore police have identified a woman found dead inside her Southeast Baltimore home Sunday, one of four killings detectives are investigating from the weekend.

8:46 PM EDT, July 21, 2011

Md. officials go after taxes from travel websites

In a hunt for more revenue, Maryland officials are weighing ways to pressure hotel-booking websites such as Expedia and Orbitz to pay more taxes — a tactic that has netted some cities, counties and states tens of millions of dollars, but left others mired in lengthy legal battles.

4:25 PM EDT, July 10, 2011

Baltimore police investigating homicide, shooting

Baltimore city homicide detectives were investigating the death of a woman whose body was found shortly before noon Sunday at 200 N. Belnord Ave., about two blocks north of Patterson Park and a block from the William Paca Elementary School.

10:01 PM EDT, June 25, 2011

Boy, 15, fatally shot by friend in apparent accident at sleepover

A Baltimore boy who was apparently playing with a gun shot and killed a 15-year-old friend Saturday morning in Cherry Hill, Baltimore police said.

12:07 AM EDT, June 16, 2011

Over objections, state will lease land to Catholic hospital

Over the objections of Maryland women's rights groups, a state panel agreed Wednesday to lease land to a Roman Catholic hospital that does not generally perform abortions or provide birth control.

10:07 AM EDT, June 25, 2011

Seven drunk drivers caught in Howard Co., police say

Howard County officers snagged seven drunk drivers at an overnight checkpoint in Laurel, police said.

7:02 PM EDT, June 14, 2011

O'Malley planning more foreign travel

Fresh from a 10-day trade mission to Asia, Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday he hopes to make more foreign trips during his second term.

10:56 PM EDT, June 17, 2011

Ehrlich campaign robocalls could provide ammo for Democrats

The Ehrlich campaign's alleged effort to keep blacks from voting last November could have the opposite effect for years to come, according to political observers who said indictments over the automated phone calls would become election-season fodder for Democrats.

9:58 AM EDT, June 25, 2011

Man flown to Shock Trauma after Balto. Co. accident

A man was flown to Maryland Shock Trauma Center this morning after his car hit a tree near Jacksonville in Baltimore County, according to police.

9:21 PM EST, February 24, 2011

Md. Senate approves same-sex marriage

Maryland's Senate passed a landmark measure Thursday evening that would allow same-sex couples to wed, pushing the controversial issue to the House of Delegates, which appears nearly evenly split on the issue.

March 17, 2010

Western Md. slots proponents seek sweeter deal for Rocky Gap

Western Maryland slots proponents came to Annapolis on Tuesday with a dire message: Sweeten the deal for Rocky Gap or nobody will want to build a casino there. Without a slots casino, the state-owned facility will go belly up and millions of dollars will have been wasted, they warned.

12:41 PM EDT, June 25, 2011

Baltimore police investigate three separate overnight shootings

Baltimore City detectives were investigating three apparently unrelated overnight shootings, according to a spokesman. All of the victims are male and none of their injuries were fatal, police said.

9:41 PM EDT, June 16, 2011

Ehrlich aides indicted in robocalls case

Two longtime political operatives who worked last year on the gubernatorial campaign of Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. were indicted Thursday and charged with ordering deceptive automated phone calls intended to suppress votes on election night.

5:57 PM EST, February 20, 2011

Nearly 25 percent of MVA voter registrations fail

Nearly one out of four Marylanders who have tried to register to vote at a Motor Vehicle Administration office in the past four years has not been added to the voter rolls, according to state records obtained by The Sun.

8:43 PM EDT, March 31, 2011

General Assembly: Please, please buy Rocky Gap

After failing twice to attract a developer to transform the debt-ridden Rocky Gap Lodge into a profit-generating slot machine palace, Maryland lawmakers are considering a new package of financial incentives that would erase millions of dollars in fees and temporarily reduce the state's take of gambling revenue.

December 18, 2009

City slots parlor rejected

Maryland's slots commission rejected Thursday a bid to build a casino in downtown Baltimore, a decision that will delay much-needed revenue for the state and hamper city efforts to cut property taxes.

January 9, 2010

A new mayor's capital ties

Gov. Martin O'Malley greeted mayor-to-be Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake on Friday, exuding pride that a politician he had mentored had risen to the small circle of Baltimore chief executives.

8:06 PM EDT, April 8, 2011

Md. Senate tells city housing authority to explain how it will pay lead judgments

The Maryland Senate directed Baltimore's public housing authority Friday to explain how it will pay nearly $12 million it owes in court judgments to residents poisoned by lead paint.

9:34 PM EST, February 22, 2011

Senate to debate same-sex marriage

The state Senate has just one bill on its agenda Wednesday: the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Act.

February 10, 2010

Md. lawmaker criticizes snow removal in Annapolis

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller hurled a verbal snowball at the city of Annapolis on Tuesday morning, criticizing what he called the municipality's "disgraceful" efforts to clear icy and slippery roads.

February 18, 2010

In Dixon-inspired move, Senate OKs taking pensions from convicted lawmakers

The Maryland Senate adopted a measure Wednesday to strip state lawmakers of retirement pay if they are convicted of crimes related to their public duties, an issue that came to their attention after former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon kept her $83,000-a-year city pension as she stepped down as part of a plea agreement for stealing gift cards.

9:59 PM EDT, April 21, 2010

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