Christopher B. Shank

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. Hours after Gov. Martin O'Malley...

For more than two decades, Rico Marzano called prison cells in Jessup and Cumberland his home. But this year, the convicted murderer serving four consecutive life sentences will be recorded as a Baltimore resident, even though he won't step foot in his...

State lawmakers, using a system of patronage that persists in Annapolis despite tight budgetary times, are seeking to direct hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to projects at nonprofit organizations they help run. In Baltimore, Del. Hattie N....

The newest attempt to legalize marriage in Maryland for gay couples advanced a step on Tuesday — Valentine’s Day — as two committees voted to send a bill to the full House of Delegates. The Judiciary Committee and the Health and...

In Annapolis, bills can be killed when they’re assigned to a committee and nothing happens. For Gov. Martin O’Malley’s state legislative redistricting plan, inaction will have the opposite effect — the new map will become law...

Civil War Rail Trail could benefit all residents of county To the editor: Sen. Christopher Shank provides opinion without knowing the facts regarding the proposed Civil War Rail Trail from Hagerstown to Weverton. He believes it will increase...

Election board members approved On Friday, the Maryland Senate approved a list of appointments that included three Washington County Board of Elections members. Tammy E. Downin, Carroll H. Earp and Bruce F. Field’s four-year terms on the board are...

After reading two weeks ago that Brenda Cole faced eviction from the Dual Highway home she shared with her daughter, who was fatally shot there, an anonymous benefactor has handed over a check to cover her back rent. “One of my neighbors paid my...

Adding to the bill Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr., R-Washington/Allegany, wants to expand a proposed amendment to Washington County’s gaming law. On Wednesday, Washington County’s delegation discussed a draft bill that would add new financial...

The Washington County Restaurant & Beverage Association wants to tighten the limit on how many liquor licenses may be issued in the county. The association has proposed changing the county's law so that one license would be allowed per 3,500 people in an...

Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to shift teacher pension costs to local jurisdictions is expected to cost Washington County about $2.5 million, according to budget figures released Wednesday. O'Malley said the state is offering other "fiscal relief" measures...

Three candidates for Maryland's 6th District seat in Congress will lead dual lives for the next three months — state legislator and federal campaigner. For state Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, state Sen. David R. Brinkley and state Del. Kathryn L....