Politics and government news

What government is actually doing — laws and executive action, budgets and taxes, housing, schools, health, courts, public safety, transport, energy, voting and campaigns — across Washington, the states and city hall. Filter below or page through the full archive.

31 stories · page 1 of 2

News · MD

What Maryland voters will decide in the 2026 election

Elections and voting

Maryland’s 2026 ballot includes races for governor, attorney general and all eight U.S. House seats.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskOct 5, 2026

News · MD

Moore announces funding for child poverty initiative

Elections and voting

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced funding for an initiative aimed at combating child poverty in the state.

The Ballot Maryland DeskOct 4, 2026

News · MD

Moore announces funding for child poverty initiative

Elections and voting

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced funding for an initiative intended to address child poverty in the state.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskOct 4, 2026

News · MD

Scott seeks to limit inspector general’s access to records

Elections and voting

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott filed for a protective order covering some records sought by the inspector general.

The Ballot Maryland DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MD

Scott seeks protective order in Baltimore records dispute

Elections and voting

Baltimore Mayor Scott is seeking to restrict the inspector general’s access to some records through a protective order.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskOct 2, 2026

News · MD

4,500 Maryland immigrants lose Medicaid coverage

Health care

A separate January rule puts Medicaid coverage for thousands of low-income Maryland adults at risk.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskOct 2, 2026

News · MD

Maryland court denies Baltimore request in OIG dispute

Elections and voting

An appellate court rejected Baltimore’s request for a protective order, finding that the requested court action did not appear necessary.

The Ballot Maryland DeskOct 2, 2026

News · MD

Prosecutor flags capacity as Maryland changes youth rules

Public safety

A prosecutor is raising capacity concerns as Maryland changes rules for charging young people.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 30, 2026

News · MD

Moore signs order setting Maryland data center rules

Elections and voting

Moore’s executive order establishes new state rules for data centers without a direct connection to a race or election.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 27, 2026

News · MD

Maryland AG declines to reopen Tawon Boyd death investigation

Elections and voting

Maryland’s attorney general will leave closed the investigation into Tawon Boyd’s 2016 death.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskSep 26, 2026

News · MD

Maryland man indicted in fatal Fairfax County stabbing

Elections and voting

A Maryland man faces a formal criminal accusation connected to a stabbing that killed a person in Fairfax County.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 26, 2026

News · MD

Maryland DNR Moves Wills Mountain Park Toward Opening

Elections and voting

Maryland DNR has announced the next phase of work toward opening Wills Mountain State Park.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskSep 25, 2026

News · MD

Maryland revenue forecast rises, but budget gap remains

Economy and jobs

Maryland expects nearly more this fiscal year, though state leaders say the increase will not eliminate the budget shortfall.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 25, 2026

News · MD

Maryland tightens data center rules amid rapid growth

Elections and voting

Maryland is adding guardrails for data centers as more states respond to the industry’s fast expansion.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskSep 25, 2026

News · MD

Moore unveils Maryland framework for AI protections

Economy and jobs

The plan focuses on AI risks, workforce changes and safeguards for children, with possible rules for advanced AI companies.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 24, 2026

News · MD

Maryland redistricting question reaches November ballot

Elections and voting

Question 3 would ease constitutional limits on congressional maps but would not change districts for the 2026 midterm election.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskSep 24, 2026

News · MD

Maryland appeals ruling against digital advertising tax

Economy and jobs

The state is seeking further review after a court struck down a 2021 tax intended to help fund K-12 education reform.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskSep 19, 2026

News · MD

Wrongfully convicted man sues Baltimore Police

Public safety

The civil case asks a court to consider police responsibility connected to a wrongful conviction.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 19, 2026

News · MD

Maryland agencies asked to prepare 10% budget-cut scenario

Economy and jobs

State budget officials have directed Maryland agencies to restrain spending and model a possible 10% reduction.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskSep 17, 2026

News · MD

Two companies, supervisor indicted in Baltimore bridge crash

Economy and jobs

The indictments come as a separate billion settlement has been reached with the state of Maryland.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 17, 2026

News · MD

Andy Harris proposes temporary pause in federal fuel taxes

Economy and jobs

The Maryland congressman’s proposal would suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes through the end of the year.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskSep 17, 2026

News · MD

Harris proposes federal gas tax pause through 2026

Economy and jobs

The Maryland Republican’s bill would suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes through the end of 2026 if Congress approves it.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 16, 2026

News · MD

Maryland agencies asked to model 10% budget cuts

Economy and jobs

State budget officials want agencies to plan for tighter spending and show how a 10% reduction could affect their budgets.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskSep 15, 2026

News · MD

Supreme Court blocks Postal Service mail-ballot limits

Elections and voting

The Supreme Court refused to let the Postal Service restrict mail ballots, denying Trump the result he sought.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 15, 2026

News · MD

Maryland appeals court denies Baltimore’s bid for pause

Elections and voting

The court declined to halt a lawsuit involving Baltimore’s inspector general while legal proceedings continue.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskSep 15, 2026

News · MD

Board member sues Baltimore mayor over removal policy

Public safety

A police accountability board member has taken Baltimore’s mayor to court in a dispute over the city’s policy for removing members.

The Ballot Maryland News DeskSep 15, 2026

News · MD

Maryland court denies Baltimore bid to halt legal process

Elections and voting

Baltimore failed to secure a pause in a legal process connected to an inspector general dispute.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 15, 2026

News · MD

Maryland high court restores redistricting referendum

Elections and voting

The Supreme Court of Maryland returned a redistricting referendum to the November ballot, allowing voters to decide the measure.

The Ballot Maryland DeskSep 4, 2026

News · MD

Ivey weighs stopgap spending bill as House returns

Economy and jobs

Maryland Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey is considering a temporary spending measure as the House reconvenes in Washington this week.

The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskAug 31, 2026

News · MD

Ivey discusses House agenda as lawmakers return

Economy and jobs

Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey joins NPR’s A Martinez to discuss the House’s return and a stopgap spending bill on its agenda.

The Ballot Maryland DeskAug 31, 2026