Soros-Funded PAC Disclosed $122 Million in a Maryland Filing. Now It Has Sent $500,000 to the Question 3 Campaign.
Democracy PAC disclosed $122 million in contributions, primarily from organizations tied to George Soros, with $500,000 allocated to Fight Back MD for a congressional redistricting amendment. Following software issues, the report lists funds received on June 2, 2026. Notably, questions arise about potential connections to previous spending and transparency in reporting.
Maryland’s Sports Betting Haul Hit $132 Million. The New Fiscal Year Is Starting Slower.
In fiscal year 2026, Maryland’s sportsbooks contributed $132.3 million to the state, a significant 48.8 percent increase from the previous year. However, early fiscal year 2027 saw a 17.5 percent decline in contributions despite increased betting volumes. The state’s take depends heavily on sportsbook performance and regulatory conditions.
One Rockville-Based Filer Accounts for More Than Half of Maryland’s H-1B Approvals
Washington has suspended Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and seven other employers from the Permanent Labor Certification Program due to concerns over the H-1B visa system. TCS alone accounted for over 54% of Maryland’s H-1B approvals in fiscal 2025, raising concerns about the concentration of visa filings in the state.
Four in Five Maryland Likely Voters Expect Data Centers to Hurt Electricity Costs, UMBC Poll Finds
The October UMBC Poll reveals Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s approval rating at 49%, with 42% disapproval, as nearly half of voters feel the state is on the wrong track. Eighty percent of voters believe new data centers negatively impact electricity costs, while most rate the economy as poor or fair, expecting worsening conditions.
Three Weeks After Cutting 415 Positions, MCPS Board Gave Its Chiefs a 6.23 Percent Raise
On June 25, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a 6.23 percent raise for top school system officials despite cutting 415 positions to address a budget gap. The salary increase raises concerns about priorities as many eliminated roles support students, while high-paid administrators receive raises amid fiscal challenges.
The Sphere Bond Bill Goes to $215 Million. So Did the Fight Over Who Builds It.
Prince George’s County residents anticipated a vote on the Sphere at National Harbor, but the council’s recent deadline was merely for introducing amendments, pushing the vote to late October. The financing bill now proposes $215 million in special obligation bonds, significantly impacting projected county revenues and job estimates, amid ongoing labor negotiations.
The One Line Item That Can’t Be Cut by Memo
Maryland is facing a significant fiscal shortfall, with approximately $1.8 billion of its nearly $3 billion gap in fiscal 2028 attributed to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a K-12 education overhaul. This gap is projected to grow annually. Counties bear the financial burden, contributing over $2.2 billion beyond state estimates.
Two Years, Thirty Percent: What Maryland’s Second Straight Premium Hike Actually Shows
Maryland is facing significant health insurance rate hikes, with a 14.6% increase approved for 2027, following a 13.4% rise in 2026. This totals nearly 30% over two years, impacting different households variably. Enrollment is declining, driven by lost subsidies for immigrants and rising costs in healthcare services, prescription drugs, and hospital care.
Maryland’s Housing Chief Acknowledges What Builders Have Said for Years
Nearly half of young renters in Maryland are considering leaving the state due to high housing costs, according to Housing Secretary Jake Day. He noted that regulatory compliance significantly contributes to these costs, with an estimated 100,000 housing unit shortage. Ongoing concerns over affordability may push legislative changes in future sessions.
Police Say MCPS Declined to Give Them the Name of a Student Accused of Kicking an Autistic 6-Year-Old
Montgomery County police say MCPS declined to provide the name of a student accused of kicking a 6-year-old girl with autism at Flower Hill Elementary. Nearly a month later, key questions about supervision and surveillance video remain unanswered publicly.
Green Party’s Ellis Calls for Statewide Data Center Ban as Moore Signs Executive Order
Andy Ellis, the Green Party nominee for governor, criticized Gov. Wes Moore’s executive order on data centers, asserting it does not adequately address concerns. He advocates for a statewide ban on new data center constructions and emphasizes the need for stronger measures, highlighting widespread local opposition and grassroots efforts against data centers.
Moore Orders Data Center Review and a Public Dashboard, but No Pause and No Repeal Yet
Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to establish a review process for large data centers and a task force to assess projects, aiming to repeal a 2020 sales tax exemption. The order does not halt existing constructions and preserves local governments’ decision-making power. The task force’s findings will influence future approvals.
Moore Rolls Out New “AI Principles” as Marylanders Wait on Tax Answers
Governor Wes Moore introduced the “AI Principles” policy for Maryland, aiming to protect residents from AI while enhancing state regulations. The document outlines past efforts and future goals, including AI transparency in government and new labor policies. With concerns over AI’s impact on jobs, Maryland faces a projected budget shortfall, making the policy’s future uncertain.
The Case Dan Cox Isn’t Making
Maryland’s gubernatorial race shows Dan Cox lagging behind Democratic incumbent Wes Moore, with a 27-point deficit. While voters feel overtaxed and support affordability measures, Cox’s vague messaging lacks Maryland-specific details. His failure to address prior election controversies and connect with suburban voters is impacting his campaign, risking further deficits in upcoming polls.
The Union Playbook: Hilton’s California Fix and Maryland’s Test
Steve Hilton criticizes California’s education system, asserting that teacher unions control Sacramento. He advocates for children to read by third grade and increased accountability. In Maryland, similar concerns arise as testing results reveal low proficiency in math and reading. Republican candidates propose shifting educational power back to parents amidst strong union influence.
Maryland’s Own Websites Haven’t Caught Up to Its Bond Rating Shakeup
Maryland’s budget website inaccurately claims a AAA bond rating from all major agencies, despite Moody’s downgrade to Aa1 in 2025 and the state ending its relationship with them. Legislative analysts confirm this misrepresentation, as Maryland now relies on Fitch, S&P, and KBRA ratings. The state’s communications have not been updated, causing confusion.
Behind the Jobs Numbers: Maryland’s Layoff List Keeps Growing in 2026
PepsiCo is closing its Cheverly bottling plant, resulting in the loss of all 143 jobs there. This decision reflects broader employment challenges in Maryland, where nearly 100 notices of layoffs have been filed in 2026, affecting thousands. Concurrently, the state has also seen job gains, highlighting economic fluctuations.
Why Maryland Counties Can’t Create New Taxes on Their Own
County leaders in Maryland are seeking increased local taxing authority from the General Assembly, which is currently restricted by state law. The Maryland Municipal League highlights that local revenue structures haven’t significantly changed since 1967. The task force’s upcoming report will explore options, including sales taxes and land value taxation, for local governments.
Maryland’s Reparations Commission Is Taking Shape. It’s Also a Different Commission Than Lawmakers Passed.
The Maryland Reparations Commission, authorized 17 months ago, is finally convening with five of six appointments made by Governor Wes Moore. While the commission has expanded to 28 members, including various appointees, it faces delays in filling key seats. The commission will examine the impact of slavery and discrimination in Maryland.
Moore Administration Orders Two Dozen Agencies to Model 10% Budget Cuts as Deficit Deepens
Maryland faces a projected $3 billion budget gap for fiscal 2028, prompting state agencies to prepare for up to 10% budget cuts. Governor Wes Moore’s administration emphasizes fiscal discipline while evaluating both cuts and potential new taxes. Lawmakers are concerned about the growing deficit, which complicates the state’s financial outlook.
Moore Says Marylanders Are Right to Worry About AI. He Won’t Say What He’d Do About It.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland acknowledges public anxiety about AI’s potential job impact but has not provided specific plans to address these concerns. With nearly 40% of the workforce at high automation risk, Moore highlights the need for community involvement and “guardrails” yet remains vague on job protection strategies or funding commitments.
The CDC Paid Baltimore Teens to Sell Vaccines to Their Peers. It Wasn’t Just Baltimore, and Its Own Researchers Couldn’t Show It Worked.
In Baltimore, a initiative named Voices on Vax engaged teenagers to promote COVID-19 vaccinations, funded by a CDC grant. Despite innovative outreach tactics, including paying teens for content creation, the program struggled to engage its target audience and show a significant impact on vaccination rates, raising concerns and scrutiny over its effectiveness and funding.
Three Bills to Require 9/11 Education in Maryland Schools Have Died. None Has Been Reintroduced.
As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, Maryland lacks a law mandating public schools to teach about it. Past attempts to establish a curriculum requirement have failed. Currently, the state has only a symbolic resolution, leaving instruction on the attacks inconsistent and largely dependent on local decisions.
Eight Days, Ten Announcements: What Moore’s Late-Summer Sprint Actually Delivers
During a busy week from Sept. 1 to 8, Governor Wes Moore’s office issued 10 press releases concerning economic initiatives, including a minimum wage order and job announcements. A review revealed mixed effectiveness in claims, with some genuine accomplishments but many announcements repackaging older initiatives, raising questions amid a looming election and ongoing budget concerns.
From Tragedy to Statute: How 9/11 Reshaped Maryland’s Security Apparatus
Twenty-five years after 9/11, Maryland’s homeland security framework, established post-attacks, remains integral to its emergency response. Key institutions include the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, and an elevated Department of Emergency Management. This all-hazards structure now oversees terrorism, public health, and traditional disaster responses.
Maryland’s Jobs Are Coming Back. The State’s Own Choices Keep Getting in the Way.
In July, Maryland’s private sector added nearly 11,000 jobs, marking a strong economic recovery after significant federal job losses. The unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent, outpacing national growth. However, state policies, including tax increases, have drawn criticism and raised concerns about Maryland’s fiscal health and business climate.
The Rideshare Language Fight Has a Federal Bill Behind It. In Maryland, the Machines That Could Sidestep the Whole Argument Are Stuck in Committee.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced the UBER Act, which mandates English proficiency for rideshare drivers on federal contracts, addressing public complaints. While legislation struggles in Maryland, Waymo tests vehicles with a safety driver, contrasting Tesla’s Cybercab, which lacks authorization there. The debate over autonomous vehicle regulations continues amid concerns over driver communication and job impacts.
Energy Bill Fight Turns to Who Qualifies for Maryland’s New Utility Aid Program
The Utility RELIEF Act, signed by Governor Wes Moore, adjusts Maryland’s electric bill assistance program to include low-income households ineligible for federal heating aid, including those without legal immigration status. This eligibility change has sparked a public debate among state delegates amidst rising electric rates and bipartisan support for the bill.
Two Weapons Incidents at Magruder in One Morning Reopen Montgomery County’s SRO Fight
Two unrelated weapons incidents at Magruder High School ended without injuries Thursday, but they quickly revived Montgomery County’s five-year fight over whether police officers should return to MCPS buildings.
The Delegate Whose Own Business Fled the Tax Won’t Be Around to Revisit It
Delegate Brian Crosby moved part of his IT business to Virginia during debates over a new Maryland IT services tax, which ultimately collected 77% less than expected. Although he voted against the tax, he is not seeking re-election. The resultant revenue shortfall strengthens Republican claims about the negative impact of the tax on businesses.