Investigations for a fairer, more accountable Maryland
The MDBayNews Public Integrity Desk is our dedicated investigative unit.
We follow the paper trails, records, and human stories behind how power really works in Maryland—and what happens when it fails.
From unlicensed elder-care homes and broken discharge pipelines, to opaque local boards and backroom deals, our job is simple:
Find the facts. Connect the dots. Hold power to the same standard, every time.
What Is the Public Integrity Desk?
The Public Integrity Desk is where MDBayNews does its deepest work:
- Long-form, document-based investigations
- Multi-part series on systemic failures
- Follow-the-money stories about public funds and public institutions
- Accountability reporting that doesn’t disappear after one news cycle
We focus on Maryland, but we do not stop at county lines when the story doesn’t either.
Maryland’s Appointment-Only System Leaves Voters on the Sidelines
Maryland’s system for filling legislative vacancies relies on party appointments rather than special elections, limiting voter influence and enhancing power among party insiders. Critics argue this process undermines accountability and public trust, especially as it often leads to unchallenged lawmakers making significant decisions without voter input, emphasizing a need for reform.
Former Rockville Attorney’s $4.2M Fraud Case Raises Questions About Oversight and Accountability
Sari Kurland, a former Rockville attorney, pleaded guilty to fraud costing clients over $4.2 million. Charged with theft and misappropriation, she exploited her fiduciary role, soliciting loans for nonexistent investments while misusing escrow funds. Disbarred in 2025, Kurland faces up to 15 years in prison at her May sentencing.
Annapolis’ City Dock Gamble: Necessary Flood Protection—or an Overreach That Risks Downtown’s Lifeblood?
As Annapolis presses ahead with its ambitious City Dock resiliency project, construction fences and lost parking are testing downtown’s economic resilience. Flood protection may be essential—but at what cost to access, small businesses, and public trust?
A Quiet Basement Suite and a Trail of Federal Contracts: Revisiting ATI Government Solutions’ Maryland Footprint
In 2025, James O’Keefe exposed potential fraud involving ATI Government Solutions and its operations in the federal 8(a) tribal contracting program. MDBayNews investigated ATI’s Maryland address, discovering minimal activity and mismatched operational presence. Despite regulatory scrutiny, they found no evidence of significant staffing or operations at the reported site, raising questions about federal contract compliance.
Maryland Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.8% as Federal Job Losses Weigh on Economy
Maryland’s unemployment rate climbed to 3.8% in September 2025 as federal job losses continued to weigh on the state’s economy, offsetting modest private-sector gains. While the rate remains below the national average, the data highlights Maryland’s ongoing vulnerability to federal workforce reductions and budget uncertainty.
Maryland’s Contracting Problem, Back in the Spotlight
A new federal indictment alleges a Maryland tech executive rigged Defense Department IT contracts, inflated bids, and took millions in kickbacks—raising fresh questions about taxpayer waste, national security, and persistent vulnerabilities in federal procurement.
Maryland’s Illegal Senior Care Homes Are Still Operating in Plain Sight — And the State Still Won’t Prosecute Them
Maryland continues to struggle with illegal assisted living facilities, despite a 2023 law making such operations a felony. Thousands of vulnerable seniors face dangerous conditions, with no successful prosecutions reported. The state’s inaction leaves many without protection, highlighting urgent needs for enforcement, accountability, and alternatives for elder care.
How We Work
The Public Integrity Desk is grounded in verifiable facts and clear documentation.
We rely on:
- Public Records & Data
Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA/PIA) requests, court files, regulatory databases, budgets, contracts, inspection reports, and EMS/911 logs. - On-the-Ground Reporting
Site visits, community meetings, court hearings, and direct observation—not just press releases and talking points. - Human Stories
Residents, families, frontline workers, whistleblowers, and people directly impacted by the systems we cover. - Expert Review
Legal, medical, policy, and data experts to stress-test our findings and avoid mischaracterizing complex systems. - Corrections & Clarifications
When we get something wrong, we correct it prominently. Accountability applies to us too.
We do not accept gifts, favors, or political consulting work from the institutions we cover. Our loyalty is to our readers and the truth, not to any party or official.
How to Share a Tip or Documents
If you’ve seen something that doesn’t look right, we want to hear from you—whether it’s a single incident or a pattern you’ve been tracking for years.
Best ways to reach the Public Integrity Desk:
Send a summary and any supporting records to:
tips@mdbaynews.com
If you are sharing documents that could put you at risk, consider using a personal device and network instead of one controlled by your employer or a government agency.
Ground Rules for Sources
To protect you and preserve our credibility, we follow some basic rules:
- We will not publish your name without your consent if you request anonymity and we can verify your information by other means.
- We may need to see documents or speak with multiple people to confirm a story before we publish.
- “Off the record” and “on background” must be clearly agreed to in advance. If you’re unsure what those terms mean, we’ll explain them before you share sensitive details.
- We cannot give you legal advice.
We can report on what’s happening. But we are not a law firm and cannot represent you in court.
Your safety matters. If we believe publishing certain details could expose you or others to serious harm, we will discuss options with you before we go to print.