Holding Maryland’s counties accountable — from budgets to public safety to everyday governance.
Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City wield enormous local power. They control policing, zoning, school funding, social services, emergency response, and critical budget decisions that impact daily life. Yet county governments often operate with limited scrutiny and large discrepancies in transparency.
MDBayNews’ County Oversight desk reports on:
- County council decisions and spending
- School system controversies and audits
- Local police and sheriff’s department oversight
- CPS/CINA failures at the county level
- Procurement and contracting problems
- Ethics violations and internal investigations
- County-level agency breakdowns
By watching the counties, we illuminate the stories that slip past state-level political narratives but profoundly affect residents.
Local government matters — and we make sure it’s accountable.
If the Preakness Bet Fails, What’s Maryland’s Plan B?
Maryland’s $400 million investment in Pimlico aims to preserve the Preakness but lacks a broader strategic vision for sports. While other events like the CIAA Tournament and Maryland Cycling Classic show economic potential, Maryland should develop diverse sporting identities, including lacrosse and sailing, to enhance its public profile and economy.
The 50 Most Controversial Bills of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly: #10–1
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session focused heavily on federal immigration enforcement, passing significant legislation including the Community Trust Act and the Utility RELIEF Act. While achieving some reforms, the session raised concerns about its responsiveness to voters’ pressing issues like utility costs and housing shortages. The political implications will emerge in the upcoming elections.
Moore’s Victory Lap Can’t Outrun Maryland’s Fiscal Reality
Governor Wes Moore celebrated passing his four-bill agenda during the Maryland General Assembly session, despite facing a looming structural deficit projected to reach $1.2 billion. Critics argue that his focus on non-urgent legislation obscures pressing fiscal challenges, highlighting concerns over new taxes and ineffective consumer protections. Real economic development remains unaddressed.