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.
Millions in Fraud, Dozens of Defendants: Maryland’s Reckoning Under the Federal Crackdown
Federal prosecutors reported that a Towson pharmacy will pay over $5.3 million to settle claims of improper Medicare and Medicaid billing. This case is part of broader investigations into fraud in Maryland, including pandemic-related schemes and public corruption. The Justice Department’s increased focus aims to address these financial crimes effectively.
Green Party Candidate Says MPT Chairman’s Donations to Moore Raise Conflict of Interest Questions
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Andy Ellis has accused Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission chairman Richard Bodorff of a conflict of interest due to $12,000 in contributions to Gov. Wes Moore’s campaign. Ellis claims this bias prevents him from participating in the upcoming gubernatorial debate, emphasizing the need for equitable debate access for all candidates.
GOP Delegate Nominee: Maryland’s Watchdogs Keep Getting Blocked by the Governments They’re Supposed to Police
Republican candidate Fitzgerald Mofor argues that Maryland inspectors general are hindered by local officials obstructing access to records. Evidence includes Howard County’s inspector still denied access after nine months and a successful court ruling for Baltimore’s inspector. Mofor proposes legislation to ensure local IGs can access necessary records to enhance accountability.