Local government

The $50 million RAISE project will finally break ground in August with a promise of speeding up east-west public transit across Baltimore.

Prince George’s County says it’s owed more than $8 million from the bicounty Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

A coalition of 50 businesses has sued Prince George’s County over a new $5,000 annual fee charged to liquor stores, tobacco shops, gun sellers and storage facilities.

Among the latest grant recipients: Community Health and Empowerment through Education and Research (CHEER) in Long Branch and Takoma Park and the Ebenezer Church of God’s back-to-school supplies drive in Landover Hills.

The company abandoned its data center plan last week after Calvert County voters ousted three members of their Republican commission.

A ballot measure in the upcoming election will ask voters whether they want to eliminate the two at-large seats on the Prince George’s County Council.

A federal judge ruled Monday that construction may continue on a planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Elkridge, dealing a blow to Howard County leaders who attempted to halt the controversial project.

The Prince George’s County Council has demanded that an Upper Marlboro-based nonprofit return at least $134,000 in taxpayer money.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is adding a second rodeo after high demand. But not everyone is thrilled.

While the city is experiencing historic declines in homicides and shootings, some residents say other low-level offenses persist at unacceptable levels and erode their quality of life.

The county teachers union has had substantial influence in local elections with what is known as its Apple Ballot.

After rushing to lock down 6,000 signatures by Monday — equal to 1% of registered Baltimore County voters — only half of the independent candidates who initially filed to run for office in the county will be on November’s ballot.

COLUMN | There’s growing acknowledgment that change is coming for the millions of dollars handed out in grants funded by Live! Casino taxes every year. After 14 years, there’s interest in sharing the wealth.

Baltimore faces growing challenges from 21,000 empty lots. Mayor Brandon Scott’s aim to eliminate vacant buildings could create more of them.

Baltimore raises BGE conduit rental fee, prompting concerns of $10 monthly bill hikes for city customers. The utility is weighing legal action.

The Maryland Sierra Club said its study shows that reusable bag use has risen by 23% since the law went into effect on Jan. 1.

Pikesville leaders are seeking to summon the statue of Black Aggie, subject of local legends, back to historic Druid Ridge Cemetery.

Aspiring Prince George’s County executive candidate Tonya Sweat and her team were sent scrambling after learning they didn’t have enough signatures to appear on general election ballots.

A new partnership is offering Baltimore gun owners a way to safely store their firearms in an attempt to prevent suicides and unintentional shootings.

Plus: A new bill would prohibit housing discrimination based on immigration status.