By Christine Condon | Reporter
“She didn’t need sharp elbows. She just made her case.” - Former Maryland Sen. Melony Griffith (D-Prince George’s), on her colleague and friend, Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-Prince George’s), who died earlier this month.
Welcome to Tuesday. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is on the hot seat this morning after a ruling that found it failed to disclose required records amid a contract dispute. Bryan P. Sears has that story.
Lawmakers in the Maryland General Assembly are also reflecting on the nearly 30-year tenure of Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard, who died in mid-September. A visitation and memorial service is scheduled for Oct. 6 in Prince George’s County, Christine Condon and William Ford report.
Those stories, plus news of a possible refund to customers from electric companies, are below to get your Tuesday started. Enjoy!
Close up of lottery ticket. (Photo by Lee Lawson/Gettty Stock Photo)
By Bryan P. Sears
A nearly yearlong battle over a lucrative lottery contract has landed the state's gaming agency in hot water with the Maryland Board of Contract Appeals.
The gaming agency was sanctioned for repeatedly ignoring orders for records, the board said. A 16-page decision itemizes a lengthy list of ways the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and its lawyers avoided turning over records to lawyers for Scientific Games Inc.
"Every step of the way, Respondent [the lottery agency] threw up roadblocks to Appellant's right to discovery,” the decision said.
Black-eyed Susans, the state flower of Maryland, bloom outside the State House in Annapolis. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears)
By Christine Condon and William Ford
Carolyn J.B. Howard, a public school teacher and administrator who served for nearly 30 years in the Maryland House of Delegates, died earlier this month at age 87.
Howard, a Democrat who represented Prince George’s County’s District 24, rose into the senior leadership ranks, serving as deputy speaker pro tem from 2007 until her retirement in 2019.
Colleagues in the legislature recalled her as a kind and even-keeled presence in the General Assembly and a prolific mentor to up-and-coming public servants.
“She has, probably, a posse of mentees that are competing,” said former Maryland legislator Melony Griffith. “We all think we were her favorite.”
IN OTHER NEWS
Ocean City aftermath: Crews began inspecting the 10 miles of Ocean City beach Monday for storm damage after a nor'easter lashed the coast over the weekend, flooding streets and canceling a weekend music festival.
Refugee aid revoked: The Trump administration has canceled $810 million for refugee assistance and more, infuriating lawmakers from both political parties by using a controversial maneuver to cancel funding previously approved by Congress.
Fighting the feds: Democratic and Republican governors vowed to more aggressively push back on federal overreach to protect their states’ sovereignty, regardless of which party runs Washington.
Political notes: Some money may be coming your way from your electric company -- one day -- Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater wants to hear from you and Tom Coale and Scott Peterson land new gigs, in political notes.
MATTERS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Bay funds debated: Maryland's “flush tax” has raised $2.3 billion for sewage treatment upgrades that have kept hundreds of millions of pounds of nutrients out of the bay. It could decrease in 2030, but advocates say wastewater facilities still need the help.
Trade war scrutinized: The escalating trade war between the United States and Canada means there’s tension between Maryland and one of its biggest trading partners, with the state sending $2.2 billion in goods north in 2025 and importing $2.8 billion.
Health costs jump: Marylanders who buy individual healthcare plans on the state's insurance marketplace will see a second year of double-digit increases in costs, after state insurance officials approved a 14.6% average premium increase for 2027.
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