HOMICIDES IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY DROP BY 30%, FALLING BELOW 100 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS: In Maryland’s second-largest county, the number of killings is set to remain below triple digits for the first time since 2020, aligning with a national decrease in homicides. As of Sunday, Prince George’s County police reported65 homicide investigations this year, which includes incidents occurring in its various cities and towns. In the previous year, law enforcement concluded with 114 homicide investigations, marking the fourth consecutive year where the number exceeded100.Jasmine Golden and Juan Benn Jr./Washington Post
BALTIMORE SEES HISTORIC DECLINE IN MURDERS: For the third year running, Baltimore has witnessed a significant and historic decline in violence. Since 2023, the city has recorded homicides dropping beneath 300, then below 200, andnow below 150 for the first time since the 1960s, a period notorious for rampant gun violence. Over the last three years, the city has seenhistorical declines in gun violence, yet the rate of killings remains concerningly high. Many are curious about how these reductions are being achieved.Justin Fenton/Baltimore Banner
TENSION BETWEEN GOVERNOR MOORE AND DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLY MEMBERS: Democratic lawmakers in Annapolis have expressed that their relationship with Governor Wes Moore is currently strained— a statement made just weeks before the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers are working to address Maryland’s $1.4 billion budget deficit and focus on lowering energy costs among other significant concerns.Tinashe Chingarande/Baltimore Sun
ADDRESSING FUTURE HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES: Health care advocates and state officials have described the past year as “stressful,” “frustrating,” and “chaotic.” Challenges have ranged from abrupt shifts in federal policy during the Trump administration to a persistent state financial crisis hampering progress in enhancing access to care. Although the legislature and advocates have taken steps to soften the impact of recent federal health policy changes, many are eager to move past 2025. Anticipated changes in federal health policy, state funding dilemmas, and a new hospital payment system are likely to introduce further challenges moving forward.Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters
NEW CONGRESS MEMBERS AGREE ON CHALLENGES: Four new representatives joined Maryland’s congressional delegation in 2025, constituting 40% of the state’s lawmakers in Washington, D.C. All four expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs,claiming that none were pleased with the events of the year. “People ask me back home if it’s as bad up close and in person as it looks from a distance,” said Rep.Johnny Olszewski Jr.. “The truthful answer is no — it’s even worse.”Ben Mause/Sun
BALTIMORE NATIVE NANCY PELOSI REFLECTS ON 40 YEARS IN CONGRESS: In an extensive interview with the Sun, the former Speaker of the House and the first woman to hold that role discusses the challenges of her political career. “When people criticize you, it’s often because they feel it’s necessary. However, you can’t respond in kind,” she remarked. “I’ve had my opinions regarding the president becausehe belongs to a different category altogether.”Jeff Barker/Baltimore Sun
UNDERSTANDING 96,000: THE HOUSING FIGURE MENTIONED BY MOORE POSES QUESTIONS: Developers argue that the ‘housing underproduction’ figure is a constructive starting point but fails tocompletely capture the scope of housing requirements.Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters
DISPARITIES IN THE HOUSING MARKET: Experts suggest that Maryland’s housing market is currently unbalanced, with a decrease in sales and fewer options available. The Maryland Realtors Association reported a 12.9% fall in home sales during November, yet the average sales price increased by 6.7%. Officials state this has led to a ‘lock-in effect,’ where higher-priced homes are being sold while many families with lower or moderate incomes find themselves unable to make a move. The lock-in effect occurs when homeowners remain in place despite wanting or needing to relocate due to affordability concerns.Kaitlyn Bancroft/WBAL News Radio
FIRST INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR HOWARD COUNTY COMING AFTER BALTIMORE COUNTY’S FIRST: Kelly Madigan, who has been serving as Baltimore County’s first inspector general for nearly six years, is transitioning to become Howard County’s inaugural inspector general. She shares her insights in an interview with the Sun’s Natalie Jones
FIRST MALE DEMOCRAT ENTERS RACE FOR HOWARD COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Local restaurateur Bob Cockey from Elkridge is announcing his candidacy for Howard County executive in 2026, joining three other Democrats vying for the position in the upcoming primary.Lillian Reed/Baltimore Banner
DATA CENTER GROWTH IN FREDERICK COUNTY AFFECTING LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY: County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins raised concerns during a public hearing on December 16 that the construction of data centers near Adamstown is putting pressure on law enforcement resources.Eric Anderson/Frederick News-Post
MONTGOMERY COUNTY DELEGATION EXPLORES PAY RAISES FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: The Montgomery County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly is set to consider four education-related proposals during the upcoming 2026 legislative session, including one aimed at raising salaries for school board members and another focused on incorporating more locally sourced food into school lunches within Montgomery County.Ceoli Jacoby/Bethesda Today
OPINION: MARYLAND’S ESTATE SYSTEM IS INEQUITABLE FOR FAMILIES: J.H. Snider asserts that a legislative study group is largely composed of attorneys who benefit from the existing system. He proposestransformations in the state’s estate tax system. Maryland Matters.
