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Politics & Government

Redrawing Lines, From District Boundaries to Train Tracks: Here are the Government Stories that Matter in Your Area

In this week's collection of Patch government stories, you'll learn about the latest attempt by Maryland to stretch, grow and expand, and where development is unwelcome. That and more in this week's Government Roundup.

Patch takes seriously the journalists’ credo to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Read all about what your elected leaders are doing in the community, and how it affects you, in the Week in Regional Government.


The discussion about expanding the Carroll County Airport runway has already been going on for more than five years without notable developments. How much longer will it be left on stand-by? Find out on Westminster Patch.


The first stage has begun for plans to redraw district lines in Prince George's County. But with dwindling attendance to meetings and few resident comments, how does the County Redistricting Commission plan to make progress? Laurel Patch has the story.


Howard County Council members voted 3-2 in favor of a change to the zoning code, allowing builders to create a purely residential building adjacent to Ashbury Courts, in the median of Route 1 in North Laurel. What does this mean for the commercial spaces that already exist? Go to Savage-Guilford Patch to find out.


Jessup residents wanted to set the record straight about their side of the tracks and hear from transportation officials regarding the proposed freight transfer station for central Maryland. Learn why the number 21 could mean the difference between full steam ahead or slamming on the brakes, on Elkridge Patch.

Local Nonprofits Lose Tax Exempt Status
The Internal Revenue Service has revoked the tax-exempt status of 275,000 charitable organizations, including several in the greater Arbutus area, for failing to file legally required reports three years in a row. Are donations to your favorite nonprofits no longer tax-deductible? Arbutus Patch has the list.


An ethics complaint against Howard County Board of Education member Allen Dyer was quietly dismissed last month, but Dyer's conflicts with the board are reportedly far from over, after it was reported that the school board voted to request Dyer leave his board position. Read the full story on Ellicott City Patch.

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