Maryland

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sees steady approval rate into second year on the job

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sees steady approval rate into second year on the job

BALTIMORE — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore still enjoys a high approval rating from his constituents as his second year on the job gets underway, according to new poll data.

The Gonzalez Poll released Tuesday is the first test of the governor’s approval this year. Moore was inaugurated as the state’s first Black governor in January 2023.

The poll, conducted by Gonzales Polls, Inc., surveyed registered voters in Maryland from Dec. 20 through Dec. 30, 2021.

The latest approval rating is within the margin of error of October’s 60% approval rating.

Broken down along party lines, it’s no surprise Moore received overwhelming support among Democrats compared to high disapproval ratings from Republicans.

Of the Democrats surveyed, 74% approve of Moore’s performance, as do 52% of independent voters. Among state Republicans, 57% disapprove, but only 36% “strongly” disapprove.

The poll also took a look at key issues highlighted in Moore’s State of the State speech last week and Maryland’s Legislative Session, which is well underway.

Pollsters asked how Marylanders are feeling about taxes to fund transportation, stricter gun laws and mandatory prison time for dealing fentanyl.

Polling participants were asked if they would support raising the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent to fund transportation projects, which have been cut across the state due to Maryland’s budget deficit. Of those surveyed, 37% said they support the tax increase, while an overwhelming 60% oppose it.

Much like last year, pollsters found a staggering 88% of Marylanders agree that the possession of a stolen firearm should be a felony in Maryland. It is currently a misdemeanor to possess a stolen firearm in the state.

Finally, pollsters asked respondents if they would support a mandatory penalty of at least 10 years in prison for anyone convicted of selling drugs laced with fentanyl if the drug results in a death. A massive 83% would support the penalty, while 13% oppose it.

Read the full results here.

Part two of the Gonzales Poll, released Wednesday, asks about Marylanders’ views on national political figures and policies.

Rohan Mattu

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ’s website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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Maryland

SUN: Dozens of vehicles moved to planned Maryland ICE facility; advocates concerned

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

SUN: Dozens of vehicles moved to planned Maryland ICE facility; advocates concerned

Advocacy groups are raising concerns over a warehouse in Washington County that is slated to become an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility after dozens of black SUVs were moved to the warehouse’s parking lot on Sunday.

“When federal enforcement vehicles begin lining the warehouse lot, it sends a clear message about what’s taking shape in our community,” said the organizer of Hagerstown Rapid Response, Claire Connor. “We refuse to let ICE quietly plant roots in Washington County without transparency, accountability and community consent.”

The 825,620-square-foot warehouse is located at 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport. Access to the facility was blocked by orange traffic barriers and signs outlining regulations and “governing conduct on federal property” with the Department of Homeland Security emblem at the top of the page.

In late January, Washington County issued a news release stating that on Jan. 14, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sent a letter to the county’s historic district commission and department of planning and zoning regarding the property.

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Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun’s website.

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Maryland

Howard County police investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Columbia

Published

21 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Howard County police investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Md. (WBFF) — An adult man was killed in a police-involved shooting in Columbia early Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division.

Howard County police said officers were called on March 1, at about 12:09 a.m., to an apartment building in the 6400 block of Freetown Road for a report that involved an adult male threatening to harm himself.

According to police, at about 12:22 a.m., officers encountered the man outside the building. The man approached officers while holding a knife and ignored commands to drop the weapon, police said. Officers then shot the man.

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Officers attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officersrecovered a knife near the man.

No officers were injured, and the officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.

The Independent Investigations Division is investigating.

Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576–7070 or by email atIID@oag.maryland.gov.

The IID willgenerally releasethe name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary,pursuant toIID protocol.

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TheIID willgenerally releasebody-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.

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