By: Alexander Pyles

The state’s top economic development official is resigning in January, and his replacement is stepping up from within the Department of Business and Economic Development.

Here’s a few other government and politics headlines:

• The Associated Press and others report on U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski’s appointment as chair of the Senate’s Appropriations Committee.
• The Washington Post reports on a national television appearance by Gov. Martin O’Malley in which he said assault weapons serve no purpose in society.
• Patch.com reports on Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff, who said he favors “gun safety,” not “gun control.”