Around Maryland

At least 15 miles of trails will be constructed or revitalized in communities spanning Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and D.C. with help from a $25 million federal grant that local leaders highlighted on Monday. The investment — part of a competitive Department of Transportation program that targets projects with national or regional impact — will advance more than $70 million in efforts to enhance recreational and economic opportunities, local leaders said, improving trail access for nearly 300,000 residents.

Baltimore County will begin using a controversial gunshot detection system in portions of two precincts starting Wednesday, part of a two-year pilot program paid for with federal pandemic relief money. ShotSpotter has been contentious in many communities, scrutinized for years by constitutional rights activists and jettisoned by jurisdictions over its efficacy.

A local nonprofit is seeking grant funding to begin a restoration of Ocean City’s historic Henry Hotel.The Worcester County Commissioners last week agreed to send a letter of support to the Maryland Historical Trust as a nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the Henry Hotel seeks funding for restoration.

A national security expert says the drone company that many Baltimore-area law enforcement agencies use may be leaking sensitive data to China. Some states and federal agencies have banned the use of Chinese-made drones. The drones of one particular company — DJI — are favored by law enforcement agencies across the U.S., including some in Maryland.

When Patricia learned that her son was one of 28 people injured in a horrific shooting at the annual Brooklyn Day block party in South Baltimore, her first reaction was disbelief.“Boy, you’re lying,” she told her teenage son when he called her from the hospital. In the dead of night, Patricia raced to MedStar Harbor Hospital, where many of the victims were treated. On arrival, she was crying and desperate for information but couldn’t find her son.

Officials of the Maryland Food Bank say inflation is leading more people to seek help feeding their families U.S. Census data analyzed by the food bank finds 45% of Maryland adults say their children were skipping meals because of rising food costs and 36% have trouble meeting expenses. Maryland Food Bank president and CEO Carmen Del Guercio tells WBAL NewsRadio recent cuts in government benefits offered during the COVID-19 pandemic are also leading more people to turn to the soup kitchens and food pantries that are supported by the food bank.

There’s been a lot of progress to accommodate people with disabilities in Maryland, but there is still more room for improvement — including what to do about the nationwide shortage of service dogs. Disability advocacy groups from across the state held a meeting Monday afternoon about the important and essential animals that help those with disabilities. The forum, in honor of Disability Pride Month, aimed to educate the public about the growing use of service animals in the state.