Around Maryland

On a mild mid-May earlier this year, officials from an unusual assortment of public and private organizations and businesses – including two energy companies, Loyola University Maryland, Howard County and St. Mary’s Coptic Church – gathered at the church’s property in Cooksville to break ground on a long-anticipated project. That project is the so-called Catherine Community Solar project, which will provide solar power to a variety of beneficiaries and is being touted by those involved as a valuable step in helping Maryland reach its goal of 50% renewable energy production by 2030.

Carroll County agencies tested their abilities to respond to violent threats in schools Tuesday during an active assailant training exercise at two Westminster area schools — Cranberry Station Elementary and Winters Mill High. A Maryland State Police helicopter takes off above emergency personnel from Westminster Fire Department in a field near Winters Mill High School during a training exercise by Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency organizations on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

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.