Around Maryland

The state’s top court has sided with the Maryland Department of the Environment in a dispute over airborne pollution from chicken farms, a ruling that frustrated environmental activists who say local waterways and communities are not being adequately protected. In a 6-1 decision, the Maryland Supreme Court found that the department’s permitting scheme for animal feeding operations (AFOs) does enough to regulate ammonia, an irritating gas that is emitted from animal waste and causes nutrient pollution.

A MARC station will close for weeks starting later this month as part of a project to improve pedestrian access at one of Maryland’s oldest commuter rail stations. Starting Aug. 21, Camden Line service will be unavailable at the Laurel station, the 10th-busiest stop on the 42-station system that ferries commuters from the Maryland suburbs to downtown Washington. Service will return Oct. 29, officials said.

Red tape is blocking off part of Greenspring Avenue where a utility pole appears ready to snap. It’s one of several where homes remain without power. Residents in Liberty Heights said trees brought down a mess of cables during Monday night’s storms. “I immediately called 311, was transferred to Baltimore Gas and Electric (and) told them there was a downed power pole that is so close to my house that if I reach my hand out, I can touch it,” Jennifer Karner said.

The month before classes start, full-time social work students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore were told via email that their tuition for the semester will increase by more than $2,000. Classes start Aug. 21, and tuition payments are due a week later, according to the university’s website. Amanda Lehning, senior associate dean for academic affairs and associate professor for the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work, notified students of tuition changes via a July 28 email, obtained by The Baltimore Sun.

County officials are once again looking to develop the Cumberland Chase land along U.S. Route 220 after plans for a senior living complex at the site fell through. Dave Caporale, president of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners, and Jason Bennett, county administrator, gave an update on the property Wednesday morning during a State of the County presentation.

A federal judge in Maryland will deliver a ruling on Montgomery County schools’ requirement to include LGBTQ materials in elementary classrooms before classes begin Aug. 28. Judge Debra Boardman heard oral arguments Wednesday in a family-led lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools’ decision to revoke parents’ ability to opt-out of classes that teach young children about gay and transgender issues.

The life’s work of renown, prolific Baltimore artist Joyce J. Scott will be the subject of a special retrospective exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art next spring. “Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams” amounts to the most comprehensive exhibition ever of Scott’s five-decade career. The BMA and Seattle Art Museum will attempt to capture the full range of the versatile and prolific artist’s work, which includes soft sculptures, woven tapestries, prints, wearable art, and performance.