Around Maryland

Before Alejandra Flores gave birth to her son, Creative Alliance was just a name in their neighborhood. Over a decade later, the Highlandtown-based organization’s classes and events have shaped Joaquin Miller’s young life. From his very first Great Halloween Lantern Parade to after-school programs and weekend art classes, 11-year-old Joaquin has grown up with Creative Alliance. “When he was born and we went to the first Lantern Parade, we fell in love,” Flores said of the procession of illuminated, handmade lanterns through Patterson Park that’s become one of Baltimore’s most anticipated Halloween traditions. “After that, we haven’t skipped one.” Despite Creative Alliance’s emphasis on the arts, the nonprofit considers itself a service organization centered on building community, especially in — but also beyond — Southeast Baltimore.

Maryland is widely recognized for its blue crabs and Old Bay seasoning, but if research into a local plant yields promising results, the state could become known for its spin on another classic: beer. The University of Maryland Extension, with help from farm brewers in the state, is testing whether a native Maryland hop plant discovered on a Frederick County farm can be grown at commercial scale. If successful, the project could be a game changer for Maryland craft brewers and other breweries up and down the East Coast, industry experts say. “We want this whole thing to grow,” said Bryan Butler, who is spearheading the research as director for the University of Maryland Extension in Carroll County. “My dream is that there will be a beer that people refer to, one day, as ‘the’ Maryland beer.”

In the once-segregated learning space known as the Historic Sykesville Colored Schoolhouse, a group of nine students have been preparing this week to educate others about significant figures in Black history. The students, members of the Homework Club at the Historic Sykesville Colored Schoolhouse will share what they’ve learned Sunday at 11 a.m., during a special Black History Month event at the White Rock Independent Methodist Episcopal Church, 6300 White Rock Road in Sykesville.

As former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) was heading out the door a few weeks ago, his administration attempted to push through changes to the state’s vehicle emissions inspection (VEIP) program — over the objections of environmentalists and a legislative panel that examines proposed state regulations. But now the new regulation — and an accompanying procurement process designed to execute the Hogan administration’s plan to scale back emissions inspections — has been put on hold.

Two more whale strandings reported in recent weeks, including one in New Jersey and one near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, had federal lawmakers again calling for a moratorium on offshore wind energy development projects. Over the span of a couple of weeks last month, deceased whales of various sizes and species stranded on the beaches across the mid-Atlantic, largely in New Jersey and New York, but also on Assateague. There, a nearly 34-foot humpback washed up on the beach in the over-sand vehicle (OSV) area.

The selection process for a new suburban FBI headquarters campus appears to be in its final stretch, and Virginia and Maryland lawmakers are making their final pitches for the massive project. As required by the federal 2023 omnibus spending bill, the General Services Administration will hold “separate and detailed consultations” with representatives from both states in late February and early March as it determines the best location for a new consolidated FBI headquarters, a multibillion-dollar development that could house as many as 7,500 employees. This could be the final set of reviews before the feds make a decision on what promises to be a titanic economic development win.

A Harford County Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday morning that County Council member Jacob Bennett may not serve on the council while employed as a Harford County Public Schools teacher. Judge Richard Bernhardt delivered the ruling following a Tuesday hearing in which he stated a quick decision was needed on the matter. Before delivering the ruling, Bernhardt said no matter the outcome, “No doubt, there’ll be future review.”