Around Maryland

A proposal to expand a network of biking and hiking trails through western Maryland has triggered intense opposition among hikers, whitewater rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts who might otherwise cheer the idea. And that’s because the project — pushed by two conservative Republican state lawmakers from Garrett County and a group called Garrett Trails — would route the permanent two-way paths through the heart of the scenic Youghiogheny River. Supporters — including Garrett Trails, a nonprofit organization led by resort, lodging, local government and other recreational business interests — say the Youghiogheny canyon trail would bring greater public access to a gorgeous piece of Appalachian landscape and boost the region’s struggling economy, especially once it’s linked to the Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail running from Cumberland to Pittsburgh.

On Wednesday, Carroll County will officially mark International Overdose Awareness Day with activities aimed at boosting awareness about lives lost and local residents affected by substance abuse. International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 to expand awareness, honor individuals lost to overdose and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. It is an opportunity to grieve, and honor loved ones, according to the staff at the Carroll County Health Department.

When Baltimore-area children return to school Monday, some of them will have a new spot to read and socialize. The Baltimore Hunger Project, My New Book Inc. and the Towson Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks worked together to bring "My Cozy Corners" to life in Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools. The Towson Elks Lodge No. 469 covered most of the costs thanks to a grant from the National Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The project fits the Baltimore Hunger Project's mission statement of feeding not only the body but also the mind, and My New Book's goal of making sure every child has a book.

Four Baltimore County Police officers opened fire on a motorist in Dundalk in April, shooting through the car’s front and rear windows as the driver tried to get away. Video from a nearby car’s dashboard camera shows a chaotic scene: A black sedan collides with an unmarked county police vehicle, then reverses and moves as if to leave. An officer fires at least one shot through the windshield, as others shout for the driver to get out. The sedan keeps moving, and an officer fires another shot at the car.

Maryland’s second-largest school district is facing roughly 900 vacancies among its 10,000 employees, which may force it to combine classes in the upcoming school year. Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Monica Goldson wrote to the school system community in a back-to-school letter this week, detailing ongoing challenges in the school system, specifically staffing vacancies.

A third of Maryland fifth and eighth graders scored “proficient” on standardized tests in science this spring, according to data released this week. About 30% of fifth graders and 35% of eighth graders passed the standardized test known as the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, which was administered in the spring.

Before voting to approve a $60,000 settlement with a man the Gun Trace Task Force arrested in 2016, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby asked whether members of the corrupt plainclothes unit who robbed citizens and planted guns on people were still eligible to collect their pensions. Deputy City Solicitor Ebony Thompson said she was not sure.

Federal authorities issued their final environmental approval Thursday for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s project to widen the Beltway and Interstate 270, delivering a major milestone for an infrastructure project estimated to cost about $5 billion. The step is a requirement for the project to receive federal funds, and it opens the way for Maryland to sign a 50-year contract to build and manage toll lanes along the congested highways. It also begins a five-month clock for opponents of the project to file legal challenges.