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Around Maryland

MTA study on future Baltimore-to-Towson transit line leaves door open on subway expansion

The Red Line isn’t the only new transit coming to town. The Maryland Transit Administration has completed a feasibility study that evaluated seven potential options for a new transit line between Towson and downtown Baltimore, eliminating some options but committing to further study of light rail, heavy rail and bus rapid transit (BRT). The new line would aim to build upon and improve transit service in one of the busiest corridors of the region for public transportation.

Families concerned after five guns found this week in Baltimore City Public Schools

Five guns have been found inside Baltimore City Public Schools in the last two days. “It’s very concerning that someone would bring an armed weapon where children are supposed to learn,” said Devera Ruff, who has a granddaughter at Baltimore’s KIPP Harmony Academy. On Thursday morning, an employee at KIPP Harmony Charter School was arrested for having a gun on the property.

Read More: CBS Baltimore
Anne Arundel Schools superintendent proposes $1.7B fiscal 2025 budget during final school board meeting of year

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell has proposed a $1.7 billion fiscal 2025 budget that would continue to fund the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, provide pay increases for teachers and bus drivers and compensate for the Elementary Secondary School Emergency Relief funding that will end next year. Bedell’s request represents a 3.71% increase over the current budget, which is the lowest increase in the last nine years. Nearly 61.5% of that increase would go toward compensation and benefits enhancements for employees.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Carroll schools will not need to shift large numbers of staff, as superintendent predicted

Despite prior warnings, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future will not require Carroll County to move large numbers of teachers from some schools to staff others, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Blueprint Coordinator Jon O’Neal told the county school board on Dec. 13. Superintendent Cynthia McCabe previously had said to expect teachers to be shifted to schools with higher concentrations of students who receive free or reduced-price meals and those deemed to have special needs to help recover from COVID-19 pandemic learning losses.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Pritchard Building renovation to receive $750K grant

Allegany and Garrett counties will receive a combined $1 million in grant awards through the State Revitalization Program, including $750,000 for the Prichard Building renovation project in Frostburg, according to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Gov. Wes Moore said the program, which includes additional funds for other projects across the state, is designed to promote community development and economic growth.

County launches Spanish-language stroke awareness campaign

Frederick County has launched more resources about strokes and stroke symptoms in Spanish as part of the county’s stroke awareness efforts and educating more community members on the signs and dangers of strokes. In addition to a Spanish version of the county’s public service announcement video on strokes, the county has also created a Spanish mnemonic, “AHORA,” for people to remember where to look for stroke symptoms.

Sensory-friendly play equipment installed at Ellicott City’s Centennial Park

Unique play features, including a sway glider, we-go swing and merry-go-all, as well as a sensory-friendly rock abacus with special textures and shapes, and innovative musical stations were installed recently at Centennial Park North in Ellicott City, designed to allow anyone with physical challenges to play freely by themselves or with others. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan celebrated the opening of the park’s sensory trail loop and all-access playground area on Nov. 17.

 

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Where to take friends in town for the holidays

I’ve traveled across the country since I was 3 years old. While I don’t have the flyer points to prove it, I know how exciting it can be to come back to your hometown or visit a new place during the holidays. Now that I’m older and building my life and home, I love inviting friends from all over to come visit and explore Maryland. My colleague recently shared a few amazing places in Baltimore to eat with your out-of-town friends.

Best and worst times to drive out of the DMV for your holiday trip

AAA said that over 115 million people are traveling for Christmas and New Year’s. Over 115.2 million travelers are expected to hit the road and will drive 50 miles or more from their homes over the holiday travel period. There’s been a 2.2% increase this year compared to last year and the second-highest year-end travel forecast since 2000, AAA said. “This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” said Paula Twidale, the Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.

Read More: DC News Now
BWI gives flyers tips for faster, smoother holiday travel

Christmas being right around the corner means holiday traffic is likely to pick up as everyone tries to make it in time to see their loved ones. As December’s busiest travel days are upon us, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) gave flyers some tips on how to tackle the hustle and bustle. Flyers should arrive early and ahead of time. For domestic travel, come two hours before your flight and arrive three hours earlier for international flights to allow time for parking, ticketing, checking in security and more.

Read More: DC News Now

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