Commentary

Renew Baltimore, the organization behind a widely discussed ballot initiative aimed at significantly reducing the city’s property tax rate, has submitted over 23,000 signatures — more than double the amount required to place the measure on the ballot. However, the Maryland Supreme Court recently blocked the proposed charter amendment from appearing on Baltimore City’s 2024 Election Day ballot.

Howard Stern does not know it, but we have had a one-sided beef since 1997. This dates back to his obnoxiously crude days, when I covered a remote news conference announcing his then-terrestrial radio show’s debut on a local York, Pennsylvania, station. Stern, talking to us via satellite from New York, discovered I was a young Black woman and demanded that the men in the room determine if I was hot (they said I was), asked me graphic questions about whether Black or white men were better lovers, and then queried the next female reporter at the microphone if she would make out with me.

What’s likely to be the only televised debate of the Maryland Senate election is scheduled to air on multiple platforms Thursday evening. As if we needed further proof that the contest between Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is a big deal — and is attracting national attention — Chuck Todd, the former host of “Meet the Press” and chief NBC News political analyst is serving as the moderator.

That was an epic football game on Sunday, between the Ravens and Bengals, but it would have been more enjoyable without two of the more caustic campaign ads of 2024 — the Willie Horton throwback against Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and the cheesy tax-cheat spot against Angela Alsobrooks.

You may notice them around the county, vending machines that do not dispense candy and snacks, soda or cigarettes.Rather, they offer, for free, a drug that can save lives. The Frederick County Health Department set up distribution boxes in four locations this past spring — three in the city of Frederick and one in Thurmont.

I’ve taught Spanish in Baltimore County Public Schools for six years. This is only the second year that I’ve worked in a fully staffed department, and still, we have classrooms with too many students to get the individualized attention they deserve. My school, Overlea High, is designed for 1000 students but serves 1,500. Eleven trailers are used for classrooms, and special educators without offices sometimes have to use the faculty lounge to assess students.

As an architect, much of my career has revolved around creating buildings that Maryland’s families and residents can find joy and comfort in. I’ve learned that well-designed buildings — from schools and commercial spaces to our homes — can impact one’s health, safety, and quality of life. That’s why I’m encouraged by new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) included in Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act.