Commentary

An estimated 8,500 young people ages 16 to 24 in Baltimore, including nearly 16% of all Black residents in this age group, were neither working nor in school, according to an estimate by Baltimore’s Promise based on 2022 U.S. Census data. Too many of these young people are at risk of instability as they transition into adulthood. These are our kids, our family and friends.

Nobody asked me, but the idea of spending $9 billion to build a third bridge across the Chesapeake Bay still seems absurd, even more so than when I first heard the idea. I say that for several reasons: The effects of climate change on sea-level rise; the need to reduce harmful emissions as the transition to electric-powered cars and trucks takes many more years; the desire to preserve open space, the Eastern Shore’s rural character, and the general quality of life on both sides of the bay; the likelihood that the cost of a new bridge will surpass the current estimate; and Maryland’s many other spending priorities, well ahead of a third bridge.

Technical internships play a vital role in nurturing and building vibrant innovation ecosystems. As students actively engage with local companies and startups, they bring fresh ideas, talent, and unique perspectives, fueling the growth of Maryland’s next generation of innovators. The majority of students who complete the Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) signal desire to stay and work in Maryland, and retaining this trained and valuable workforce in our state — along with making it financially-viable for small and local businesses to host interns — makes MTIP a crucial player in Maryland’s workforce development.

It is said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Maryland is among states poised to roll back or repeal bipartisan criminal justice reforms, including reforms for children, teenagers and young adults, even when the evidence is clear that they should not. We are former federal judges. We have seen this movie before.

Last month, members of the Baltimore City Council took action that was long overdue. They voted unanimously to ban all tobacco products from Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. Since smoking was already banned in city stadiums, this will mostly impact the use of smokeless tobacco by fans and players alike. Yet what a powerful statement from the city and the teams involved.

MCB Real Estate’s mixed-use development plan that includes high-rise apartment buildings for Harborplace in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is not the right development for this key location. Yet, the Baltimore Planning Commission, along with much of the city’s leadership, are saying we want this major project done quickly. The reality is we want this project done right. Baltimore has a vibrant arts, food and music scene, and showcasing these elements is essential.

Because of the extraordinary generosity of the late Richard W. Kanode, Frederick County has a rare and wonderful opportunity to create a new park near Thurmont to celebrate the agricultural community and create an equestrian park. But the county must be careful as it proceeds. The Frederick County Planning Commission has unanimously agreed that the preliminary master plan for the 183-acre Richard W. Kanode Farm Park is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

Leaders in Maryland’s Democratic-held House and Senate are approaching critical votes to give faculty, staff and graduate workers at public colleges and universities the right to unionize. But, as is a common thread in state and national political discourse, this vote’s immediate impact stretches beyond four-year university workers and the “ivory tower.” This bill is among those with a long-term, sizable, and inescapable impact on every aspect of Maryland — perhaps even extending to our collective ability to survive in our shared environment.