STATE OFFICIALS PLEASED WITH OUTCOME OF SALE OF $1.6 BILLION IN BONDS: Maryland “did very well” in the sale Wednesday of about $1.6 billion in bonds, state officials said, despite a recent credit downgrade that rattled their confidence and raised fears of higher premiums. The Maryland Board of Public works on Wednesday voted to approve the sale of about $1.6 billion worth of bonds at a true interest cost of 3.55% and premiums of more than $125 million, according to a statement from the Maryland Treasurer’s Office. Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters.
TARIFFS ON CHINA SHOULDN’T DAMPEN JULY 4th FIREWORKS: Tariffs on China, which produces the vast majority of the world’s fireworks, aren’t expected to noticeably affect this year’s Fourth of July displays in Maryland. However, the companies behind the shows are already worried about supply — and even their own viability — as the U.S. prepares to mark its 250th birthday in 2026. Katherine Wilson/The Baltimore Sun.
BPW OKs $19.5M FOR PFAS REMOVAL IN HAMPSTEAD: Hampstead officials have been monitoring unsafe levels of PFAS in the town’s well water for several years now, but soon hope to begin construction on a long-sought solution. The Board of Public Work on Wednesday approved a $19.5 million appropriation for Hampstead, which is embarked on a $31 million project to build granular activated carbon filters around town that will remove the contaminant from the drinking water. The project also includes pipelines to deliver the water for treatment and the possibility of upgrading one filtering site to nitrate treatment in the future. Lauren Lifke/Maryland Matters.
COMMENTARY: MARYLAND’s EDUCATOR PIPELINE MUST BE PROTECTED: The Trump Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal 2026 sends a troubling signal to educators and families across the country. It calls for deep cuts—or outright eliminations—of several federal programs that support teacher training, diversity, and development. These programs prepare the next generation of educators: classroom teachers, teaching aides, and special education professionals who reflect the diversity of the students they serve. The proposed cuts would have real and lasting consequences in Maryland, where state leaders are working to close teacher shortages and fulfill the promise of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Ashley Lopez and Sarat’ika Kelly/Maryland Reporter.
APPELLATE COURT UPHOLDS RIGHT TO VOTE FOR MAN UNDER GUARDIANSHIP: The Maryland Appellate Court has clarified the application of a 2022 law permitting supported decision-making, finding a lower court applied the wrong legal standard in disqualifying a Prince George’s County man under guardianship for mental disability from voting. Rachel Konieczny/The Daily Record.
ARUNDEL COUNCIL SLASHES FUNDS FOR NEW CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM: The Anne Arundel County Council caused a stir this week by slashing the budget for County Executive Steuart Pittman’s $1.5 million proposed investment in the county’s nascent public campaign financing system. The council approved a budget amendment cutting $1.25 million from Pittman’s request. Several lawmakers said they could add money later and would prefer in the meantime to use those dollars for public safety, schools and libraries. Alex Mann/The Baltimore Banner.
HUNDREDS MARCH IN B’MORE TO PROTEST ICE RAIDS, DETENTIONS: Hundreds marched in southeast Baltimore Wednesday to protest what they say is the detention of at least 16 people in the region by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the last three weeks, after raids at grocery stores, convenience shops and a Home Depot. The peaceful protest and march was led by CASA of Maryland, a nonprofit that provides support services for immigrants and advocates on their behalf. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
- The outpouring in the city came as grassroots actions against immigration enforcement raids have sprung up around the nation from Seattle and Austin to Chicago and Washington, D.C. While many have been peaceful, some have resulted in clashes with law enforcement. More protests are planned nationwide this week. Aline Behar Kado and John-John Williams IV/The Baltimore Banner.
CARROLL SHERIFF CANCELS APPEARANCE AT ORIOLES GAME: The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has canceled its appearance at Thursday’s Orioles game after they said the team banned deputies from wearing loaded firearms at Camden Yards, an internal department email said. But a change in Orioles’ policy on rifles on the field may have led to the confusion, according to a source with direct knowledge of the communications. Kate Cimini and Matt Weyrich/The Baltimore Sun.
FREDERICK MAYOR ANNOUNCES HE’LL SEEK A THIRD TERM: Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor said there is “unfinished business” for him at City Hall, which is why he is seeking his third term. Currently, O’Connor is set to face off with challenger and former planning commissioner Ron Beattie in the Democratic primary Sept. 9. Nolan Wilkinson/The Frederick News Post.
ANNAPOLIS ALDERMAN ARRESTED DURING TRAFFIC STOP: Annapolis Alderman DaJuan Gay, a Democrat who represents Ward 6, was arrested after a traffic stop early Tuesday morning, according to Annapolis Police. Annapolis Police pulled Gay over because his taillight was out, said a spokesperson for the department. During the traffic stop, police noticed that a warrant was outstanding for his arrest, and Gay was released Tuesday before noon. Megan Loock/The Baltimore Sun.
MO CO COUNCIL REAPPOINTS INSPECTOR GENERAL TO 2nd FOUR-YEAR TERM: The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to reappoint Megan Davey Limarzi as Montgomery County’s inspector general. This marks the beginning of her second 4-year term. Mia Vergnetti/Montgomery Community Media.
