New: Named after a turn of phrase from the governor, the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Relief Fund raised $16 million. None of it went to help the victims’ families despite the Baltimore Community Foundation initially saying it would. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...

Hunt Valley-based Diamond Comic Distributors, one-time a Goliath in the comic book space, has been acquired. From @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/alli...

Baltimore's 10-year population loss streak is over, according to Census data. The city grew (veeeery slightly) for the first time since 2014. @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social & I spoke to experts about what this means for the city, its residents and its future. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/baltimore/ba...

Fort McHenry marks anniversary amid uncertainty and protests over Trump cuts, @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

Howard County woman convicted of killing newborn gets new trial after improper evidence. (w/ @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social) (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

A man died in jail in a health crisis. Howard County settled with his family for $1.25M, @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

NEW INVESTIGATION 🚍: Baltimore City is the only district in the state that doesn't offer most students a yellow bus ride after elementary school. When that policy collided with school choice, it turned getting to class on time into a nightmare. Read ⬇️ www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...

The loss of the beloved Benjamin was felt across Baltimore. By @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...

By @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social: Benjamin, Baltimore’s beloved hardware store cat, dies. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

📢Baltimore-based federal workers! The Baltimore Banner wants to hear from you! Get in touch via email or use this form to tell us your experiences & thoughts on mandatory return-to-office policies, buyout offers & drastic changes to agencies’ priorities. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/fede...

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi... Howard County's three state senators are urging Gov. Wes Moore to appoint immigration attorney Alicia Altamirano, public policy expert Michele Douglas and state labor official Daniel Newberger to fill the open seats on the Howard Community College board.

Gas leak in Anne Arundel County shuts down access to Mayo Peninsula

Piecing together Luigi Mangione’s lost year Good reporting and story by @juliemore19.bsky.social and @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social at the @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...

NEW: Massive day ahead for parents and educators in Maryland as the state prepares to release rankings and star ratings for every public school in the state. @kris10griffith.bsky.social & I on what we'll be watching for when ratings are released. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...

In Howard County, Thelma and Louise weren't outlaws—they were turkeys. And their love triangle with a tom named Sergeant? Pure drama 🦃 www.thebaltimorebanner.com/howard-count...

Months after members of Howard Community College's Board of Trustees abruptly resigned, county state senators want to increase the board from seven to nine members. With @brennasmith.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...

This story legit has it all. Including SO many Legos.

By @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social: ‘He is a legend’: Elementary school surprises longtime custodian by renaming gym and cafeteria. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

Love this. 51 years of service, and they honor him by renaming the gym and cafeteria after him. The incredible Mr. Watkins wasn't just the custodian. He was so much more to this school community. Fantastic work by my colleague @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social

Some good news to end the week: Lothian Elementary School staff and students surprised their custodian of 51 years by renaming the gym and cafeteria after him. “He is a legend,” the principal said. For @thebaltimorebanner.com with @jphotoj.bsky.social: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...

Here's an absolutely sweet story to end your week: Lothian Elementary School students and teachers honored custodian Louis Watkins for his 51 years (!) of service by naming the cafeteria/gym for him. From ✍️ @abbyzimmardi.bsky.social & 📸Jerry Jackson: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...

Will Howard County students face stricter cellphone rules come January? The school board wants more time before making a final decision. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...