The next phases of redevelopment of the former Perkins Homes public housing community in East Baltimore are set to begin this fall and will add 150 apartments.

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City and the developer McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) have closed on more than $87 million worth of investment as part of Phases 5A and 5B of Perkins Square, the $398 million project transforming the former Perkins Homes.

“When we began this work, the vision was about much more than replacing buildings. It was about creating a truly mixed-income neighborhood while honoring the commitment made to the families who called Perkins Homes home,” said Vincent Bennett, CEO and President of McCormack Baron Salazar. 

The first three phases of the housing project have been completed and are now occupied, and the fourth phase is currently under construction and running ahead of schedule, according to the developer.

Phases 5A and 5B are expected to be completed in 2028. Upon their completion, 715 of the 795 planned homes at Perkins Square will have been built.

That leaves Phase 5C, which will include the construction of the remaining 80 units.

In an effort to create affordable housing, 67 apartments across Phases 5A and 5B will receive project-based voucher assistance. This is part of the redevelopment’s one-for-one replacement commitment for the original Perkins Homes public housing units.

“With 715 homes now complete or moving into construction, we are nearing the finish line on an extraordinary transformation,” said Bennett, of MBS. “Most importantly, every former Perkins household has been offered the opportunity to return, and families are continuing to come home to the new Perkins Square. We are grateful to the residents, HABC and the many public and private partners whose commitment has made this possible.”

Among the 150 apartments in Phases 5A and 5B will be 111 income-restricted properties and 39 market-rate homes.

Phase 5A will include 60 apartments and will cost about $41.6 million. Phase 5B will include 90 apartments and will cost about $45.7 million. 

MBS and HABC have partnered on the Perkins Square project, with support from a $40 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant awarded in 2018. The redevelopment is part of the larger Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) Transformation. The state of Maryland has committed more than $256 million to the broader PSO Transformation.

The project also includes new public streets and infrastructure; on-site amenities such as a fitness center, community rooms and a computer lab; and comprehensive resident services delivered by Urban Strategies, Inc. 

The Baltimore Curriculum Project operates City Springs Elementary and Middle School next to the community. A new $69 million school building is scheduled to open in 2027.

The project architect for Perkins Square is Hord Coplan Macht, and the general contractor is Commercial Construction Group.

RBC Community Investments provided financing for Phases 5A and 5B as a tax credit equity investor. Financing also came from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the City of Baltimore and its Department of Housing and Community Development, HABC, and HUD. Cconstruction financing is being provided by Legacy Bank and Trust.

Rising utility bills are one of the biggest concerns of voters this year, and public sentiment against data ceters – huge users of electricity as well as water and land – has coalesced and swelled like no other issue.

But how did we get here? Electric utilities are expensive and complicated, and efforts to change policy and help consumers take years to take effect. The Maryland Now podcast team reached out to one of the most experienced figures to provide a clear and cohesive explanation. Michael Powell is an attorney with Gordon Feinblatt LLC and is considered one of Maryland’s leading experts in environmental and energy issues such as data center development, power plant permitting, climate change, and other energy and environmental issues. Earlier in his career he was Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of the Environment. Here is what he had to say:

1. Supply is not keeping up with demand in Maryland

Powell calls this the heart of the problem. Maryland imports about 40% of its power from other states through the PJM grid, and plants have been retiring faster than new supply has come online. Costs are driven by peak capacity, meaning plants that sit idle most of the year but must be ready for the coldest night or hottest day. Data centers add demand, but he says they’re not the sole cause. Electric cars, heat pumps and ordinary device use all contribute.

“The heart of our problem is supply and demand,” Powerll says. “It’s just that simple.”

2. Renewables haven’t filled the gap

Solar is cheap but doesn’t help at peak times or on winter nights without expensive batteries. Local opposition has slowed solar farms and batteries, and the state’s first battery procurement drew only about three respondents, one of whom dropped out. Gas plants are unattractive investments under a policy aimed at eliminating fossil fuels by 2035. Brandon Shores, a coal-burning power plant near Glen Burnie is being kept open by federal order, and its planned replacement is a roughly $1.1 billion transmission line to Pennsylvania rather than new generation.

“We don’t want fossil fuel plants but we want the price of electricity to go down,” Powell says. “I don’t know how you do both of those quickly.”

3. Local opposition and short-term political thinking block new construction

Powell says short election cycles reward short-sightedness, and every project, from offshore wind to gas plants to batteries, meets “not in my backyard” resistance. If he could pick one fix, it would be the unpopular step of restricting people’s ability to object.

“We live in a world where nobody wants anything in their backyard… and everybody has a backyard,” Powell says.

4. Utility rates are rising faster than inflation

BGE and Pepco rates have outpaced inflation and some comparable utilities. Powell, who has opposed BGE rate cases for industrial clients, says return on equity is a legitimate question but less important than why costs are rising. BGE points to aging infrastructure and the demand-driven upgrades it requires.

“We have a shortage of power being generated in state, and so our answer is to spend a huge amount of money in importing additional power,” Powell says.

5. Data centers are a threat, but also an opportunity

Powell says they bring money for grid upgrades and generation. He pointed to “Bring Your Own Generation” deals, where developers pay up front, and to the tax base (Loudoun County: 3% of land, 46% of property taxes). He criticized the industry’s secrecy, and thinks today’s moratoriums and political one-upmanship are counterproductive.

“I think to blame data centers as being the sole cause of this is just factually incorrect,” Powell says.

Other issues covered in our podcast discussion include:

• Whether natural gas should be a “bridge fuel” while renewables catch up
• Why Maryland’s climate targets may be out of reach, and what the Climate Change Commission is weighing
• Mike’s one policy change, and a 10 year forecast for Maryland’s energy picture

Connect With the Show:  Questions, comments, or story ideas marylandnow@blendedpublicaffairs.com

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.

With a nip in the air and spooky season underway, this week is a fun one in the Baltimore restaurant world. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Openings & announcements

Viale in Hampden has finally opened its doors. The new pizza spot is celebrating its launch with a karaoke party on Oct. 24.

Pappas Seafood Co. made big news this week with the announcement that the company, a longtime Baltimore staple, has been sold to a fintech firm called Teamshares. The reported long term plan involves Teamshares sharing ownership with Pappas employees.

Happy anniversary to Animal Boy, which celebrates a year in business this weekend. The Hamilton restaurant is taking its show on the road for a party at Peabody Heights Brewery on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Gertrude’s will now have a Morning Café open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. from Tuesday through Friday. The menu includes coffee, tea, and pastries, and the café is accessed through the tented patio off the Sculpture Garden. https://www.instagram.com/p/DeqAPEjJsU9/

Silver Queen Café has changed its schedule. The Hamilton restaurant will now be open for dinner Wednesday through Friday and brunch only on Saturday and Sunday (no dinner service on Saturday night).

Wanderland

On Saturday, Oct. 24, tons of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, and distillers will gather at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods for Wanderland, an afternoon festival honoring Maryland’s many beverage makers.

The event also features artisans, live music, entertainment like jugglers and stilt walkers, and more.

Bordeaux at Petit Louis

On Monday, Oct. 26, Petit Louis hosts a five-course dinner showcasing the wines of Bordeaux’s Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Cate de Pez. The meal includes courses like braised lamb neck with spiced squash puree paired with three different sines, and a tarte tatin for dessert.

Water Taxi Wednesdays & more

Autumn is prime time to get out on the water in Baltimore to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The Water Taxi makes that easy this week with multiple events, including a Sunday Brunch Cruise and a sunset happy hour event on Wednesday.

Spooky Slay the Menu

The Food Market’s Slay the Menu event, held in its private kitchen, gets a Halloween makeover this week. The dinner, which takes place on Wednesday evening, includes five creepy courses, with wine pairings, and costumes are encouraged.

Witch-tober continues

Sally O’s month of Halloween happenings continues this week with tarot readings (and half-price bottles of wine) on Wednesday and, on Friday, a Disco Witch Cocktail Dinner featuring spooky drinks and more. 

Virginia wines at Woodberry Kitchen

Wednesday evening, the Tavern at Woodberry Kitchen welcomes the winemaker from Southwest Mountains Vineyard for a five-course meal designed to pair with several of the winery’s selections. The menu includes dishes like poached Chesapeake butterfish served with autumn roots, fermented fennel, and beurre blanc, paired with SMV’s Reserve Chardonnay.

Early Halloween & more

Halloween weekend is sure to be one for the ages this year. Though the holiday officially falls on Saturday, celebrations are starting early.

La Calle’s Dia de los Muertos dinner is on Thursday, Oct. 29 – and it is a ticketed evening, so grab your reservation now.

At Clavel, Halloween starts on Friday and extends into Saturday with two nights of Yo Quiero Clavel, when the restaurant’s menu dons a costume of its own, dressing up as Taco Ball with dishes like the Crunchwrap Supreme added to the regular Clavel menu.

Also on Saturday, Cece’s hosts a family-friendly movie night, with two screenings of “Casper” in the lounge, plus cookie decorating, popcorn, and special drinks.

Autumn flavors

As the harvest season progresses, restaurants continue to retool their menus to showcase seasonal flavors.

Seppia’s seasonal desserts include an aromatic apple crostada topped with olive oil gelato and caramel and pepita brittle. https://www.instagram.com/p/Der9Bn1vJSc/

At Café Gia, new menu items include pumpkin ricotta ravioli and roasted butternut squash risotto.

Hello Trouble has five new autumnal drinks on the menu, including an apple-spiced chai tea and toasty warm hot chocolate.

At Tark’s, the menu has been updated for the season, as has the décor, with festive fall plants and vegetables giving the courtyard extra fall flair.

Johnny’s – where the soups are always exceptional – has warm autumn options covered, with options like parsnip apple and roasted butternut squash.

One of The Corner Pantry’s new menu additions is a salad of roasted brussels sprouts, togarashi ham, and citrus apple glaze.

For its new fall cocktail menu, Magdalena draws inspiration from the old Baltimore nickname “A Nest of Pirates.” The lineup includes drinks like Oyster Wars, which pairs rye and sherry with whipped honey vanilla syrup, lemon, and saline.

Cool weather additions to The Manor Tavern’s menu include roasted quail with apple, sage, and cranberry stuffing, and Alpine crepes with ham, asparagus, and Swiss cheese.

True Chesapeake has a fun new fall cocktail menu available – including one drink that starts with a flame.

Green chili pot pie is on the Little Donna’s menu for a short time – just the next few weeks – so grab one while you can.

Costiera is celebrating traditional oyster season with a dish of semolina-crusted oysters, tzatziki, pickled shallots, and upland cress.

At The Duchess, a  new drinks lineup includes choices like Ceylong Song, which is an intriguing mix of Korean cinnamon and ginger tea punch and mulled wine.

Bar Alice Anne has also just dropped a new fall cocktail menu.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

November 7: Oyfest

November 7: The Baltimore Station Chili Cookoff Fundraiser

November 11: Oyster SHELLabration at True Chesapeake

By Joe Wicke

Capital News Service

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland’s top Democrats ramped up an effort to urge voters to support an amendment to redraw congressional districts less than two weeks from Election Day, though a poll shows the ballot question is unpopular among both parties.

The proposed amendment, known as Question 3, asks voters whether they support an amendment to the Maryland Constitution on congressional redistricting. Maryland has eight congressional districts, seven of which are majority Democrat and one majority Republican.

The amendment, if passed, would not affect the 2026 midterm, but it would open the door for a redrawn map that could flip Maryland’s sole Republican House seat.

In a campaign ad released by Gov. Wes Moore Wednesday, the Democratic candidate said voting in favor of the amendment will help suppress President Donald Trump’s “illegal power grab.”

U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer and Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk also appeared in the 30-second ad. The Democrats criticized the Trump administration’s attempts to redraw congressional lines, and said the ballot question is a chance to “fight back.”

Last summer, Trump pushed for Texas to redraw its congressional map to favor Republicans. Several other states also pushed to redraw congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms.

“Voting YES on Question 3 is Maryland’s best opportunity to push back against Trump’s attempt to rig more MAGA seats in Congress,’’ Carter Elliott, senior communications adviser for Moore, said in a press release Wednesday. ‘’And, Maryland can’t afford to miss this chance.”

But some critics said Democrats will use Maryland’s redistricting question to target the Eastern Shore. Rep. Andy Harris, the lone Republican in the congressional delegation, represents the Eastern Shore.

In August, the Maryland Republican party launched the “Save Our Voice” campaign, which aimed to mobilize volunteers to push voters to check “no” on Question 3.

“We will continue our grassroots campaign to defeat Question 3, stop this partisan power grab, and prevent extreme partisan gerrymandering in Maryland,” Nicole Beus Harris, chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party, said in a statement Thursday to Capital News Service.

Beus Harris said the ad is “full of half-truths and misleading rhetoric.” She said despite the focus on fighting against Trump, the ballot question won’t go into effect until 2028 when the president will be leaving office.

A recent poll by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County found only 25% of respondents, both Democrat and Republican, said they will vote in favor of Question 3.

Matthew Crenson, a professor emeritus of political science at Johns Hopkins University, said the ballot question’s unpopularity may stem from voters opposing Trump-era political practices.

“It also looks as though the political norms followed by President Trump, who initiated this round of redistricting and reapportionment, it looks like converting his practices into permanent norms of our political culture, and people may be resisting that,” Crenson said.

A recent ad campaign by the newly-formed political action committee Truth for Maryland encouraged voters to vote for Moore, but vote “no” on Question 3. Moore pushed back on the campaign, saying in a video on X Wednesday that the PAC is trying to trick voters into believing he opposes the ballot question.

Question 3 also faced several legal roadblocks on its way to the ballot. Higher- and lower-court judges agreed Question 3’s original wording was complex and misleading, but the Maryland Supreme Court allowed a revised version to make it onto the ballot.

Moore told CNS last month he was sure voters would “overwhelmingly” support Question 3.

“The people are excited they have the power again,” Moore told reporters at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s legislative conference in Washington, D.C.

Jake Tiger contributed to this report.

These ornaments probably will not fit on a typical Christmas tree, but that is part of what makes them such a marvel to behold.

The Village of Cross Keys will host its Inaugural Tree Lighting with five–foot-tall ornaments created by students from 14 Baltimore-area schools.

“Ornaments Aglow: Where Baltimore’s Brightest Light Up the Season” takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 5100 Falls Road in historic Roland Park. This is part of a free, family-friendly event during which The Village of Cross Keys officially kicks off the festive season in style, with oversized cozy vibes. This year’s artistic showcase features students who have collaborated to design the gigantic, show-stopping, themed holiday ornaments.

The public may rank the artistic ornaments, with more than $20,000 total being directly donated to the schools’ chosen nonprofits at the end of the holiday season. The kickoff at The Village at Cross Keys will also include holiday fun like live music, interactive activities for all age groups, and world-class dining specials to keep visitors warm in both bellies and hearts.

The chosen charities for each participating school are listed below:

Last year’s contest had students creating giant snow globes. The winners included Roland Park Country School taking first place, sending a $5,000 donation to the Maryland SPCA; The Bryn Mawr School won second place, sending $2,500 to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and third place went to Maryvale Preparatory School, who’s $1,000 winnings benefitted the Women’s Education Alliance.

Maryland housing aid at risk for thousands of residents — The Baltimore Sun

Baltimore tourism generated $4.3 billion in visitor spending, report finds — The Afro

Rabid raccoon found at Ladew Gardens, officials confirm — WMAR

Baltimore council report ranks city high in transit ridership and diversity among peer cities — WBAL

By HANNAH HARRIS

Capital News Service

More than 135 candidates are running in Maryland’s school board elections, and those who win will face a significant challenge: overseeing the implementation — and regulation — of artificial intelligence in the state’s 24 school districts.

In an effort to add clarity to the issue, the General Assembly passed the Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act, in April. The bill required all Maryland public school systems to adopt their own plans to integrate AI into K-12 education by the beginning of October. 

“This bill is a significant step toward supporting our public school system in keeping pace with the changing landscape of artificial intelligence,” Sen. Katie Fry Hester, D-Howard and Montgomery, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said in committee testimony in March. “It recognizes the critical importance of integrating AI responsibly into our educational framework and the day-to-day operations of our schools.”

That law was clearly on the minds of candidates who responded to a Local News Network survey on a variety of issues, including their county’s AI policy. Some candidates responded to the survey before their county’s policy had been implemented, while others did so after their local school board had acted.

Many of those who responded did so with some trepidation about the fast-changing technology.

“AI continues to evolve rapidly,” Prince George’s County candidate Caroline Decaire-Goldin said. “And I remain concerned about ed-tech companies profiting from platforms that target our most vulnerable students using barely regulated technology.”

Supporting or replacing learning?

One of the most prominent concerns among candidates was how children would develop key skills such as critical thinking with AI in the classroom.

Maggie Litz Domanowski, a Baltimore County school board member seeking re-election, emphasized that artificial intelligence should guide student learning and be used as a tool instead of a replacement for learning important skills.

“[AI] should never replace the critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and independent learning that students must develop,” she said. “Students should be encouraged to think first, complete their own work and use AI only in ways that support, not substitute for, their learning.”  

Baltimore City candidate Jamar Day had similar opinions to Domanowski. He said he feels overreliance on AI in the classroom will not prepare students for the future.

“I believe unchecked use of AI is crippling the critical thinking and creative writing skills our children need to succeed in society,” Day said. “When students can generate an essay or solve a problem without ever wrestling with the material themselves, we’re not preparing them for college, careers or citizenship. We’re preparing them to be dependent thinkers in the world.”

Baltimore City’s  policy, which is meant to address current and future problems with the technology, explicitly states when AI usage is appropriate for both students and administrators. Students may use AI to “spark creativity,” in subjects such as writing, art and music. Using the technology as a translation tool, study aid and one-on-one tutor is also permitted.

“AI-powered virtual teaching assistants may provide on-demand support, answer questions, help with homework and supplement classroom instruction,” according to the policy. Artificial intelligence is not intended to replace city-approved curriculum. 

The document discloses that artificial intelligence was used to brainstorm and edit the policy.

Responsible usage

Most candidates had a nuanced opinion on AI. Many did not directly oppose AI usage in K-12 education but instead emphasized careful consideration into how students and staff will use the tool. 

Wicomico County candidate David Plotts acknowledged students will grow up to use AI in everyday life. He said he wants students to learn how to use the tool to their advantage. 

“Simply prohibiting AI would be unrealistic and would leave students unprepared for technologies they will encounter in college and the workplace,” Plotts said. “Instead, we should teach students how to use AI responsibly, including how to verify information, recognize bias, protect personal data, cite appropriate use and understand AI’s limitations.”

The county adopted a policy under the statewide framework at the end of July. The policy outlines parameters for student and staff use, privacy and oversight. 

“All educational content or assessments generated or modified by AI must undergo human review and verification by qualified instructional staff before dissemination,” the policy said.

Caroline County candidate Jean Hayhurst lauded the policy her district adopted in August, which emphasizes human oversight when implementing AI into education and provides a list of acceptable and unacceptable uses.  

AI is permitted for student use in the rural Eastern Shore county to “support learning, planning, communication, accessibility, when such use is lawful, professionally appropriate and consistent with district expectations.” The policy’s list of “don’ts” include taking actions via AI that would compromise student and faculty safety, such as cyberbullying, plagiarism and the production of false documentation.

“I am grateful that there is a policy in place that supports student/teacher privacy issues but encourages use to promote student success in the rapidly changing technology arena,” Hayhurst said. 

Many candidates opposed AI usage in education to some degree. Respondents were mostly concerned with privacy and age-appropriate usage.

Baltimore County candidate Candice Logan-Washington emphasized how an AI policy should ensure students learn about all aspects of the technology as they use it. 

The county “needs clear, age-appropriate guidance addressing academic integrity, privacy, bias, misinformation, equitable access and appropriate instructional use,” she said.

Logan-Washington called for continual review of Baltimore County’s AI policy even after approval. 

Meanwhile, Somerset County uses a general guideline for technology usage to enforce rules about AI. A new framework has not yet been publicly shared, but Sharyn Yuloff, a school board candidate in the county, offered some suggestions.

“The policy should also protect student privacy by prohibiting the entry of personally identifiable, confidential or sensitive information into AI tools,” Yuloff said. “Any approved tool should undergo a careful review for security.” 

Plans for change

Some candidates replied with concrete plans of action to either change or enforce their county’s technology policy. 

Montgomery County candidate Cassandra Sung said she would push for “clear, grade-level guidelines that require students to demonstrate foundational competency before AI use is introduced for that skill.”

Sung suggested implementing “AI-free zones,” so students could master foundational elements of schooling before engaging with the technology.

Montgomery County’s current policy was revised before the statewide bill was established. The policy outlines five points to ensure AI is assisting teaching, not replacing it. Montgomery County Public Schools are to approve new technology, provide human oversight and review guidelines regularly. 

Cecil County candidate Brian Hampton said AI technology should not be implemented before teachers and faculty are properly trained. 

“I support a ban on AI use in grades K-5, and I’m open to extending that through eighth grade,” Hampton said. 

The county’s policy cautions against sharing personal information and explains the technology is not permitted to evaluate student or employee performance for educational programs or jobs. Students must cite AI usage in their schoolwork.

Zeke Falcon, a Kent County candidate, took a more nuanced approach. He said he recognized AI is an evolving tool students will eventually be using, even outside of school.

“AI is a reality that isn’t going away but our scholars need to build critical thinking skills before they are thrown such a powerful tool,” Falcon said. “Once they are able to manage it they should be taught its uses in a more mature and structured way. A calculator can help you solve a problem. It can also prevent you from learning arithmetic if you use it too soon”. 

Most candidates agreed AI is a multifaceted issue.

Kwame Jamal Kenyatta-Bey, a Baltimore City candidate, plans to approach AI in Baltimore with “curiosity and purpose” for what’s next. 

“It reminds me of the transition to the printing press,” Kenyatta-Bey said. “We did not stop educating because Johannes Gutenberg introduced a powerful new tool; we learned how that tool could transform education.”

The 110-acre, tree-lined Garrison Forest School campus gives students the space to explore, build, create, and think. There are endless learning opportunities outside of the classroom!

Younger students have access to several different playgrounds, and the innovative outdoor classroom offers students space to climb and jump, to imagine and pretend. The outdoor classroom features nature-based play structures, dirt and sand
to dig and create, a garden, and musical instruments.

The rolling campus includes state-of-the-art athletic fields, including a lighted turf field; an impressive equestrian complex that features riding and polo arenas, an outdoor riding ring and barns to house the many campus horses; pollinator gardens; a dye garden used by art classes; a pond and pavilion space for gathering, relaxing, or conducting nature-based science lessons; and ample spaces to walk and explore. The academic buildings are designed to be modern, comfortable spaces to learn and collaborate. Each division–Preschool, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School–has a separate, intentionally constructed learning space. The arts building encourages creative, personal expression and houses the 2D and 3D art rooms, woodworking lab, photography lab, a makerspace, performance hall, and practice rooms. The Garland Theater hosts many performances throughout the year, including divisional programs, a Middle School play, two Upper School productions, dance performances, and more, and serves as a gathering space for the GFS community. The campus center includes the Searle Athletic Center and Alumnae Hall, home to their recently renovated dining hall. Within the Searle Athletic Center, students can run the raised track or use the workout room; it is also home to the dance studio and provides space for their athletes to train and compete. Featuring natural lighting, the two-story library offers quiet meeting and study spaces and cozy nooks for reading. GFS’ boarding program, offered for grades 8-12, has four student dorms and 24 faculty residences, creating a homelike atmosphere for students joining the school from across the country and around the world.

Whether learning and exploring outdoors or finding your academic spark within one of
the buildings, the GFS campus becomes an integral part of your overall educational journey.

This article is part of our 2026-2027 Guide to Baltimore Independent School

Whether they know it or not, Maryland taxpayers have been saved approximately $2.2 million thanks to the state’s transition to “chip-and-tap” Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) announced there was a significant decline in benefit theft which amounted to the $2.2 million saved. When benefits are stolen from deserving recipients, whether through hacks or fraud, the state reimburses the recipient.

From July to September 2026, Maryland’s reimbursements for stolen benefits dropped by 71% compared to the same period in 2025. That is considered a dramatic reduction in state expenditures.

“As prices rise across the nation, our administration is providing accessible and secure relief to Maryland families,” Moore said. “These EBT cards ensure that Marylanders can put food on the table without fear of stolen benefits, saving the state millions of dollars in the process. My administration will continue working to reduce fraud and delivering real results for communities that need it the most.”

Maryland was the fourth state in the nation to adopt use of the chip-enabled EBT cards. They are designed to make stolen card data harder to use for fraudulent transactions, blocking the usual card-skimming methods. This technology, combined with more sophisticated fraud monitoring, stronger claim validation processes, and a new EBT processor, all help make it harder for thieves to steal benefits.

In hard numbers, that means that total customer reimbursements for stolen benefits fell from roughly $3.14 million in the three-month period of July–Sept. 2025 to $898,000 during the same period in 2026. Total number of claims submitted by customers decreased by 65% (from 8,817 to 3,062), a sign that many fewer Marylanders experienced stolen benefits.

“Our highest priority is ensuring that vital food and cash assistance reach the Maryland families who need them—not the criminals attempting to steal them,” said Stacy L. Rodgers, acting secretary for the Maryland Department of Human Services. “Through our transition to chip-and-tap EBT technology, we are protecting state taxpayer dollars, reducing administrative burdens on our staff, and keeping benefits secure for our customers.”

Maryland has put significant effort into reducing fraud across all the major benefits programs. The programs are seeing tangible results from those efforts.

In the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reimbursements for stolen benefits have dropped by 73 percent, from $2.54 million to $678,000. In the SUN Bucks program, reimbursements for stolen benefits have dropped by 79 percent from $49,000 to $10,500. In the Cash Assistance program, customer reimbursements for stolen benefits dropped by 62 percent from $555,000 to $208,000.

EBT cardholders should activate their cards immediately, if they have not already done so. The old magnetic-stripe-only cards will deactivate soon. Customers can call 1-800-997-2222 or go to one’s local department of social services for assistance.

Put your local news knowledge to the test with David Conn’s Daily Dispatch Quiz.

6 questions. 90 seconds.

Today’s topics include:

• A banned book’s legal battle
• Five thousand gallons of mystery
• Oysters, salmonella, and a river

See how you stack up against other quiz-takers on the leaderboard.

Brag – or lament – about how much you really know in the comments below.

A free DDQ coffee mug will be awarded to each month’s Leaderboard winner, as well as anyone who refers at least three people to become subscribed players.

The Daily Dispatch Quiz has an app, too. Download it by clicking the Dispatch logo at the end of the quiz.

Court overturns book ban attempt in Harford County – CBS Baltimore

Zeke Cohen: ‘BGE is not going to bully me or the mayor’ regarding bill increases – WBAL News Radio

Black students demand change at University of Maryland after racist image distributed – Baltimore Banner

Police calls surge at Maryland group home as deputies raise concerns about child safety – FOX Baltimore/WBFF-TV

3 Baltimore vendors join forces to open Cosmic City Co-op in Hampden – WMAR-TV

Indicted Baltimore city official continues to work at high-level government job – Baltimore Brew

Recall issued for oysters sold in Maryland and 15 other states due to salmonella — WJZ

John Legend to perform at Fells Point record store — The Baltimore Sun

BPD: Man shot by police at East Baltimore shopping center — WBAL

Baltimore teacher clears key hurdle in defamation lawsuit against Libs of TikTok founder — The Baltimore Banner

Johns Hopkins University and a Texas-based development partner are seeking City Council approval to build a 12-story student housing community for approximately 925 students in the 3200 block of N. Charles Street, across from Hopkins’ year-old Bloomberg Student Center.

Baltimore City Council member Odette Ramos this week introduced legislation, Bill 26-0259, that would enable the developer, Maslow’s Campus Communities of Austin, Texas, to construct the housing in place of four vacant buildings that Hopkins owns at 3201, 3203, 3209 and 3211 N. Charles Street.

According to Maslow’s website, the Charles Street building will rise 12 stories and include 264 semi suite-style units that will house approximately 925 undergraduate students. SCB of Chicago is the architect, with associate principal Monica Willemsen as the lead designer, and Mahan Rykiel Associates of Baltimore is the landscape architect. A cost estimate has not been made public.

Maslow’s student housing project represents one of the biggest changes to the North Charles Street corridor since Hopkins built its $250 million Bloomberg Student Center at 3290 N. Charles St. Another large project currently under construction is a 400-bed student housing and dining facility that will replace the 1923 Alumni Memorial Residence 1 community on the Homewood campus.

Maslow’s project is intended for second-year Hopkins students. In addition to upper-level apartments, it will provide dedicated study and gathering spaces at ground level. Maslow’s calls it an “academically-oriented” community.

“JHU undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing for the first two years of their academic career,” the company’s website states. “This helps build a strong sense of community and provide students with valuable support and personal development beyond the classroom. The university has worked to expand its housing offerings in recent years to strengthen campus life and mitigate rising student housing costs. Led by a team with extensive experience delivering student housing, Maslow’s is committed to supporting student success through intentional design and on-site programming.”

SCB’s design calls for a symmetrical building clad in brick and cast stone, with a pronounced base, middle and top. The building is U-shaped in plan, with two wings framing a central courtyard that opens to Charles Street and the Bloomberg Student Center.

A loading dock will be located on the Lovegrove Street side to accommodate move-ins and trash disposal. A landscaped plaza will be created in front of the Abel Wolman House at 3213 N. Charles St., which community representatives wanted to see preserved on the block. The 1938 residence was designed by the noted architect Laurence Hall Fowler and served as the longtime home of Hopkins professor Abel Wolman and his family.

Targeted for demolition

The four vacant buildings that Hopkins owns and plans to demolish are:

• 3201 N. Charles St.: Gladwyn Manor at Campus Square, a three-level corner property that contains 11 apartments and a garage.
• 3203 N. Charles St.: a five-level building with 28 apartments.
• 3209 N. Charles St.: a three-story apartment building whose first-floor windows have been boarded up.
• 3211 N. Charles St.: Steinwald House, a three-story building that served for many years as the Johns Hopkins Alumni House, home of the university’s Office of Alumni Relations. It was named after Osmar Steinwald, Hopkins Class of 1928 and founder of the Alumni Relations office at the university. The Office of Alumni Relations moved out of Steinwald House more than 10 years ago. It served as the leasing office for Nine East 33^rd Street when that building opened.

Hopkins paid $9,428,500 to acquire the four properties between 1993 and 2025. As of July 1, the buildings and land have a combined assessed value of $8,213,834, according to state records.

The four buildings are not protected by local landmark designation that would trigger a review by Baltimore’s Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). Although it contains numerous buildings that are 80 to 100 years old or older, Charles Village is not a locally-designated historic district under CHAP’s purview.

Part of the site for the proposed building — two of the four buildings targeted for demolition – falls within the North Charles Village Planned Unit Development (PUD), a zoning area previously designated by the City Council. Ramos’ bill was introduced to amend the existing North Charles Village PUD to add the other two parcels.

Design decisions

According to The Charles Villager community newspaper, “this change will allow for meaningful engagement with the Charles Village Civic Association (CVCA)” concerning the building’s design. The CVCA’s Land Use Committee, the North Charles Village Design Review Committee and Baltimore’s Urban Design and Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP) have reviewed the plans.

During a review session in June, UDAAP members encouraged the design team to explore ways to make the building less symmetrical and look less like a throwback to an earlier era — what the late Hopkins art history professor Phoebe Stanton would have called “retardataire,” meaning outdated, behind the times or lagging behind current trends and approaches — but the team never came back for a follow-up review. Additional design review was completed at the staff level and the project will not be returning to UDAAP, according to the city’s planning department.

The design was meant to be “consistent with the existing neighborhood character,” Maslow’s website states. It “incorporates feedback from community stakeholders, including the Charles Village Civic Association and the City planning and design process. The design honors the fabric of the Charles Village neighborhood.”

Among the ways that the building will fit into the neighborhood, the developer says, are:

• The building’s red brick façade with cast stone accents echoes the material palette of Charles Village.
• The adjacent Abel Wolman House will be retained with an enhanced landscaped plaza and lighting.
• The building’s setback from the street is consistent with the varied rhythm existing along North Charles Street today.
• Streetscape improvements, including more generous sidewalks, will feel in line with the business and residential district along St. Paul Street.

Oct. 29 public hearing

Ramos’ council bill is one of two that were introduced this week to help Hopkins-related developments move ahead. Council member Zac Blanchard introduced a bill that would change zoning for two blocks of Mount Vernon to support a proposed expansion by the Peabody Institute, a Hopkins division since 1977.

Ramos’ bill has been referred to the council’s Land Use and Transportation Committee. Baltimore’s Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the proposed PUD amendment during a public hearing on Oct. 29.

Maslow’s is aiming to start construction in the summer of 2027, between Hopkins’ spring and fall semesters, and open the building in the fall of 2029.

Patterson Park will be aglow with lantern light this Saturday as The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & The Dia de Los Muertos Festival returns.

Also this weekend, catch a Journey concert, a Broadway sing-a-long, two raves themed after “Shrek” and “Blade,” and more.

Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:

Mozart Meets Latin Masters, Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Giancarlo Guerrero offers a journey driven by the rhythm and lyricism of Latin and Classical masters.

Trio Sirènes, Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., St. David’s Church. St. David’s 2026-2027 Ensemble-in-Residence Trio Sirènes, made up of members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, present a program for Debussy Trio (flute, viola, and harp). Free with suggested donation.

Shrek Rave Swamp-O-Ween, Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. “Cool Is Dead, Just Come Have Fun!” 18+.

Blade Rave, Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., Nevermore Hall. Step into the vampire underworld with DJS playing a mix of goth/techno/house, themed cocktails and limited blood bags, GoGo Dancers, cosplayers, a midnight bloodbath, and more. 18+.

Get The Led Out, Friday, Oct. 23, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Philadelphia-based band Get The Led Out will pay tribute to Led Zeppelin. This “American Led Zeppelin” showcases the English rock band’s early years as well as some deeper cuts.

Mushroom City Arts Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 p.m., Carrie Murray Nature Center. Are you a fun guy? Learn about mushrooms, watch crankie performances, use air-dry clay and paper mache to make mushroom art, and enjoy other activities at the Mushroom City Art Festival.

The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & The Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, festival at 4 p.m., parade at 7 p.m., Patterson Park. With over 20 years of monumental lantern making and spectacle-creating under their belts, the diverse communities of Baltimore will gather for this annual tradition.

Journey, Saturday, Oct. 24, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. If you’ve always wanted to see the band Journey perform live, don’t stop believin’ now! Your chance is here as Journey brings its Final Frontier Tour to Baltimore.

Halloween Baltimore, Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Maryland Science Center. Explore multiple floors of music, dancing, costumes, immersive experiences, rooftop views, and surprises as the Maryland Science Center transforms into Baltimore’s biggest Halloween party. 21+.

Sing Along Broadway, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, M&T Bank Exchange. Sing along to Broadway’s biggest hits during this musical theater party, with selections like “Defying Gravity,” Seasons of Love,” “One Day More,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The event will feature medleys, solos, Broadway-themed games, comedy, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation.

7th Annual Halloween Market, Sunday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ottobar. Something wicked this way comes…30+ vendors all ready to bargain your immortal soul for cursed artifacts, handmade oddities, vintage finds, art and more!

Coco Live-to-Film Concert, Sunday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience Disney and Pixar’s Coco on the big screen while the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México performs the complete score live.

Six The Musical, Sunday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 1, Hippodrome Theatre. Hear the six wives of Henry VIII tell their stories in this sensational musical.

After cheering on your favorite team, you and every other fan flock to their cars to drive home. Cue: major traffic congestion.

But after this Sunday’s Ravens game, Baltimore’s transportation department will test a new post-game traffic pattern they hope will improve the traffic flow, reduce congestion, and minimize traffic delays in neighborhoods around M&T Bank Stadium.

Here’s what Ravens fans (and other motorists traveling through the area) can expect Sunday afternoon.

As with previous games, two eastbound lanes will exit Lot H onto West Street.

Both of those lanes will continue eastbound on West Street and turn right onto Hanover Street.

Hanover Street will operate with two southbound lanes between West and Wells streets. Baltimore police officers and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enforcement personnel will be on hand to manage traffic.

There will be no changes to existing intersection closures and the northbound traffic detour at Wells Street.

Motorists will be prohibited from parking during stadium events at the following locations:

• About 14 parking spaces in Residential Permit Parking Area 30 on the north side of West Street from Race to Hanover streets.
• Both sides of Hanover Street on the south leg of the intersection with W. West Street. This includes Residential Permit Parking Area 30, one loading-zone space on the west side, and two Residential Permit Parking spaces on the east side.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation and Baltimore Police Department will monitor traffic conditions during the pilot period to evaluate how effective it is and determine whether similar adjustments should be in place for future events at the stadium.