YOUTH AT DETENTION CENTER WITHOUT HEATING: For several weeks now, the heating system at a youth detention center in Maryland has been out of order, leaving the many young individuals incarcerated within to brave freezing temperatures amid a drop in outside weather conditions that have frequently fallen below freezing, according to Maryland’s leading public defender during a recent press briefing. Katie Mettler/The Washington Post.
- Malfunctions in two compressors located in the heating system of the Baltimore city center have resulted in lower temperatures in both the male housing units and the facility’s gym. Staff members have been conducting hourly checks on the temperature while also supplying extra blankets and warmer clothing to those affected. Clara Longo de Freitas/The Baltimore Banner.
EXPERTS IN SENIOR CARE CALL FOR ACTION AGAINST UNLICENSED FACILITIES: A group of senior care specialists has voiced concerns, urging Maryland authorities to intervene in order to halt the hazardous growth of unlicensed assisted living homes. According to three senior care authorities, these unregulated facilities present a significant danger that can only be mitigated by the implementation of comprehensive reforms by the state of Maryland. Patrick Hauf/The Baltimore Sun.
UPDATE ON PEÑA-MELNYK, THE PROBABLE NEW SPEAKER: Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk appears set to take over the position of House Speaker following the recent resignation of Adrienne Jones from the role. Although Peña-Melnyk, who came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic as a child, hasn’t made her intentions public right after Jones stepped down, she and her supporters have swiftly worked behind the scenes to gather support from a majority of their colleagues in what is shaping up to be a competitive selection process. Tinashe Chingarande/The Baltimore Sun.
- Peña-Melnyk is a committed progressive known for advocating for immigrant rights and promoting health equity. She would also make history as the first Afro-Latina speaker in the state’s history. A fellow colleague notes that Peña-Melnyk is incredibly dedicated to her work, addressing both urgent health issues and local community concerns with enthusiasm. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
SHORE COALITION CHALLENGES CONOWINGO DAM WATER CERTIFICATION: A coalition representing at least two counties on the Eastern Shore has filed an appeal regarding the water quality certification that Maryland granted to the Conowingo Dam in September. This move could jeopardize a significant $340 million agreement with the owners of the dam. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
PROPOSED RENAMING OF ‘HENSON HIGH’ IN HYATTSVILLE MEETS RESISTANCE: Despite being recognized as the most distinguished graduate of Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, and having his renowned children’s television program inspired by his involvement in a puppetry group at the school, a proposal to rename it after Jim Henson, the creator of “The Muppets,” has sparked mixed feelings among community members. John Domen/WTOP-FM.
OPINION: IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?: For reasons that seem completely illogical, Maryland GOP Executive Director Adam Wood has announced his candidacy for the Maryland State Senate in District 42. This declaration is hard to believe. Brian Griffiths/The Duckpin.
FELDMARK PULLS OUT OF HOWARD EXECUTIVE RACE FOLLOWING CANCER DIAGNOSIS: Delegate Jessica Feldmark has decided to withdraw from the race for Howard County executive in 2026, choosing instead to seek reelection for her position in the House of Delegates after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. In a campaign email sent Monday, she expressed her decision was made “with a heavy heart.” Feldmark stated that her prognosis is positive and the cancer is deemed curable, although she anticipates facing challenges in the upcoming months. Lillian Reed/The Baltimore Banner.
STEWART RECEIVES SUPPORT IN BALTIMORE COUNTY EXECUTIVE CAMPAIGN: Nick Stewart, among four Democratic candidates vying for the Baltimore County executive position, has secured endorsements from three former county officials. Support has come from former Baltimore County executive Jim Smith, along with former Baltimore County Council members Vicki Almond and Tom Quirk, all of whom are Democrats, as they rally behind Stewart in his pursuit of the county’s top elected role. Natalie Jones/The Baltimore Sun.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROVES CARROLL SOLAR FARM DESPITE LOCAL OPPOSITION: The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved the establishment of yet another solar farm in Carroll County, potentially allowing the project to bypass several local regulations to proceed. The Board of Carroll County Commissioners and some local residents have expressed strong objections to the installation of solar panels on farmland. Lily Carey/The Carroll County Times.
CONFEDERATE FLAGS DISTRIBUTED AT CHRISTMAS PARADE SPARK BACKLASH: Two organizations participating in Cecil County’s Christmas Parade this past weekend have faced backlash from community advocates and the Maryland Democratic Party after they displayed and distributed Confederate flags along the parade route. Brian Carlton and Josh Davis/The Baltimore Sun.
