Key Bridge Demolition Begins as Baltimore Sees Youth Homicide Decline

The demolition of the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by a massive container ship in March 2024, killing six construction workers, has begun. Workers are methodically removing the decking, with each slab weighing between 5 and 7 tons. The process, expected to continue into next year, marks a significant step towards rebuilding the bridge. Meanwhile, Baltimore has seen a decline in youth homicides, with only two minors killed in the first six months of 2025, the lowest in over a decade, as the city and state treat gun violence as a public health crisis.

In other news, the Maryland Department of the Environment is renovating its offices at the old Montgomery Ward building into a modern workspace, under a lease extending to 2044. U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin and other Congress members are suing for access to immigration detention facilities for oversight purposes. Howard County has increased penalties for disruptive paid house parties, and Montgomery County faces challenges with vacant commercial spaces and a leadership void. Additionally, Baltimore County Council's support for Inspector General Kelly Madigan remains strong amidst controversy over her potential replacement.

British luxury carmaker McLaren Automotive announced plans to open its first U.S. vehicle processing center near the site of the Key Bridge collapse, expected to open in late 2026. This development highlights the region's ongoing recovery and economic revitalization efforts following the bridge disaster.