Maryland's Youth Detention, Fentanyl Penalties, and Education Updates Stir Controversy

A state watchdog has raised concerns about Maryland's youth detention system, highlighting incidents of sexual activity among detainees and attempts to obstruct investigations. Meanwhile, a Republican delegate is advocating for harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers following mass overdoses in Baltimore. In education, a MAGA-aligned majority in Somerset County's school board has made controversial decisions, including controlling library book purchases. The Maryland State Board of Education has updated literacy and math standards for the first time in 15 years. Additionally, Maryland has joined a lawsuit to protect SNAP user information from being disclosed by the USDA. Martha's Vineyard emerges as a key location for Black political fundraising, with notable figures like Sen. Angela Alsobrooks leveraging its appeal. Despite challenges, some research in Maryland continues despite canceled grants. A federal appeals court has allowed a pause on Trump's birthright citizenship ban, and Baltimore County's inspector general nominee faces scrutiny over her residency. The Baltimore Register of Wills office is under fire for unjustified spending, and Prince George's County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins II has hired a former councilmember with a criminal past as his chief of staff. Lastly, negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine and UnitedHealthcare may disrupt patients' access to care.