Maryland
Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Administration to Fund Baltimore City Efforts Towards Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highway to Nowhere | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland
![Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Administration to Fund Baltimore City Efforts Towards Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highway to Nowhere | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Administration to Fund Baltimore City Efforts Towards Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highway to Nowhere | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland](https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/themes/vanhollen/images/sharelogo.jpg)
October 21, 2022
Baltimore submits federal grant software for program created by the lawmakers inside the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act
In the present day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) despatched a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in help of Baltimore Metropolis’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program grant software to fund the planning of the redevelopment of the Freeway to Nowhere in West Baltimore, a freeway undertaking that displaced a whole bunch of residents on the time of its development greater than 50 years in the past and has divided and broken these communities in numerous methods ever since.
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program was modeled off of a pilot program authored by Senator Van Hollen and launched by each Senators Van Hollen and Cardin within the Senate and led by Congressmen Brown, Mfume, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, and Trone within the Home. Following their introduction of the payments, the lawmakers efficiently fought to incorporate their laws within the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act. The brand new federal grant program is devoted to reconnecting communities remoted and excluded from financial alternative by previous infrastructure choices. The Freeway to Nowhere is in Maryland’s seventh Congressional District.
Of their letter, the lawmakers outlined how this Seventies-era federal infrastructure undertaking tore on the material of Black communities in West Baltimore, writing, “Backed by Federal-Assist Freeway funding, development on the Freeway to Nowhere resulted within the destruction of 971 properties and 62 companies. Roughly 1,500 Black residents had been displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of a number of West Baltimore neighborhoods within the course of and serving as a stark instance of the lengthy historical past of inequity within the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Freeway to Nowhere stays a bodily and symbolic barrier to progress.”
The lawmakers defined that the Freeway to Nowhere was the impetus behind their work to create the Reconnecting Communities Program, stating, “To create alternative and construct stronger cities, we launched the Reconnecting Communities Act to proper this mistaken and take away dangerous infrastructure that separates our communities. The laws we launched fashioned the idea of a provision included within the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation) to determine a grant program for this goal. In different phrases, the injustice of the Freeway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the brand new Reconnecting Communities grant program.”
“We sought to empower and reconnect communities to at least one one other with our laws. We search to attach those self same communities to financial alternatives, extra tutorial potentialities, arts and leisure, wholesome meals choices, secure and alluring open-space choices, and a lot extra by way of the RCP Program,” they continued.
“It’s our sturdy perception that BCDOT’s software meets the objectives and targets of the RCP Program. Eradicating the Freeway to Nowhere and giving again almost 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with full streets and community-oriented improvement will reconnect communities which have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to present the BCDOT’s software full and truthful consideration,” the lawmakers concluded.
Full textual content of the letter will be seen right here and beneath.
Pricey Secretary Buttigieg:
Thanks for the management and imaginative and prescient you carry to transportation points in America. Your dedication to addressing previous transportation challenges whereas concurrently establishing the muse for a extra accountable transportation future is really appreciated. Please proceed to view us as companions on this effort.
We’re happy to help Baltimore Metropolis Division of Transportation (BCDOT)’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant software. BCDOT seeks to jumpstart Baltimore’s efforts to redevelop the “Freeway to Nowhere,” a 1.39-mile-long vacated freeway hall in between the West Baltimore MARC Station and North Greene Road.
Constructed within the early Seventies, the Freeway to Nowhere is a reminder of racially insensitive twentieth century transportation choices. This phase of Route 40, previously generally known as I-170, stems from previous efforts to attach Interstate 70 with Downtown Baltimore. Group activism stopped the plan from additional damaging the Metropolis’s city material, however the West Baltimore part of the defunct I-170 was left stranded inside Baltimore Metropolis, hurting surrounding neighborhoods with out including worth to the area’s transportation system.
Backed by Federal-Assist Freeway funding, development on the Freeway to Nowhere resulted within the destruction of 971 properties and 62 companies. Roughly 1,500 Black residents had been displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of a number of West Baltimore neighborhoods within the course of and serving as a stark instance of the lengthy historical past of inequity within the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Freeway to Nowhere stays a bodily and symbolic barrier to progress. BCDOT is working to restore the hurt performed by city freeway development, and the RCP grant program will play a crucial function in Baltimore Metropolis’s efforts to dismantle this barrier and revitalize these neighborhoods.
To create alternative and construct stronger cities, we launched the Reconnecting Communities Act to proper this mistaken and take away dangerous infrastructure that separates our communities. The laws we launched fashioned the idea of a provision included within the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation) to determine a grant program for this goal. In different phrases, the injustice of the Freeway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the brand new Reconnecting Communities grant program.
We imagine transportation ought to be a supply of progress and mobility, not division and exclusion. We additionally imagine it’s by no means too late to undo the wrongs of the previous if there’s a clear and renewed imaginative and prescient for the longer term.
We sought to empower and reconnect communities to at least one one other with our laws. We search to attach those self same communities to financial alternatives, extra tutorial potentialities, arts and leisure, wholesome meals choices, secure and alluring open-space choices, and a lot extra by way of the RCP Program.
It’s our sturdy perception that BCDOT’s software meets the objectives and targets of the RCP Program. Eradicating the Freeway to Nowhere and giving again almost 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with full streets and community-oriented improvement will reconnect communities which have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to present the BCDOT’s software full and truthful consideration. Your time and a focus are appreciated.
Sincerely,
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
![University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7 University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/937564c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5312x2789+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F61%2F70999d9446deb2038878edb3108f%2Fumd-administration-building-2015-1.jpg)
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024
![Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024 Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Maryland-1.jpg)
Pro Tip
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA®
- Apply for institutional scholarships
- Take a private student loan
- Enroll in a work-study program
- Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
Maryland
Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll
![Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/09/03/38829637-9a7e-4385-b9c4-1dab1e5eb53d/thumbnail/1200x630/828b5ff2405662f3f8e86587e46507f2/maryland.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.
A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30.
A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said.
The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”
Presidential survey
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.
The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.
Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.
Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.
Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”
President Biden’s approval
The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.
State transportation and juvenile reform
According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”
And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”
The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.
Is the country going in the right direction?
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.
In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.
“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.
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