Maryland
Maryland educators shocked after federal government rescinds reimbursement of $360 million
Maryland schools are facing what they call “catastrophic” financial cuts after the federal government rescinded approval of millions of dollars it had committed to giving to state schools.
State education leaders say the loss of funding could impact programs students rely on, as well as tutoring, construction projects, summer learning, and more.
Maryland’s State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, says districts such as Baltimore City and Baltimore and Prince George’s counties are among the places to be hit the worst.
“Shock does not begin to describe our reaction,” Wright said.
Wright said state educators are gathering data on what specific programs and systems will be hurt the most, and they are in touch with state lawmakers and exploring legal action.
Notification of rescinded funding
Wright confirmed that the Maryland State Department of Education was notified on Friday, March 28, that the U.S. Department of Education said it will not reimburse federal pandemic recovery fund reimbursements to states and local school systems.
State leaders say this announcement puts more than $400 million in school funding at risk.
“It may be a tutoring program that’s going on right now in schools that was intended to go through this school year, or it might be an improvement to a health room in a school,” said Dr. Joshua Michael, the Maryland State Board of Education President. “And Dr Wright is having to tell them to stop spending on those until we have further clarification, so that tutor will probably not be there next week.”
$360 million committed to Maryland schools
Educators are upset because the U.S. Department of Education committed to $360 million, which is funding they say is already being spent in all 24 of the state’s school systems.
“These funds have been used on several initiatives, including such Maryland lead grant programs, as high-dosage tutoring, social emotional wellness programs, and summer learning,” Wright said.
“Federal government made the commitment to pay for these things, told us to do it, and now they’re coming back,” Michael added.
State education leaders say this abrupt change will slow, or possibly end, programs already in place.
“We are telling the LEAs (Local Education Agency) to hold off on any further spending at this point until we know exactly how to proceed,” Wright said.
“Creates significant uncertainty as we seek to understand how to fully pay for the funding, the expenses that were on this, these lesser grants,” Michael said.
Baltimore City schools respond
Baltimore City Public Schools told WJZ it is “deeply concerned” about the U.S. Department of Education rescinding previously approved reimbursements for pandemic recovery funds.
“This decision places an immense financial strain on City Schools and directly threatens critical programs and services that support our students, families, and educators,” Baltimore City schools said in a statement.
Like school districts across the state and country, we planned and committed these funds in good faith to provide essential academic recovery programs, including high-dosage tutoring, and extended learning opportunities. These initiatives have played a crucial role in helping our students with the needs they still face from the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
Related
-
Mississippi1 minute agoMississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for July 16, 2026
-
Missouri7 minutes ago
Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for July 16, 2026
-
Montana13 minutes agoMissoula and Western Montana neighbors: Obituaries for July 17
-
Nebraska19 minutes agoObituary | Stephen C. Mason
-
Nevada25 minutes agoNevada Attorney Gen. Aaron Ford responds to what he calls President Trump’s ‘misleading speech on elections’
-
New Hampshire31 minutes agoWoman Taken To Concord Hospital On A Trauma Alert After A Rollover Crash On South Main Street
-
New Jersey37 minutes agoNY-NJ World Cup host group failed to register with state | Exclusive
-
New Mexico43 minutes agoExpectations Have Changed: UNM enters 2026 as a Mountain West title contender
