State Fire Marshal warns of Chromebook Challenge social media trend leading to fires

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is warning of a dangerous new trend among students involving inserting foreign objects into electronic device charging ports. The trend, known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” has already caused several incidents of fires and property damage in schools across the state. Students have been inserting items like pencils and other metallic objects into the […]

REAL ID Act now enforced nationwide, what you need to know in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—The REAL ID Act of 2005, a long-delayed policy requiring air passengers to show identification that complies with the act, is now in effect. Travelers nationwide are now required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card at airports. The policy, enacted in response to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, has been repeatedly delayed by the […]

23 Maryland schools earn Purple Star designation for support of military families

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has announced 23 schools across eight school systems as recipients of the 2025-27 Purple Star School designation. Tuesday’s State Board of Education meeting will formally honor the schools. These schools were recognized for their strong services and support for students from military families. Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, praised […]

Maryland freezes child care subsidy due to overwhelming demand

BALTIMORE, MD—Starting May 1, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will temporarily freeze new enrollments in the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program due to overwhelming demand and limited funding. The program, which provides financial assistance for child care services to eligible families, has seen an 87% surge in demand since January 2023, with over 21,000 new children enrolled. The […]

Maryland State Police honor heroes at awards ceremony

TIMONIUM, MD—The Maryland State Police honored more than 140 individuals at an awards ceremony in Timonium on Wednesday for their outstanding acts of courage, dedication to duty, lifesaving efforts, and humanitarianism. The honorees included Maryland State Troopers, civilian employees from the Agency, allied law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel. “These individuals are often the first to take action in critical […]

Maryland earmarks $26K for community tree plantings

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced this week that it has awarded over $26,000 in grants to support tree plantings in 12 communities across the state. The funding, which is part of the Urban Tree Program, will result in the planting of 757 new trees. The Urban Tree Program focuses on increasing vegetation in areas impacted by transportation […]

MPT to premiere ‘Maryland by Air’ documentary on May 1

OWINGS MILLS, MD—Maryland Public Television will premiere its one-of-a-kind, “shot from the air” documentary, Maryland by Air, on Thursday, May 1, at 8 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at https://www.mpt.org/livestream. A preview is available to view online below. Captured from a helicopter, drones, and the cockpit of a 1940s-era biplane, this breathtaking film’s aerial footage highlights the natural wonders of […]