Baltimore approved a $1.6M contract with McAfee Election Services to staff the 2026 elections — an emergency, no‑bid deal officials say will be the last of its kind amid warehouse and reporting concerns.

An EF-0 tornado touched down near New Windsor on Monday, snapping trees and rolling an irrigation system across fields.

Eight people were hurt after a car struck an MTA bus on East Preston Street in Midtown; shock-trauma teams were called to treat critical patients.

A two‑alarm blaze hit Rayner Avenue in West Baltimore; no injuries were reported and crews remained on scene as police investigated.

Maryland’s comptroller has launched a state study to quantify the fiscal costs of greenhouse‑gas driven damage and adaptation; draft briefings start this spring and a final report is due late 2026.

A Baltimore bus driver charged with attempted murder was placed on home detention after a judge found weak evidence and no corroborating witnesses.

A Ravens-backed nonprofit has opened a 35,000‑sq‑ft Blackbird BioHub at City Garage, bringing wet labs, a vivarium and shared resources for early‑stage biotech startups.

A Darlington garage and nearly $400,000 in equipment were lost overnight after a suspected lithium‑ion battery fire. Investigators say a burglar alarm alerted the owner.

An Opinion Works poll finds 73% of Maryland voters back eliminating a tax break for pharmaceutical ads; sponsors say about $24M would go to Medicaid and marketplace subsidies.

MTA sources say contingency plans would swap the Red Line’s light‑rail plan for bus rapid transit as funding and cost pressures mount. The move would reshape when and how east‑west transit arrives.

An NWS storm survey found a brief EF‑1 tornado touched down in Cooksville, with estimated peak winds near 90 mph and a short damage path. The same storm system produced damaging winds across nearby counties.

Amy Miguez, a Severna Park resident and 25-year APD veteran, is serving as Annapolis acting police chief after Edward Jackson's removal. The city will run a search for a permanent chief that will require City Council confirmation.

The Maryland Senate advanced SB 439 to bar many departments from disciplining registered medical‑cannabis patients among firefighters and rescue workers. The measure now moves to the House amid safety and testing concerns.