The Baltimore Sun's editorial board argues that October's doubling of homicides compared to last year demands coordinated action from Mayor Brandon Scott, the General Assembly and Gov. Wes Moore to break cycles of repeat violence. "The system must respond before the next victim is someone's child, parent or neighbor," the board writes, calling on lawmakers to review juvenile justice laws, ensure agencies share information promptly, and make law enforcement staffing and accountability priorities alongside meaningful rehabilitation.

Liberty High School in Eldersburg is Carroll County’s sole recipient among 23 state Blue Ribbon schools recognized this week for closing achievement gaps. Gov. Wes Moore reinstated the program last year after its federal cancellation. Carroll County last earned the honor in 2019 with Hampstead Elementary. Superintendent Cynthia McCabe credited Liberty’s staff for high expectations and a focus on student success.

In a guest commentary, Thiru Vignarajah argues that hiring Biff Poggi as Maryland's next football coach could transform the program by finally keeping elite local recruits home instead of watching them depart for Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama and Oklahoma. Vignarajah writes that Poggi, who built dynasties at Gilman and St. Frances Academy and recently served as Michigan's interim coach, has the credibility, entrepreneurial vision and authentic hometown story to make the Terps a destination rather than a "polite pit stop" on recruiting tours, and that "radical turnarounds happen — but not without radical changes in leadership."

Up to 2,600 Maryland residents, including 1,500 households, could lose federal housing aid as the Department of Housing and Urban Development shifts funding from permanent supportive housing; grants expire Jan. 31, with awards due Dec. 1. Lower Shore nonprofits say they lack capacity — Diakonia’s Ken Argot warns: “There is nowhere for them to go.” Maryland and other states are challenging HUD's funding changes in court, with the outcome potentially determining which programs retain federal support.

Ravens pass rusher Tavius Robinson has been ruled out for the season with a pectoral injury suffered during Sunday's loss in Cleveland, coach Jesse Minter announced Friday. Robinson, who leads Baltimore with 3 1/2 sacks through six games, is in the final year of his rookie contract and had been establishing himself as a cornerstone defensive piece for a team entering a difficult stretch that begins with Sunday's divisional matchup against Cincinnati.

Biff Poggi wants the Maryland job. I’m more interested in what Maryland wants from its next football coach, columnist Josh Tolentino writes. bit.ly/4z6gsD5

Baltimore County voters will decide 14 ballot questions this year, including whether to require a county council supermajority to alter the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line, establish a stand-alone agriculture department, and create an independent board to appoint an inspector general. The ballot also includes nine bond measures totaling $391.75 million, with $200 million designated for school construction and renovations, $81.75 million for county buildings, including libraries and fire stations, and smaller amounts for public works, waterways, community colleges and parks.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has 66 seminarians — its largest group in 50 years — and 12 men set for ordination next year, its biggest class in over five decades. This surge, driven by Archbishop William E. Lori’s recruitment efforts such as full-time vocations staff and a summer retreat that grew from 45 to over 100 participants, contrasts with national trends: The U.S. church has lost nearly 26,000 priests since 1965, and formation numbers have stayed flat at about 3,000 since the 1980s. The growth occurs as the archdiocese closes parishes and addresses long-standing abuse issues.

Federal funding changes could jeopardize assistance for 1,500 households as housing providers face looming grant deadlines. bit.ly/4z5NXW5

A company that supplies license-plate readers to police across central Maryland is now selling a tool that also detects Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless signals given off by personal devices in passing vehicles, and one local police department is testing it, while another says it plans to use it.

Opinion: Maryland has been and will continue to be transparent on the progress of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild, writes MDTA executive director Bruce Gartner. bit.ly/4jyujNN

In a staff commentary, Richard E. Vatz, professor emeritus at Towson University, laments the loss of civility in American politics: Where figures such as Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill balanced fierce debate with friendship, today’s rivals — from the Squad to Senate candidates across both parties — fuel hostility that fractures relationships and marginalizes moderates. He misses an era of less insecurity and greater openness to opposing views.

Rents run $2,235 to $4,000 a month. The motel closed abruptly in December 2024, forcing out more than 20 residents with only weeks' notice. bit.ly/47BttJ2

Opinion: Gone are the days when politicians who fiercely disagree in public can still be friends at the end of the day, writes Richard E. Vatz. bit.ly/4zOnWKW

For 28 years, 69-year-old Rick Taylor has gathered tickets from Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,632-game streak spanning 1982–1998. Now only eight away, the retired salesman’s 16-box basement collection — each ticket labeled and shielded — ranks among baseball’s most notable. Taylor never anticipated reaching single digits, yet he feels confident about finishing. 🎥 The Associated Press

A Hebron man will serve 25 years in prison for killing a bystander in Salisbury. bit.ly/4ibcKkp

Editorial: Homicides in Baltimore this October have already doubled last year's total. The city cannot assume yesterday's gains will protect tomorrow's families. bit.ly/4zOmt7o

Reader commentary: In Baltimore City, accountability seems like more of a political slogan than a governing principle, writes Andrew Kelly. bit.ly/4yIcuQ1

Maryland officials warn federal changes could end assistance for vulnerable residents, while Eastern Shore providers say they have little capacity to help. bit.ly/4z5NXW5

Prince George's County's Office of Law has issued subpoenas to the county council and Community on the Frontline, a nonprofit that received more than $8.5 million in taxpayer funding, as scrutiny intensifies over how the grants were awarded and where the money went. County Executive Aisha Braveboy said Thursday that the California-based Edward Charles Foundation has returned more than $7.6 million tied to Community on the Frontline, with the remaining funds expected back within days. The organization was founded by a close associate of County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, and a separate $4 million grant to Joan's House, which has ties to council member Ed Burroughs, is also under review.