top-baltimore-fishbowl-stories-2024-editors-picks

Jeweler Betty Cooke Remembered for Transforming Baltimore’s Style

The late artist and jewelry designer Betty Cooke, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100, left an indelible mark on Baltimore’s fashion scene. Known for infusing the city with a modern sense of style and design, Cooke believed in the transformative power of art to inspire. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of many who appreciate her contributions to elevating Baltimore’s aesthetic.

FAFSA Delays Impact Maryland College Decisions

Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the 2024-2025 academic year have left Maryland families anxiously awaiting news about financial aid packages. As decision deadlines loom, the delays caused by the changes are affecting college choices in different ways. Families are grappling with uncertainty as they navigate the shifting landscape of higher education funding.

Concerns Over Proposed Plastics Recycling Plant in Howard County

Residents near the W.R. Grace headquarters in Columbia have voiced their opposition to the company’s plans for a pilot plastics recycling plant. Worries about potential environmental and health hazards have spurred community members to protest, citing concerns about air quality and other negative impacts. The tension between the company’s assurances and community fears highlights the need for dialogue and transparency in such endeavors.

Baltimore’s Worker-Owned Cooperative Movement Gains Traction

The transition of the Wine Source in Hampden to a worker-owned cooperative marks a significant moment in Baltimore’s local business landscape. With nine employees now serving as worker-owners, the store exemplifies the city’s growing embrace of democratic ideals in community-based enterprises. This shift towards cooperatives underscores a broader trend towards economic inclusivity and shared ownership in Baltimore’s business sector.