Transportation & Growth: Delaware is studying a “Diamond State Line” passenger rail route that could run from Wilmington/Newark south through Kent and Sussex into Maryland, with possible stops toward Salisbury or Berlin. Transit Upgrade: MARC is adding direct weekday “run-through” service linking Frederick and Montgomery counties to Baltimore (starting Sept. 28), cutting out transfers for riders headed to Baltimore’s Camden Station. Community Development Tech: Gov. Wes Moore expanded the Maryland Community Compass, an AI-powered platform that centralizes zoning, parcel data, and 2,600+ funding programs to help entrepreneurs and developers move faster. Local Environment & Wildlife: Maryland DNR is considering new rules for native reptiles like eastern box turtles and diamondback terrapins amid disease and illegal trade concerns. Stewardship Funding: Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants are open for 2027 community projects, with about $349,000 available and a Dec. 1, 2026 deadline. Pollution & Health: Residents say Darling Ingredients’ odor problem in Dorchester County is still going unaddressed, despite past state enforcement actions. Energy & Land Use: Maryland regulators are weighing approval of Worcester County’s proposed 18-megawatt solar farm near Berlin. Bay Research: Maryland is building a new Chesapeake Bay research vessel to boost DNR monitoring.