<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" xmlns:image="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-image/1.1"><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-council-youth-fund-legislation-budget-oversight-OZ6J7NLO7JA7TLQ55V65GPBXSM/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T23:15:08.331Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/QGLGBM3TVFCZJMZFAOHVX77M6Y.jpg?auth=8c18779ec20d44db96c642c7550c1f66af29e2651c38ba131b7611adc7eef4a8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3810&amp;height=2540</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Supporters of the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, many wearing red, pack Baltimore City Council chambers Thursday to testify against legislation that would place new restrictions on the fund.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/children-criminal-cases-stalled-baltimore-UW7XNBZEBFCX3D26CMGNG3DDJI/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T23:14:04.502Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/U3HU543EBVHOJNCDKOGOZZUM2I.JPG?auth=75018e756009e4a9ef00e3631dfb41c7fabb0ae7db177efe42d97174b822cd29&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4576&amp;height=3116</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center at 300 N. Gay St. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/5-things-to-know-about-montgomery-countys-plastic-bag-ban-3YB4ZBNFYVAJBIJHPIULBUZPEU/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T23:03:31.918Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/LMBG3IOWZJHYBEXRF5DUHTLHQU.jpg?auth=6a2b6fc7143180654cb831f4cd389c1f1a4d0afbacfeffa0670bc087d76168ef&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3600&amp;height=2401</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A shopper uses a reusable bag, given out by the Department of Environmental Protection during a press conference on Thursday to promote Montgomery County’s “Bring Your Own Bag” law, which will go into effect on Jan. 1.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-patriots-injuries-lamar-jackson-roquan-smith-ronnie-stanley-5S3EE5VSURFXLEBGNDDDIHKGTE/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T22:19:00.575Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZXOGRXWVVNBTPFZ352Z7JEJC7A.jpg?auth=9da71862aadc2d869ce27fa464d0b776026cd24ad73bc231228a4fc9f2ad2d0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6329&amp;height=4220</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Flowers during the first half of the game against Cincinnati.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/national/transgender-care-for-children-trump-administration-PMMYC6BZCRGVHAVYLKUTEZKXJ4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T22:13:50.123Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/6TXLPZE5FVALZKVASPGE3IHYTA.jpg?auth=cffcf7c9eda3973817b47dac02bfbd7e0c9f671896aa09d3ec884e22a02ae8fb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1024&amp;height=672</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., unveiled a series of regulatory actions designed to block access to gender-affirming care for minors. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/transportation/bwi-airport-southwest-airlines-bags-JFGCUWYGYFB7VDB6XYQTVTITQ4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T22:09:01.166Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/PTVZLWMIKJB6FGLAL3AMPFYSSY.JPG?auth=ce2791abcaf456f5e8b53d3098210d61b9046393c20080ac524e457f41c385dc&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Contractors walk through Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport while working on the airport's new terminal expansion project.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/culture/things-to-do/montgomery-county-maggie-rose-christmas-shopping-FWA2FTACRNBSXHQMNIVH4UDJZU/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T22:03:32.388Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZR7MVKKW7BBJPFU4STOSZ2XM2I.jpg?auth=4bede672a576e4c6f7bca1c348d424ed1867fb7479b1d04f3c6a3a745b14b0d3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Maggie Rose, a Grammy-nominated country singer, got her start in music growing up in Montgomery County.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-county-ice-deal-immigration-constitution-5JXKSKGGTNA3BLDV4UATZDMMTI/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T21:42:56.929Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YOWBMZEW7ZHHDDEFZRLLCRFW6Q.JPG?auth=70f43d47976fa67b52043b80c87bb86411b1a6cd057b4b99e05200f25500edc5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Baltimore County residents and advocates demanded answers and condemned County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s decision to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a rally in Towson in November.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/national/schedule-3-cannabis-trump-maryland-MCRSZPVFTBEYTJNHYCZD7UJHGQ/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T21:42:46.07Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/G3PI6UKHXJAEDIDU5K25SRCWSU.JPG?auth=654d9dcf660cc89d600f042bb279aa5a111a89b42b5802413bda1abe34376dc0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8640&amp;height=5760</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that could make it easier for cannabis businesses to operate and encourage more research on the drug.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-county-public-library-part-time-librarians-33DZJIOD75ANHD4V6ZLWM4BGHU/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T21:22:50.128Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MDBVKOCKPNB37GK7MADGCUD2F4.JPG?auth=a8740e5e0b8486726e5d33658e47bd150b4d2e44f0497e3a7126286cbf91f9c8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Laura Kellman, a librarian from Anne Arundel County, raises a fist in solidarity as her peers speak out at an emergency meeting to address their grievances last month in Towson. This week, Baltimore County Public Library’s board announced that their part-time librarians’ jobs will be protected.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/naval-academy-annapolis-golf-course-greenbury-point-QO4CELN7DBFHLDYKRF2DZNLBO4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T21:14:12.317Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/VUTQEBVPYNEGLIC3V3JG64YJC4.jpg?auth=1a2b47cd9bb7fe93792eda0ed8f37396316aeec2e8cba4c46c98cd81b113aa86&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5616&amp;height=3744</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Sarah Elfreth issued a joint statement Wednesday weighing in on a federal act that prevents the U.S. Naval Academy from building a golf course along the Chesapeake Bay. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/luigi-mangione-evidence-murder-case-ABOQFIN45FCRJFGR2ZXR36UDFQ/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T20:57:59.297Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/WUK6ELQE35DHHLG3FHS2SCJKIE.jpg?auth=d99bfdc0ad0c39305a626ed9dc7bc2341bd4180db82be6ef9eefc9408597a6d0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=2667</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/transportation/bay-bridge-bike-pedestrian-lane-costs-billion-H7TE3D34N5BX5BVJ7EELALFANI/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T20:55:13.15Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/B2NIOX7ENFGI5NOK3PJTT6AZ3I.JPG?auth=e8407ee4555bf6ba1758f79d9f723c8d5abad7e63a22ef5a15a0b084fd6c7d8c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1686</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The state plans to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Adding a pedestrian and bike element could add $1 billion or more to the estimated $14.8 billion to $16.4 billion cost.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/national/trump-kennedy-center-arts-institution-OXTQUBVIURFRRIWALGGZ67OX2E/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T20:24:52.495Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/4IDTQ6SSBJB7VNMLUCCXXHOANA.jpg?auth=ca7f4c98bce76035b32bbf609cb7ce228c7890d7d3d00b201b8e2e5db7a2f0cd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8256&amp;height=5504</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[President Donald Trump tours the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 17.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/maryland-state-prisoner-death-hagerstown-wenhui-sun-EGPYSULEFZE6TOCCZQGP6TCMEA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T20:09:50.149Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/FSERLQFP25GI5PQCMYQBC5S3KM.jpg?auth=44e1157e64d88272586427fde7b8aee99854a1c856c7314a4ab5a4c8d88c2562&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3913&amp;height=2609</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Maryland State Police have investigated nearly a dozen deaths at prisons this year, including a recent death at the Maryland Correctional Training Center in Hagerstown.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/baltimore-county-teacher-strike-ZRAGXEEEHJCMRJWDKSMMGTSI2I/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T19:11:52.568Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/4JJB2FYHYVGPBOXIBXCYOY5XCU.jpg?auth=7d540a252157f387d386f20b6d9e6f69b1772cef761ad170aec8df8a7481445b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3416&amp;height=2562</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cindy Sexton, head of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, talks to reporters about having to renegotiate salary raises with Baltimore County Public Schools on May 14 outside the union's Towson headquarters.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/waste-incinerator-montgomery-county-long-haul-reworld-3B3RXXGK4FCXPL6YRW7EVVVECA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T19:06:02.635Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/SJCOBZENYFH3DD542WBYSHI6C4.jpg?auth=ec681b0b5d3aa772963df41b943603a2051fc0d56bb38b8df86fc704832aef4e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Annual testing from September showed the county’s waste incinerator in Dickerson was emitting toxic pollutants beyond state limits.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/weather/maryland-weather-high-winds-KPEZR5DYMNENDFD2O4WCLYF5BM/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T18:40:59.387Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ILHK3L5CDZCGLACXF6HMQ6IWIE.jpg?auth=fde1239a17eb840475d0eb89fa98ee67c7310202f75748ccba9cf0f3fdea0622&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2786&amp;height=1857</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[While it’s been frigid lately, this weekend will see a return to average temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/dead-body-parkville-baltimore-county-police-W6KAFVE5WFBATMUFZ67CWQWZXE/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T18:00:59.018Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/A537K6257JHPRE6C2Z6PLA4NOE.jpg?auth=8e0340a36c12055c85e8343c7e21682f002ed31e220584c39f327541c6514853&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5643&amp;height=3762</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A man was found dead Wednesday afternoon in Parkville. Baltimore County Police are investigating. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/governor-wes-moore-cbs-town-hall-bari-weiss-Z7NGALIGJJDD5IUE2IDEZQLVHA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T17:49:35.907Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MTBIATDCGVACTALZY327O37TDE.JPG?auth=48709257eceb5afef1f64cacfce1fc79a2cdb1306c6701ff6f0df5b7673883ad&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Gov. Wes Moore has signed on to participate in a CBS town hall, a debate series pushed by the network’s new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-podcast-rashod-bateman-patriots-F3XNEOUGSNDABGCKVSC7RQY4KY/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T17:47:54.469Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/QS5PVNBCMVD6BH34XQKCPDIPGU.png?auth=f7de13c6f3e0db1cc2ea9648dc6ba8f8fcecd0f8210ea40e73510b999e4963c1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080</image:loc></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/education/higher-education/mcdonogh-school-mcdaniel-college-free-graduate-tuition-VQ6UXT2HAZFEXG7YSC245YTDUU/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T17:25:06.489Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/WIZLUKLFVJDIXOPOLUVA5LBK4Q.JPG?auth=b2a3541daa375e40242212bd95ff0782ae6b79a128001a783cd860c839114fc4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8225&amp;height=5171</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[McDaniel College in Westminster enrolls about 1,400 graduate students and offers more than 20 graduate degree and certificate programs.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/orioles-hitting-coach-dustin-lind-philosophies-anthony-villa-V6CEXGBLRFDPVLIQ33MQ7GCGKI/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T17:00:00.546Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/PTBKUZMRKVGUJEE6PHUZKHP47Y.jpg?auth=e822746510d3ca16076d18a37621c682cec4d2aef9952c028670e8223ccd87ef&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1024&amp;height=690</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dustin Lind, seen when he was assistant hitting coach of the Phillies, is the Orioles’ new hitting coach.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/education/higher-education/university-maryland-eastern-shore-heidi-anderson-donna-satterlee-EZDV235LTFFZZIOHJ5II6DAM5Y/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T16:37:44.725Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/TVIGKIB2UNA4XMN37S2RH7IYJA.jpg?auth=ff0cd5f680c3c422dde3b94b8ef6472dc52be7dcc142304b1a3f0cd3543453dc&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3493&amp;height=2329</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dr. Heidi Anderson, president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, speaks as she is presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award at the university in 2021.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/economy/real-estate/historic-home-modern-updates-ellicott-city-YIRG6RNNIREO3PP27J3QLT5PZQ/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T16:00:02.081Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/XRRF3GRGWRG6BBNKAN764Y4TTA.png?auth=804ad0e0fa5b7dc8fe914389b16339871ee4345cdb798d125bfa62c3797feb85&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1999&amp;height=1334</image:loc></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/economy/inflation-consumer-price-index-data-delayed-QO4LUPNTAJHQTCUPK4FZRYINF4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T15:51:28.866Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/HETPU3AYARHSZIJNO2ATG3TZZE.JPG?auth=f16a73fefbec74a7e8092135949b8d99ce1150b7a2a60b36772d3aa336517e0d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2997&amp;height=1998</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The vast majority of U.S. adults say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for groceries, electricity and holiday gifts.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/johns-hopkins-university-ai-center-vote-5WT4QTPJB5AOVCUC2ZVPLYZUEE/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T15:26:04.847Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/V2RIJE5UNNAEFF6BV2H6K2EWDI.JPG?auth=cfdb82b94c263ac18d5c06ee151388a361e9791cb165af50e4948e997e443f7b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The corner of Remington Avenue and Wyman Park Drive, where the Johns Hopkins University wants to build an AI research center.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/community/family/maryland-kinship-care-placement-increase-2B22MHFTWREW3CSCPR2IBDBTKA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T15:08:27.324Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/TH2JAN5KLRA3RE7UCDYO5V4DHI.jpg?auth=de2e943dfc7f6d22b2a8a80b160046bf3d44ff355a53a2c366d81d18c9cb834f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1080&amp;height=1248</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Faith Staubs moved to Washington County in October 2024 and was caring for her grandson, Skyler Taylor, full-time before Christmas. She said the once-quiet boy has blossomed since being home with family.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/obituaries/charles-robinson-maryland-public-television-obituary-BCZYJYJ2GNEADCVTNA3NDZ7IJQ/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T14:55:39.948Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YAED3HXDQVGUXJ26YSSUMP5TLE.jpg?auth=5f36b4758231a59871a8d5e7e7c5499642a683f7e5edcd67831ab8ddb2226e63&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2226&amp;height=1484</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Charles Robinson, standing left, with Nancy Yamada, Jeff Salkin and Sue Kopen Katcef in 2019. Charles Robinson died Monday at 69.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-chargers-trade-odafe-oweh-alohi-gilman-kyle-goon-TXQTGCQRYRGKJPCKAC5VLAPVH4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T14:02:10.878Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/Q7TXJBERMRD7ZEYB3RYRXX42BY.JPG?auth=a83f30029d6f3e466e617362157c9606c60d77ed1c7849165cf5a44d304e1ef5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2001</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Safety Alohi Gilman, pictured during the Ravens’ game against the Bears, was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after Sunday’s win at Cincinnati.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/howard-county-public-schools-funding-aging-buildings-MUUGNHKAYBBM3EY6TEVJACBOQY/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T14:00:01.514Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/5VGRPR2LKFCP7O5R7UXBJNKKNQ.jpg?auth=779cb5f5732fef72aeb57b8d96606856d48a5f799e02ccd3281af81a42e2434c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5937&amp;height=3958</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, left, wrote the County Council on Dec. 10 to confirm nearly $38 million in surplus funds, but stopped short of committing to provide it to the schools, as a recently adopted county bill had stipulated. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/culture/things-to-do/baltimore-events-wicked-jonas-brothers-celtic-woman-732I47Y6ENFMLCUCNQ4GDUDWYI/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T11:30:00.665Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/BCQVRBQTEJDDNIZOVU6FXDVYMI.jpg?auth=dc5ddb612f07c3172959e5c3dd1229f90784dd6a31ecb24f0dfff72c54b79d14&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8373&amp;height=5889</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Jessie Davidson (left, as Elphaba) and Zoe Jensen (Glinda) star in the national tour of “Wicked,” which runs at the Hippodrome Theatre through Jan. 11.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/culture/things-to-do/kwanzaa-market-ugly-sweater-party-howard-county-BEX5CNIKFVABJBWPX4ZRAG6QEM/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T11:30:00.457Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/DVR7X6BJBFGS7KZVNBRCXAI7X4.jpg?auth=957dac29d424046134e0293257ea871ccd618a6a80851f8a231d5023b9e1b1cf&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The more hideous the sweater the better at GameOn bar + arcade’s annual party, shown here in 2024.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/recreation-montgomery-county-albornoz-TVFMNAHCUJGXXDJA3QEKW4QF6E/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T10:30:01.137Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZEHI7JGQFBGVZE4B33LJGYVWEU.JPG?auth=c38aa0ae81f131d04de6bbdaa9506f0f1f655bad2a693813064c99e89b632ff5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Former Montgomery County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz was recently appointed the recreation department’s director.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/opinion/column/macaroni-cheese-family-recipe-tradition-soul-food-2CDFFOJZ6BE2XEJJIMOOQS3OPY/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T10:30:01.043Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ASI7CXAIZ5GRXBQPNSB7HXV7CU.jpg?auth=09ca9e98a8fc36e030d3a42cf8bb0fdf24d394fde4e5279b9cb18e766bfe22e3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5021&amp;height=3347</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Leslie Gray Streeter forks a scoop of her freshly baked mac and cheese in Baltimore.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/5-things-to-know-the-proposed-montgomery-county-schools-budget-TJCF22R2HVFXTLKMKZI5WQTGB4/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T10:30:00.467Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/2RWPNS2G7RBD3IEH5CLJUV72W4.JPG?auth=51ac9281671c6751d41ac8bcd511acc513138e4f7f5b86a1845a000149495c35&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3600&amp;height=2401</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Thomas Taylor, superintendent of schools, during a Montgomery County Board of Education work session in September.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/culture/things-to-do/events-annapolis-live-arts-maryland-symphony-holiday-market-AOWOHOF7GVAYRMRWCB5HQMIIDM/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T10:30:00.45Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MFW6X7PDSBEFDNRSVCWOSSZK5Y.jpg?auth=fbf392fd89cdadfcab0ce476e46281ccc82a70206ce6713dd5c1f89b870e9f86&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1845&amp;height=1038</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[J. Ernest Green leads the Annapolis Chorale and Annapolis Chamber Orchestra in a performance of "Messiah" at St. Anne's Episcopal Church.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-pass-rush-tavius-robinson-travis-jones-dremont-jones-XLM4FEZCUBGFFOIXH5H6RHCV6I/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T03:38:43.12Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/L4CWP67TLFERDJGSVWCP2CGIPE.jpg?auth=c9badcf42785a335fe503f35b14b44b2f7d35021e9d521c94ffae74ce6c80c3e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4343&amp;height=2895</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson sacks the Bengals’ Joe Burrow on Sunday.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/social-justice/george-escobar-casa-executive-director-gustavo-torres-UFPIL2JF55FSZLNBWREL4WUPZQ/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T03:29:16.087Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MDVYRO7GCJA2JLAJPELINAI2IM.jpg?auth=2e36fea36370be53e539a407912f1cf09b4d55af167571d4ceb4ec25095cc52f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3600&amp;height=2401</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[George Escobar will take the helm of CASA on Jan. 1.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/economy/powerball-jackpot-125-billion-drawing-numbers-maryland-HWDVLDJ3ERBSTP3FYV2HNXMPFA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T02:54:05.993Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/4VCEXWD77RCENNNO5UKN3LPAZQ.jpeg?auth=9fa17a3b2c1617c95f44d445219e154709de7567885aa2f91e50f4093b055e58&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4032&amp;height=3024</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A self-automated lottery machine at a Royal Farms store on Light Street in Baltimore displays the $1.25 billion jackpot for the drawing Wednesday.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/government-admits-negligence-in-deadly-helicopter-plane-collision-TDZZFEMHHZFMZKPCPISFALNMPU/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T01:57:34.751Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/3QSQQGS5B5H4TJPJRGRV6YSYOM.jpg?auth=987401ac05798dcf18d8e84453c97b2dac3c430d44353fde7323cf63849df330&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The U.S. government admitted in a federal court filing that it was liable in a deadly helicopter and plane crash that killed 67 people. In July, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy spoke during an NTSB fact-finding hearing on the midair collision.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/mark-bedell-anne-arundel-county-schools-AXSJA47EINGOFEG4TKULQEVVRE/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T01:53:10.683Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/WVOSGNIYY5ALZJU76JFTJTV47U.jpg?auth=814be85120fcb0b6b27afd4a0130e1895e172bf9826fc9368c445cd91a5e2b15&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4995&amp;height=3330</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Mark Bedell, the superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, takes a microphone to speak during a meeting in Annapolis in April.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-patriots-lamar-jackson-ronnie-stanley-roquan-smith-W3JAHFJ22NEXNAGHMV5WPTWAYA/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T01:18:45.808Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZOVJ6UYEKRFONBTPMGU2HPNTWU.jpg?auth=d52f3d714b9174d2bf900b041b731f427e361025775eb3aea4e840ff0b0d4186&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4669&amp;height=3250</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws under pressure during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thebanner.com/economy/science-medicine/metachromatic-leukodystrophy-carmen-akras-V6IQU7RLJJAJDKSRJAS4Y3JP4Q/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-18T00:47:13.924Z</lastmod><image:image><image:loc>https://baltimorebanner-the-baltimore-banner-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZOHCTTDEFNHA5NZXZDOUISUXT4.JPG?auth=be3473737bb0d16a23d20d540ce66639d8270219aa02652fa0af3fd3e65b0629&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6398&amp;height=4253</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Annie Akras holds her daughter, Carmen, inside their home in Baltimore last month.]]></image:caption></image:image></url></urlset>