Political Highlights | July 30, 2025
In the heart of Anne Arundel County, several noteworthy events are unfolding.
Southwest Airlines is set to launch a new nonstop service between Baltimore and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands starting February 7, 2026. BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport will be one of the initial gateways for this exciting new route, expanding travel options for locals and visitors alike.
Meanwhile, six outstanding students from Anne Arundel County have been named recipients of the 2025 Dunkin' DMV Regional Scholarship. Grant Lonergan of Severn School, Stephanie Costello of Broadneck High, Holden Fontaine, Grace Phenicie of Southern High, Adah Harding of Arundel High, and Maisie Wukitch of Chesapeake Senior High, have each been awarded $2,500 towards their college education. The recipients will be honoured later this year at M&T Bank Stadium and Nationals Park.
The scholarship program, which has awarded nearly half a million dollars in scholarships since 2021, is just one of many initiatives that showcase the region's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Elsewhere, the 8th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards returns to Baltimore from October 3 to 5, 2025. This three-day event celebrates the 180th anniversary of Poe's "The Raven" and the 176th anniversary of his mysterious death. The festival includes free outdoor programming, masquerade balls, ghost tours, performances, and a Poe-themed beer garden.
One of the festival's highlights is the Black Cat Ball, held October 4 at Westminster Hall. This event features Victorian attire, immersive exhibits, and access to the famed catacombs.
In other news, the Anne Arundel County Police are currently investigating a recovered body in Shady Side. The body was recovered from the water on Monday afternoon, and at this time, there are no preliminary signs of suspicious or criminal activity. The body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and identification.
As for BWI, the airport continues its series of infrastructure upgrades. The Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System project is underway, with improvements aimed at enhancing the passenger experience with expanded seating, retail, and restroom options, as well as a more advanced baggage system.
BWI currently supports over 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 destinations, making it a vital hub for travel in the region.
Lastly, we would like to acknowledge our sponsors: Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Fish for a Cure, and Hospice of the Chesapeake. Their consistent support is instrumental in keeping the Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief informative and relevant.
- Amidst the array of events in Anne Arundel County, such as the launch of a new travel route by Southwest Airlines and the scholarship awards for local students, residents can also look forward to the black-tie Black Cat Ball during the 8th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards.
- While the expansion of travel options and recognition of young talent are significant lifestyle developments, the county's commitment to general news and crime-and-justice affairs continues with the ongoing investigation of a recovered body in Shady Side.
