A former Baltimore parochial school teacher who was cited in the recent Catholic sexual abuse report as having “repeatedly and violently” abused his victims, died Friday in prison. John Merzbacher had been serving four life sentences since his rape conviction in 1995 and is cited in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office’s April report as “the most obvious example of systemic abuse” by nonclerical members of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Merzbacher died in the infirmary at Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover. (Baltimore Sun)
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), more often referred to as the common cold. Marylanders over 60 may soon be eligible for a vaccine that has been years in the making. (WYPR)
An 18-year-old high school student fatally shot Thursday in an elementary school parking lot in Prince George’s County was the driver in a fatal collision in Upper Marlboro in March. He is the third student at his high school to have died in as many months. (Washington Post)
Four people were injured in downtown Baltimore Sunday evening when a steam pipe exploded. BGE workers were working to install a gas line when the incident occurred. Three of the four injuries were considered to be non life-threatening. (Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski will make an announcement on Monday regarding his plans for the U.S. Senate. (WJZ-TV) ….UPDATE: Olszewski declines to run.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan gave the commencement address at American University over the weekend. (WTOP)
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said violence in the city was down in every category except among young people. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old was shot and killed Sunday evening as a 14-year-old was shot in a separate incident. (Baltimore Sun)
The Chesapeake Bay Program has released a final draft for its water quality evaluation and it includes a warning. (WBOC-TV)
A summer camp run by the Baltimore Opera is being held for high school students to identify and nurture young singers with an interest in voice and opera. (WMAR-TV)
Comcast announced a new round of 100 businesses in Baltimore City will receive comprehensive grant packages that include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. (Baltimore Times)
The Employment Law Center of Maryland has recently adopted an artificial intelligence tool that acts as a legal assistant — a move that an attorney at the center says will help close the gap for access to justice. (Capitol Gazette)
Several contenders for the 148th Preakness Stakes have arrived at Pimlico. (Bloodhorse.com)
The Orioles were struck out 17 times by Pirates ace Mitch Keller in a 4-0 loss at Camden Yards on Sunday. (Camden Chat)
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The Appalachian History Detectives tour Maryland’s Fort Frederick.
