In miniature, January 12

• The mega-$$$$ in new spending from the Kirwan Commission education recommendations will be solid, the promises of accountability less so [James V. Shuls, Maryland Public Policy Institute; Len Lazarick, Marc Tucker, Lazarick]
• Speaking of which, is the problem with Baltimore schools underfunding? [Jason Bedrick, Cato, 2015] “Baltimore schools spend 27% more than Fairfax County [Va.] schools per student and a majority of the money comes not from the city but from the state and federal government.” [Alex Tabarrok] “The city of Baltimore received over $1.8 billion from President Barack Obama’s stimulus law, including $467.1 million to invest in education and $26.5 million for crime prevention.” [Elizabeth Harrington, Free Beacon]
• Michael Busch as full-time Anne Arundel County recreation administrator, and more problems with letting state legislators work for local governments [David Plymyer, Maryland Matters]
• Tales of Baltimore’s gun buyback [Jazz Shaw, Zuri Davis]
• Maryland’s evolving approach to expert testimony [Derek Stikeleather, Maryland Appellate Blog]
• North Howard St., Baltimore’s old Antique Row, struggles amid zoning constraints and neglect from City Hall [Antonio Grana, Market Urbanism Report]