Simon Heit

Maryland transportation officials still defend a $5.2 billion projection for replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, even as some estimates have pointed toward higher figures during legislative review. The number frames a legislative review, as lawmakers question whether Maryland can keep the rebuild near its projection without shifting costs onto drivers through tolls during replacement planning.

Massachusetts holds about $64 million for highway charging, but drivers still cannot use any station built through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or NEVI, program on major routes. That gap keeps a federal award tied to planning work, even as the state treats charger access as part of its cleaner transportation strategy for electric vehicle travel.

Kansas leaders are revisiting school finance as the current formula nears its final year, and classroom support has become a central question during Education Funding Task Force talks. Members heard competing views on student results, teacher aides, district costs, and how Kansas should measure value in its next plan for public schools during the Topeka discussions.