Bridget Byrne

Bridget Byrne is an education reporter focusing on Anne Arundel County's public and private schools. She covers the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, higher education and library culture, among other things. Raised in Montgomery County, she is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a dual degree in journalism and politics.

Annapolis Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier.

One alderman’s lifelong love of the Fourth of July in Annapolis

July 4, 2025 at 2:17 p.m.

Brook Schandelmeier has been watched the fireworks in downtown Annapolis since he was a little boy. Now he's on the city council.

An Annapolis Recreation and Parks school bus travels up West Street bringing kids to one of the many summer camps they offer. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff photo)

Anne Arundel County Public Schools to lose $4.2 million in federal funds

July 3, 2025 at 4:59 p.m.

The Trump administration declined to release nearly $7 billion in federal funding that helps pay for after-school and summer programs and teacher training.

A speed camera at Oakwood Elementary School in Glen Burnie was recently installed. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Two more speed cameras added to Anne Arundel school zones

July 2, 2025 at 5:07 p.m.

Two new speed enforcement cameras are now active near Chesapeake High School and Glen Burnie High School, Anne Arundel County police said.

Culinary Arts gold medalist Bridget Long poses with teacher Chef Pam Klinkat the national SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. (AACPS/Courtesy)

Anne Arundel student wins gold in national culinary competition

July 2, 2025 at 5:01 a.m.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Bridget Long won the gold medal in a national culinary arts competition held Atlanta.

Many plebes will occasionally spend time in family homes in and around Annapolis as part of the Naval Academy's Sponsor Family Program. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Annapolis families provide midshipmen with a ‘home away from home’

June 29, 2025 at 5:01 a.m.

Many plebes will occasionally spend time in family homes in and around Annapolis as part of the Naval Academy's Sponsor Family Program.

The Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County marches in a Juneteenth parade. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Anne Arundel teachers union takes historic step into Annapolis council race

July 1, 2025 at 11:46 a.m.

For the first time, the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County made endorsements in the upcoming Annapolis city council elections.

Taryn Syck, Foster Care and Volunteer Co-Ordinator, gives Luna Ray, a 10 month old, Rottweiler mix, some exercise outside with plenty of water in a pool and a misting shower to keep cool. Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control staff talk about how to care for pets in extreme heat, at their Millersville headquarters. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

How Anne Arundel Animal Control keeps furry friends safe in the heat wave

June 26, 2025 at 9:35 a.m.

A heat wave is bringing temperatures north of 90 degrees all week and creating dangerous conditions for dogs and other furry friends.

A street crossing at Central Middle School with no sign or paint distinguishing it as a crosswalk. (Bridget Byrne/ Capital Gazette Staff)

Davidsonville group raises concerns over state of school crosswalks, traffic

June 23, 2025 at 5:02 a.m.

With the school year over, the Davidsonville Area Civic Association is calling attention to problems in the South River High School Cluster.

The cast rehearses the song Kids in America by Kim Wilde. Graduates from Chesapeake High School rehearse the alumni production of “Back To The 80s.”(Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Chesapeake High School theater alums reunite for ’80s themed performance

June 21, 2025 at 5:03 a.m.

More than 20 Chesapeake High School theater alums are reuniting "Back to the 80s," a jukebox musical, this weekend.

Severn Run High School. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff photo)

Severn Run parent teacher student group adopts a highway to send a message

June 20, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Severn Run High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association adopted a highway in an effort to promote community pride and responsibility.

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