Reporter, Baltimore County Education

Racquel Bazos

Racquel Bazos covers Baltimore County education and breaking news for The Baltimore Sun. A graduate of The University of Baltimore, she previously reported for Baltimore Sun community publications. Racquel enjoys trying new coffee shops and taking long walks through the city.

The 2025-26 FAFSA opened on Nov. 18 after two months of beta testing. The process is smooth, and students should submit their forms ASAP. (Getty Images)

‘Ghost’ students increasingly scamming Maryland and U.S. colleges

July 25, 2025 at 1:44 p.m.

"Ghost" student scams have been an increasing problem in Maryland and across the country and imperil student aid coffers, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Union members listen to Cindy Sexton, president of TABCO during a press conference outside TABCO, the Teachers Association of Baltimore County. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore County teachers, all school employees to get 1% raises in the fall

July 23, 2025 at 5:08 p.m.

Baltimore County Public Schools revealed details of its tentative compensation agreement with its teachers’ union Wednesday.

Melissa Smith, executive director of South Baltimore Learning Center, stands outside its Federal Hill facility. On the doors are notices of the center’s temporary closure due to withheld federal funding. (Racquel Bazos/Staff)

Some Maryland after-school programs got restored federal funding. Adult education is still waiting.

July 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The Trump administration's decision Friday to release some of the $110 million earmarked for Maryland's educational system will likely help a single afterschool grant program but still leaves other programming...

Luigi Mangione , accused of fatally shooting the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and leading authorities on a five-day search is scheduled, appears in court for a hearing, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in New York. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool)

Mangione’s defense: NY prosecutors issued ‘fraudulent’ subpoena for medical records

July 18, 2025 at 1:29 p.m.

The attorneys for alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione accused prosecutors of unlawfully obtaining his medical records.

Holmes Hall on the Morgan State University campus. Morgan’s burgeoning enrollment recently topped 10,400 students, according to President David K. Wilson. Maryland’s largest HBCU received 24,000 applications during the last enrollment period, an extraordinarily high number, resulting in more than 2,300 first year students last fall.

Morgan State, Togolese nonprofit partner for educational exchange

July 17, 2025 at 4:35 p.m.

Morgan State University is partnering with a Togolese nonprofit, potentially bringing more African students and faculty.

Cindy Sexton, president of TABCO stands with union members who wear T-shirts that express their love of public schools during a press conference outside TABCO, the Teachers Association of Baltimore County. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

TABCO teachers union, Baltimore County Public Schools reach tentative deal

July 16, 2025 at 5:57 p.m.

Baltimore County teachers have a tentative union deal with the school district as of Wednesday afternoon.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown speaks during a press conference on Sept. 24, 2024, in Baltimore.

Maryland joins states suing Trump administration over billions in withheld education funds

July 15, 2025 at 7:10 p.m.

Maryland joined nearly two dozen states in suing the Trump administration for withholding $6.8 billion in education grants, risking millions in funding for K-12 and adult education programs across the...

Dunkin' welcomed scholarship recipients to its recognition ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium's Miller Lite Gatehouse on Monday. (Jon Fleming Photography)

Baltimore-area students run on Dunkin’ scholarships at M&T Bank Stadium celebration

July 14, 2025 at 6:39 p.m.

Dunkin' recognized 25 Baltimore-area college students and high school seniors who received $2,500 scholarships during a ceremony Monday.

Baltimore County school board member Maggie Litz Domanowski (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)

Censured Baltimore County school board member announces re-election bid

July 10, 2025 at 5:47 p.m.

Maggie Litz Domanowski, who represents District 3, announced Wednesday that she will run for re-election.

Police tape sits on the trunk of a Baltimore Police Department cruiser. (FILE/Sun staff)

Two men arrested after North Baltimore fight, stabbing over Trump sign

July 8, 2025 at 4:18 p.m.

Two men were arrested after a Sunday afternoon fight over a political sign that led to a stabbing in North Baltimore.

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