Hey, Baltimore! To close out the week, we’ve got some new articles for you.

Get the inside scoop on Baltimore's newest player in the biotech scene, Blackbird Labs, by meeting one of its first fellows in our latest How I Got Here series interview — and find out what kidneys can do that you may not have known. Plus, stay in the loop with our latest updates on the local VC scene by checking out our reporting on PitchBook’s Q4 2023 Venture Monitor. 

In addition, Maryland Tech Council CEO Kelly Schulz responds to the Comptroller’s Office’s first State of the Economy Report, and its diagnosis of economic stagnation, with some key recommendations in this new op-ed. 

Also, it's Pathways to Tech Careers Month here at Technical.ly. Here's just one question we're looking to answer in our stories within the editorial calendar theme: 

How many people are in tech training programs in each of our markets, and how are those programs adapting to present realities?

Let's highlight some programs in Baltimore? Hit me up at alanah@technical.ly.

Lastly, here are some more stories to take you into your weekend:

• According to a release sent to Technical.ly, Morgan State University has acquired a collection of papers, artwork, photographs and Maryland-related items from the estate of the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings. The collection will be housed in the Beulah M. Davis Research Room within the Earl R. Richardson Library.
  
  
• Hotel Revival Baltimore is hosting "The Remedy" workshop series, led by local success coach Jasmine Garland. The series aims to guide participants on a journey of self-discovery. The workshops include activities like introspective journaling and interactive discussions. You missed the first session yesterday, but the upcoming sessions on Feb. 7 and March 13 will explore challenging stereotypes associated with masculinity and celebrating International Women's Month, respectively.
  
  
• TEDCO (which, in full transparency, is a Technical.ly client) has chosen 25 Maryland companies to join the 2024 Small Business Association (SBA) Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab cohort. The companies will receive advice and support for their proposals, aiming to foster technological innovation and economic growth in the state.
  
  
• Stem & Vine, a new lifestyle shop, recently opened in Mount Vernon. It features both a plant and bottle shop and is owned by Quincy Goldsmith, who sits on the board of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. It is located at 326 N. Charles St. and is only closed on Tuesdays.