1. Towson Square’s Challenges Explained: Separating Fact from Fiction on Restaurant Closures
Contrary to popular belief the restaurants around the movie theater did not all close as a result of rising, crime. We dug into the data fueling this national trend.
The decline of Towson Square is not simply a story of rising crime. It is the result of national industry challenges, changing consumer habits, and a dramatic shift in entertainment preferences since the pandemic. As the community looks ahead, solutions will require adaptation and a willingness to embrace new ideas for this once-bustling space. By focusing on the facts and understanding the real causes, Towson can move forward and create new opportunities for growth and revitalization. Read the Article
2. From Towson to the Big Screen: Jon Bregel's Unlikely Journey to Filming the Next Classic Holiday Movie in Baltimore
The Torch was able to catch up with Jon Bregel, cinematographer for the award-winning move, The Baltimorons, way before people outside of Towson even knew it was coming.
If you’re looking for Towson’s next big success story, you don’t have to look much further than across the street from the old Y. That’s where Jon Bregel grew up—long before he found himself behind the camera of what’s being hailed as the next great American Christmas classic, The Baltimorons.
A born-and-raised Towson local, Jon attended Towson High School, where his earliest experiences with filmmaking involved nothing more than a camcorder and a skateboard. He and his friends would spend hours filming skate videos, never imagining that those grainy homegrown clips were the first steps on a path toward professional cinematography. 🔥Read the Article
3. Hundreds flock to Towson Town Center for Pop Mart Grand Opening
A lot of people complain about the decline of the Towson Town Center, but Pop Mart proved that if you sell the right stuff, people will show up in droves.
A wave excitement swept through Towson Town Center on May 24, 2025, as Pop Mart officially opened its doors to the Baltimore community. The grand opening drew hundreds of eager fans, from seasoned collectors to curious newcomers, all hoping to get their hands on the latest blind box collectibles and exclusive artist-designed figures. The vibrant store, located on Level 2 near Apple, quickly became a focal point of activity, with shoppers sharing their finds and experiences on TikTok and Instagram throughout the day. 🔥Read The Article
4. Turnstile: Towson’s Hardcore Pioneers Ignite a Global Punk Renaissance
Who knew one of the biggest bands in the world in 2025 would hail from Towson?
Turnstile, the electrifying hardcore punk band hailing from Towson, Maryland, has become a phenomenon far beyond their Baltimore roots. In just over a decade, they’ve evolved from playing gritty local venues to headlining international festivals, racking up Grammy nominations, and sparking a full-blown revival of hardcore and punk music in the mainstream.Their story is not just one of musical innovation, but also of hometown pride, relentless ambition, and a refusal to be boxed in by genre or geography. 🔥 Read Article
5. Meet Jerry Focas: GBMC Healthcare’s New Board Chair Looks Ahead
The Towson Torch was granted the very first public interview with GBMC’s new Chairman of the Board, Jerry Focas
As GBMC Healthcare embarks on a new chapter of leadership and innovation, longtime Towson attorney Jerry Focas is stepping into a critical role as Chair of the Board of Directors. With over three decades of experience in estate and trust law and deep roots in the community, Focas brings not only a legal mind to the position but a personal passion for community-based healthcare. 🔥 Read Article
