We round up the schedule changes in effect on this Veterans’ Day. A look at Mike Pantelides’ victory in the Annapolis mayoral race. Plus: the “rain tax,” the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ meeting in Baltimore, yesterday’s Ravens’ victory, our new series “The Magic Pill,” and more.
Veterans’ Day Schedule Changes: Federal, state, and local government offices are closed on this Veterans’ Day. Banks and courts are closed as well. And there’s no regular mail delivery from the post office. But public schools are open. Some libraries are also open, including those in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County. But libraries are closed in Baltimore City and in Carroll, Frederick, Harford, and Howard counties. There’s no trash pickup today in Baltimore City. But pickup will go on as usual in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties. Also operating as usual: parking meters; you’ll need to feed them wherever you go in MD today. The Baltimore Sun has more information about schedule changes here. Meanwhile, the Maryland Transit Administration says that MARC trains are not running today. Commuter Bus Route 201 is on a holiday schedule; all other commuter buses aren't operating. But the Metro Subway, Light Rail, and local MTA buses are running as usual.
Pantelides To Become Next Annapolis Mayor: Annapolis is set to get its first Republican mayor in 17 years. On Friday night, the Board of Canvassers completed their ballot count, showing that Republican Mike Pantelides got 59 more votes than incumbent Democratic mayor Josh Cohen. Pantelides will be sworn into office on December 2nd, and the Baltimore Sun reports that Cohen has offered Pantelides his full support during the transition. Pantelides has promised to reduce water bills in Annapolis by 15-percent and impose a city hiring freeze. But he could have difficulties accomplishing his agenda… with a bill aimed at turning the Mayor’s post a largely ceremonial one set to be considered in the Annapolis City Council during the next term. Alderman Ross Arnett tells the Capital Gazette that he plans to introduce a charter amendment that would create a position similar to the current city manager’s post to be in charge of all department heads… that person would report directly to the City Council, and not the Mayor. Under the legislation, the Mayor would retain a single vote on the Council. Alderman Arnett introduced similar legislation back in 2010. He says it would help stabilize city management – and he says that his legislation has the support of at least five Aldermen on the 8-member City Council.
The Magic Pill, Part 1: The Good, The Bad, The Open Questions Millions of Americans who need mental health care don’t get it. And that creates a public health nightmare – for jails, homeless shelters, emergency rooms, and (most importantly) for the individuals themselves. But with the Affordable Care Act lumbering into effect, many are hoping that help will be on the on the way. Today, WYPR’s Mary Rose Madden begins a weeklong series: “The Magic Pill: Will The Affordable Care Act Fix Mental Healthcare?”
Stormwater Threatens To Cloud General Assembly Session: WYPR's Joel McCord and Rob Lang of WBAL talk about the continued fight over stormwater fees and what lawmakers might do in the upcoming General Assembly session. It’s this morning’s edition of Inside Maryland Politics.
Report Of Armed Gunman At Under Armour A Hoax: Things have returned to normal at the Under Armour headquarters in Baltimore's Locust Point following a false report of an armed gunman yesterday afternoon. The building went into lockdown shortly after 2pm, when a 911 call came in reporting the alleged threat. A SWAT team was called and a search was conducted. Eventually, the building was cleared and employees were notified that it's business as usual this morning. Police tell the Baltimore Sun they don’t think the prank caller was an employee – and say they’re determined to find and arrest whoever did it.
Meeting Of US Conference OF Catholic Bishops: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is set to convene in Baltimore this week; at it, hundreds of active and retired members will choose a new leader. The event will convene today at the Waterfront Marriott Hotel – with New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan set to give his final address as president of the organization. Tomorrow, the bishops will elect Dolan’s successor from a slate of 10 nominated bishops; the Baltimore Sun notes that Baltimore Archbishop William Lori will be on the ballot.
Gas Prices At 2-Year Low: Maryland gas prices hit a two-year low last week – and they could go even lower by the end of the year. AAA Mid-Atlantic tells the Baltimore Sun that the average price for gas across the state was $3.24 a gallon on Friday. AAA estimates the price could drop to around $3.10 a gallon by late December.
Personal Information Of Baltimore County Workers Potentially Compromised: Baltimore County is sending out letters tomorrow to county workers whose personal information was found on computers taken from a contractor. Baltimore County police tell the Baltimore Business Journal that the data from 66-hundred county workers was on seized computers and included information from those with direct deposit of their paychecks. The payroll files where the information was discovered were created in 2007.
Baltimore Football: the Ravens ended a three game losing streak yesterday, when they beat Cincinnati Bengals 20 to 17 in overtime. The Ravens will travel to Chicago this coming Sunday for a game against the Bears.
