Demonstrators took to the streets in Baltimore last night to protest the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. State Comptroller Peter Franchot took his call for a later start to the school year to Ocean City yesterday. You’ve got two more days to get in on Maryland’s annual sales-tax-free shopping period. Today and tomorrow, you can buy many articles of clothing - including shoes - valued up to $100 without paying the state's six-percent sales tax. Plus: a new president for BCCC, why a fee-reduction bill drew Rawlings-Blake's first veto, spice-seller McCormick is recalling nearly 75-thousand bottles of ground oregano, and more.
Baltimoreans Protest Ferguson Shooting: Demonstrators took to the streets in Baltimore last night to protest the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. About 300 people took part in the peaceful rally; Baltimore Police say there were no arrests or major incidents. The Baltimore Sun has more here.
Franchot Pushes For Post-Labor Day School Start: Most public school students in Maryland will get back to class in a little more than a week. But not in Worcester County, where kids don’t resume classes until September 2nd, the day after Labor Day. State Comptroller Peter Franchot is hoping that the rest of the state will follow Worcester’s lead. Yesterday, he was in Ocean City to launch a petition drive calling for schools to stay closed until after Labor Day. Franchot’s looking to pick up 10-thousand signatures before next year’s General Assembly session starts… hoping that will spur lawmakers to action. Franchot says a later start would increase tourism, help Maryland’s economy, raise tax revenue, and benefit families. The Baltimore Sun notes that many state school superintendents are opposed to the idea, saying that school districts should be allowed to set their own schedules. The Daily Times has more here.
This Week’s Rains Come With $3-Million Price Tag For Anne Arundel: Anne Arundel County's Department of Public Works say it could cost $3-million to repair road damage caused by this week's heavy rains. The Capital Gazette reports that some Anne Arundel roads are likely to be closed for two to three weeks. And a portion of Marley Neck Road in Glen Burnie will likely take more than a month to fix. Meanwhile, the Maryland Aviation Administration is doing all it can to help vacationers returning to damaged vehicles at some of BWI's long-term parking lots – which were flooded during Tuesday’s rain. More than a half-dozen claims have been filed with the lots' insurer so far and dozens more claims are expected. Tuesday's highest recorded rainfall in Anne Arundel County was ten-point-32 inches near Pasadena; BWI saw a total of 6.3 inches of rain… the second highest single-day rainfall total since records began in 1871.
Limited Sales-Tax Free Shopping Week Ends Tomorrow: You’ve got two more days to get in on Maryland’s annual sales-tax-free shopping period. Today and tomorrow, you can buy many articles of clothing - including shoes - valued up to $100 without paying the state's six-percent sales tax. The sales tax exemption applies to each eligible item, regardless of how many items you buy at the same time. Before you hit the stores, remember that not ALL clothes are eligible – the tax breaks doesn’t apply to things like bicycle helmets and bowties. A list of what’s eligible AND what isn’t is available through the state Comptroller’s office; we’ve got a link at here.
Why Fee Reduction Bill Drew Rawlings-Blake's First Veto: WYPR's Fraser Smith and Luke Broadwater of the Baltimore Sun talk about Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's veto of a City Council bill that would give the Council the power to reduce or end certain fees. They also touch on why such vetoes are unusual in Baltimore. It’s this morning’s edition of Inside Maryland Politics.
New President for BCCC: Baltimore City Community College has a new president. BCCC officials announced yesterday that Gordon May will become the college’s new leader, starting September 2nd. May previously served as president of a community college in Michigan. The college’s last president was forced out of the job almost two years ago… primarily because of a large drop in enrollment. The Baltimore Sun notes that the institution has been warned that its accreditation is on the line amid concerns over the institution’s goals, focus, and effectiveness. May’s first job as president will be to create a five-year strategic plan. About 18-thousand students attend BCCC.
McCormick Recalls Ground Oregano Bottles: Spice-seller McCormick is recalling nearly 75-thousand bottles of ground oregano due to possible salmonella contamination. The affected point-seven-five-ounce bottles have best-by dates of August 21st and 22nd, 2016. Customers who bought affected product are asked to destroy them and call McCormick Consumer Affairs for a full refund. The Baltimore Sun has more.
BGE Settles Lawsuit: BGE confirms it has settled a lawsuit over a deadly gas explosion at an East Baltimore rowhouse. Details will not be released in the agreement between the utility and the family of an eight-year-old boy who died last February, when the wall of a home in the 400-block of North Lakewood Avenue fell on him as a result of the explosion. The Baltimore Sun has more.
Lane Reopens Tonight: There's some good news for downtown Baltimore commuters. Transportation officials say the right lane on the southbound I-395 ramp to southbound I-95 will reopen over the weekend. Crews will remove the construction barrels tonight, and both outbound lanes will be available to traffic come tomorrow morning. The loss of a lane has snarled afternoon traffic leaving the city in recent weeks and made getting home from a ball game a lengthy affair. The Baltimore Sun has more.
$4 Cat Adoptions In Anne Arundel: Anne Arundel County Animal Control says they've run out of room at their Millersville shelter. They are offering four-dollar cat adoptions through August 23rd. Anyone planning a visit should bring a carrier because approved adopters may be able to leave with a feline friend that same day.
Lexington Market To Get Renovations: Baltimore’s Lexington Market may be in for a makeover to appeal to a broader customer base. Baltimore Public Markets conducted a survey of more than five-thousand people on changes they would like to see and most wanted the market to have more diverse vendors, while staying with tradition. Robert Thomas with Lexington Market tells WJZ that building renovations could begin as early as next year. Funding for the multi-million-dollar makeover would come from public and private sources.
Washington Baseball: The Washington Nationals won last night’s game against the New York Mets; the score was 4 to 1.
Baltimore Baseball: The Orioles had yesterday off; tonight, they’ll be in Ohio for a game against the Cleveland Indians – it’s the first game in a three-game series.
Playoff Tickets Going On Sale, The O’s are getting ready to sell playoff tickets. The Baltimore Business Journal reports that the team club will mail out invoices to season-ticket holders next week. Individual tickets will be available at a later date. With a seven-and-a-half game lead over the Blue Jays in the American League East, the Orioles are inching closer to clinching a post-season spot.
Baltimore Football: The Ravens are headed to Texas today, where they’ll play against the Dallas Cowboys tomorrow in their second game of the preseason.
