Month: June 2015

Baltimore mayor, others vow to find way to revive Red Line after rejection by Gov. Hogan; Supreme Court OK of commission-based redistricting green lights reform in Maryland; clean air advocates push Hogan administration over smog rule; presidential candidate Huckabee blasts city administration over police treatment, but city spokesman says waffling over Confederate flag leaves Huckabee no room to judge; O’Malley’s uphill climb to presidency made tougher by Bernie Sanders; and Arundel’s Peroutka draws Ethics Commission attention with Bible-laden video on legislation.

With Gov. Hogan pulling the plug on the Red Line for Baltimore City, $288 million in prep work is lost, but city should focus on more sensible alternatives; “cop watching” takes on a more by-the-book approach; some Arundel residents intend to fly Confederate flag, even as U.S. Rep. Cummings calls for moves to pull flag a good first step; Maryland embracing solar power; Montgomery County prepares to cut its budget; one Democrat, two Republicans file to fun for U.S. Rep. Hoyer’s seat; and O’Malley finally hires a campaign manager.

Gov. Hogan gives thumbs up to Purple Line, thumbs down to Red Line; Red Line “wasteful boondoogle” and “fatally flawed” as Tweeted map excludes Baltimore City from Maryland and officials react with disappointment; slimmed-down Purple Line, however, gets much warmer reception from governor giving local officials reason to be upbeat; medical marijuana rules expected to be printed in Maryland Register today, setting stage for new industry; Hogan starts chemo Monday, expected to be in hospital for four days; high court upholds police non-disclosure of internal misconduct records; and former TU President Maravene Loeschke dies, beloved professor had stepped down from post due to illness.

Gov. Hogan to have major transportation announcement today, raising speculation on future of the proposed Purple Line; fate of myriad “racist symbols” uncertain; Judicial Watch files lawsuit over Maryland’s redistricting process; on Hogan and cancer: how much medical info should a public official reveal and Baltimore City prayer vigil for Hogan set for Friday; and Montgomery County’s move on paid sick leave could spur similar action by other jurisdictions.

Gov. Hogan signals intent to pull Confederate flag from vehicle tags as more debate changing symbols that many perceive as racist; as Lt. Gov. Rutherford heads up Board of Public Works, he comes down hard on department spending; more reaction to news of Hogan’s illness, treatment pours in from lawmakers, doctors; as lawmakers gather to discuss economic disparity, jobs and poverty issues in Baltimore City, autopsy reveals Freddie Gray suffered one, “high-energy injury;” Montgomery County passes paid sick leave legislation; U.S. Rep. Edwards picks up more labor support in Senate run; and Donald Trump stumps in Maryland.