STATE ELECTIONS OFFICIALS TO GET SAFETY TRAINING: Elections officials in Maryland will participate in a series of safety trainings with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials in advance of primary and general elections scheduled for next year. Earlier this month, state and local election officials told the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee of increased “threats and abusive conduct.” Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS URGE STATE TO SCALE BACK BLUEPRINT FUNDING PLAN: Maryland state lawmakers are facing mounting pressure to scale back a massive increase in education spending known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The landmark legislation pumps billions into public education, but local government officials say it’s crushing their budgets. Chris Papst/WBFF-TV News.
PANEL HOPES TO ID FIRST ROUND OF DRUGS FOR PRICE EVALUATION: A state board tasked with controlling prescription drug prices for Maryland workers said that it is likely to identify the first set of medications for cost reduction efforts early next year, and t is finalizing procedures to get their work underway. Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
MOORE ANNOUNCES PRIVATE GRANTS IN RESPONSE TO HATE CRIMES: Gov. Wes Moore said Monday that the state will fund an additional $1 million in grants for local organizations and religious institutions to hire security in response to a recent wave of hate crimes and incidents. Eligible organizations can seek up to $40,000 in emergency state funding through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to protect themselves against hate crimes, according to a news release from Moore’s office. Dillon Mullan/The Baltimore Sun.
FBI HQ IN GREENBELT: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: As soon as the GSA announced its decision to move the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt in Maryland, backers of the Virginia bid and the director of the FBI himself cried foul. Maryland officials insist they won fair and square and that the decision is “a done deal.” But what do we know of what is actually going on? Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
MAGLEV TRAIN TUNNELS COULD BE MORE EXTENSIVE: High-speed Maglev trains could one day whiz underneath South Baltimore’s Westport community under a recent legal settlement, but planning documents show the proposed passenger rail tunnel would be much more extensive than just one neighborhood. David Zawodny/The Baltimore Banner.
NEW CABLES ACROSS YOUGH RIVER VIOLATE PROTECTIONS, RESIDENTS SAYS: Steve Storck hoped to find solitude on a recent hike in the state-protected Wild Youghiogheny River corridor. Instead, he was surprised to see new cables cross the waters. Storck said the lines and accompanying structures, located roughly 100 yards from his property, are exceptions to the Wild Yough’s protections. Teresa McMinn/Cumberland Times News.
LAWMAKERS CONTINUE TO BRAINSTORM ON JUVENILE CRIME: With just over a month until the next General Assembly session, some lawmakers and top prosecutors from around the state are brainstorming ways to address juvenile crime concerns and another hearing has been scheduled. The House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Del. Luke Clippinger of Baltimore City, has scheduled a third juvenile crime hearing for Dec. 5. Mikenzie Frost/WBFF-TV News.
BA CO COUNCIL TO CONSIDER IG LEGISLATION: Legislation being considered by the Baltimore County Council Tuesday would enshrine the inspector general’s office in the county charter to protect it from being dismantled by future county leaders. John Lee/WYPR-FM.
COMMENTARY: OLSZEWSKI LEGISLATION AVOIDS GIVING IG ACCESS: How hard is it for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski to get it right when it comes to assuring access to local government records by the county’s watchdog against fraud, waste and abuse – Inspector General Kelly Madigan? He has generated fresh controversy by proposing legislation on the structure and authority of the Office of Inspector General that does not enshrine its most important power in the county charter: Direct and unfettered access to county records. David Plymyer/Baltimore Brew.
ROOMMATES SUE PRINCE GEORGE’S POLICE FOR SHOOTING PET DOG: The Prince George’s County Police Department and three of its officers were sued in federal court Monday for $16 million by four roommates who allege the officers illegally entered their apartment without a warrant, used excessive force, and needlessly shot and paralyzed their dog, which later had to be euthanized. Katie Mettler and Clarence Williams/The Washington Post.
FORMER WJZ POLITICAL REPORTER PAT WARREN DIES: WJZ is mourning the loss of Pat Warren, a co-worker for nearly 30 years who died over the weekend. Warren was an anchor and reporter, who spent much of her time at WJZ covering Annapolis and the legislature. Denise Koch and Adam Thompson/WJZ-TV News.
