MARYLAND DEMS, ONE REPUBLICAN PRAISE WALZ AS HARRIS VP PICK: Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday won praise from Maryland Democrats, who pointed to the governor’s experience and approach to politics as key assets in the fall campaign. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said in a statement that Democrats and other voters should be excited for his friend Walz, a former congressman. “His plainspoken, common-sense approach to governing allowed him to deliver for veterans and Minnesotans,” Hoyer said. “I know he will bring that same dedication and empathy to the vice presidency.” Katherine Wilson of Capital News Service/Maryland Reporter.
- The selection even drew support from former Gov. Larry Hogan, the Republican nominee this fall for Maryland’s Senate seat. “I want to extend my congratulations to Governor Walz on being selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee,” Hogan said on social media. “We had the chance to work together as fellow governors, and while we come from different parties, I have always appreciated his dedication to public service.” Elijah Pittman and Jacob Fischler/Maryland Matters.
- Maryland Democratic Chair Ken Ulman called the selection “a momentous occasion for our party and a pivotal moment for our country.” Other top state Democrats noted the diversity of Walz’s background. Gov. Wes Moore, who, like Walz, is an Army veteran, cited the Minnesotan’s path “from Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, to public school teacher and union leader, to governor of Minnesota.” Jeff Barker/The Baltimore Sun.
FEDERAL COURT UPHOLDS MARYLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN: A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld Maryland’s ban on the sale and possession of military-style assault weapons in the state, raising the possibility of another Supreme Court showdown over gun laws. Lee O. Sanderlin and Amisha Kumar/The Baltimore Banner.
- The 10-5 split decision by the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond leaves in place the 2013 law, despite recent landmark rulings by the nation’s highest court that some felt would nullify the decade-old Maryland law. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
- After dissecting how high-powered assault rifles are ineffective and inappropriate for self-defense, and recounting in some detail the horrors of mass shootings in the United States, the court endorsed the Maryland law by saying, “Our nation has a strong tradition of regulating excessively dangerous weapons once it becomes clear that they are exacting an inordinate toll on public safety and societal wellbeing.” Tom Jackman and Rachel Weiner/The Washington Post.
MOORE ‘CONSIDERING OPTIONS’ AFTER JUDGE STRIKES GUN CARRY LAW: Gov. Wes Moore is “considering all options” following a ruling last week by a federal judge that struck down parts of a 2023 firearms law. That law, passed in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, set limits on where firearms could be legally carried. The bill was challenged in court the same day that Moore signed it into law. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
MOORE CALLS FOR PROBE INTO DPW WORKER’s DEATH: Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday called for a “full investigation” into the heat-related death of a Baltimore sanitation worker, weighing in amid a growing chorus of criticism of the city’s Department of Public Works. Cody Boteler, Lillian Reed and Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner.
- Speakers who had gathered to remember Ronald Silver pointed to an entrenched management culture at DPW that they said is characterized by indifference, hazing and cruelty. “The toxic culture at DPW must be gutted,” said Patrick Moran, president of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, which represents Bureau of Solid Waste workers like Silver who go out on trucks to collect city trash and recycling. Fern Shen/Baltimore Brew.
- Several members of the Baltimore City Council and union leaders representing the city’s Department of Public Works employees demanded improved safety measures and called for investigative hearings Tuesday in response to the death of a city sanitation worker on the job last week. Emily Opilo/The Baltimore Sun.
TWO DELEGATE VACANCIES CLOSER TO BEING FILLED: Two vacancies in the House of Delegates are closer to being filled. Teresa Saavedra Woorman (D) will be sworn in next Monday as the newest member of the House, representing Montgomery County. And on Monday evening, the Wicomico County Republican Central Committee unanimously nominated Salisbury businessman and county GOP Chair Barry Beauchamp to replace former Del. Carl Anderton (R-Wicomico), who just went to work for Gov. Wes Moore’s administration. Josh Kurtz and Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
B’MORE ELECTIONS BOARD STICKS WITH FIRM WHOSE OWNER CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL VOTING: Why does Baltimore City’s board of elections forgo the bidding process and give contracts to a company whose owner was charged with illegal voting, especially when other jurisdictions handle much of the same work in house? In their words, they don’t really have a choice. Lee O. Sanderlin/The Baltimore Banner.
TOWSON APPLE STORE WORKER RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT: Unionized employees at the Apple store in the Towson Town Center voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify their first contract with the tech giant, the union said Tuesday night. IAM International President Brian Bryant said in a statement that the contract “sets a new standard for Apple retail workers nationwide.” Cody Boteler/The Baltimore Banner.
Walz is a far left Progressive. This combination of Progressives will continue to damage this Country. Harris has accomplished absolutely nothing as a Senator nor VP. She has demonstrated no leadership skills. She flounders when the teleprompter is absent. These Progressives want more income redistribution and subsequently more and more taxes. including a wealth tax. The borders will remain porous, inflation will continue and the economy will flounder. They’re intent is to have the government manage the economy and every aspect of our lives. These aspects were never envisioned by the founders.