DOCKWORKERS BRACE FOR ANOTHER SHUTDOWN AT PORT OF BALTIMORE: What once appeared to be an unlikely strike at East Coast ports is now inching closer to reality, threatening to put thousands of people in the Baltimore region out of work. The union representing dockworkers and a trade group of shipping companies are at an impasse over wages and the automation of work at ports. Giacomo Bologna/The Baltimore Banner.
- Baltimore longshoremen, still recovering from the impacts of the Key Bridge collapse, expressed their concerns about a looming strike that could be devastating to the nation’s consumer supply. Thousands of dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts, including in Baltimore, could strike if a new labor agreement is not reached by Tuesday, October 1, with shipping companies represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance. Kelsey Kushner/WJZ TV.
‘MODEST’ BUDGET PROJECTIONS PROMPTS CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM: Maryland’s revenue forecast for the coming year will remain statistically flat, according to a new forecast released Thursday by the Board of Revenue Estimates. The forecast, which included a modest upward revision for the current budget year, is the first look at fiscal 2026 revenues. Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.
NAVAL ACADEMY’S AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TRIAL IS OVER, WHAT’S NEXT?: The future of the U.S. Naval Academy’s admissions process is now in the hands of a federal judge. After a nearly two-week-long trial in a Baltimore district courtroom, Judge Richard Bennett will weigh whether the Annapolis-based military school will be allowed to continue considering race when selecting students — a practice it has said is already very limited. Sapna Bansil/The Baltimore Banner.
NEW OYSTER REEF INSTALLED IN BAY BY VIRGINIA COMPANY: Improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay is often tied with efforts to boost the population of crabs, oysters and other native species that also help the region’s seafood industry stay afloat. But one new oyster reef being installed by a Virginia company will be full of mollusks that aren’t necessarily destined for your dinner plate. John Domen/WTOP News.
‘THIS IS SO WRONG’: SYKESVILLE RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PLANNED SOLAR FACILITY: The Maryland Public Service Commission heard plenty of opposition Wednesday night to a proposal to build a solar facility on farmland in Sykesville. The Public Service Commission held a virtual public hearing on a proposal from Spring Valley Solar 1 LLC. The company intends to build a 2.25-megawatt solar farm on 14 acres of an 80-acre property it owns at 1500 Fannie Dorsey Road in Sykesville. Sherry Greenfield/The Baltimore Sun.
NATIONAL DEMS ADD DELANEY RACE TO THEIR PRIORITY LIST: Just a week after the campaign arm for U.S. House Republicans elevated Maryland’s 6th District to its priority list of targeted congressional races, House Democrats are doing the same. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Thursday that it is adding the Democratic nominee in the 6th, former U.S. Commerce Department official April McClain Delaney, to its “Red to Blue” program, which boosts competitive Democratic challengers and open-seat candidates. Josh Kurtz/Maryland Matters.
MAYOR SCOTT’S TOP PRIORITY IN SECOND TERM IS “BETTER CONTROL OF MEDIA MESSAGING”: As he glides toward a second term in November (his Republican challenger winning just 1/33rd of his vote total in the May primary), Mayor Brandon Scott is gearing up to neutralize what he privately calls his real “opponent” – the media and media stories that don’t conform to his sunny view of Baltimore on his watch. Mark Ruetter/Baltimore Brew.
SECURITY GRANTS ANNOUNCED FOR AT-RISK RELIGIOUS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS: The Montgomery County government announced Wednesday another round of nonprofit security grants to help houses of worship and community organizations at risk of hate crimes pay for security guards, cameras and other safety measures. Ginny Bixby/MoCo 360.
ANNAPOLIS, AA CO. OFFICIALS OFFER MORE DETAILS ON SWEDEN TRIP: Departure day is edging closer for the delegation of state, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County officials heading to Sweden to learn about environmental research, review electric ferries and meet with Swedish leaders. While officials have already provided some details on the trip, here’s the latest on the weeklong study tour that jets off to Sweden Saturday, making stops in Stockholm and Gothenburg before returning Oct. 5. Natalie Jones/The Baltimore Sun.
JOPPATOWNE HIGH, NATIONWIDE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS PROMPTS ACTION: With the number of school shootings across the country, including one earlier this month at Joppatowne High School, leaders in the nation’s capital want more to be done to save lives and minimize trauma. Stephon Dingle/WJZ NEWS.
FREDERICK NOW ALLOWS NON CITIZENS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS: After a 4-1 vote, the Board of Aldermen has approved legislation to allow Green Card holders and undocumented immigrants to cast votes in local elections. This is now the largest city or town in the state of Maryland to take such action. It’s important to note this new law does not apply to federal or state elections. John Gonzalez/FOX 45 NEWS.
BALTIMORE’S PROPOSED LAND BANK THE VICTIM OF POLITICAL INFIGHTING? A proposal to create a land bank to help dispose of Baltimore’s thousands of vacant properties fell victim to political forces rather than opposition to the idea, the bill’s sponsor said this week. Emily Opilo/The Baltimore Sun.
