President Obama To Address Senate Dems In Baltimore
President Obama is expected to address Senate Democrats today in Baltimore. The lawmakers are meeting in Charm City to discuss strategy and messaging for the year ahead. Officials say the meeting is focused on the economy and how Democrats will approach their new role as the minority following the November elections.
New Baltimore Health Commissioner
Baltimore's new health commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, begins her tenure today. The former ER physician and Harvard-trained Rhodes Scholar replaces Interim Commissioner Dr. Jacquelyn Duval-Harvey. Wen, 31, is the co-author of When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests. She will oversee an agency that employs more than 1,100 people and manages a budget of around $126 million dollars.
Officials Seize Arrabers' Horses
Animal Control and the city prosecutor's office are investigating after Baltimore health officials confiscated 14 horses from arabbers, the city street vendors who sell fruit and produce from horse-drawn carts. Officials said the horses were living in poor conditions in a stable on South Carlton Street and there were concerns because of the recent cold weather. The horses have been moved to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine. Baltimore City Health Department Public Information Officer Michael Schwartzberg said an investigation by Animal Control remains open in cooperation with the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office.
Maryland Police Superintendent Resigns
Maryland State Police Superintendent Marcus Brown is resigning. He'll step down next Monday, one day before Governor-elect Larry Hogan takes the oath of office. Colonel Brown said he leaves with a "heavy heart," but is "in awe" of the successes his employees have achieved.
Settlement Reached In CSX Derailment Deaths
A settlement has reportedly been reached with the families of two 19-year-old women who were killed when a CSX train derailed in 2012. According to the Baltimore Sun, the terms of the settlement with the families of Elizabeth Nass and Rose Mayr are confidential. The women were sitting on a trestle that carries the tracks over Main Street in Ellicott City when the train derailed and buried them in coal.
Funeral Arrangements Announced For Fallen City Officer
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Baltimore police officer Craig Chandler, who died this weekend from injuries he suffered in a November crash. Chandler was one of three officers hurt after colliding with a scooter and smashing into a pole on Bartlett Avenue. A viewing for Officer Chandler will be held Saturday afternoon at Ruck Funeral Home on Harford Road in Baltimore. A memorial service is set for noon Sunday at Takoma Park Seventh Day Adventist Church, with burial to follow at George Washington Cemetery in Adelphi.
Terps Top Rutgers’ Scarlet Knights
The #14 Maryland Terps beat Rutgers Wednesday night at University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center, 73-65. Myles Mack finished with 19 points and six assists. Bishop Daniels and Mike Williams both chipped in 12 points as the Terps moved to 16-and-2 overall and 4-and-1 in the Big Ten. Maryland is hosting Michigan State on Saturday.
Inner Harbor Ice Rink To Extend Season
Keep your blades sharpened--Baltimore's new Inner Harbor ice rink is staying open another month. Originally slated to close on January 19, the Waterfront Partnership says the rink at McKeldin Square will now stay open through February 16, Presidents' Day. Since the rink opened on November 21, officials say more than 15,000 people have laced up their skates and hit the ice.
