The Baltimore Orioles have finalized a 30-year lease agreement with the State of Maryland, ensuring that they will continue to play at Camden Yards. The deal includes provisions for potential development of surrounding land and a no-relocation clause. The agreement unlocks $600 million for upgrades to the ballpark, which will be used to improve infrastructure, amenities, and audio/video systems. The Orioles' chairman expressed a desire to create a vibrant campus that benefits the city year-round.
The latest Maryland School Report Card reveals a significant drop in the number of five-star schools in three of the highest-performing districts in the Baltimore area. While Baltimore City saw an increase in the number of five-star schools, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Carroll County all experienced declines. The Department of Education attributes the decline in scores to chronic absenteeism, which was scored differently last year due to the pandemic. However, the number of one-star schools in the state decreased, indicating some improvement.
Two suspects, a man and a woman, have been arrested following a bank robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The female suspect was apprehended shortly after the robbery, while the male suspect initially escaped into Baltimore City but was later arrested by the Baltimore City Police Department. No injuries were reported, and a firearm was preliminarily indicated to be involved in the robbery.
Baltimore City has issued a voluntary water restriction for residents and businesses in the city and several counties due to a fire at a drinking-water pumping station. The restriction aims to limit excessive water usage and avoid adding strain to the system while repairs are made. Suggestions to reduce usage include avoiding watering lawns, washing cars, and unnecessary faucet flow. The restriction does not affect normal usage for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
Two people were killed and dozens injured in a mass shooting at a block party in South Baltimore's Brooklyn neighborhood. At least 30 people were shot, with three in critical condition. No suspects have been arrested, but investigators are reviewing video surveillance to identify them. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott vowed to find and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Three city residents were arrested during a peaceful protest in Federal Hill while trying to stop Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) from doing gas work in the historic neighborhood. The group calls the actions by BGE and city leaders bullying and are now plaintiffs in a just-filed class-action lawsuit against BGE. BGE claims it is modernizing its gas system by replacing its aging low-pressure gas infrastructure with a higher-pressure system.
A police pursuit of a stolen military truck from Harford County ended in Baltimore City with the suspect in custody and no reported injuries. The vehicle was privately owned and stolen from an address in Bel Air. The suspect is facing numerous charges and will be evaluated at a hospital as a precautionary measure.
