The two drivers involved in the fatal crash on Interstate 695 that left six construction workers dead are facing charges. Both drivers have been indicted on multiple counts of manslaughter, reckless driving, and other charges. Court testimony revealed the Volkswagen Jetta, driven by Melachi Brown, hit speeds of 122 mph just prior to the crash. Brown is being held under house arrest. Lisa Lea, is also charged in the deadly crash. Reports indicate Lea may have been impaired at the time of the accident. Police are trying to locate her and there is now a bench warrant for her arrest. (WBAL)
Thoroughbred horse racing will continue for at least another six months in Maryland. Owners of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course reached a short-term agreement on operations and profit-sharing. A new Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority will be appointed this summer. (Baltimore Banner)
A new abortion clinic has opened in Western Maryland that will serve nearby residents in West Virginia where the service is banned. (Baltimore Sun)
The Baltimore Police Department’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget of $594.5 million was the focus Baltimore’s City Council budget meeting Tuesday night. Police Commissioner Michael Harrison was also asked about his future with the Baltimore Police Department. He said he’s had offers from other cities but has so far said no to them but may have to consider any future offers. (WJZ)
Baltimore County Council voted unanimously to overturn its prior approval of a controversial plan to build a 3,000,000-square foot industrial park at the former LaFarge Quarry in Middle River. Residents have opposed the plan for months. (Baltimore Sun)
The new Carroll County Department of Fire and EMS of Maryland (CCDFEMS) will be taking over emergency medical services in the county, effective June 8. (Carroll County Observer)
A Baltimore City firefighter is suing the department claiming race and color discrimination, a hostile work environment, retaliation and civil rights and Maryland Fair Employment Practices violations. (WBAL)
Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $169,401,366 in revenue from slot machines and table games during May 2023, a decrease of $9,366,462 (-5.2%) compared to May 2022. (TheBayNet)
The annual report card on the health of the Chesapeake Bay from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES) is out and grades overall bay health at a C level, which is where it has been for the last several years. Although conditions in the bay overall are improving, many bay tributaries still have poor scores, particularly in many Eastern Shore watersheds. (Maryland Matters)
Southern Maryland is celebrating its designation as a National Heritage Area. (WTOP)
The widespread haze from Canadian wildfires continues to linger over our area. (WMAR)
WBAL -TV
There were six shootings in Annapolis over the weekend, one of which left one person dead. (Baltimore Sun)
The officer accused in the shooting over the weekend of an Eldersburg man who had called a crisis hotline threatening to commit suicide has been named. Sgt. Jesse Hartsock, a 15-year police veteran assigned to the Field Operations Bureau, has been moved to an administrative role, as is department policy. (Baltimore Sun)
33 illegal dirt bikes and ATVs were seized from a business in Northwest Baltimore over the weekend. (WBFF)
The Howard County Public Schools System has awarded a five-year contract to transportation company Zum Services, Inc. to operate 250 buses in the Maryland school district that will help modernize transportation. (Baltimore Fishbowl)
An FBI surveillance plane has been circling West Baltimore. (Baltimore Banner)
The police chief of Ocean Pines announces his retirement. (WMDT)
Erie Insurance is being accused of discriminating by engaging in insurance “redlining” of predominantly Black neighborhoods in Baltimore. (Baltimore Sun)
In sports, a rough start to the series last night in Milwaukee for the Baltimore Orioles as they lose a lead late and then allow the Brewers to score in the bottom of the 10th inning for a 4-3 win. (Camden Chat)
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Charles County is now America’s wealthiest Black community. The number of families who are Black and earning more than $200,000 has quadrupled in Charles County from 2009 to 2020.
