historic Baker Building in downtown New Baltimore will add housing Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce a redevelopment project receiving support from the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program which will see the rehabilitation of the historic Baker Building in downtown New Baltimore.   will create three new housing units and generate a total capital investment of over $2.95 million adding vibrancy and density to the community’s downtown The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development real estate rehabilitation and development and public space improvements.   “Restoring the historic Baker Building in New Baltimore will create more housing supply to drive down costs and make downtown a more attractive place to live “We are focused on our comprehensive economic development strategy to help anyone ‘Make It in Michigan’ by supporting people we will grow our economy and make every region of our state more vibrant as we recruit and retain top talent and drive down the cost of housing Let’s keep working together to get things done.”  we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman “We look forward to seeing how this project brings new life to the historic Baker Building and improves downtown New Baltimore for its community and residents.”   The project will rehabilitate a long-vacant historic building into a mixed-use building containing three residential units and commercial space The cost of construction is elevated due to the work required to preserve the building’s remaining historic features and address structural issues The development team has worked with the local government to secure a Commercial Rehabilitation Act exemption to help the future financial viability of the site.  the Baker Building will add to the density and walkability of downtown New Baltimore.  “This is very exciting for the City of New Baltimore as this building holds a significant piece of history in our community,” said Mayor Thomas Semaan “This will also add to the significant resurgence of development and redevelopment of our historic preservation of buildings in the district New Baltimore is grateful to the MEDC for their diligence in seeing this project through to successful resolution.”  “The revitalization of this historic Baker Building marks an exciting new chapter for the New Baltimore community,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St “Together with funds secured in the 2025 budget to repair the city’s breakwalls this grant provides us the opportunity to strengthen our collective work with local leaders to create a more vibrant downtown where people want to live the universally accessible playscape met its $50,000 crowdfunding goal and received matching funds from the MEDC; the New Baltimore community held a ribbon cutting event that July celebrating a space that would allow children of all abilities to play.  About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application A dedicated member of the New Baltimore community Pat will be remembered as a founding member of the New Baltimore Volunteer Fire Department and a lifelong member of both the New Baltimore Sportsman's Club and St and his uncle (who was more like a brother) Pat enjoyed the outdoors and found great joy in hunting and fishing with his family and friends He also enjoyed gardening and took immense pride in creating a pristine footprint-free garden that was admired and enjoyed by many in the community Pat was a proud graduate of the Berlin Brothersvalley High School Class of 1959 He went on to earn an associate's degree from Catherman's Business School He spent his career with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and retired in 1998 Robert Stoe and Madie (Felten) Miller; his grandparents and Andrew and Elizabeth Stoe; his beloved sisters Janis Cooper and Cindy Robinette; and his brothers-in-law Pat is survived by his loving wife of 57 years wife Nicole Brook (Emerick) and their son Hunter; his son Travis Stoe Ryan and Meredith; his daughter Melissa (Stoe) Hott and her partner from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes memorial contributions may be made in memory of Patrick J to the New Baltimore Volunteer Fire Department: 526 Juniata St Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/ Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Inc Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Baltimore’s food scene is buzzing with fresh energy thanks to an influx of exciting new spots that span far beyond traditional restaurants From charming micro-bakeries and artisan tea pop-ups to bold Latin street food and intimate Italian speakeasies these new establishments are redefining the city’s culinary landscape Whether you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable dinner a quick pastry fix or a hand-whipped matcha that’s got even Gwyneth Paltrow talking Here’s a deep dive into the newest places making waves in Charm City — including one that opened last week They also boast one of the most extensive nonalcoholic drink menus in the city Think creatively crafted sippers like the Dreamsicle which expertly balances citrus and creaminess with coconut milk offers an impressive selection of brews that complement their plant-based offerings And soon you’ll be able to visit Oleum in a more permanent location: The business is preparing to take over the former Bondhouse Kitchen space in Fells Point Brunch Supply is a tiny but mighty micro-bakery tucked away in Upper Fells Point This pastel-colored gem is only open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m while the strawberry lemon buns bring a refreshing tartness But the real showstopper is the “lumberjack” maple bacon bun For a more subtle but equally delicious option the vanilla cardamom bun offers a delicate balance of sweet and spice The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one. Doppio Pasticceria is giving Remington a taste of Sicily with its unique combination as a pizzeria With a few indoor seats and a large outdoor space outfitted with picnic tables Doppio offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for casual dining Their plain cheese slice is a master class in simplicity crispy on the outside and filled with cheesy Stop by for a quick bite or linger over coffee and pastries For matcha lovers (and the matcha-curious), The Equitea Co. is a must-visit. Popping up in the former JBGB’s space, this spot is serving hand-whipped, premium matcha that’s a favorite of none other than Gwyneth Paltrow The lavender matcha latte is particularly delicious offering floral and earthy notes that complement the matcha’s natural bitterness If you’re looking to explore different varieties their matcha tasting flight is a great way to sample multiple options With its minimalist aesthetic and focus on quality is elevating Baltimore’s tea game one frothy cup at a time Nestled in the former Di Pasquale’s Marketplace in Highlandtown Forno is an intimate Italian eatery that feels like a well-kept secret plus a few cozy love seats paired with small coffee tables the space channels a speakeasy vibe that invites you to linger The menu is a love letter to classic Italian comfort food with memorable appetizers like their signature meatballs and wood-fired pizzas that strike the right balance between crispy and chewy Dessert offerings rotate but never disappoint Forno is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or an intimate night out with friends Aru Aru is bringing a fresh spin on modern Latin street food to Baltimore Currently popping up at the Fells Point Farmers Market every Saturday morning Aru Aru’s menu highlights bold Central American flavors creamy Baltimore-style dip and honey sriracha slaw Their take on birria is equally impressive zesty salsa verde and a touch of fresh cilantro and onions Aru Aru’s fusion of traditional techniques and modern twists makes it a standout in Baltimore’s growing street food scene Keep an eye out for their brick-and-mortar location With its takeover of the former Blue Hill Tavern space in Canton Union Hill Kitchen & Craft Bar is giving modern American cuisine a much-needed upgrade The dinner and weekend brunch menus offer a refined yet approachable selection of dishes that showcase quality ingredients and inventive flavors Their steak frites are perfectly cooked and served with a rich The yellowfin tuna tartare is fresh and delicate while the shrimp “noodle” ceviche delivers a citrusy punch with a touch of heat Whether you’re stopping in for brunch or settling in for a cozy dinner The long-vacant former Shoyou Sushi space in South Baltimore is now home to Taqueria Charro Negro the carryout sister spot to Charro Negro Bar & Grill in Greektown The menu is packed with street tacos filled with options like barbacoa And don’t sleep on the tres leches cake for dessert — it’s the sweetest way to soothe your taste buds after enjoying their spicy red salsa the buzz suggests that this newcomer will bring a playful Known for their inventive cocktails and eye-catching presentation Dutch Courage’s track record hints that Pink Flamingo will be more than just a pretty face imaginative drinks and an atmosphere that’s as vibrant as the name suggests Chris Franzoni chris@eatmorebaltimore.com blogger and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore which he started nine years ago with two goals — eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore-area restaurant and hospitality scene Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. 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If the problem persists, please contact customer service at 443-843-0043 or customercare@thebaltimorebanner.com — A new Baltimore County Executive has been chosen Maryland State Senator Katherine Klausmeier will replace now Congressman Johnny Olszewski The Baltimore County Council announced their selection Tuesday morning Klausmeier will serve in office until the 2026 elections The Council settled on Klausmeier after considering a dozen candidates Klausmeier has represented parts of Baltimore County in the Maryland General Assembly for nearly 30 years She was named President Pro Tempore of the State Senate in 2019-20 Olszewski issued a statement endorsing Klausmeier “Senator Klausmeier is not only a lifelong friend she is a dedicated and hard-working public servant – a leader who I know is more than up to the task ahead," said Olszewski "I also know that she inherits an outstanding team that will ensure she hits the ground running I look forward to partnering with her and all of our elected officials at the state and local level in my new role.” The two worked together in the Maryland General Assembly from 2006 until 2015 “My colleagues and I are very pleased to announce the selection of Senator Klausmeier as the next County Executive her reputation as a problem-solver who listens to constituents and her leadership in the General Assembly bring qualities that will be needed for Baltimore County residents for the next two years and beyond,” said Baltimore Council Chairman Izzy Patoka The Council will formally vote on Klausmeier Tuesday at 3pm at which time she will be officially sworn-in A Mega Millions ticket purchased in Michigan won $1 million Tuesday The ticket matched the five white balls drawn — 20, 24, 33, 39 and 48 It was bought at a Shell gas station located at 37820 Green St. in New Baltimore, according to the Michigan Lottery The winner has until one year from the date of the drawing to claim the Mega Millions prize The 15 Best Maryland Crab Houses Worth the Drive The Best New D.C. Restaurants in May, According to Eater Editors The Best Places to Dine Around Clarendon and Courthouse, According to Eater Editors Charm City is chock-full of exciting new dining destinations Eater writers and editors always get the same question “Where should I eat right now?” That’s where the Eater Heatmap enters the conversation pointing diners toward the most intriguing or otherwise buzz-worthy new restaurants in the Baltimore area This list considers restaurants that have opened across Charm City in the past few months It’s an exciting time for Baltimore’s dining scene For our map of Baltimore’s essential restaurants, go here. And plan a proper staycation in Baltimore with help from this 24-hour guide Tierney Plumb is an editor of Eater’s Northeast region She was previously the editor of Eater DC since 2022 Her areas of expertise include breaking news The former general assignment reporter at the Washington Business Journal also covered tech and the military at the San Diego Daily Transcript and the real estate market in San Francisco at Bisnow Her work has also been featured in SF Gate and various interior design pubs Jess Mayhugh is the managing editor at Eater and Punch where she and her team earned a James Beard Award in 2022 Her writing has also appeared in the Atlantic she prefers her crab cakes broiled and her Boulevardiers with rye whiskey The expansion of food options in North Baltimore’s Cross Keys continues with the recent opening of Mexican restaurant Luna Oaxaca The menu leans on food from the southern state of Mexico just like its sister property Sol Oaxaca in Bel Air Starters include elote painted with serrano aioli and grilled octopus marinated in coconut milk and guajillo chiles Main platters come in heaping portions like the cochinita pibil (pork shoulder wrapped in plantain leaves) arrachera (skirt steak underneath melted Oaxaca cheese) and airline chicken breast bathed in house-made mole sauce Things get kicked up a notch at Sunday brunch with spicy cocktails like a Mexican Crush with jalapeño-infused tequila and a michelada with house mix and beer of choice From the recently rebranded Tony Foreman + Co Cinghiale) comes the debut of The Duchess in Hampden the beautiful decor of light wood and intricate moldings certainly lives up to that billing chef and co-owner Kiko Fejarang developed a menu that leans on influences of her family’s native Guam and the Chamorro tradition The result is a delightful mish-mash where you can enjoy expertly battered fish and chips paired with a crisp English lager alongside bright and flavorful tuna tartare with pickled ginger and wonton chips Absolutely do not leave the building without ordering spam musubi — a superb salty Also open for brunch and early soccer (football?) games The Duchess is a welcome addition to the neighborhood From Dutch Courage co-owners Brendan Door and Eric Fooy comes another smart leafy murals and a decidedly tropical motif The Pink Flamingo fittingly opened just as the temperatures warmed up at the start of April In a space once occupied by the beloved neighborhood bar Dizzy Izzie’s (later renamed The Dizz) we’ve been impressed with the cocktails — namely the bitter rum-based Whirlybird and the N/A amaro mule the list of more than 150 rums complete with expert tasting notes should keep things interesting Food service will be starting in the coming weeks with dishes like lumpia and a burger topped with pineapple jam is available for dining and private events Baltimore’s cherished Italian bakery and pizzeria relocated to new digs this year stroll in for stunning pastries like maritozzi with whipped cream bomboloni with caramelized honey pastry cream Savory selections include mortadella sandwiches on a sesame-seed roll from dine-in limoncello to take-home wines A post shared by Doppio Pasticceria (@doppio_pasticceria) The canned tea sensation endorsed by the Today Show and Gwyneth Paltrow made a big Charm City comeback this year the extended pop-up sits inside the old JBGB building on North Howard Street A post shared by Tim “Chyno” Chin (@thebaltimorefoodie) Charles Village’s months-old cafe and bar is a breath of fresh air for Baltimore The all-day menu showcases a cross-section of Lowcountry favorites Start the day with oat bowls and shrimp and grits followed by smash burgers and kale salads for lunch and cassava fries Drinks swing from a potent Del Corazon cocktail made with Ten to One rum to a homemade ginger juice mocktail after a $2.1 million renovation and a year-long closure Hollins Market reopened in Southwest Baltimore and now features a grocery store and seven food stalls including a rotating pop-up stall for food entrepreneurs Permanent purveyors include chef Maynard McMillan of NaFasi Catering serving breakfast all day MikksKakes’s baked goods including Nutella and strawberry shortcake pie Atlas Restaurant Group alum Karim Kiriakos and tenured chef Cy Keefer team up on a new Canton restaurant with a spooky speakeasy up top The globe-trotting menu showcases tandori octopus check out Poe’s Tower — its upstairs speakeasy that pays homage to Baltimore’s beloved author Edgar Allan Poe Located past a hidden bookcase under a neon-lit “nevermore” sign sip on the same lineup found downstairs (think a strawberry Aperol spritz A post shared by Tim “Chyno” Chin (@thebaltimorefoodie) The team behind award-winning French bistro Le Comptour du Vin opened a cozy “American Irish” pub in Fells Point in February the space feels more like someone’s home basement bar than a gastropub The front half is a typical-to-Baltimore long row house bar with Guinness on draft and thoughtful cocktails like a Blood & Sand The bar team inherited inventory from scotch bar Birds of a Feather The back half of the bar continues that rec room-feel with a fireplace and a space for traditional Irish music and a darts league But the cuisine is what really sets The Wren apart and chard floating in a deliciously deep broth Other standouts include a perfectly crafted omelet with mushrooms and Lancashire cheese and black pudding pooling alongside brown sauce and sage fried egg This waterfront Fells Point hotel got quite the glow-up and is now a Hilton property The subterranean bar (formerly the Admiral Fell Inn and then the Anchor Bar) is now William Fell Tavern after its neighborhood’s founder The space is open Monday through Saturday and serves breakfast features American fare with a Chesapeake twist — including burgers The drinks list features the curious Crabmeat martini with gin Almost a year after the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Maryland officials on Tuesday unveiled their designs for its replacement which will be taller and better protected against ship strikes Construction of the state’s first cable-stayed bridge could be completed in 2028 and cost upwards of $1.7 billion With its graceful outline and delicate design officials said the new bridge will modernize Baltimore’s skyline The design features two towers with cables radiating down to the deck “This is a great day for the state of Maryland,” Gov Wes Moore said at a news conference late Tuesday morning “But it’s not lost on me that today’s triumph was born out of tragedy.” a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span at the mouth of Baltimore’s harbor took five years to construct and opened to traffic in 1977 It connected various port-oriented industrial communities around Baltimore and allowed drivers to easily bypass downtown The bridge was destroyed when a massive container ship lost power and slammed into one of its supporting columns The March 26 collapse killed six construction workers who were filling potholes when the structure crumbled beneath them Baltimore’s port was closed for months after the collapse and increased traffic congestion remains a problem for drivers across the region Officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge — a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital piece of transportation infrastructure Demolition of the remaining pieces will take place this spring with construction of its replacement to follow They held Tuesday’s news conference at Tradepoint Atlantic a shipping hub in the Port of Baltimore that played a major role in cleanup and recovery efforts following the collapse The facility is revitalizing the site of a former Bethlehem Steel plant just northeast of Baltimore as maritime shipping continues to fuel the regional economy “Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the heartland,” Moore said “Commerce and trade are the bedrock of our state and we will continue to make investments that honor our tradition.” In August, the state awarded a $73 million contract for the first phase of the rebuild to Kiewit Infrastructure Officials said the project would advance in two phases with the first focusing on the design work and other necessary steps before construction begins Moore promised to “employ many Marylanders” throughout the process Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the design will include the latest in pier protection technology which has become increasingly important as ships keep getting bigger and carrying more cargo The bridge will also be taller to provide more clearance He said the plans were developed with the project’s cost and construction timeline in mind it will also be a working bridge for a working city,” Wiedefeld said The federal government has agreed to cover the full price tag for rebuilding Congress recently passed a spending bill that included a funding provision for the project Officials have said they expect that federal taxpayers will eventually be made whole through insurance payouts and damages A sprawling civil case will ultimately determine the assignments of liability in what could become one of the most expensive maritime disasters in U.S The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report on the collapse though officials said a loose cable in the ship’s electrical switchboard likely contributed to its power issues Federal agents boarded the cargo ship Dali amid a criminal investigation last year Photo: This image provided by Office of the Governor of Maryland shows renderings of replacement of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge that was presented during a news conference Tuesday ( Office of the Governor of Maryland via AP) Please tell us what we can do to improve this article Get the insurance industry's trusted newsletter Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" A new neighborhood is taking shape in Baltimore What was once a notorious apartment complex and vacant buildings on West North Avenue is becoming Reservoir Square, a rowhouse community with office space and more development planned the developer behind the project announced plans for a grocery store a grocery store chain with locations in Washington plans to anchor the redevelopment of a vacant building at 600 W knowing this community deserved better,” Bramble said MCB is developing the project in partnership with another Baltimore-based firm Property records show that MCB and Blank Slate spent $2 million to acquire the parcel “This grocery store will not succeed unless we make it our own This is going to be our store,” Bramble said We need to tell our friends and neighbors to come in.” The development of Reservoir Square is personal for Bramble Baltimore-based MCB has made investments across the country and is best known locally for its ambitious plans to overhaul Harborplace at the Inner Harbor That project — still in its nascent phases — has become a lightning rod for both praise and skepticism Reservoir Square is similar in scope to other Baltimore projects helmed by MCB, including Yard 56 in East Baltimore and Northwood Commons is building the neighborhood’s 120 rowhouses Bramble said Monday that 50 of those sites have already been sold A block away from the future Streets Market masons were laying brick at some of the new homes Property records show sales to individual homeowners range from $350,000 to almost $500,000 Bramble said these sales were proof that people want to live in West Baltimore known to some as the “Murder Mall” because of the drug trade and violence that plagued it “What you’re seeing here — near what was once called ‘Murder Mall’ — is about a fresh new beginning and a renaissance that is happening up and down North Avenue,” said Mayor Brandon Scott “This isn’t just about tearing something down under the supervision of a construction worker using a backhoe to tear down a wall of the vacant building But Scott is doing more than ceremonial work on the project His administration awarded $16 million to an arm of MCB and signed a unusually long lease agreement to occupy a planned office building at Reservoir Square The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development moving its workforce there and using the space as a career center for the community Giacomo Bologna giacomo.bologna@thebaltimorebanner.com Giacomo "Jack" Bologna covers business and development at The Baltimore Banner Kathy Klausmeier was waiting to find out what her Wednesday — and with it Would she go to Annapolis for the Maryland General Assembly’s opening day as she had every January for three decades Or would she instead make the 15-minute drive from her home in Perry Hall to Towson and serve her first day as Baltimore County’s first full-time female county executive she got the call that would change her life — and a few hours later her husband of more than 50 years was by her side as she swore to serve the residents of Maryland’s third-largest county is familiar with the county’s issues after representing the Perry Hall area for 30 years But how familiar are the county’s 844,000 residents with their new leader The finance committee considers legislation that deals with banks scope of practice kind of work — what doctors can and can’t do — and also workers’ compensation and even cemetery legislation,” said committee chair Pam Beidle “We really should be called the health and business committee.” Klausmeier showed Beidle the ropes when Beidle became chair; Beidle said Klausmeier became a trusted confidante who was “just really great to work with” because she listened to everyone Klausmeier talked of her listening skills at her swearing in and those who know her from the General Assembly say she’s not exaggerating her abilities to make people feel heard and solve problems “She has this charm that just draws people in,” said Del a Baltimore County Democrat who considers Klausmeier a mentor Harry Bhandari likewise said Klausmeier convinced him to run for the House of Delegates in 2018 and has supported and guided him since then It’s not possible to grow oysters with aquaculture in Baltimore County — the Chesapeake and its rivers are too fresh north of Annapolis for the required salinity named Klausmeier to chair a task force on seafood aquaculture in 2003 the watermen who supported Ehrlich did not want aquaculture in Maryland because it would compete with wild harvests a University of Maryland extension agent who had been pushing aquaculture for decades was not sure whether Ehrlich’s choice of a Baltimore County senator indicated he was not serious about aquaculture When members of the committee tried to engage in backroom discussions she scolded them and brought them back to the public table Klausmeier developed legislation that led to the Aquaculture Coordinating Council and the Aquaculture Review Board — organizations still keeping the industry functioning more than 20 years later Maryland now has 7,800 oyster aquaculture leases Working with Klausmeier to build the industry was Klausmeier was the consensus pick for county executive in large part because the County Council’s three Republicans appreciated her more conservative leanings she represented an area with a mix of Democrats and Republicans; former Gov Larry Hogan tried and failed to flip her seat in 2018 She sometimes took stances that few Democrats did, including voting against mandatory sick leave for employees of small businesses The Maryland Senate overrode Hogan’s veto of that bill without her vote president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association “If I was rating her out of a 10,” he said Baltimore County is becoming increasingly diverse, and yet the council remains all-male and almost all white Only five women have served on the council since 1956 Voters overwhelmingly approved a charter amendment last year to expand the council from seven to nine members a move many hope and expect will bring more diversity County Administrative Officer D’Andrea Walker served as interim county executive for five days; other than that the county never before had a female county executive Of the nine Maryland counties with executive leadership only Baltimore and Montgomery counties had never chosen a woman for the top job before this week which switched to a county executive form of government in 2014 Anne Arundel County has had two women in the top position was appointed to fill a year of a departing executive’s term “It’s about time,” Beidle said of her friend taking the top spot in Baltimore County I still don’t know if a woman county executive in Baltimore County would be elected.” Rona Kobell rona.kobell@thebaltimorebanner.com Rona Kobell is a regional reporter covering Baltimore County she worked as an environmental reporter in the region for nearly 20 years at The Baltimore Sun and The Chesapeake Bay Journal (WBFF) — With Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski elected to Congress Tuesday the Baltimore County Council will begin the search to fill the position for the remainder of the term As Olszewski is expected to start his new job in January the Baltimore County Council is hoping to find a replacement around that time The County Council is responsible for filling the position they are required to fill the position with another Democrat If the County Council does not find a replacement by the time Olszewski leaves County Administrative Officer D'Andrea Walker would temporarily take over until Council reached a decision While several people have already expressed interest in the position Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka said they will open an online portal for interested applicants "We want to be ready to go with an interim shortly after he leaves office," Patoka said ALSO READ |Olszewski elected to the House: 'We are heading to the U.S. Congress' Baltimore County Council member Pat Young said there has been limited conversation about the County Council's plan moving forward He said he would have liked to see more discussions take place "We were pretty much aware of what the result was going to be and if there is any action taken from the Council today to announce what happens next and it should have been a collective decision," Young said As for Council members who may be interested in the open County Executive position "One of the considerations is the Interim County Executive has to commit to not running in 2026 and I am still weighing that option," Patoka said "There is sentiment among the Council that we want someone who is committed to not running in 2026 The sentiment is to not give any potential candidate in 2026 an unfair advantage," he added Councilmember Julian Jones clarified that there was no county rule prohibiting that but there's no rule that someone can't run in 2026," Jones said When asked if Jones was interested in the position he said "Having been here for 10 years and chairman for four I look forward to serving in any capacity that my colleagues choose to call me to do I am humbled to do whatever they want me to do." Young said he does not have an interested in the County Executive position Other council members did not respond to a request for comment The owners of Toki Underground are doubling down on Baltimore Olivier Caillabet and Jeff Jetton plan to launch Tomboy at 3224 Greenmount Ave., according to an application submitted to the city’s board of liquor license commissioners. The bar and restaurant takes its name from a women’s clothing store that previously occupied the space. A hearing is set for March 13 Tomboy will be half a mile north from the owners’ ramen eatery an offshoot of the original Toki Underground in Washington The Baltimore location opened in 2023 with business advocates expressing hope that the restaurant would be a catalyst for economic growth on a stretch of Greenmount Avenue often known for crime and vacant buildings Jetton and Caillabet declined to offer further details about Tomboy A menu included with the application includes mostly small bites like shrimp cocktail beef tartare and crab toast as well as Basque cheesecake for dessert Drinks are geared toward retro cocktails like kir royale and the Mary Pickford a Prohibition-era beverage made with rum and pineapple juice The application lists the seating capacity as 79 and a drawing of the interior depicts a 21-seat bar plus tables Total investment in the project is listed at $280,000 above the $200,000 total capital required by law for new liquor licenses in the vicinity partners on the project include Christophe Richard of Austin and Vladlena Volodkevich Jetton of Baltimore Christina Tkacik christina.tkacik@thebaltimorebanner.com Christina Tkacik is a food reporter for The Baltimore Banner It didn’t take long for the members of the 74th Baltimore City Council — who took their oaths of office five hours before Thursday night’s meeting — to have a first big debate As the council considered a new set of rules for the next four years, Mark Parker, the Lutheran minister representing Southeast Baltimore’s 1st District proposed one of his own: doing away with invocations “It is because I appreciate the role and power of prayer so well that I urge us to end the practice of invocations at City Council meetings,” the 15-year clergy member said “I am convicted of the fact that freedom of religious expression best flourishes when not entangled with government.” Invocations are a part of legislative proceedings everywhere in the U.S They pray before sessions of the General Assembly in Mississippi and the Board of Aldermen in West Jefferson over the last two years of City Council meetings there had been 34 invocations out of a possible 48 opportunities His point is this: Of the 34 invocations delivered to the previous City Council Parker is concerned about the idea that Baltimore could seem as if the government was pushing a particular religion The imam had been repeatedly critical of Schleifer online “I figured I’d get at least one prayer out of you,” Schleifer said he told the imam “I think this is a diverse body that needs to be respected I think that it doesn’t hurt to get a little extra prayer regardless of who’s giving it,” Schleifer said A noble sentiment from the gentleman from Northwest Baltimore It may not be grounded in any formal religion — Dorsey took the oath of office with his left hand on a copy of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” that he checked out from the library — but that doesn’t mean he is in favor of religion crossing over into government “I’ve often sat here and thought it’s really strange that I’m in a government building and being prayed over,” Dorsey said which lasted for about half of the meeting reached its natural end when Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton stood to speak Middleton has been on the council since 2007 and its vice president since 2016 She didn’t understand what all the fuss was about there has never really been any controversy on this subject,” she said in the nascent moments of this 74th session of City Council “[Faith-based communities] were always partners with government in helping the needs of our people or you’ll see a lot of our churches are connected to schools New Council President Zeke Cohen seemed pleased by the robust discussion Cohen thanked his council for the willingness to “take on a tough topic in public.” “I hope this sets a tone for how we as council will proceed,” he said Lee O. Sanderlin Lee.Sanderlin@thebaltimorebanner.com Sanderlin is an Enterprise Reporter for The Baltimore Banner he worked at The Baltimore Sun as a reporter covering a wide array of topics including stories about abusive politicians Eighty-five people have joined a civil complaint against Maryland and the state Department of Juvenile Services over alleged sexual abuse at dozens of youth detention centers as early as 1974 to 2018 The complaint, brought by the Levy Konigsberg law firm on Thursday, is a part of mounting litigation detailing abuse at Maryland’s youth detention centers. Attorneys Jerome Block and Clark Binkley announced the lawsuit just a few weeks after state budget woes paved the way for changes to the Child Victims Act and all of the attorneys representing the survivors across the state are rushing to file because the state created this deadline,” said Binkley “It’s just unbelievable that they would react to these survivors finally having a voice … and saying The Child Victims Act allows child sexual abuse survivors to bring charges against their alleged abusers Those alleging abuse from public institutions such as the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services are now only eligible for $400,000 and $700,000 respectively The changes will take effect June 1 which means the survivors Levy Konigsberg attorneys are currently representing could fight for higher amounts Binkley said the firm intends to file more complaints on survivors’ behalf ahead of June 1 “DJS takes allegations of sexual abuse of children in our care with utmost seriousness and we are working hard to provide decent humane and rehabilitative environments for youth committed to the Department DJS notes that all the claims brought under the Maryland Child Victims Act involve allegations from many decades ago,” according to a statement from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services The latest filings come on the heels of 69 men filing a civil suit against the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services alleging a former state youth detention center employee abused them as children who worked in various capacities at Charles H Neverdon, who is in his 70s now, faces nearly 40 charges including child abuse and second-degree sex offense from instances of alleged abuse that happened from 1976 to 1988 Three of the 85 plaintiffs in the latest filing accused Neverdon of abusing them the firm has already brought over 650 cases detailing abuse that allegedly occurred at state youth detention centers across decades “It is both appalling and disappointing to our clients that the State of Maryland has refused to take any responsibility for this horrific sexual abuse the State has callously attempted to revoke vested rights provided by the Maryland Child Victims Act,” Block said in a press release Thursday and they will not allow unconstitutional tort reform efforts stop them from obtaining full justice and accountability.” Darreonna Davis darreonna.davis@thebaltimorebanner.com Darreonna Davis is an express desk reporter at The Baltimore Banner She previously reported at the intersection of gender health and economic policy as a fellow for the 19th News The win on Monday was big for the team in more ways than one While it may not have improved their overall standing by much it helped put an end to a three-game losing streak while also letting offseason acquisition Tomoyuki Sugano prove that he is the staff ace as things currently stand a 35-year-old rookie with a lengthy track record in NPB allowing only five hits and one walk while striking out eight He lowered his ERA for the year to 3.00 in the process across 33 innings in six starts and picked up his third win of the campaign While Sugano mixed his offerings well, throwing four of his six pitches between 19 percent and 26 percent of the time in the outing, it was a steady diet of the breaking stuff that had the New York Yankees begging for a reprieve while only 28 were fastballs (23 four-seam fastballs and five sinkers) The seasoned rookie's repertoire generated 17 whiffs on 42 swings It saw him end the night with a 36 percent CSW rate Sugano entered the contest with only nine strikeouts through his first five starts Sugano's command has not been an issue to this point, as he has only walked six batters through his first six outings. The lack of grip could, however, have been playing into his diminished stuff, with more evidence being the velocity of all of his pitches being up across the board in Monday's outing. The Orioles have needed someone in their rotation to step up in a big way, and Sugano did just that. To this point, he has been their best starter. Of the four pitchers who have made five or more starts for the team, he is the only one with an ERA sub-5.00. Monday's outing was a strong showing from the 35-year-old rookie, and one that Baltimore will need him to build on the rest of the way if they want any chance of climbing out of the cellar in the American League East. By A burgeoning writer covering MLB on a local and national level NEW BALTIMORE ― A bridge in the borough will be named this week in honor of Staff Sgt a Special Forces Green Beret killed in action in Vietnam on July 5 The bridge is near the intersections of New Baltimore Road and Wambaugh Hollow Road and Tunnel Road on the west side of New Baltimore close to where Tunnel Road goes under the Pennsylvania Turnpike More: Berlin man donates land to Sept. 11th National Memorial Trail Will’s family and members of the Special Forces Association perform a memorial ceremony at his grave at the St The local chapter of the Special Forces Association and others will be in attendance for the ceremony at the bridge Will served three tours in South East Asia On his third tour to the Central Highlands while serving on a Special Forces "A" Team was killed in action by small arms fire while he was on a combat mission against enemy forces according to an article in the McKeesport Daily News Two men from the 5th Special Forces Detachment A-411 at Binh Hung were killed in action on July 5 More: DCNR seeks volunteers for five Trails Advisory Committee positions Will had served tours of duty in Laos and south Viet Nam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during the period he was captured and later escaped Viet Cong forces His first mission to Southeast Asia was in Laos members of his family said Will was urged to stay stateside after his safe return from his first Viet Nam tour but he returned to action "because he believed in what America was trying to accomplish in Viet Nam." he and two other American soldiers with about 35 South Vietnamese soldiers were captured by the Viet Cong The Americans were held for several days before they were stripped naked and turned loose in the jungle The three managed to return to their own troops and as a result Will was awarded the Army Commendation Medal on Jan The article said the citation accompanying the medal noted that it was given "for the performance of exceptionally meritorious service during the period from September 19 More: Pennsylvania wants to relocate a highway. Why one group thinks it's a bad idea The article said Will learned fluent Laotian and various Vietnamese dialects and he attended various Army classes in languages He also was a member of "The President's 100" –a marksmanship group SSG William Anthony Will was survived by his wife Judith D Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com Thank you for completing the form, here is your download: "+jQuery("body").attr("docName")+" Thank you for completing the form, here is the link to your on-demand webinar: On-Demand Webinar Link a 2024 Seagrave Capitol pumper with a 500-gallon tank and 2,000 gpm pump BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department’s newest Seagrave fire engine is arriving with unique colors that made their apparatus easily and quickly recognizable decades ago the fire department transitioned to a white and orange color scheme for its apparatus The new design featured white as the primary color with orange fenders and trim This change was part of a broader initiative to adopt the city’s new colors with the orange shade specifically referred to as Omaha Orange The adoption of the orange and white color scheme was primarily aimed at enhancing the visibility of fire apparatus The bright Omaha Orange was chosen to make the vehicles more noticeable improving safety during emergency responses the Baltimore City Fire Department began transitioning back to the traditional red and white color scheme for its apparatus This marked a return to the traditional look commonly associated with fire departments across the country The distinctive orange and white fire engines remain a notable part of Baltimore’s firefighting history reflecting the department’s ongoing efforts to balance tradition with advancements in safety and visibility Copyright © 2025 Lexipol. All rights reserved.Do Not Sell My Personal Information BALTIMORE — A new film festival happening in Baltimore is bringing up and coming creative minds together It's an event with a title that speaks specifically to those who call Charm City home by using a popular term coined by the hometown crowd "A Lor' Neighborhood Filmfest" being put on by Media Rhythm Institute Studios Inc.was given that name to give it an identity that makes it synonymous with Baltimore we went from "little" to "lil'" to lor' ( l-o-r) a mini-film festival that is Baltimore centric," MRI Studios Director Welch talks about why she and her partner Jimmie Thomas wanted to create this space for local filmmakers "I know so many amazing filmmakers that are making films but I wanted to give them a platform so that the audience could come and not only see their work but so they could see each other" Welch said One of the feature films in the spotlight is "More Than Hype"produced by multi-faceted entertainment entrepreneur Larry "Whaddup" Caudle He talks about the impact he wants the film to make empower and enlighten the people of Baltimore’s culture," Caudle said " His documentary walks the audience through the rise of Baltimore Club Music with interviews that cover four generations of its impact on hip hop culture One of the stars in the second feature film "Black Icarus" is Tray Chaney most known to fans as the character "Poot" from the critically acclaimed series "The Wire." talk about what made them want to do an event that puts an emphasis on changing the narratives that often create a dark cloud over Baltimore "We are bigger than what we hear," Foreman said The negativity has covered it up and now we need to remove that." Keston Decoteau who's been making films for over a decade but also knows how important it is to bring different perspectives to the storytelling about the city "Every win in Baltimore is so important and should be lifted up because we just need every little ounce of faith and hope," he said All of these sentiments confirm why Welch decided that now was the right time for MRI Studios to throw "A Lor Neighborhood Film Fest." because you just wouldn’t think this comes out of people who are living next door to us With the nonprofit also focused on helping the next generation of homegrown creative talent she hopes this is one way to inspire them to chase their dreams in the film industry people who don’t have big budgets are doing it and then you have organizations like us who will give you the platform to show other people A Lor Neighborhood FilmFest takes place Saturday November 9th from 5:30p.m You can find all the detailsHERE including a Q&A with Tray Chaney and a jam session for people to enjoy after the screenings on Saturday Baltimore (WBFF) — Is history repeating itself in Baltimore City Schools when it comes to accusations of grade changing Project Baltimore has been exposing grade manipulation in City Schools have captured the attention of state officials Sources have confirmed to Project Baltimore that Maryland’s Inspector General for Education is looking into new grade changing accusations against Baltimore City Schools The IG has spoken to whistleblowers who first came to Fox45 News saying grades were being improperly changed at PORT Virtual Learning Program at Digital Harbor High School so students could graduate earlier this year City Schools said its grade changing problem had been addressed that Baltimore City Schools leadership was celebrating ALSO READ |Emails fuel new grade changing accusations against Baltimore City Schools “We have one of the strongest policies in the state of Maryland,” Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr Sonja Santelises told Project Baltimore at the time The results of an independent audit had just been released that the district says found grade changing was no longer an issue in City Schools “I think that’s what the public needs to take confidence in,” Santelises said in March The firm found a total of just four grades were improperly changed from failing to passing in the entire school system “We’re improving and we’re really glad that outside experts found that,” explained Santelises City Schools again has been accused of changing grades so some students can graduate this email chain is a last-minute attempt to change a grade to get a student to graduate,” Project Baltimore’s Chris Papst recently asked a City Schools educator “That's what it looks like,” replied the educator who asked to be anonymous for fear of retaliation first reported on an email thread from May of this year involving a staff member and the assistant principal at PORT the school’s assistant principal tells the staff member that “assignments or assessments” should be “removed” from a senior’s final grade who The staff member responds saying they do not feel “comfortable removing any grades.” City Schools told Fox45 News it investigated “There was no intent to alter grades unethically.” However graduated when sources at the school told Project Baltimore they should not have Maryland’s inspector General for Education is looking into these new claims of grade changing Project Baltimore first began reporting on grade changing in Baltimore City Schools in 2017 parents and students who said the practice of changing failing grades to passing was systemic throughout the school system The result was that students were being pushed through the system without receiving the education they needed Fox45 News sued City Schools for withholding public records related to grade changing a Baltimore judge ruled in Project Baltimore’s favor saying the school system “willfully and knowingly” violated the law by not releasing the documents We’ve been waiting many months for the documents and enough is enough,” said Scott Marder an attorney for Thomas & Libowitz who represented Fox45 News in the lawsuit the school system turned over thousands of documents including emails indicating teachers were pressured to change grades and promote students City Schools adopted new grade changing policies the Maryland Inspector General for Education exposed how big the problem really was Rick Henry’s office found City Schools improperly changed at least 12,542 failing grades to passing from 2016-2020 inflated the graduation rate at some schools by as much as 10 percent the IG suggested City Schools conduct a full independent audit of grading That audit was released in March of this year which found just four improper grade changes during a one-year period A stark difference in comparison to the IG’s report which found 12,542 improper grade changes over four years.