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News Wrap: State to Aid Looted Businesses; US AG Addresses Senate

Kim Chase/WEAA

State Launches Loan Program To Help Baltimore Businesses Hurt By Unrest 

Maryland is offering no-interest loans to help Baltimore businesses recover and rebuild from last week's rioting. Through the program, businesses can receive zero-interest loans of up to $35,000 dollars for a term of up to five years. Businesses that suffered greater losses can apply for low interest loans for up to 15 years. State officials say more than 200 businesses were damaged in the looting, vandalism and fires sparked by the police custody death of Freddie Gray. 

Lynch Praises Police; Notes Tensions In Some Communities 

Attorney General Loretta Lynch is praising the nation's law enforcement officers, calling it difficult and noble work. In a Senate hearing, Lynch also noted the tensions between police and some communities, including Baltimore, which she visited on Tuesday. Lynch said she is carefully considering a request from Baltimore's mayor to launch a federal investigation of the Baltimore Police Department. 

U.S. Labor, Education Secretaries Visit Baltimore 

The U.S Labor and Education Secretaries visited Frederick Douglass High School Wednesday to speak with students and discuss grants to help the community. Tom Perez and Arne Duncan held private talks with students from the school which is across from Mondawmin Mall where last week's violence and looting began. The Labor Department says Perez is working on a project to provide job training—especially for young adults in West Baltimore. 

Carson To Meet With Faith Leaders Today 

Newly-declared presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson will be in Baltimore today. The Republican is slated to meet with church leaders in East Baltimore, not far from where he made his mark as a successful neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The 63-year-old Carson is also slated to speak at a Maryland Right to Life banquet tonight at Martin's West. 

AG Files Response To Syed Effort To Overturn Murder Conviction 

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh has responded to Adnan Syed's effort to overthrow his murder conviction. The Serial podcast star is serving life for killing his ex-girlfriend 16 years ago. He argued that his lawyer didn't follow-up on an alibi witness and didn't pursue a plea deal.  According to the Baltimore Sun the AG wrote that he does not deserve a new trial due to the way his attorney decided to defend him.  

Anne Arundel Officer Suspended After City Fight 

An Anne Arundel County police officer is on administrative leave with his police powers suspended after being accused of biting another man's testicles during a fight in Baltimore City.  Police say Corporal Michael Flaig is charged with assault and public intoxication after the Tuesday night fight outside a Canton bar. The Baltimore Sun says charging documents reveal the victim straddled over Flaig in an attempt to keep him from getting away when the 10-year police veteran bit him in the groin. 

Tuition Hikes At University System Of Maryland 

Tuition rates could be increasing at schools in the University System of Maryland. The Board of Regents yesterday voted to raise tuition for the 2015-16 school year by five percent for both in-state and out-of-state residents. That works out to an increase of $388 for a full academic year for in-state undergraduate students at the College Park campus. 

Maryland To Cut Toll Rates 

Just in time for summer, tolls rates are going down in Maryland. The Maryland Transportation Authority Board voted this morning to lower rates at all Maryland toll highways, bridges and tunnels, starting July 1. At the Bay Bridge, the cash toll will drop from $6 to $4, with E-ZPass users paying $2.50, rather than $5.40. At the Key Bridge and the Fort McHenry tunnels, there's no reduction in the cash rate, but the E-ZPass discount jumps from 10 percent to 25 percent.  The state is also eliminating the monthly $1.50 account fee for Maryland E-ZPass users. 

Ed Reed To Officially Announce Retirement Today 

After 12 years in the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed will announce his retirement today. Reed with join Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, team president Dick Cass and coach John Harbaugh this afternoon to make the announcement. Reed spent all but one year with the Ravens. He is expected to be inducted into the Ravens' Ring of Honor as soon as this fall. 

Baltimore Restaurateur Wins Prestigious James Beard Award 

A Baltimore restaurateur is celebrating a very special honor. Spike Gjerde earned a prestigious James Beard Award as the best chef in the Mid-Atlantic at a ceremony Monday in Chicago.  Gjerde owns Woodberry Kitchen in the historic renovation of Clipper Mill and Parts and Labor, a restaurant and butcher shop on North Howard in Remington. 

Mets Best O's 5-1 

Jacob deGrom got himself back on track and continued the Mets' recent success against the Baltimore Orioles by leading New York to a 5-1 victory. The Orioles remain in New York for a four-game series against the Yankees.

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