Hogan Says Budget Will Eliminate Deficit
Governor Larry Hogan has unveiled what he calls a balanced budget that will eliminate the state's projected $ 750 million dollar structural deficit. The budget calls for a 2 percent funding reduction to state agencies, but there are no furloughs or layoffs of state workers. Hogan also says the spending plan includes record spending on K-12 education in Maryland, but no new taxes. He promises to outline proposed tax cuts in the coming weeks.
The budget announcement came the day after thousands gathered at the Baltimore Convention Center for the inaugural gala to welcome in Maryland's new governor. Most of those attending the event were Republicans, but there were also a number of Democrats in the crowd. During his Wednesday inauguration speech, Hogan pledged to bring in a new spirit of bipartisanship in the state.
Families Release Statement On Annapolis Fire
The families of relatives still officially missing after this week's Annapolis mansion fire released a statement today expressing their appreciation for the love and support they have received since Monday's fire. Through a spokesperson, they also thanked first responders and asked for privacy. Yesterday, two bodies were pulled from the rubble of the burned-out mansion, but authorities are not saying if they are adults or children. The bodies have been taken to the state Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore.
Tech company COO Don Pyle, his wife, and their four grandchildren were believed to be at the home at the time of the fire. Fire investigators say the search has been extremely difficult because three floors of the home collapsed into the basement.
Developer Hopes To Replace Restaurant With Apartment Tower
A local developer is looking to transform the site of a shuttered Little Italy restaurant into a 15-story apartment tower. Workshop Development wants to raze Della Notte at the corner of Eastern and President and erect an apartment building with up to 240 units. Further details about the project will be released when it's reviewed by a city architectural panel January 27.
Coastal Storm Could Affect Maryland
A developing coastal storm threatening Maryland is expected to bring a mix of rain, sleet and snow to the region by the weekend. Forecasters say an inch or two of accumulation is possible tomorrow night and Saturday in the Baltimore area, with the potential of three or four inches to the north and west. Another system could bring more snow on Sunday night and Monday.
Reward Offered After Columbia Rape
There’s a $1,000 reward for information that leads police to the person who raped a woman in a Columbia apartment building. The woman says the attack happened yesterday after a man pulled her into a vacant unit at the Columbia Landing Apartments on Tamar Drive. Police say the man has been seen around the complex in the last week and may have been staying in the vacant apartment.
Man Who Robbed Toys "R" Us ID'd
A man arrested after a robbery at the Towson Toys "R" Us is being identified. Police say Elbert Crump robbed the store on Putty Hill Avenue Wednesday afternoon and ran back inside and hid when police arrived. About 90 minutes later, tactical officers say they found the 45-year-old hiding in a box. Some customers also took shelter in the store during the incident but there were no hostages, no shots were fired, and nobody was hurt.
O's Spring Training Tickets Go On Sale Saturday
Tickets for the Orioles spring training games go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. The O's will play 16 home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the stadium in Sarasota. The Orioles open the home portion of the exhibition season on March 4 against the Detroit Tigers.
