Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Monday, February 28, 2011

Greenstone Farm Credit Services: Greenstone’s Ag Economic Outlook

The 2011 outlook is mixed, ranging from very good for grain operations to building concerns for the protein sector, especially as we look into the second half of 2011 and first half of 2012.

Source: GreenStone FCS Dollars and Sense Column in Michigan Farm Newshttp://www.greenstonefcs.com/onlineresources/linksandknowhow/Pages/AgEconomicOutlook.aspx

The saying goes "volatility equals opportunity". The events of the past four years, and more recently the past six months, has only driven home the point agriculture will likely be operating in an environment of increased earnings volatility going forward. This year presents a significant number of opportunities for those who have positioned themselves to seize the moment. Potential outcomes, good and bad, will continue to vary significantly by individuals within the various industries. Our challenge at GreenStone, along with our members, is how we adjust to ensure we continue to meet our vision and mission of being the first choice for Michigan agriculture to continue providing our members with a sound and reliable source of credit. A fellow Farm Credit shared with us their philosophy statement on lending that I believe summarizes our mission statement slightly different but with the same focus…We will be cautious in good times and courageous in challenging times.Entering 2011, we find ourselves financing both sides of this equation.
In general, 2010 was a very good year for agriculture. Industry resources are projecting that net farm income will increase from $62B/2009 to $85B for FY2010. From a longer range perspective, this would be $15B above the last 10-year average. Because of the diversity of Michigan agriculture (strength) it will be a rare occurrence when all industries are having positive or challenging years at the same time, and 2010 was no different. The grain, sugar beet and potato industries had a very good year. The protein sector, including hogs, turkey, dairy and poultry did well until the fourth quarter when increasing grain prices started to erode margins. Early season frost on the west side of Michigan hurt earnings in the fruit industry. The general economy in the Midwest continues to impact the greenhouse and nursery industries.
The 2011 outlook is mixed, ranging from very good for grain operations to building concerns for the protein sector, especially as we look into the second half of 2011 and first half of 2012. Agriculture continues to increase its reliance on exports. For 2011, export demand for agricultural commodities is forecast to continue at or above 2010 levels in which exports ran at an estimated $107.5B, the second highest level on record. Domestic demand is likely to improve in 2011 as the economy continues to slowly improve (2-3% GDP growth) but at a rate that is lagging many economies in the rest of the world. Export levels remain vulnerable to economic conditions and geopolitical events that impact our trading partners such as Mexico, Russia and China. With the rise in grain prices and improving economic conditions around the world, oil prices and other inputs have started to see pricing pressure. While weather is always a variable for agriculture, it has the potential to have a magnified effect on 2011 - 2012 operational outcomes.
So how will the current environment have an effect on the availability of credit for 2011 and beyond? It depends…it depends on how you have positioned your business financially, how volatile you earnings stream is, and what steps you have taken to minimize earning volatility to ensure projected cash flows will be realized. We remind our lending staff we are in the business of evaluating and managing risk. We are not in the risk avoidance business, nor are we in the venture capital risk business. Our goal is a long term, healthy financial partnership.
Our core underwriting standards (maximums) have not changed. However, the level of earnings volatility of the past three years has resulted in us approving fewer loans with exceptions to our core underwriting standards. We continue to differentiate between operations in the same industry based on our assessment of risk. What has changed is we are taking more time to look inside the numbers of an earnings statement, balance sheet and business model to assess the appropriate debt capital structure, with added focus on work capital and residual borrowing capacity. Most of this is not new, but basic fundamentals remain in evaluating how you are managing your business risks. Some of the key elements we evaluate in assessing the business risk profile are: (1) Industry conditions; (2) Are you open market on your commodity sales or do you take positions via contracts/hedging to minimize price volatility; (3) Locking in input costs and/or hedging at the same time you are taking positions on your commodity sales to ensure gross margins are protected; (4) Revenue protection of margins with insurance products available for crops/dairy/swine; (5) Depth of the management team; (6) Quality of financial records and how they are utilized by management to operate the business; (7) Execution of the business plan; (8) Forecasting quality and is there discipline staying on plan (predictability).
So as we enter 2011, GreenStone remains cautious for those experiencing good times as this too shall change and continue to be courageous, fundamentally sound partners working with those individuals experiencing challenges. Our commitment remains constant.

Greenstone Farm Credit Services: Greenstone’s Ag Economic Outlook


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Legislation Introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law.

PRESS RELEASE
February/28/2011
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Bill Warner

Center for The Study of Political Islam
Legislation Introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law.
NASHVILLE, TN - February 28, 2011 - As many of you may have already read, two great legislators from Tennessee have sponsored a state terrorism material support bill.  Between Carlos Bledsoe (Arkansas Army recruiting station killer) and the latest Saudi student jihadist who has ties to Nashville, this bill couldn't have come quickly enough.  As expected, the mainstream media has done everything they know to do to skew, misconstrue, and otherwise fail to understand what the proposed legislation actually does.  
Legislation has been introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law and allow state and local law enforcement to act decisively at the earliest point to stop terrorist acts.  The bill, sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and House Speaker Pro Tempore Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), aims to curb the incidence of homegrown terrorism like that of Memphian Carlos Bledsoe who stated he was following the call to "jihad" when he shot and killed a serviceman at the Arkansas Army recruiting station.
     "The top priority of government should be to protect our citizens," said Senator Ketron.  "The nine-eleven attack and subsequent terrorist attacks have turned a new page in our nation's history.  All levels of government -- national, state and local -- must be a part of this effort.  This bill seeks to enhance legislation we already have on the books to provide our state and local law enforcement agencies the tools they need to enable them to intervene against those who plan, finance and assist others who commit acts of terrorism before they occur."
     The bill is modeled after the federal Material Support law which has been upheld by the Supreme Court as constitutional.  
     "Tennessee, like the federal government, has a compelling state interest to protect our citizens from jihad terrorism," added Representative Matheny.  "The incidence of homegrown terrorism is rising and our local and state law enforcement officers are on the frontlines in preventing such attacks.  Tennessee's current law addresses terrorism after the fact.  This legislation aims to prevent acts of terrorism before they occur."
     Open source reporting shows that between 2001 - 2008, there were one or two terror attempts per year.  That number jumped in 2009 - January 2011 to one or two cases uncovered nationally per month.  The lawmakers said the bill protects the right of political speech and the right of citizens to practice freedom of religion.
     "This bill does not interfere with the constitutionally protected rights of those who practice Sharia religious law," added Senator Ketron.  "This is not about religious rights or about those who practice Islamic beliefs.  It's about protecting our citizens from acts of terrorism that come from Sharia jihad which is a growing threat in all our states."

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A baseball wife emerges from the dugout By Ann O'Neill, CNN

Dorothy Seymour Mills, shown outside her home in Naples, Florida, wrote three baseball histories with her late husband.






Dorothy Seymour Mills, shown outside her home in Naples, Florida, wrote three baseball histories with her late husband.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Harold and Dorothy Seymour wrote three seminal baseball history books together
  • She wrote much of the third book herself as he succumbed to Alzheimer's
  • For decades, he refused to share the credit with her or even acknowledge her role
  • Last summer, Oxford University Press agreed to give her credit as co-author

A baseball wife emerges from the dugout

By Ann O'Neill, CNN
February 25, 2011 


Naples, Florida (CNN) -- Harold Seymour wrote baseball's first Bible, debunking some of the game's biggest myths.
He informed fans that Abner Doubleday didn't invent baseball in 1839 in Cooperstown, New York, (Footnote: There's evidence of games involving sticks, balls and bases being played in England in the 1700s.) and that Jackie Robinson wasn't the first black major league player. (That distinction more likely went to Moses Fleetwood Walker in the 1880s.)
Three books produced over a span of 30 years made Seymour the dean of baseball historians, and his journey from batboy to Ph.D. was celebrated as a success story. The study of America's national pastime at last seemed "grownup and worthwhile," observes John Thorn, a colleague who followed in his footsteps.
But after Seymour died in 1992, his wife, Dorothy, set about debunking one more myth: that he had researched and written all three books on his own... http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/02/25/harold.dorothy.seymour.baseball/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+rss/cnn_latest+(RSS:+Most+Recent)&utm_content=Twitter


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Monday's top stories on MarylandReporter.com

Maryland Reporter logo
Monday, February 28, 20118, 2011

Video: Interview about same-sex marriage with Del. Heather Mizeur

Maryland Reporter sits down with Delegate Heather Mizeur to discuss the progression of the gay marriage bill and what is next for the bill.

O’Malley criticizes Wisconsin Gov. Walker and spars with Texas Gov. Perry

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to eradicate union employees’ bargaining rights a “drama” and a “circus” during a panel discussion hosted by Politico Friday. O’Malley said he learned as mayor of Baltimore: “When you’re facing tough challenges, when you have to overcome things like the imbalances in the pension system, I think it best when you bring people together to do that, and I think when you try to vilify or make one side of the equation the enemy I think you’re asking for trouble.

Blog: Benson tries to make up for missed vote

All 47 senators were present during the debate on same-sex marriage in the Senate Thursday night, but when the vote was called, one senator — Sen. Joanne Benson — was not in the chamber to cast her vote against it. At Friday morning’s legislative session, Benson attempted to rectify that.

Today's roundup of news on state government and politics since Friday

Opponents to same-sex marriage are finally organizing: some predict a successful referendum to repeal it if it should pass the House; advocates are hopeful it will pass; Gov. O’Malley vs. Gov. Christie in a dustup over political philosophy that gets national attention; O’Malley talks cybersecurity at governors’ conference; septic ban bill likely to move forward; hearing on legalizing marijuana this afternoon; Kamenetz seeks to raise licensing fees in Baltimore County; and the first and only African American mayor of Annapolis dies.


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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Investigative Voice: ANOTHER GUN BRANDISHING Baltimore City DEPUTY SHERIFF ARRESTED and other stories

ANOTHER GUN BRANDISHING DEPUTY SHERIFF ARRESTED
CITY QUIETLY ROLLS BACK CONTROVERSIAL PARKING CONTRACTS
BOARD OF ESTIMATES TOLD BIDDING PROCESS DELAYED
SEX OFFENDER FIGHTING CITY EFFORTS TO PAYBACK SICK PAY OBTAINED WHILE IN PRISON
TOWING PAYOFFS EMBROIL POLICE DEPARTMENT IN YET
ANOTHER SCANDAL
CITY SHERIFF CHARGED WITH POINTING GUN AT CARROL COUNTY
MOTORCYCLIST
 
INTERNAL DOCUMENTS SHOW CITY DID NOT SELECT
LOW BID ON LUCRATIVE PARKING MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
CITY SCRAPS PLAN TO PRIVATIZE IMPOUND LOT
MINORITHY OWNED FIRMS GET SHUT OUT
MAYORAL CANDIDATE PROMISES TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES BY FIFTY PERCENT IN FIVE YEARS
LIQUOR BOARD DENIES LICENSE TO CONTROVERSIAL NEW
PIGTOWN NIGHTCLUB
COUNCILMAN TO INVESTIGATIVE ERRANT LIEN PLACED ON
WOMAN'S HOME WHO REPORTED ILLEGAL FLIERS
WILL A LOSS OF 30,000 RESIDENTS PROMPT CHANGE AT CITY HALL
CITY THREATENS TO PUT LEIN ON HOME OF
FELLS POINT WOMAN WHO REPORTED ILLEGAL FLIERS
MAYORAL CANDIDATE: HEADS WILL ROLL AT CITY HALL
SAYS SILENT MAJORITY SUPPORTS HIS CAMPAIGN

MFUME NOT RUNNING, COUNCILMAN SAYS
RUMORED CANDIDATE STAYING OUT OF RACE AGAIN
BALTIMORE SERIAL KILLER? 
MAN ACCUSED OF STRANGLING  3 WOMEN CONVICTED IN 1ST CASE
4th DISTRICT GRUDGE MATCH IN THE OFFING
FORMER DELEGATE TO TAKE ON INCUMBENT AGAIN
INSPECTOR GENERAL NABS CITY EMPLOYEES DRINKING BEER AND GAMBLING FOR HOURS AT TIME WHILE SUPERVISORS DID NOTHING
 ARMED DANGEROUS AND VANISHED WITHOUT A TRACE
MAN ALLEGED TO HAVE SHOT COP PROVING ELUSIVE
 DELAY OF CONTRACT WITH MEDALLION TOWERS
COULD SIGNAL SHIFT IN PLANS FOR CITY IMPOUND LOT
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CRYPTIC CALL TO COUNCILMAN MARKS ABRUPT REVERSAL
ON IMPOUND LOT PRIVATIZATION PLAN
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TWO TEENS CHARGED WITH SETTING CAT ON FIRE
LIGHTER FLUID DOUSED CAT ESCAPES WITH SEVERE BURNS




WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH PLANS PROTEST AT FALLEN
HERO'S FUNEREAL
HEAVY GUN SHOT RESIDUE FOUND ON DETECTIVE'S PANTS
POLICE CONTINUE T PROBE SHOOTING OF CITY COP
cole young


LIQUOR BOARD INSECTOR UNDER INVESTIGATION
APEARANCES AT COMMUNITY MEETING WITH BAR OWNERS UNDER SCRUTINY
 
cole young
IS BALTIMORE IRAQ
POLICE TRAINING PROGRAM SUGGESTS IT IS
cole young
cole youngCONTROVERSIAL APPPONTMENT PROMPTS COUNCIL TO ACT
CHANGE IN OFFING AFTER 'HEIR APPARENT' GETS THE NOD
cole young
CITY POLICE OFFICER SHOT, KILLED
1000 POLICE CUT 1200 FIREFIGHTERS
NEW DOOMSDAY BUDGET ANGERS COUNCIL
UNEXPECTED PAY CUT ANGERS POLICE
MEMO ENCLOSED WITH PAYCHECK SPARKS OUTRAGE
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9TH DISTRICT MONARCHY MAINTAINED
RETIRING COUNCILWOMAN'S SON GETS SEAT
councilman's son still favored to win seat
TESTIMONY, OVERFLOW CROWD HAS LITTLE AFFECT ON VOTES, INSIDERS SAY
STOKES EXPLORING SECOND RUN FOR MAYOR
FORMER CANDIDATE HIRING CONSULTANTS TO EXAMINER BID
9th DISTRICT UPSTARTS BLAST 'HEIR APPARENT'
SAY CHANGE NEEDED IN AREA OVERCOME BY POVERTY, CRIME
IS THE 9TH DISTRICT A MONARCHY
Selection process for vacant council seat comes under fire
THE ROAD MAP FOR THE 2011 MAYOR'S RACE
HOW AN UPSTART CANDIDATE CAN GET IT DONE AND WHY IT MIGHT HAPPEN.
FORMER CITY COUNCILMAN PLANNING MAYORAL BID
ETHICS INVESTIGATION PROMPTS PENSION BOARD TO SEEK CRISIS MANAGER
NEW TECHNOLOGY MAY BRING UNWANTED PINK SLIPS
FOR MVA EMPLOYEES AFTER HOLIDAYS
CALLED A HERO, NOW BRANDED AS A LIAR
DEPUTY SHERIFF FACING FIRING OVER SHOOTING SPEAKS OUT
FIVE KILLED IN EARLY MORNING FIRE
Click here to read more
FORMER BALTIMORE MAYOR TAKES PG COUNTY ETHICS POST
REPORT FINDS CITY EMPLOYEES CAN COLLECT VACATION PAY IN JAIL
CITY BUILDING INSPECTOR ARRESTED FOR TAKING BRIBES
IG REPORT OUTLINES CHARGES
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF MT. VERNON FIRE
 2ND CITY BLAZE IN UNDER 24 HOURS CAUSES MAJOR DAMAGE
PENSION BOARD TRAVEL PROMPTS ETHICS INVESTIGATION
TRAVEL FUNDED BY INVESTMENT ADVISORS UNDER SCRUTINY
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BALTIMORE CITY POLICE DISTRICTS COULD BE SHUFFLED
COUNICLMAN SAID NORTHEAST TOO LARGE
BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL SWORN-IN
NEW MEMEBRS HAVE BIG PLANS
MAYOR MUM ON REDUCED PARKING FINES
WHILE COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPROVES REDUCTION
RESIDENTS PLAGUED WITH DOUBLE PARKING FINES MAY FIND RELIEF
FEES FIVE TIMES MORE THAN COUNTY WILL BE
INSIDE THE BPD INTERNAL DISCPLINARY SYSTEM
CAN IT BE FIXED?
TOP PROSECUTORS PLEDGES END TO DO NOT CALL LIST
AFFIRMS CAMPAIGN PROMISE
UNPAID CITY PARKING CONTRACTORS CRY FOUL
NON-PAYMENTS, AWARDS TO ONE COMPANY CAUSE CONTROVERSY
FEDS ARREST 3 PRINCE GEORGE'S COPS IN APPARENT LINK TO JACK JOHNSON PROBE


COUNCILWOMAN CONAWAY QUESTIONS ROBOCALLS MADE ABOUT WALMART AND TAXES


THE LONGEST FORECLOSURE: MAN FIGHTS FOR 12 YEARS TO
KEEP HIS HOME WHILE CITY KEEPS SELLING IT TO DIFFERENT

AL'S ANALYSIS: O'MALLEY'S WIN MAY HAVE BIG NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS, A NEW CANDIDATE COULD CHANGE DYNAMICS OF THE MAYOR'S RACE.  WILL COLE RUN?
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COUNTY COUPLE THROWN IN JAIL OVER MINOR DEBT
SHACKLED AND HANDCUFFED IN FRONT OF CHILDREN
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STUDENT AT CITY K-8 SHOT IN FACE WITH BB GUN
LONG RANGE SHOOTER MAY HAVE STRUCK BEFORE
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RESPECTED JUDGE DIES
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ROAD OF DEATH
WOMAN TESTIFIES OF NEAR DEATH ENCOUNTER ON A ROAD
WHERE FIRST IN A STRING OF SLAYINGS BEGAN IN 2008
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CITY COLLEGE EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO SELL RIFLE
UNDERCOVER COP MAKES CONTROLLED BUY ON CAMPUS
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REPUBLICANS MAKE BOLD PLEDGE ON PENSIONS
CONTROVERSY OVER SPENDING OF RACE IMPACT FEES HEAT UP
DELEGATE, COUNCIL PRESIDENT ASK MAYOR FOR DETAILS
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POLICE OFFICER SLAIN IN DISPUTE OVER PARKING SPACE
MAN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH HITTING OFFICER
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MAN TAKES SHOTS AT SECURITY GUARDS
NO KNOWN MOTIVE FOR WILD SHOOT-OUT
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ANOTHER BRAZEN PHARMACY ROBBERY MARKS PRESCRIPTION
DRUG CRAZE
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NEW DETAILS ON MURDER SUICIDE BETWEEN NEIGHBORS
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PENSION BOARD TRAVELS TO MIAMI TO MEET WITH PHILADELPHIA BASED FIRM
OFFICIALS SAY THREE DAY JUANT WAS 'EDUCATIONAL'
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COUNTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PROSECUTOR
PLEDGES TO CUT SALARY
EAST OLIVER DRUG DEALERS REMAIN
RESIDENTS WANT PARK UPGRADED, COUNCILMAN REMAINS SILENT
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MAN LEFT FOR DEAD IN OKENSHAWE ALLEY
DIED WITHIN BLOCKS OF HOSPITAL
LAWYER FOR TOWSON U DORM ROBBER SAYS CLIENT IS INNOCENT
PLANS TO USE CELLPHONE RECORDS TO PROVE IT
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DEFENSE MAKES IT CASE IN HARRIS TRIAL
NO ALIBI FOR 3 MEN ACCUSED IN KILLING
STARTLING TESTIMONY ABOUT TATTTO IN HARRIS TRIAL
JURY SENDS NOTE TO JUDGE
POLITICAL VET ANNOUNCES HE WILL RUN FOR MAYOR
WHO IS WILLIAM VINCENT BROWN
DETAILS EMERGE ON LIFE OF MAN POLICE BELIEVE WENT ON 2003 KILLING SPREE.
JUDGE TOSSES CASE AGAINST MD. MAN WHO CAPTURED POLICE ON VIDEO
DEBATE GETS HEATED IN RACE FOR COUNTY EXEC
 SNICKERS BAR PLAYS KEY ROLE IN EXCHANGE
TIRE SLASHER TARGETS CARS OF A CERTAIN COLOR
 DOZENS OF VEHICLES DAMAGED IN OVERNIGHT SPREE
SLAIN WITNESS SURFACES IN SLAIN COUNCILMAN'S TRIAL
DID HE ID A NEW SUSPECT IN THE CASE?
 
 
IS EVERYONE IN VIOLATION OF THE CITY'S PLASTIC BAG BAN?
LAPSE IN PROGRAM CAUSES CONFUSION
JUST ANOTHER PHOTO-OP?
OR CAN THE CITY SWEEP AWAY DRUG DEALERS?
HOPKINS SHOOTER DISCUSSED SUICDE BEFORE KILLING
POLICE SAY HE HAS RELATIVES IN JAIL
DOES THE BERNSTEIN VICTORY MEAN THE END OF MACHINE
POLITICS IN BALTIMORES?
HOPKINS SHOOTER HAD PERMIT TO CARRY GUN
WHICH VICTORIOUS CANDIDATE PARTIED WITH A BIG TIME DEVELOPER ON ELECTION NIGHT?
WHAT COLOR WAS THE MASK WORN BY KILLER OF COUNCILMAN?
 WITNESSES TESTIMONY AT ODDS
BERNSTEIN HOLDS ONTO 1400 VOTE LEAD - HEADED TOWARD HISTORIC VICTORY
SEARCHING FOR SUNFLOWERS? GO HERE
 
 
 
 
 
TRAPPED DOGS RESCUED IN GLEN BURNIE
 Anne Arundel Co. officials defend owners
 
 
 
DELEGATE CANDIDATE WANTS STATE TO PAY FOR
PIGTOWN RESIDENTS FUME AS CHARGES ARE DROPPED IN CONTROVERSIAL ASSAULT CASE
VICTIM LEAVES BALTIMORE FOR OREGON
HOPKINS STUDENT SEXUALLY ASSAULTED IN ELEVATOR
MAN FOLLOWED UNDERGRAD INTO OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENT
COMMUNITY TO WALK AWAY DRUG DEALERS
NEW PLAN TO COMBAT VIOLENCE INVOLVES POLICE, CLERGY      AND RESIDENTS
FORMER MAYOR KICKS OFF EARLY VOTING
STATE SENATE CANDIDATE GETS ROUGH TREATMENT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER "FEELS" THE STREETS
2ND IN COMMAND ON THE SCENE OF WEEKEND HOMICIDE

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