Judge rules ballot question on Baltimore’s Harborplace is unconstitutional

A judge on Monday ruled that a charter amendment in Baltimore City to redevelop Harborplace was unconstitutional. A group of residents filed the motion in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court earlier this month on Question F. The group said the language was confusing, vague and unconstitutional and asked for a court-ordered edit. The judge said ballots for the November election have been printed and it is too late for a reprint. An attorney for the Maryland State Board of Elections said the question will remain on the ballots and the results will be counted, but not certified. The Office of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott released the following statement to WBAL: “This legal challenge is a spurious attempt by opponents of the project to derail it by any means necessary. We’re confident the state will appeal and win.” It’s unclear if the city will appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Maryland.

Source: WBAL

Vice President Harris and former President Trump take the stage for presidential debate in Philadelphia

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are gearing up to take the stage for Tuesday night’s debate in Philadelphia, where they’ll fight to sway 2024 election voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. – What’s at stake: For both candidates, the event serves as a high-pressure opportunity to showcase their starkly different visions for the country after a tumultuous campaign summer. – Start time: The debate will start at 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday and is expected to last 90 minutes. – How to watch:

Watch the debate live in the video player below.

4 dead, 9 taken to hospitals with injuries after shooting at high school near Atlanta

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday that four people were killed and at least nine were injured in a shooting at a high school outside of Atlanta.

Students scrambled for shelter in the football stadium as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe.

A shooter caused an unknown number of injuries at a high school outside of Atlanta on Wednesday morning, sending students scrambling for shelter in the football stadium as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe.

A suspect was in custody, authorities said.

“What you see behind us is an evil thing,” Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said at a brief news conference outside Apalachee High School. He declined to give details about casualties, or about the suspect.

Jacob King, a sophomore football player, said he had dozed off in his world history class after a morning practice when he heard about 10 gunshots.

King said he didn’t believe the shooting was real until he heard an officer yelling at someone to put down their gun. King said when his class was led out, he saw officers shielding what appeared to be an injured student.

Ashley Enoh was at home Wednesday morning when she got a text from her brother, who’s a senior at Apalachee High School:

“Just so you know, I love you,” he texted her.

When she asked in the family group chat what was going on, he said there was a shooter at the school. Enoh’s younger sister, a junior at the school, said she had heard about the shooter and that everything was on lockdown.

Few details were immediately available from authorities, who were dispatched shortly before 10:30 a.m. to respond to an “active shooting,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

“Casualties have been reported, however details on the number or their conditions is not available at this time,” the statement added.

Helicopter video from WSB-TV showed dozens of law enforcement and emergency vehicles surrounding the school in Barrow County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Atlanta.

Black Basketball Recruits Warned About Bruce Pearl After Auburn Head Coach Attacks Kamala Harris

(Auburn University’s men’s basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, scrutinized VP Kamala Harris, leading others to warn Black student-athletes about potentially playing for him after a controversial social media post.⁠ The white head coach of one of the top men’s college basketball programs in the nation has sparked calls for Black players he’s recruiting to consider being student-athletes elsewhere. Auburn University head coach Bruce Pearl’s fateful commentary on Monday morning offered a sharp rebuke of Vice President Kamala Harris while employing a term that critics say conservative Republicans have turned into a racist dog whistle. At the same time, the underlying suggestion behind the post was that Pearl supports Harris’ opponent, Donald Trump, a man who has spent decades demeaning and racially discriminating against Black people.
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According to NewsOne, Pearl quoted a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who shared a screenshot of a 2019 NBC News article about Harris’ plans to privatize health insurance. “Thank you for pointing this out Senator Cotton, except my guess is that like many of her socialist, woke progressive beliefs she’s now changing them or hiding them to get elected! We won’t get fooled again!” Pearl wrote in a post shared on his official X account on Monday.⁠

50 Cent establishes himself as the second-largest property owner in downtown Shreveport

50 Cent has firmly established himself as the second-largest property owner in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, after acquiring more than ten properties in the area.

His recent investments, totaling over $2.4 million, show a vision to revitalize the heart of the city. 50 Cent plans extend beyond simple real estate holdings; he envisions transforming Shreveport into a vibrant cultural hub, with initiatives that include creating new entertainment venues, housing projects, and youth programs.

The ripple effect of his purchases is already being felt, as local leaders believe his involvement could attract further investment and breathe new life into the downtown area.

South Carolina basketball star Ashlyn Watkins charged with assault and kidnapping

University of South Carolina Gamecocks star Ashlyn Watkins was arrested Saturday, August 31st and charged with assault and battery in the first degree and kidnapping.
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According to People, University of South Carolina Police Department issued a warrant for Watkins arrested following an incident that happened at university dorms located on Lincoln Street.
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Per the police report obtained by People, the victim is claiming she was picked up against her will by Watkins. In addition to Watkins picking her up, the victim is claiming Watkins grabbed her head and faced forcing her to walk down a hallway and preventing her from leaving the dorms.
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After finally getting free the victim ran away and pulled a fire alarm, this lead to local authorities arriving at the scene of the crime, reviewing camera footage and arresting Watkins.
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As of today, she has been released on $30,000 bond and is still able to travel with the team to out of state games but the team has not released an office statement or confirmed if she was still an official member of the squad. However, they did acknowledge her arrest.
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Ravens Coach Joe D’Alessandris dead at 70, according to team

Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Coach Joe D’Alessandris has died, according to a Baltimore Ravens post on “X,” the platform formerly known as Twitter.

D’Alessandris, who coached for parts of five decades, was 70.

Statement from the Baltimore Ravens:

“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning.

“‘Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.

“Anyone fortunate enough to have spent time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and uplifting nature. He had the amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness – further spreading those important virtues into the everyday life of the world.

“‘Force multiplier’ is a football term sometimes used to describe an individual who makes everyone around him better. As a coach, he was certainly that. But far more importantly, it’s also a proper characterization of Joe D’Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family – particularly his three incredible daughters – during this somber time. Now reunited with his late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing everyone they dearly love.”

Statement from Head Coach John Harbaugh:

“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better. He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man – the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”

Statement from Executive Vice President & General Manager Eric DeCosta:

“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. ‘Joe D.’ was a rock, a great coach and a better person. He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players. I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players. Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply.  Our thoughts and prayers go to Joe’s daughters and family and everyone touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”

Statement from President Sashi Brown:

“‘Joe D.’ was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community. He was a passionate and devoted football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always prioritized his faith and family.

“True to character, ‘Joe D.’ was a fighter to the very end. Our hearts are broken for his daughters, Kelly, Emily and Anna, and his five grandchildren. We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his late wife, Toni, whom he loved dearly.

“His legacy, light and spirit will remain with all of us. Our prayers are with the entire D’Alessandris family during this very difficult time.”

Donald Trump holds his first outdoor rally since last month’s assassination attempt in North Carolina

In his first outdoor rally since last month’s assassination attempt, Donald Trump appeared on stage in North Carolina to talk about national security as part of his weeklong trip across the country to draw attention away from Democrats and their national convention.

“Seventy-six days from now, we’re going to win this state and we’re going to win the White House,” Trump said at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame from behind a podium surrounded by panes of bulletproof glass that formed a protective wall across the stage.

Storage containers were stacked around the perimeter to create additional walls and block sight lines. Snipers were positioned on roofs at the venue, where old aircraft were sitting behind the podium and a large American flag was suspended from cranes.

The event, billed as being focused on national security issues, is part of Trump’s weeklong series of counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention, which is underway in Chicago. Allies have been urging him to focus on policy instead of personal attacks as he struggles to adjust to running against Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

DNC 2024 Day 2: Obamas set to help hand torch to Kamala Harris

After an emotional tribute to President Joe Biden Monday night, the scene at the Democrats’ gathering on Tuesday shifts to appearances by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

In their highly anticipated prime-time speeches, the Obamas are expected to help clearly “pass the torch” to Kamala Harris, who will be holding a rally in Milwaukee this evening ahead of her acceptance speech Thursday night.

Here’s how the news is developing.

The attention on Day 2 of the Democrats’ gathering shifts from celebrating President Joe Biden to prime-time speeches from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. They’ll help pass the party torch to Kamala Harris.

The convention will also hold a ceremonial roll call to nominate Harris, which follows the party’s virtual process doing so earlier this month. Harris officially had the vast majority of delegate votes needed to secure her nomination when that process ended on Aug. 6.

It’s expected that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Harris’ home state delegation will cast the vote putting her over the top.

Witnesses describe what transpired before mass shooting in Baltimore City

A heavy police presence remains in East Baltimore nearly 24 hours after shots rang out near a park in the Oliver neighborhood.

Around 8 p.m. Sunday night, 36-year-old Anthony Martin was killed, and seven others were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds after a mass shooting, investigators said.

After police left, Roca and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement worked the neighborhood, offering resources and support.

According to witnesses, the mass shooting started as an argument over a parking spot. It happened after a motorcycle gang gathered to remember a member who died in a balloon launch, witnesses said. Then, according to witnesses, a fight broke out.

“One individual moved a cone and wanted his girlfriend or wife to park there. And that’s when it all started. It exploded,” said Chareese, a witness.

Chareese said everyone was in a circle. She anticipated trouble and called 911.

“We called 911 to report it,” Chareese said. “We called twice. I even put in a 311 complaint — I said there was a disturbance and noise in the community, and we are trying to keep the community clean.”

Detectives spent most of Monday looking for witnesses and surveillance footage. 11 News counted eight cameras near the shooting scene alone and a Ring camera near the parking spot where the argument broke out.

“I’ve never seen nothing like this all my life,” Chareese said. “I’ve lived here since birth, so it was very disturbing.”

With the exception of Martin, all victims are now in stable condition. Investigators believe multiple people fired weapons. They found multiple firearms at the scene.

Despite the crime scene, life goes on in Oliver. 11 News saw kids playing basketball Monday around the police tape. Neighbors said historic Oliver is a stable neighborhood.

“Just last Sunday, they had a good giveaway in the park. Yesterday morning, before this event, they had a clothing drive giving away clothes to the community. There’s a lot of good things going on in the community — I feel like this event may overshadow all of that,” said someone who lives in the neighborhood.