Gov. Moore: Crews remove 1,100 tons of steel from Key Bridge collapse site

Salvage crews in Baltimore are doing some heavy lifting as they work to clear the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge and open a third temporary shipping channel by month’s end.

Speaking at an afternoon news conference on Tuesday, Gov. Wes Moore said in the three weeks since the collapse, crews have removed 1,100 tons of steel from the Patapsco River, which is equivalent to five times the weight of the Statue of Liberty.

Moore noted this has been done without a single injury on the job.

In a show of bipartisan unity, the Democratic governor was joined by former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich and GOP state lawmakers who helped pass the Maryland PORT Act, emergency legislation that supports businesses and workers impacted by the collapse.

READ MORE: Maryland makes bipartisan case for federal funding after Key Bridge collapse

Moore says he plans to travel to Washington again to continue the push for full federal funding to rebuild the bridge.

Mayor Scott Announces Recipients of ARPA-Funded $3.6 Million “Diversity in Arts Grant”

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the recipients of the $3.6 million Diversity in Arts Grant. The arts grant, made possible with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, is part of a total of $6.25 million focused on supporting arts and cultural institutions led by diverse arts and cultural organizations announced in September 2023. The Diversity in Arts Grant funding will help awardees sustain and expand their work as they provide Baltimore City residents with quality art experiences and activities.

“Baltimore has always been a city defined by the arts, and our art community remains a cornerstone of our city’s identity, reflecting our history, diversity, and resilience,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Baltimore’s arts community has always been there to express what this city is about, often giving a voice to the voiceless. However, public dollars have too often gone just to the big names and the big players in town. This investment, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, underscores our dedication to ensuring that all artists and communities, particularly those minority and historically underrepresented organizations, have equitable access to resources and opportunities.”

“When we invest in the arts, we invest in the soul of our city, nurturing a vibrant culture that attracts talent, stimulates innovation, and generates economic prosperity,” said Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture Senior Advisor Tonya R. Miller Hall. “The arts are not just an expression of our city’s spirit; they are a powerful engine driving our future forward.”

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Maryland makes bipartisan case for federal funding after Key Bridge collapse

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore provided a briefing Tuesday afternoon after the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The governor said, as of Tuesday, crews have moved more than 1,100 tons of steel from the Patapsco River. To put that into perspective, Moore said that is five times the weight of the Statue of Liberty.

“We have not had a single injury on the job — three weeks, 1,110 tons of steel, no injuries. This is an absolutely remarkable achievement,” Moore said.

But the governor said one of the biggest priorities is to get the main shipping channel back open by the end of May, and he said the next step toward making that happen is by removing a large 300-ton steel structure that’s resting on the cargo ship.

The governor said about 40 containers have been lifted from the ship.

Source: WBAL

Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon speaks on endorsement from State’s Attorney Ivan Bates

Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, the Democratic candidate for mayor, appeared with T.J. Smith on Wednesday afternoon, days after she received an endorsement from City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.

Dixon said she is humbled by the endorsement and that she is happy that he has the confidence in her.

“I’m humbled that the state’s attorney has confidence in me being a great partner with the state’s attorney’s office,” Dixon said. “I know it’s taken a lot for him to come to this decision.”

Dixon noted that her predecessor as mayor, Martin O’Malley, had a tense relationship with then-State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy. Dixon said as mayor, she worked to improve that relationship.

Dixon would not say if she would keep Richard Worley as the city’s police commissioner if she was elected, saying she would have to meet with him first.

“Ten years from now, my hope is our crime will be so low that other cities will come to Baltimore to look at the collaborations and partnerships,” Dixon said.

The full interview can be watched above.

Legendary DJ Mister Cee Has Passed Away

Mister Cee, best known for his work on New York City’s RADIO 103.9 and Hot 97, has reportedly passed away at the age of 57.

Born Calvin LeBrun in the Bedford-Stuyvesant district of Brooklyn in 1966, Mister Cee became famous as a member of pioneering Hip Hop crew Juice Crew, along with fellows titans such as Kool G Rap, Biz Markie, Masta Ace and many more.

Furthermore, he was also the DJ on Big Daddy Kane‘s explosive 1988 debut album Long Live the Kane as well as an executive producer for the Notorious B.I.G‘s 1994 debut album, Ready to Die. In fact, Cee was the first to co-sign the Biggie before he appeared in The Source‘s Unsigned Hype section, thus kicking off his career.

During his time on the radio — specifically with Hot 97 — the veteran earned the nickname “The Finisher.”

Missy Elliott announces 1st headline tour

The “Supa Dupa Fly” superstar has announced the “Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience” will launch on July 4 and visit 24 cities before wrapping up in August. The tour will also feature Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland. The star-studded show will stop at State Farm Arena on July 27 and CFG BANK ARENA BALTIMORE, MD on August 1st

For ticket info

https://www.missy-elliott.com/tour

LSU star Angel Reese declares for WNBA draft via Vogue photo shoot, says ‘I didn’t want to be basic’

Bayou Barbie is WNBA bound. LSU star Angel Reese, who is known for her eyelash extensions, painted fingernails and ferocious play in the paint, formally declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday. Her announcement comes two days after the Tigers’ season ended with a loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the women’s NCAA Tournament .

Reese, who has expressed an interest in working in fashion and modeling, announced her decision via a photo shoot in Vogue , saying she was inspired by tennis great Serena Williams announcing her retirement in 2022 in a similar manner.

Reese, who publicly had left open the option of returning for another year at LSU, acknowledged having made up her mind to turn pro before March Madness began.

“Of course, I like to do everything big,” Reese told the magazine. “I didn’t want anything to be basic.”

“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” added Reese, who also has expressed interest in playing professionally in Europe during the WNBA offseason. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten (Southeastern Conference) Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”

Reese, a dynamic, 6-foot-3 forward who can run the floor, guard the perimeter and block shots anywhere, likely will join Clark, the expected No. 1 pick by Indiana, as one of the top players drafted on April 15. Draft analysts have projected Reese as a seventh or eighth overall choice. An undeveloped outside shot is among the few questions about her game as she leaves college.

Reese grew up in Baltimore and began her college career at Maryland, where her brother, Julian, plays for the men’s team. She transferred to LSU in 2022 and the Tigers won the program’s only national title in Reese’s first season.

“She helped transform our program,” LSU coach Kim Mulkey said. “We are all indebted to Angel Reese for the contributions she has given to this program, helping us win our first national championship, and the contributions she made on our university as a whole.”

Reese registered 61 double-doubles for the Tigers in two seasons. Only Sylvia Fowles had more double-doubles at LSU.

Reese averaged 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game at LSU, including seven games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Reese became the first SEC player since Vanderbilt’s Wendy Scholtens in 1989 and 1990 to lead the league in both scoring and rebounding in consecutive seasons.

This season, Reese was named the SEC Player of the Year. Reese has played four college seasons but was among those athletes granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA because their careers overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: AP News

Maryland U.S. Senate debate canceled after David Trone refuses to commit

WBAL-TV partnered with NBC Washington, “Meet the Press,” and Maryland Public Television to bring Maryland voters a televised debate featuring the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.

That debate was scheduled for April 23.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks accepted WBAL-TV’s invitation, but U.S. Rep. David Trone’s campaign refused to commit to the debate. So, at this time, that debate has been called off.

Statement from Angela Alsobrooks’ campaign

Alsobrooks’ campaign manager, Sheila O’Connell, released a statement, saying: “Angela is committed to ensuring voters across Maryland have the opportunity to see the choice they have on the ballot in May. Angela continues to gain momentum as we approach the primary, earning key endorsements and growing her grassroots movement in Maryland. Voters know she’ll best represent us in the Senate.”

Statement from David Trone‘s campaign

“David has already participated in or committed to more than a dozen public forums and a televised debate. We look forward to continuing to campaign in every county in Maryland to talk about the issues that matter with the people who matter most: Marylanders.”

Baltimore City races

WBAL-TV is pleased to report that it and Maryland Public Television will bring voters a debate featuring the top Democratic candidates for Baltimore mayor at 7 p.m. on April 17. WBAL-TV is also hosting a debate featuring the candidates for Baltimore City Council president that will stream on April 18 on WBALTV.com and the WBAL-TV app, as well as the Very Local app.

Baltimore police seek person in connection with fatal shooting of 17-year-old

Baltimore police detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify a person seen on camera in connection with a fatal shooting occurring on April 1. Commissioner Richard Worley said police responded to the 200 block of East Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore at around 8 p.m. Monday evening for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old male that was shot. Four to five suspects fled the area. The victim was pronounced dead at a hospital. Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott also reported to the scene.

“Make this easy on yourself and turn yourself in, because we will find you. This is not a game to us, this is very serious when we talk about taking lives,” Scott said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 410-369-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.

Sen. Ben Cardin talks Baltimore Key Bridge replacement commitment

“We need to make sure that we have the commitment moving forward to replace the bridge with the type of bridge befitting of our community,” Sen. Ben Cardin said as he plans to meet this week with the Office of Management and Budget.

There’s a limit to how much money is appropriated for these types of projects, and Cardin says Congress has to appropriate those funds.

“The Congress has come together to make sure the resources are there so that infrastructure can be replaced,” Cardin said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the federal government will pick up the lion’s share of the cost of a new key bridge.

“There are pots of dollars that are unleashed under emergency declarations, and those funds are flowing,” Cardin added.

Source: WBAL