Deli meat sample from Maryland tests positive for listeria, health officials say

ONFIRE-TV.com – A sample of deli meat collected in Maryland tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, state health officials announced Friday. In a statement, the Maryland Department of Health said it issued a consumer advisory for Boar’s Head ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products due to possible Listeria contamination, saying consumers should not currently eat the products.

State health officials said further testing of the sample — an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store — is needed, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, to determine whether it’s linked to an outbreak investigation of Listeria monocytogenes infections reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The listeria outbreak was first reported last week. Since late May, 34 people were sickened across 13 states — including six in Maryland — with all but one hospitalized. Two people died — in Illinois and New Jersey.

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. After exposure, symptoms usually appear within three days to 10 weeks, but most often within three weeks. Anyone who experiences symptoms are advised to immediately speak with a health care provider.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Six Marylanders have been identified with a known illness as of July 19, according to MDH.

Kim Klacik projected winner in Republican primary for Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District

Republican Kim Klacik is the projected winner of the 2024 Republican primary for Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

Klacik filed for her current congressional run in February of this year. She ran for Congress in 2020. She went viral during her first run for Congress in a video of her walking some streets of Baltimore, which sparked debate across party lines. “I believe in fighting for every American who loves this country,” reads a statement on Klacik’s website.

“Young or elderly, weak or strong, we all make up this great nation. We cannot create a stronger union without prioritizing the needs of our people first. That is why I am running for Maryland’s second district, and I hope to gain your support.”

Klacik is running to replace retiring 11-term U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger. Ruppersberger has issued his support for John Olszewski Jr., the current Baltimore County executive.

Democrat Thiru Vignarajah drops out of 2024 Baltimore mayoral race, endorses Shelia Dixon

Baltimore Democratic mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah is dropping out of the race.

“I’ve never done this before,” Vignarajah said of what he considers bittersweet news.

Vignarajah, 47, announced his decision Wednesday afternoon, and endorsed former Mayor Sheila Dixon’s campaign.

“This was, as you might imagine, not an easy decision,” Vignarajah said. “When we entered this race, it was because of the love I have — the love all of us have — for this great city. I still don’t know of any other city in the country that has a bigger distance between where we are and where we could be. Leadership his needed to unleash that potential.”

Vignarajah spoke of his support for Dixon, saying: “Sheila Dixon loves this city with all of her heart, she has her whole life … She has devoted herself to public service, she has devoted herself to make this city a little bit better.”

Speaking to why he’s endorsing the former mayor, Vignarajah said there’s more at stake to this election than just politics.

“When I talk to Sheila, when I hear her hopes and dreams for the city, when I hear the kinds of people that she knows are needed in government, that’s the kind of shared vision that I was excited to get behind,” Vignarajah said.

Dixon said she’s grateful and humble for Vignarajah’s supporting, saying she looks forward to working with him on his ideas, including one to create a digital tracking system for reporting issues in need of city services via 311.

“Choosing to step up out of this race is evidence of your love for Baltimore and your willingness for the best of Baltimore,” Dixon said.

As a former criminal prosecutor at the federal, state and local levels, Vignarajah ran in 2017 and 2022 for city state’s attorney. He first ran for mayor in 2020.

Source: WBAL

Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation Relocates to Downtown Baltimore

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) today announced its headquarters has relocated from State Center to the Candler Building located at 700 East Pratt Street in Baltimore’s Central Business District.

“This highly anticipated relocation offers a more modern and convenient working environment for our team and will allow us to serve our customers even better,” said Interim Director Dan Phillips. “We are thrilled to be part of Baltimore City’s downtown business community and look forward to all the benefits it has to offer.”

The Department’s headquarters staff will be fully relocated including the business charter functions, business personal property assessments, utility assessments, franchise tax, tax credit programs, tax sale ombudsman’s office, homeowner protection program, ground rent program, and general SDAT administration. The Department’s real property assessment offices are not impacted by this relocation, and SDAT continues to have a real property office in every Maryland county and Baltimore City. All county assessment office addresses remain the same.

During this transition, SDAT customers are strongly encouraged to use the Maryland Business Express online options to submit business filings and Maryland OneStop to apply for property tax credits. Although the Department’s new walk-in customer service counter located at 123 Market Place, Baltimore MD 21202, will be open for all customers in the coming weeks, at this time it is only available for tax credit customers. Same day Charter filing services, Annual Reports, Business Personal Property Returns, and other filings may be hand delivered to the drop-boxes available in the lobby of the new location. Mail sent to SDAT’s prior State Center offices will be forwarded to the new location.

Updates related to the relocation and availability of services will be posted on SDAT’s website at dat.maryland.gov.

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

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 bridge collapse: Cranes removing wreckage of Key Bridge; 4 unaccounted for

ONFIRE-TV.com – Cranes continue to remove the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge Saturday as Gov. Wes Moore and several Maryland officials provided an update during a press conference.

Gov. Wes Moore says the massive crane, which can lift up to 1,000 tons, is one of at least two used to clear the channel of the twisted metal and concrete remains of the fallen bridge and the cargo ship that collided with it this week.

“The best minds in the world” are working on the plans for removal, Moore said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Baltimore District told the governor that it and the Navy were mobilizing major resources from around the country at record speed to clear the channel.

The U.S. Navy will supply four heavy lift cranes, while 10 tugs, nine barges, eight salvage vessels and five Coast Guard boats will also join the effort.

He warned of a long road to recovery but said he was grateful to the Biden administration for approving $60 million in immediate aid. President Joe Biden has said the federal government will pay the full cost of rebuilding the bridge.

Source: WBAL

Gov. Moore provides updates after Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, says ‘These families are living a nightmare’

ONFIRE-TV.com – Gov. Wes Moore held a news conference the day after the Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore.

On Tuesday morning after the collapse, it was reported that two people were rescued from the water. One refused treatment while the other was transported to shock trauma. Later that day, it was reported that 6 people, construction workers who were on the bridge at the time, were still missing and presumably dead. On Wednesday, Moore addressed the search for the remaining crew members.

“They [the rescue team] are in frigid conditions,” Moore said. “They are down there in darkness where they can literally see about a foot in front of them. They are trying to navigate mangled metal and they are also in a place where it is now presumed that people have lost their lives. So, the work of these first responders, the work of these divers; I cannot stress enough how remarkable these individuals are.”

ONFIRE-TV’s voters guide for the 2024 general election

The 2024 presidential primary elections take place in all 50 states and territories between January and June. While Maryland’s primary elections are not until May, ONFIRE-TV is getting you prepared to vote. Here’s a comprehensive guide to voting in Maryland.

How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person.  

Registration instructions are available on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.  

Voter Registration Deadlines

  • Online registration deadline: 21 days before Election Day
  • Register by mail deadline: Must be postmarked 21 days before Election Day
  • In person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day by 5:00 p.m.

You can check your voter registration status here. 

What deadlines do I need to know about?

Maryland Primaries

  • Both the Maryland Presidential Primary, and the Maryland State Primary will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Requesting an absentee ballot

  • If you want to receive your ballot by mail, your request must be made by Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
  • If you submitted your ballot request by mail, but want to receive your ballot online, your request must be submitted by Friday, May 10 at 11:59 p.m.
  • If you submitted your ballot request online, and want to receive your ballot online, you must submit your request by Friday, May 10 at 5:00 p.m.

You can request an absentee ballot online here. 

Submitting your absentee ballot 

Completed ballots must be delivered by hand or by mail. 

If you’re submitting your ballot by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Mary 14.  Your ballot must be received by your local board of elections by 10 a.m. on May 24. 

You can find your local board of elections here. 

  • You can also submit your ballot by taking it to a drop box.  When you receive your ballot, you will also receive a list of ballot drop box locations in your county.  
  • If you’re hand-delivering your ballot, you must deliver it to your local board of elections by 8:00 p.m. on May 14.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 26: Residents of Baltimore City cast votes as early voting begins in the state of Maryland at Edmondson High School on October 26, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to the Presidential race, the congressional seat held by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings’s (D-MD) is on the ballot with Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) running against GOP candidate, Kimberly Klacik (R-MD). (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images)

Early Voting Dates

  • Early voting is available from Thursday, May 2, 2024, to Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Other Voting Tips 

  • Keep an eye on Maryland’s key races for the 2024 elections

Weather: Wind Advisory for Monday in Maryland with gust up to 50 mph

Meteorologist Ava Marie says we are in an impact weather day for Monday due to the Wind Advisory in place until the afternoon.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS | WEATHER MAP | TRAFFIC | HOURLY FORECAST 

The winds will be steady around 25 mph but we could see gust up to 55 mph possible. The gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and could cause damage to tree limbs and branches.

Watch out for fallen debris as well as limbs falling into power lines that could cause power outages across the area. The Wind Advisory is in place until 5 p.m. and should subside by the early evening.