More on the resignation of Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Andrés Alonso. A look at the online sales tax bill passed yesterday by the US Senate -- and its potential impact on Maryland gas taxes. Plus: MD's 3 casinos see record revenues in April (but only when the take of all three is combined), BWI asks for funding to make runway improvements, Anne Arundel lawmakers vote to allow County residents to own Tasers, the Baltimore Police Department gets a new head for its Internal Affairs division, and more.
Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Andrés Alonso Resigns: Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Andrés Alonso surprised many yesterday with the announcement that he's retiring on June 30th. Alonso has lead the city school system for six years, and leaves midway through his second contract to take care of ailing parents and to teach part-time at Harvard. WYPR’s Mary Rose Madden was at North Avenue yesterday for Alonso's outgoing address... and brings us this report. Baltimore is now beginning a nationwide search for a new schools chief, and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake tells the Baltimore Sun that it's important a new CEO be in place as soon as possible to continue a school construction and renovation plan. Alonso's Chief of Staff Tisha Edwards will serve as interim superintendent in the coming academic year.
Internet Sales Tax Bill: The US Senate has approved a measure that would require online retailers to collect state sales taxes; people are technically supposed to be paying those taxes already, but state Comptroller Peter Franchot has said only about 5% of Marylanders do. If the measure passes the House of Representatives and is signed into law, it'll mean a smaller hike in Maryland gas taxes in the coming year. Under a transportation funding bill passed by the General Assembly this year, gas taxes are supposed to gradually increase by about 20 cents a gallon by the middle of 2016; if the internet sales tax bill DOES go into effect, gas taxes would only increase by about 13 cents per gallon.
Maryland Casino Revenue: April was the best month ever for Maryland's casinos; the three facilities took in a combined 59 million dollars last month, which the Baltimore Business Journal reports is about 1.6% more than the previous record. The state's largest casino -- Maryland Live! in Anne Arundel County -- led the earnings, pulling in just under $47-million dollars. Worcester County's Casino at Ocean Downs brought in about $4-million, and Cecil County's Hollywood Casino Perryville brought in about $8.4-million -- representing a month-over-month revenue decline of around 11 percent. The Business Journal notes that Maryland is set to get a fourth casino later this month, at Rocky Gap Lodge in Western Maryland.
Anne Arundel County Residents Could Soon Own Tasers: The Anne Arundel County Council voted yesterday to allow County residents to own Tasers or stun guns. The Baltimore Sun notes that currently, Anne Arundel only permits police officers to own the weapons; the measure passed yesterday needs the signature of County Executive Laura Neuman to become law.
BWI Requests Runway Improvement Funds: BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is looking for $92-million from the state to pay for making runway improvements. The Baltimore Business Journal reports that state Board of Public Works is considering the request and is expected to vote on it at its next meeting on May 15th.
Hill To Head Internal Affairs: The Baltimore Police Department has a new leader of its internal affairs division. Rodney Hill replaces Grayling Williams, who left the post in March. The Baltimore Sun reports that Hill has served as a police officer in Montgomery County, and as an assistant State's Attorney in Baltimore County, where he participated in more than 350 trials.
The Preakness Stakes: the Kentucky Derby-winning Maryland-owned horse named "Orb" will be coming to Pimlico next week in advance of the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness takes place a week from Saturday, on May 18th, and the Baltimore Sun reports that ticket sales so far this year are up nearly 10 percent over last.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles open a three game series with the Kansas City Royals tonight at Camden Yards; the first pitch is set for 7:05pm.