Republicans are calling for an independent investigation of Maryland's prison system; Governor Martin O'Malley vows to "root out corruption" at state corrections facilities. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown is expected to formally enter the 2014 Governor's race today. Today is the deadline for bids to run a casino in Prince George's County -- only one has come in so far. Plus: Frederick County property tax rates rise, a nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs shuts down, Maryland State Police hold their Fallen Heroes Ceremony today, and police and the state Attorney General's office hold "Statewide Gun Turn-In Day" on Saturday.
Prison Corruption Case: The new Minority Leader in the House of Delegates is calling for an independent investigation of Maryland's prison system. This amid a corruption scandal at the Baltimore City Detention Center in which 25 people are facing charges, in relation to an alleged smuggling ring that brought drugs, cell phones, and other contraband into the jail. The Washington Post reports that Republican Nicholaus Kipke says an outside investigator should be brought in to look at those allegations... and at another case at the state-run Chesapeake Detention Facility, where another new indictment charges that criminal gang activity was conducted from behind bars. The Daily Times has more here. Governor Martin O'Malley is vowing to "root out corruption" at Maryland corrections facilities. The Baltimore Sun reports that O'Malley issued a call yesterday to to crack down on illegal cellphone use in jails, and says his administration is reviewing the union-backed Correctional Officers Bill of Rights, with an eye toward amendments that would "improve discipline while ensuring due process." There's more here from marylandreporter.com.
Brown (Likely) To Announce Gubernatorial Bid Today: Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown is holding an event at Prince George's Community College this afternoon where he's likely to officially announce his plans to run for Governor in 2014. On today's edition of Inside Maryland Politics, WYPR's Karen Hosler and Fraser Smith talk about the state of the governor's race. The Baltimore Sun has more here and the Washington Post has more here.
PG County Casino Bids: The first, and perhaps only, bid for the rights to run a casino in Prince George's County came in yesterday. The Baltimore Business Journal tells us that MGM Resorts International submitted an 800-page application for license to put up a casino at National Harbor. Another company, Penn National Gaming, last week that it plans to submit its own bid for a license... but company officials have since walked back on that statement, telling the Washington Post that they haven't made a final decision on their plans. A decision will have to be made by 2 o'clock this afternoon, which is when bids are due.
Statewide Gun Turn-In Day: Tomorrow, law enforcement agencies around Maryland will be taking part in the first annual "Statewide Gun Turn-In Day." The Annapolis Patch reports that the event's being promoted by Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler... whose office is partnering with state and local police to staff drop-off sites in every county so that residents with any kind of unwanted firearms can turn them in.
Frederick County Property Taxes Rise: Property taxes in Frederick County are going up. The increase is related to a decision to put the county's fire tax into the general fund, and make that fire tax the same for all county residents. The Gazette reports that the move is designed to provide stability for homeowners by limiting how much their rates can rise under the homestead property tax credit.
Calvert Cliff Reactor Shuts Down: One of the two nuclear reactors at the Calvert Cliffs power plant experienced some sort of malfunction earlier this week, and was shut down. A spokesperson for the Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, which runs the Southern Maryland facility, tells the Baltimore Sun that it's unknown what led to the shutdown, and that an investigation is underway.
Horse Park Study: The Maryland Stadium Authority is voting next week on a request to study a state horse park system that combines venues. The Baltimore Business Journal reports that the idea is to tie together a "park" that links and markets a number of locations.
Maryland State Police Fallen Heroes Ceremony: The annual Maryland State Police Fallen Heroes Ceremony takes place this morning at 11am at State Police Headquarters in Pikesville. Southern Maryland News Net reports that family members of the fallen lawmen as well as retired troopers and government officials will be in attendance.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles lost yesterday's game with the Kansas City Royals, 6 to 2. The O's now head to Minnesota, for a game tonight against the Twins.