Rail company CSX is suing a truck driver and his waste hauling company in relation to last month’s train derailment in Rosedale. A legislative task force formed to look into corruption in Maryland’s corrections system is set to begin its work a week from today. Fraser Smith weighs in on the planned Baltimore Red Line project. Plus: a planned development in Towson, a planned natural gas pipeline in Somerset County, and expectations for a busy Bay Bridge this weekend.
I-95 Closure: All southbound lanes of I-95 were closed this morning just north of I-695 at exit 49 near Arbutus after a collision that involved one car and two tractor trailers. The Baltimore Sun has more here.
Rosedale Train Derailment: Last month's train derailment in Rosedale is now the subject of legal action. In a federal lawsuit filed in Baltimore, rail company CSX accuses truck driver John Alban, Jr. of failing to slow down, "exercise due care" and look for trains as he crossed the tracks. At the crossing, the trash truck Alban was driving was struck by a freight train, derailing 15 cars, and leading to a fire and explosion. The Baltimore Sun reports that CSX is seeking at least 75-thousand dollars in damages.
Jail Corruption Task Force: A legislative task force formed to look into alleged corruption in Maryland’s jails is set to begin its work a week from today. The bipartisan panel of 14 state lawmakers was created earlier this month, after news broke that 13 guards at the Baltimore City Detention Center had been indicted for allegedly smuggling drugs and cell phones into gang members within the jail. The Washington Post reports that the legislative commission will hold its first meeting next Thursday – and Maryland Corrections Secretary Gary Maynard is expected to attend. More here from the Baltimore Sun.
Smith - Rawlings-Blake Must Harness Support For Red Line: Visions of a newly mobile and vibrant Baltimore could be derailed if the Red Line project fails to get federal support. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.
Towson Development: Baltimore County officials say a 300-million-dollar development is coming to Towson. The Towson Row project calls for 200-thousand square feet of office space, 350 luxury high rise apartments and condos, a hotel, retail and more in downtown Towson. Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz tells the Baltimore Sun that the project will transform around five acres of underutilized downtown property into an urban centerpiece.
Naval Academy Sexual Assault Charges: Three members of the U.S. Naval Academy football team have been charged with rape and making false statements. The Capital Gazette reports that the charges came after a female midshipman alleged that the men attacked her during an off-campus party last year. There’s more here from the Baltimore Sun.
Super Pond Hearing: A military court is hearing evidence to decide whether to proceed with a court-martial for a pair of Navy diving leaders. The Baltimore Sun reports that the officers are facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the February deaths of two divers at the "Super Pond" at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Frederick Douglass Statue: A statue of Frederick Douglass has been unveiled at the U.S. Capitol building. The seven-foot-tall bronze statue depicts Douglass standing at a lectern giving a speech. Douglass was one of the finest orators of the 19th century; he was born into slavery in Talbot County, and became a leader in the abolitionist movement. The Washington Post has more here.
Somerset County Natural Gas Pipeline: Plans for a natural gas pipeline from Salisbury south to the Pokomoke River are moving forward. The Daily Times reports that the pipeline would serve the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and eventually branch out to serve residential areas – making it key to future growth in Somerset County. That county’s commissioners signed a franchise agreement yesterday with a company planning to create the pipeline; all permits could be in place by the end of November, and construction could start shortly thereafter.
Busy Bay Bridge: Maryland transportation officials are warning motorists of increased traffic at the Bay Bridge over the next several days because of several events on the Eastern Shore. The Dew Tour extreme sport competition starts today and runs through Sunday in Ocean City. The Thunder on the Narrows speedboat racing is set for Saturday and Sunday on Prospect Bay, south of Kent Island. The Maryland Transportation Authority is urging folks who plan to use the Bay Bridge over the next couple days to travel during off-peak times to avoid delays. More online here.
Baltimore Baseball: The Orioles beat the Detroit Tigers 13 to 3 in yesterday’s game. The O’s have today off; tomorrow, they’ll be in Canada to kick off a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.