State Senate Minority Leader E. J. Pipkin is stepping down, effective next week. Scientists are trying to find out why more dolphins are dying along the East Coast than they've seen in the past. The field is set for this year's primary elections in Annapolis. Maryland's four casinos brought in nearly $70-million last month. And more.
Pipkin Leaves The General Assembly: State Senate Minority Leader E. J. Pipkin says he's stepping down. The Baltimore Sun reports that Pipkin plans to leave the legislature next week... and the state as well; he'll move to Texas to study sports management at a graduate school there. The Eastern Shore Republican has served in the General assembly since 2002.
Dolphin Deaths: Scientists are trying to find out why more dolphins are dying along the East Coast than they've seen in the past. More than 100 Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins have been found dead this year, mostly in the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland has seen 15 dead dolphins wash up on its shores this year, with seven in July alone. Our state rarely sees more than 10 dead dolphins in an entire year. Scientists tell the Baltimore Sun that they're looking into whether toxic algae blooms or a virus could be responsible.
Casino Revenue: Maryland's four casinos brought in nearly $70-million last month. There's more on casino revenue here from the Baltimore Sun.
Ethics Committee To Examine Complaint Against Vallario: The General Assembly's legislative ethics committee is set to hold a "rare summer meeting" later this month, to investigate a complaint against Delegate Joe Vallario, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. The complaint alleges a conflict of interest over a bill that Vallario helped pass in 2011 that makes it easier to prosecute vehicluar manslaughter cases. As the legislation was being considered, the Washington Post reports that Vallario heard from a Prince George's County woman whose daughter died in a hit and run; the driver in that incident was being defended by Vallario's son, who works out of the same office that the Delegate does. Vallario says he did nothing wrong, and adds that he wasn't involved in the driver's defense.
Annapolis's Elections: The field is set for this year's primary elections in Annapolis. The Democratic Mayoral contest will be fought between incumbent Mayor Josh Cohen and downtown activist Bevin Ann Buchheister. On the Republican side -- a last minute entry, Frank Bradley, known for his performances as Santa Claus around Annapolis, will run against Bob O'Shea and Mike Pantelides. The Baltimore Sun notes that half of the city's eight City Council races will be uncontested. Annapolis holds its primary on September 17th.
MD Hospitals Support Breastfeeding: Maryland's 32 birthing hospitals are promising more support for moms who breastfeed. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says nine of the hospitals plan to be certified as "Baby Friendly." The twenty-three remaining hospitals are committing to Maryland's Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Recommendations. More here from the Baltimore Sun.
Wine At Great Frederick Fair? The Frederick County liquor board has greenlighted wine sales at the Great Frederick Fair. The Frederick News Post reports that the fair board still has to sign off in order for wine sales to take place.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles are in San Diego tonight, for a game against the Padres.