The national mall in DC is expected to be crowded with tens of thousands of people this weekend, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. The Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party has resigned. Delegate Pat McDonough says he’ll propose “Stand Your Ground” legislation in next year’s General Assembly session. A Baltimore court has freed five more prisoners who were convicted in murder cases decades ago. The 132nd Maryland State Fair opens today at the Timonium fairgrounds. And more.
Commemorating The March On Washington: Crowds numbering well into the tens of thousands are expected on the National Mall in DC tomorrow, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Tomorrow’s march is part of a week’s worth of events leading up to August 26th, the date of the march in 1963 that inspired a generation in the civil rights movement. WYPR’s Joel McCord has more here. If you’re planning to attend, expect crowds; the Baltimore chapter of the NAACP tells the Baltimore Sun that Baltimoreans should take the train to DC for best travels. And WYPR Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith talks with Keiffer Mitchell Jr. about the increase in black political leadership since the March on Washington in this morning’s edition of Inside Maryland Politics.
Ferguson Resigns As MD GOP Executive Director: The Maryland Republican Party is looking for a new Executive Director. This, after David Ferguson unexpectedly stepped down from the post at the state GOP’s monthly leadership meeting earlier this week. State party chair Diana Waterman tells the Frederick News Post that Ferguson walked out of that meeting, collected his things from his office, and then left. In an e-mail to party members, Ferguson said the he’s leaving the post to focus on his professional development and “become a better asset for the conservative movement.” There’s more here from the Gazette.
McDonough Plans To Introduce “Stand Your Ground” Legislation: Republican Delegate Pat McDonough is calling for the General Assembly to implement a so-called “Stand Your Ground” law. McDonough wants to replace the current "duty to retreat law" in Maryland that says someone must first try to escape before force is used. The Baltimore Sun reports that it’s unlikely that it would go anywhere in the majority-Democrat General Assembly.
More Convicted Murderers Released: A Baltimore court has freed five more prisoners who were convicted in murder cases decades ago. The group left Baltimore Circuit Court yesterday thanks to a Maryland Court of Appeals decision that said hundreds of trials needed to be retried because on improper jury instructions. The Baltimore Sun notes that there could be 200 cases around the state affected by the Appeals Court ruling. The Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office has decided not to re-try some of the cases – but says it will aggressively challenge others. So far, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s office has reached agreements to release 25 people.
Maryland Live! To Open Poker Room: Poker is coming to the state’s largest casino next week. Anne Arundel County’s Maryland Live! Casino is set to open its new two-story poker room next Wednesday. Casino owners tell the Baltimore Business Journal that they expect the room will bring in as much as $2-million a month.
Former AA Police Officer Faces Animal Cruelty Charges: A former Anne Arundel County police officer is facing charges of animal cruelty and training a dog to fight. The Capital Gazette reports that Jason Parrotte allegedly turned his pit bull loose to attack another dog being walked by its owner. There’s more here from WJZ.
Rosedale Homeless Clinic To Grow: Rosedale’s Healthcare for the Homeless clinic is expanding. The Baltimore Sun reports that it’s getting nearly $14-million from state and local agencies – along with MedStar Health – to grow. The clinic will move to a new building on the Medstar Franklin Square campus in Baltimore County… the new location will allow it to triple in size. The new location will also house the Eastern Family Resource Center, which offers meals, job assistance and other services to homeless families.
State Fair Opens: The 132nd Maryland State Fair opens today at the Timonium fairgrounds. For the next 11 days, folks can enjoy Midway rides, deep-fried foods, locally brewed beer, and a number of farming and agricultural exhibits. Information about all the events is available here.
Baltimore Football: the Ravens lost yesterday’s game against the Carolina Panthers; the score was 34 to 27. The last game of the pre-season is next Thursday, in which the Ravens will take on the St. Louis Rams.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles start a three game series with the Oakland A’s tonight at Camden Yards; first pitch is set for 7:05pm. Both teams are playoff contenders, but the O’s trail the A’s by three games in the American League’s Wild Card Standings.