Carey Wright, the incoming superintendent of Maryland public schools, has made clear she wants to stay in the job after her interim tenure ends. The former superintendent of Mississippi schools, known for leading the Southern state through a massive improvement in academic achievement over a decade, said at a news conference Thursday afternoon that she’ll apply for a four-year term as the leader of the Maryland State Department of Education.
Interim Maryland schools superintendent wants to stay on the job
When it comes to Billie Holiday, we still have a lot to learn
Tanea Renee, the star of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” says she had some guiding principles in preparing for the role of Billie Holiday, who’s life and career is the subject of the play. “I decided not to focus on the fact that she was an icon,” Renee told me. “I focused on what we have in common as a woman and an artist,” said the Baltimore native, who has moved back after more than a decade living in New York.
“Kibbitzing with Kagan” featuring Damian O’Doherty, K.O. Public Affairs & Podcaster
Damian O’Doherty is one of those guys who always struck me as knowing all things and all people in Maryland. A native of the Free State, he left for college and returned for law school. His journey has taken him from the State Senate to the Realtors and former Baltimore County Exec Jim Smith. As a longtime friend and ally of former Governor Martin O’Malley, he served as Chair of the O’Malley presidential campaign. From there, Damian has set up “KO Public Affairs” and has had two podcasts. “Center Maryland” is yet another valuable news source that has flourished under his leadership.
Local entrepreneurs Will and Denise Richards are co-owners of Dill Dinkers, now expanding in a franchise venture across the U.S.
Dill Dinkers is going national with its pickleball business as the nation’s fastest-growing amateur sport attracts more players and investors. The Howard County pickleball startup has signed deals with three developers to open 45 locations in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas, within 10 years.
Report: Maryland receives C grade for legislative, congressional redistricting
Maryland received a C grade for its recent redistricting effort, according to a new report released by Common Cause that is critical of the Maryland General Assembly’s role in the process. The report praises the efforts of a commission appointed by former Gov. Larry Hogan (R). The grade is dragged down by criticisms of a legislative effort the group found was highly partisan and lacked public transparency.
Baltimore and the Birds: OK, that one hurt
Ouch. Know someone who seems miserable right now? We mean really, really unhappy, and they showed no signs of pain before, let’s say, Saturday and Sunday and especially Tuesday evening? Is it possible they’ve recently damaged a television screen? Have they stopped wearing certain orange and black attire around the house? Do they mutter words like “sweep” or “stupid Rangers” or “wild card teams have an unfair advantage” without further explanation?
Salty much? McCormick threatens to sue Maryland business over Old Bay-like cannabis sticker
An Annapolis business owner said the parent company of Old Bay seasoning should quit being so crabby and learn to appreciate a compliment — or at least take a joke. In almost any kitchen pantry or spice rack in Maryland, one is likely to find a container of Old Bay seasoning. Just look for the distinctive yellow and blue color scheme with the red top.
In Maryland, female boaters are part of a changing tide: ‘There are a lot more role models’
Gliding through Baltimore’s harbor in a 21-foot Bayliner, Anne McAvoy waved at other boaters as they passed by. Standing at the helm of the vessel she’d taken out for a spin from Freedom Boat Club on a late summer afternoon, McAvoy was the odd woman out in a sea of men. But if she felt any trepidation as the wind swirled through her hair and jostled her dangling earrings, she didn’t let on.
You don’t have to wear a mask in most Maryland hospitals, doctors’ offices. But should you?
COVID-19 cases are on the rise and the traditional flu and RSV seasons are coming. But when it comes to masking at the hospital or doctors’ office — where you may know someone who is sick or you may be sick ― there is little in the way of masking requirements. Many facilities’ official policies recommend, even strongly recommend, visitors and staff wear masks. And certainly, “Patients: Please wear a mask if you have upper respiratory symptoms or fever,” reads the Johns Hopkins Medicine policy.
Baltimore finance department making progress clearing extensive invoice backlog
Baltimore’s Department of Finance is steadily chipping away at the extensive backlog of outstanding invoices it owes to goods and services suppliers, thanks to the implementation of a new software system that is gradually transforming how the city runs, the chief financial officer said Tuesday. Speaking before members of Baltimore City Council, Michael Moiseyev said the cloud-based software, Workday, enables city government workers to communicate, monitor and settle late payments in real time, overhauling a previous “legacy” system that had become obsolete.