Around Maryland

The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works has been working to minimize disruptions to garbage and recycling collection while the employees of one of its independent contractors remain on strike. The contracted workers from Ecology Services Inc. have been on strike for seven days after contract negotiations fell apart. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 150, are demanding better pay and working conditions.

The youth curfew ordinance in Cambridge, initially enacted in February 2023, was extended by the Cambridge City Council ahead of its October 1 expiration date. The youth curfew ordinance is designed to reduce juvenile crime and gun violence in Cambridge. The extension of the curfew aims to continue fostering a safer environment for Cambridge’s youth and the broader community in the coming year.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced his choice for Baltimore County’s next fire chief in 30-year veteran Joseph Dixon. If approved, he would become Baltimore County’s first Black fire chief and would replace Interim Chief Scott Ebbert who served in that role since July. Ebbert will continue with the Baltimore County Fire Department at his previous Assistant Fire Chief position.

The Maryland Supreme Court on Tuesday is set to hear oral argument about the constitutionality of a state law eliminating the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits and making it easier for them to sue institutions that enabled their victimization. The justices are set to consider the issue at 10 a.m. in the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis. The state’s highest court will issue a decision at a later date.

One of North America’s biggest trash companies has accused Baltimore County of cutting it out of the bidding process and granting its rival a pricey contract to transport trash. The Baltimore County Council approved a $1.2 billion contract in April for Republic Services to haul commercial garbage from the county’s three trash facilities and dispose of it in landfills in Little Plymouth and Richmond, Virginia. The contract began July 1 and can run for up to 20 years, according to fiscal notes.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is advancing the rebuild of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. On Monday, the MDTA released its request for proposals (RFP) for firms to submit plans for construction management and inspection services in the rebuild. The top three firms will be awarded contracts valued at $20 million each and will oversee construction activities, ensure compliance with safety regulations and maintain high standards, the MDTA said in a statement.

In the next five years, Baltimore could see an extensive public safety complex developed at the brick building that once housed its daily print newspaper. City officials hope to relocate several communications and logistics operations to North Calvert Street, including CitiWatch, the 911 call center, 311 operations, police and fire dispatch, and Baltimore Police’s crime lab and evidence control unit.

No guts, as the saying goes, no glory. Baltimore’s cheekiest competition, the infamous Hampden Toilet Bowl Races, is set to return Sept. 14, ending a yearslong hiatus for the street race. The races last occurred in 2019. Participants and their porcelain thrones will convene Saturday at 1700 W. 41st St., Suite 420, near UNION Craft Brewing to climb atop their homemade commodes-on-wheels and whiz to the finish line.

The YIMBY movement is having a moment, and Maryland’s housing advocates are very here for it. Shorthand for “yes in my backyard” — a cheeky response to the better-known NIMBY movement — the pro-housing YIMBY lobby is swooning over national attention in recent weeks. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are pledging to bring home costs down if they win the White House this November.