In Baltimore City
Officers posing as drug dealers arrest 55 people
Drug enforcement officers from each of the city's nine police districts arrested 55 people and raided three dwellings Tuesday during "Operation Buy Bust" - an initiative in which officers posed as drug dealers and locked up their customers.
Reporting the arrests yesterday, Lt. Michael Tabor, commander of district drug units, said police seized about $3,000 worth of cocaine, heroin and marijuana; more than $15,000 in cash; three vehicles; and three firearms.
Tabor said the areas targeted had been the scenes of recent drug-related violence, including shootings.
Orioles to honor cancer survivors at game
Cancer survivorship will be celebrated at tomorrow night's 7:05 Orioles baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, with a pregame ceremony, some discounted tickets and post-game fireworks.
Representing the American Cancer Society and the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, more than 100 cancer survivors will take the field to be honored by fans. Tamara Walker, a Baltimore native and daughter of a cancer survivor, will perform her song, "Angel Eyes," the title track from Jennifer Lopez's latest film.
During the "Field of Hope" evening, fans can pick up free sunscreen and view themselves through the American Cancer Society's skin analyzer to assess sun damage.
Pedestrian error cited in accident that hurt boys
Police say "pedestrian error" appears to have been the cause of an accident that injured two young boys - hit as they crossed a street in North Baltimore on Monday evening.
The boys were identified as brothers Jowan Ball, 5, and Edward Scott, 6, of the 3500 block of Cabot Road in Reisterstown. Jowan was listed in fair condition yesterday at Johns Hopkins Hospital; Scott was treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Police said the boys were with their 16-year-old sister when they crossed the 800 block of Woodbourne Ave. about 5:50 p.m. and were hit by a Toyota Tercel. The boys were "not crossing at a marked crosswalk and appear to have stepped into oncoming traffic," said Agent Martin Bartness, a police spokesman.
Redistricting panel to hold public forum Tuesday
The Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Baltimore City Community College's Harbor Campus, on the second floor of the Bard Building.
The meeting is designed to give city residents an opportunity to express concerns and ask questions about redrawing the lines of the state's eight congressional districts and 47 legislative districts. It is a process that takes place every 10 years.
People may comment on any aspect of redistricting and offer suggestions on how Maryland's political boundaries should be determined. Guidelines for submitting comments and suggestions will be provided at the meeting.
In Baltimore County
Middletown Road lot to close a day for repairs
PARKTON - The State Highway Administration will close the Middletown Road park-and-ride lot along Exit 31 of Interstate 83 from 7 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday to make repairs.
The park-and-ride lot at Mount Carmel Road at Exit 27 also is being repaired this month.
The $213,500 in repairs to the lots, which include resurfacing, replacing concrete curbs and gutters and improving drainage systems, are expected to be completed by late next month. Information: 410-321-2800.
College is awarded grant for developmental education
CATONSVILLE - The Community College of Baltimore County has received a federal grant of $1.6 million to strengthen developmental education and student tracking.
Aimed primarily at unprepared students, the grant over five years will provide tutoring at the CCBC campuses in Dundalk, Essex and Catonsville and a system to better monitor student progress and provide early intervention.
Donna McKusick, grant activity director at CCBC, said first-time, full-time students should have a better chance of academic success.
Cardin to talk with seniors on Social Security reform
REISTERSTOWN - U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin will discuss Social Security reform efforts in a meeting with senior citizens at Reisterstown Senior Center on Wednesday.
Cardin, a member of the Social Security subcommittee, also will talk about prescription drug benefits for seniors. The talk will be held at 1 p.m. at the center, 12305 Reisterstown Road.
