News 2008-08-17 Andanh.com

Dream finish for Phelps Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:44:48 -0400
Michael Phelps holds a U.S. flag after winning his eighth gold medal of the Beijing Games, breaking Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record for golds in a single Olympics. The Rodgers Forge native capped his historic run by helping the U.S. 4 x 100 medley relay team win the gold medal in a world-record time of 3 minutes, 29.34 seconds. Photos: Michael Phelps Poll: Greatest Olympian ever? From Baltimore to Beijing: Spitz and Phelps speak

Ravens fall to Vikings as QB questions linger Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:14:00 -0400
Smith, Boller fail to separate themselves; depleted secondary struggles

Smith, Boller fail to separate themselves in competition; depleted secondary struggles Photos: Ravens-Vikings

W.Va. man, 22, charged in fatal Howard crash Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:00:00 -0400
A West Virginia man was arrested Friday night on a warrant charging him with homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in a two-car collision Thursday evening that killed a 64-year-old Mount Airy man and injured five others, Howard County police said.

Jobless rate in Maryland up sharply from June Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Unemployment hits 4.4%; was 4% in June

Labor Department says unemployment hits 4.4%, up from 4% in June

Mother, 74, dies never knowing who killed daughter Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Mother, 74, never knew who killed daughter

Donna Dustin's mother died this week, without knowing who killed her daughter 35 years ago.

O's three-game winning streak snapped by Tigers Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:10:00 -0400
Club musters nine hits and three runs in 5-3 loss to Detroit

It appears the Orioles' schedule will allow manager Dave Trembley to make a move that the organization's lack of pitching depth has prevented him from making -- moving Dennis Sarfate out of the rotation and back to the bullpen.

Farmers' markets are 'red hot' in the city, Maryland Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Farmers' markets are 'red hot' in the city, across Md.

The corn's been selling out before closing time. The heirloom tomatoes disappear, too. This summer, farmers' markets have emerged as consumer-driven havens for decidedly local foods sold in a setting of tell-all candor.

Jamaica's Bolt wins 100 gold, breaks own world record Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:12:00 -0400
Jamaican eases up near finish, still lowers mark to 9.69; American Dix third

Usain Bolt of Jamaica easily broke his own world record in the 100 meters to win the Olympic gold medal Saturday night, slowing up to celebrate and still finishing in 9.69 seconds.

O's sign top pick Matusz to major league contract Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
For the second consecutive year, the Orioles negotiated with their top draft pick until the final day before eventually getting their man.

Sex offender charged in Cherry Hill killing, rape Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Sex offender strangled teen, authorities say

Baltimore police have charged a 38-year-old registered sex offender with first-degree murder and rape in the February 2000 strangulation of a 19-year-old woman inside her Cherry Hill home, according to charging documents.

Houses to be upgraded, and people displaced Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Unintended fallout of law could leave renters homeless

Doris Doyle wipes a tear as she talks about her landlord's plan to vacate her and about a dozen other renters from their homes. Some of the elderly, disabled and low-income tenants renting houses in Essex and Middle River say they fear becoming homeless after their new landlord gave them 30 days to vacate their homes after an unintended fallout of a new law.

Ravens fans scramble with end of MTA express service Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
End to MTA express service leaves many scrambling to find a ride to the game

As the Baltimore Ravens kick off their preseason home schedule tonight, thousands of Ravens fans who formerly relied on state-operated express buses to get to the games are scrambling to find transportation that doesn't involve parking at or near M&T Bank Stadium.

Teen, Olympians cheer each other on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T he day the Olympics began, before the Opening Ceremony fireworks exploded, before the giant torch lit up the night sky and before Michael Phelps began blowing up world records right and left, 6,800 miles away, Emily Long sat down at her laptop and filed her dispatch.

Fatal Howard crash probed after 5 injured, 1 dead Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
3 out of hospital; woman, 44, and girl, 13, yet to be released

Howard County police yesterday were investigating a head-on collision that killed one person and left five others injured Thursday night.

Jailed mother of toddler who died of overdose to be moved Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Mental health bed found for mother of toddler who died of drug overdose

A woman convicted of manslaughter in the methadone poisoning death of her toddler was sentenced yesterday to a mental health facility after waiting four months for an available bed.

Man gets 15 years for Elkridge bank holdup Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 55-year-old Howard County man was sentenced yesterday to more than 15 years in federal prison for robbing a bank in Elkridge in November, according to the Maryland U.S. attorney's office.

Man sought in robberies of two North Laurel businesses Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Howard County police are searching for a man in the armed robberies of two businesses in a North Laurel shopping center where a police substation is located.

Woman dies without justice Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Mother, 74, never knew who killed daughter

Donna Dustin's mother died this week, without knowing who killed her daughter 35 years ago.

Inmate testifies about officer's death Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Hearing held in 2006 killing of guard

One of the two men charged with killing a corrections officer in July 2006 at the former Maryland House of Correction faced yesterday, for the first time in court, the inmate who accused him of the crime.

Middle River man held in Severn stabbing Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 25-year-old Middle River man was charged with attempted murder after his girlfriend's boss was stabbed repeatedly as he walked her to her car in Severn early yesterday, Anne Arundel County police said.

Travelers' cash seized at BWI Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
About $36,000 in currency was seized from two passengers at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport this week, and another man was arrested on a drug possession charge after marijuana was found in his baggage, customs officials announced yesterday.

Urban gardens gain ground Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Community efforts are driven by price and safety concerns

Bernie Ence of Severna Park picks some of his tomatoes at Kinder Farm Park. Community gardens such as Kinder Farm are good, but some say they don't help low-income city residents who rely on public transportation. By bringing the gardens within the city, those residents can get fresh vegetables at a reasonable price.

Middle River man arrested in beating, stabbing Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:08:00 -0400
A Middle River man used a crowbar to beat a man in Hanover before stabbing him several times, Anne Arundel County police said.

Annapolis crime down Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Violent incidents decreased by 18% in first half of year

Annapolis leaders were frustrated, and residents were growing angry: After a record eight homicides in 2007, five people were killed in the state capital in the first three months of this year. Community groups mobilized to protest, one alderwoman suggested bringing in the National Guard and the mayor considered a youth curfew.

Leopold wants zoning ombudsman Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Leopold gathering support for a permits, standards 'educator'

Stung by criticism from homeowners and business leaders about uneven zoning enforcement and proposed tougher rules for construction along Anne Arundel's shoreline, county officials are planning to hire an expert to help steer property owners through the often complex land-use and permit process.

'EZ' program focuses on improving energy efficiency Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
City aims to help businesses, residents pay for improvements

The city of Annapolis has announced a pilot program aimed at providing residents and small-business owners with funding for affordable, energy-efficient improvements to their homes and shops.

New season, new challenge at Bay Theater Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Bay Theatre faces rising costs with innovation and optimism

Now starting its seventh season, Bay Theatre is known for professional excellence, innovatively produced within the confines of its 20-foot-wide stage.

Houses to be upgraded, and people displaced Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Unintended fallout of law could leave renters homeless

Some of the elderly, disabled and low-income tenants renting about two dozen houses in Essex and Middle River say they fear becoming homeless after their new landlord gave them 30 days to vacate homes that some have occupied for decades.

Celtic band to perform tomorrow Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville will hold two Sunday musical events this month.

Grant to fund autism program Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Towson University Foundation has received a $24,900 grant from Autism Speaks for a pilot program in the school's new Center for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Benefit to aid Chesapeake Habitat Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Park School in Brooklandville and Friends School in Baltimore will host a concert to benefit Chesapeake Habitat from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Meadow at Evergreen Museum and Library, 4545 N. Charles St.

A Phelps frenzy Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Region in thrall to favorite son's Olympic feats

Parents and children have been staying up way past their bedtimes to watch the live broadcasts of his races. Working professionals who don't normally obsess over swimming have found themselves ducking away from their desks to catch even the preliminary heats during the day. And swim clubs and swimsuit retailers across the area say their pools and shops are abuzz with talk of Michael Phelps and his history-making performance this week in Beijing.

Middle River Road section in Balto. Co. reopened Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:55:00 -0400
Utility pole was struck in car accident, needs repairs, officials say

Middle River Road between Pulaski Highway and Philadelphia Road in eastern Baltimore County has reopened this morning after Verizon officials removed a downed utility pole and made repairs. The road had been closed since last night, when police said a car struck the pole in an accident.

Hereford crash victim led a life of global reach, dedication Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Crash victim was mother, researcher

When Mary Patricia Sullivan returned with her three daughters to Maryland in 2003 after spending seven years researching HIV/AIDS in Uganda, she was intent on giving them the best American school experience possible, friends said.

Lightning strikes again, causing fire at condo complex Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
For the second time in two years, lightning struck a Perry Hall condominium complex, causing a fire last night that forced several residents from their homes, a spokesman for the county Fire Department said.

10-car pileup on Beltway near Pikesville injures 6 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 10-vehicle collision on the inner loop of the Beltway near Pikesville sent six people to hospitals last night and tied up traffic for more than an hour, state police at the Golden Ring barracks said.

A Shopper's Getaway Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Carroll County town got its start as a merchants' center, so it's no surprise that its downtown is full of delightful shops

I f you're looking to take a break from the hustle of the city or flee the sameness of suburbia, historic downtown Westminster is the perfect place to spend a day dining and shopping. The town in Carroll County began as a hub for merchants in the early 1800s, when the Baltimore- Reisterstown turnpike was created to promote trade between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The growth continued with the creation of the Western Maryland Railroad, which was built around the time of the Civil War. And today, downtown Westminster is filled with shops featuring unique clothing and home-decor items and places for family fun.

Man held in Carroll stabbing Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
An Emmitsburg man is being held in the Carroll County Detention Center after the stabbing of a Taneytown man during a fight at a party, authorities said yesterday.

Scooters stolen from Sykesville shop Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:35:00 -0400
Maryland State Police are investigating two break-ins that both resulted in the theft of four scooters from a shop in Sykesville.

Carroll woman dies in crash Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Carroll County woman was killed yesterday after the car she was driving collided with another vehicle at a Westminster intersection, police said.

Fire destroys Carroll County wooden barn Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:35:00 -0400
The state fire marshal's office is investigating a fire last night that destroyed a barn in Carroll County, a spokesman for the Winfield Volunteer Fire Company said.

Lightning caused Carroll fire, authorities say Fri, 8 Aug 2008 13:18:00 -0400
Investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office have determined that lightning caused a two-alarm fire in Eldersburg last night that left 11 families homeless, authorities said today.

Carroll commissioners delay police proposal Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The creation of a Carroll County police force was put on hold yesterday after the Board of Commissioners voted to take no action on an ordinance to form the agency.

Where children learn they can Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Therapeutic riding teaches pride and self-esteem

Gus Belt, 4, who is autistic, touches Tilly's nose after a session at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding near Bel Air. "This helps with everything," says Gus' father, Andy Belt of Towson. "It shows him what he can do." About 10 children participate in the all-volunteer program, and about 55 are on a waiting list.

Report sees risk in BRAC move to Aberdeen Proving Ground Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Potential war effort disruption in shift from N.J. to Aberdeen

The Army faces "significant challenges" in moving its communications, surveillance and electronics operations from Fort Monmouth, N.J., to Aberdeen Proving Ground without disrupting the military's war effort, according to a new congressional report that warns of potential staffing shortages and difficulties in quickly providing security clearances to new workers.

Neighbors decry LNG pipeline path Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Harford residents see loss of land, potential danger

Keith Jewell (left), Cindy Hutton, Andy Hutton and Joanne Wachholder of FERC discuss gas pipeline routes from the old Bethlehem Steel shipyard to a Pa. plant. Harford County residents who will be affected by the construction got the full measure yesterday of what the plan means for their properties.

Officials to meet with property owners about pipeline route Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal officials to meet with property owners about route

If the proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline from eastern Baltimore County to Pennsylvania is approved, Mike and Pat Liberatore face two daunting possibilities.

Help sought in solving arsons Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Investigators from the Maryland state fire marshal's office are asking the public's help with information about two arsons that occurred in Harford County over the weekend, authorities said.

Harford judge denies bail in murder case Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Harford County judge denied bail yesterday to a 36-year-old Pylesville man charged with first-degree murder.

Community in shock over Harford man's drug charges Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Ecologist, decades-long teacher revered by residents

For many, Bob Chance has been the face of ecology in Harford County.

The RAACE is on to protect hurt children Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Organization stages motorcycle ride as part of campaign against sexual abuse

Statistics are more than just numbers to Kenneth Smith.

Blue House faces growing need Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In Bel Air, church project provides clothing, canned goods to the community

Across the street from the Episcopal Church of Reconciliation on Lee Street in Bel Air sits an unassuming light-blue two-story house with a screened front porch.

Trashy Women make their own treasures Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Group of 8 transform common refuse into works of art

When most people finish using products like laundry detergent containers, tin cans, pie tins and greeting cards, they throw them in the garbage or in a recycling bin.

Fatal Howard crash probed Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
3 out of hospital; woman, 44, and girl, 13, yet to be released

Howard County police yesterday were investigating a head-on collision that killed one person and left five others injured Thursday night.

Man sought in two Howard robberies Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Howard County police are searching for a man in the armed robberies of two businesses in a North Laurel shopping center where a police substation is located.

Man gets 15 years for bank holdup Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 55-year-old Howard County man was sentenced yesterday to more than 15 years in federal prison for robbing a bank in Elkridge in November, according to the Maryland U.S. attorney's office.

1 killed, 5 injured in head-on collision in Howard Co. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:48:00 -0400
A man who died in a head-on collision last night in Howard County was identified this morning as a 64-year-old Mount Airy resident, according to Howard County Police. Several members of his family who were in the vehicle were injured and remain hospitalized.

Elkridge man gets more than 15 years for bank robbery Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:46:00 -0400
A 55-year-old Howard County man was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison for robbing a bank in Elkridge in November, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

County readies new teachers Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Among teachers joining Howard County this year are (from left) Jessica Jolliffe, Regina Clingan and Kristin Terry. 327 new employees descended on Reservoir High School this week for Howard County's annual new-teacher orientation.

U.S. 1 envisioned minus adult store Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
U.S. 1 envisioned minus adult store

The large signs adorning the Love Craft adult video store in the median of U.S. 1 in North Laurel make its contents very clear.

8 human services agencies get funding from Horizon Foundation Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Horizon Foundation is providing $223,748 to eight Howard County human services agencies this fiscal year, including $100,000 for the county-run North Laurel Multiservice Center.

Police graduate held fast to dream Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Won Lee (left center) was a Baltimore City business owner before deciding to pursue a lifelong ambition to work in law enforcement. He was among 15 Howard County officers to graduate from the police academy during a cermony Thursday at Marriotts Ridge High School.

13 reduced-price homes are available Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Units, including 3 townhouses, are to be awarded to qualified buyers this month and in Sept. and Oct.

Howard County residents will have a baker's dozen more reduced-price homes to buy through October, including a new variety - three townhouses reserved for adults 55 and older.

Md. students fare better Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
More schools meet federal target

A greater percentage of Maryland's elementary and middle schools met federal achievement standards than in recent years, even as the state raised the bar by requiring more students in each school to pass the yearly tests in reading and math.

Dr. David E. Lazerow Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 91 World War II veteran and longtime optometrist maintained his practice in Pikesville until he was 88.

D r. David Elliot Lazerow, a World War II veteran and retired Pikesville optometrist whose practice spanned six decades, died of multiple organ failure Aug. 7 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. He was 91.

Emma B. Wagner, 88 Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Homemaker, volunteer

Emma Belle Wagner, a homemaker and volunteer, died of complications from a stroke Aug. 8 at the Blakehurst retirement community in Towson. She was 88.

Deaths elsewhere Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
JAMES HOYT, 83

Eddie Boyd Jr. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 46 Anti-war activist was state's first Green party gubernatorial candidate.

Eddie Boyd Jr., an auto salesman who had been the Green Party candidate for Maryland governor in 2006, died of lung cancer Monday at Good Samaritan Hospital. The Waverly resident was 46.

Edward A. Crooke Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 70 Energy chief rose through ranks.

E dward A. Crooke, retired vice chairman of Constellation Energy Group and Baltimore Gas & Electric Co., died Sunday of cancer at his Ellicott City home. He was 70.

John Short Sr., 57 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Truck driver, veteran

John Robert Short Sr., a Wicomico County truck driver, was killed early Sunday when the truck he was driving was involved in an accident on the eastbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge that sent it plunging into the bay.

Lucretia H. Harris Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 100 Cook, housekeeper established scholarship at UMES.

L ucretia H. Harris, a retired Somerset County housekeeper and cook who was recently honored by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and who established a scholarship in her name on her 100th birthday, died Saturday at Manokin Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Princess Anne.

John R. Nagel Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 77 Army veteran and actuary was a fan of the Buffalo Bills.

John Richard "Dick" Nagel, an Army veteran and actuary for 21 years, died of supranuclear palsy Aug. 4 at his Charlottesville, Va., home. The longtime Baltimore resident was 77.

Deaths elsewhere Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
SANDY ALLEN, 53

Ann C. Michener Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Age 83 Homemaker and educator was a civil rights activist.

Ann C. Michener, a homemaker, educator and civil rights activist, died of leukemia Aug. 3 at Gilchrist Hospice Care. The Broadmead retirement community resident was 83.

Procession for Balto. Co. officer to affect traffic Sat. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:33:00 -0400
Parts of the Baltimore Beltway, Interstate 795 and Interstate 83 will be closed tomorrow afternoon by a funeral procession for Lt. Michael Howe, who was commander of the Baltimore County police tactical unit, authorities said.

Traffic deaths fewest since '94 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Fatality rate lowest on record, U.S. says

Traffic deaths in the United States declined last year, reaching the lowest level in more than a decade, the government reported yesterday.

As fuel prices stay high, people are driving less Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
As fuel prices stay high, people are driving less

With gas prices hitting $4 this summer, drivers in Maryland and across the country have been driving far less as they choose in growing numbers to take public transit, share rides or simply stay home.

Two-way traffic to continue on Bay Bridge Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Despite fatal crash, transit chief sees no other option

The head of the agency that operates the Bay Bridge said yesterday that two-way operations on the twin spans would continue even after Sunday's fatal accident that left a westbound tractor-trailer in the water after an eastbound passenger car apparently swerved into its lane.

Bay Bridge accident is called 'anomaly' Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Size, speed possible factors in truck's fatal plunge off bay bridge

State transportation officials declared the Chesapeake Bay Bridge safe one day after a fatal crash that sent a tractor-trailer over a barrier, a dramatic accident that was described as an "anomaly" caused by speed and the size of the vehicle.

MTA growth plan stalls Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Chief called for added MARC service this year

In a setback to its ambitious effort to expand the MARC commuter train service, the Maryland Transit Administration has dropped plans to add weekend service to its Penn Line or midday runs to its Camden Line this summer.

Death on a quiet road Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
D eath came for Chuck Stoecker in a beautiful place.

Bomb kills 4 Iraqis at bus station Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Dozens wounded as passenger van blows up; Shiite pilgrims had stopped for night

A passenger van packed with explosives blew up yesterday at a bus station north of Baghdad where Shiite pilgrims had stopped for the night, killing four people and wounding dozens, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.

Suicide bomb kills at least 20 pilgrims in Baghdad Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
BAGHDAD A woman pretending to be a Shiite Muslim pilgrim en route to a religious festival blew herself up yesterday at a rest house catering to pilgrims and killed at least 20 other people, most of them women. It was the worst of several attacks on Shiites walking to Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, and it raised the specter of further bloodshed as the pilgrimage route becomes crowded before the event tomorrow.

Iraqi refugees fly home Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Premier's plane conducts first official flight

Several hundred Iraqi refugees flew home from Egypt yesterday on the Iraqi prime minister's plane, the first government-organized flight aimed at accelerating the return of Iraqis now that violence has waned.

At least 13 dead in attacks across Iraq Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
BAGHDAD At least 13 people were killed, including a U.S. soldier, and scores were wounded in a wave of attacks across Iraq yesterday, military and security officials said. The soldier died along with four Iraqi citizens in a calculated, two-pronged attack on Baghdad's outskirts, the U.S. military said. The attack began when a bomb exploded about 2 p.m. at a vacant house in Tarmiya, once a major stronghold of al-Qaida. Shortly after Iraqi and U.S. security forces reached the scene, they were attacked by a suicide bomber and by gunmen. A local security official said the U.S. tally of five dead was too low. He said 10 Iraqis were killed and 20 others wounded. The military said two U.S. soldiers were hurt.

U.S. blames al-Qaida for blast that killed 25 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Curfew imposed after car bombing in nothern Iraq

The U.S. military blamed al-Qaida in Iraq yesterday for a suicide car bombing in the northern Iraqi town of Tal Afar, while an Iraqi official said the death toll in the attack had risen to 25.

Median home prices dive Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Sales in Md. drop by 30%

Median home prices fell in more than three-fourths of U.S. cities in the second quarter, the latest sign of the breadth of the housing market decline, according to data released yesterday.

30-year mortgage rates hold steady for third week Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Rates on 30-year mortgages remained at the same level for a third week while rates on other types of home loans posted small declines.

Anne Arundel Co. zoning ombudsman wanted Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Leopold gathering support for a permits, standards 'educator'

Stung by criticism from homeowners and business leaders about uneven zoning enforcement and proposed tougher rules for construction along Anne Arundel's shoreline, county officials are planning to hire an expert to help steer property owners through the often complex land-use and permit process.

State delegate returns property tax discount Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Del. Keith E. Haynes informed the Howard County Department of Finance yesterday that he was returning five years of property tax discounts he improperly received under the Homestead Tax Credit program.

Information sessions on LNG pipeline Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal officials to meet with property owners about route

If the proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline from eastern Baltimore County to Pennsylvania is approved, Mike and Pat Liberatore face two daunting possibilities.

Lending rules get tougher Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal Reserve reports banks keep tightening loan standards

The Federal Reserve says more banks are making it harder to borrow money, as defaults and delinquencies on home loans soared and the economy faltered.

Despite downturn, some houses not staying on market for long Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Despite the downturn, some houses are not staying on the market for long

Iris Bierlein, 25, saw a Devon Hill condo that she liked and snapped it up. She loved the old mansion's high ceilings, transoms and two porches. Despite the downturn, some houses are not staying on the market for long.