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Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raskin raises, banks millions, far outstripping other Maryland delegation members
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th) speaks at an April hearing on the Justice Department. Recent campaign finance reports show Raskin was one of the most-prolific fundraisers in the House in the first half of this year. (Photo by) With more than a year to the next elections, members of Maryland's congressional delegation and their would-be challengers had raised $6.2 million this year and already put almost $12 million aside — with nearly half of both amounts attributable to Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th). Raskin raised more than $2.5 million in the first six months of the year, according to the latest campaign finance reports from the Federal Election Commission, four times the amount raised by the second most-prolific fundraiser in the state, Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), who brought in $609,303. And Raskin had nearly $5.9 million in cash on hand as of June 30, more than 2.5 times Sen. Chris Van Hollen's (D-Md.) $2.2 million. Raskin was the 20th-biggest fundraiser of the 919 House incumbents and challengers who reported raising any money this year, according to the FEC. A high-profile and vocal critic of President Donald Trump (R), he received donations from 44 states, although the largest share was from Maryland. Raskin's campaign did not respond to requests for comnent. But Patrick Gonzales, pollster with Annapolis-based Gonzales Research & Media, said Raskin's totals are unusual. 'There are eight Congress [House] members in Maryland, and for one to get that to get that significant of an amount higher — that just strikes me as odd,' Gonzales said. Close to 90% of Raskin's donations were from individuals, and about half of those were small donations that were not itemized, an amount that also struck Gonzales as odd. 'Where does it come from? I don't have a clue, but it's a lot of money,' he said. Raskin is one of the few incumbents to have challengers already for 2026. But Democrat Stephen Leon reported raising $1,673 this year and having $1,000 in the bank, while Republican Cheryl Riley, seeking a rematch after losing badly to Raskin last year in the heavily Democratic 8th District, reported raising $4,857 and having $4,039 in cash on hand. Another longtime incumbent also facing challengers in 2026 is Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th). Despite continuing speculation about Hoyer's intentions — Hoyer, first elected to the House in 1981, will be 87 at the time of next year's elections — he reported raising $286,862 this year and having $636,456 on hand as of June 30. Democratic challengers Quincy Bereebe reported raising $116,837 and banking $78,111, and Harry Jarin raised $106,193 and had $105,730 on hand, according to the FEC. But their reports show that Bareebe's receipts included a $110,000 loan to herself, while Jarin loaned his campaign $75,000. In the 6th District, stretching across Western Maryland, Rep. April McClain Delaney reported bringing in $528,778 — of which $200,000 was a loan to her campaign — and banking $323,251. Two Republicans have declared their intention to challenge McClain Delaney in 2026: Political newcomer Christopher Burnett reported raising $7,078 and having $6,870 on hand wile former Del. Neil Parrott reported raising $17,538, which includes an $11,000 loan, and having $7,215 in the bank on June 30. Parrott would be making his fourth bid for the seat, having lost to McClain Delaney last year and former Rep. David Trone (D) two times before that. The only other incumbent with a declared challenger is Harris in the 1st District, where Democrat Daniel Schwartz raised $101,970 — including a $13,000 loan to his campaign — and had $56,748 in cash on hand. Harris raised $609,303 in the same period and had just over $1 million in cash on hand. Neither Van Hollen nor Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) have challengers yet for reelection bids in 2028 and 203o, respectively. But Alsobrooks was already raising money after an expensive 2024 election in which she spent $31 million and ended the year with $49,845 in the bank and $101,342 in campaign debt. The freshman senator reported raising $596,348 in the first half of this year, and having $107,720 in cash on hand as of June 30. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Solve the daily Crossword
Business Journals
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
The Lucky Knot Men's, Local Coast open in Annapolis
Good morning, Baltimore and happy Friday! I'm a longtime solver of the New York Times crossword, and I always get some extra enjoyment out of it when local folks and companies are mentioned in the clues or answers. The latest example of this was in Wednesday's puzzle, which featured the clue "Investment firm T. [blank] Price." That's the first time the answer "ROWE" has appeared in the crossword in relation to the Baltimore company since December 2020 (that's according to the incredible crossword site, XWord Info). "ROWE" has actually appeared in the crossword since then but with a different Baltimore connection: The clue referenced "Dirty Jobs" host and Baltimore County native Mike Rowe. So I guess you could say Baltimore has the monopoly on Rowe-related crossword clues. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events Now, let's get to the news. Two new retailers open in Annapolis A pair of regional clothing brands have set up shop on Main Street in Annapolis. The Lucky Knot has opened a dedicated men's location at 159 Main St. while Local Coast, which offers coastal, hunting and fishing apparel, has moved into 167 Main St., according to Annapolis-based Hyatt Commercial, which played a role in both deals. Hyatt's John Gallagher brokered the off-market sale of 159 Main St. in March. Property records show it sold to an entity tied to the family that owns The Lucky Knot for $1.8 million. The Lucky Knot has five stores in Virginia, and already had a women's store on Main Street. Gallagher also represented the former owner of 167 Main St. in selling the property last year and then brokered the lease with Lucky Coast on behalf of the new owner while Hyatt's Bill Steffey represented the tenant. Property records show that the building changed hands in December for $1.75 million to an Annapolis LLC. Local Coast's only other store is in Severna Park. Baltimore fashion boutique expands to Virginia Sassanova, a local fashion boutique specializing in contemporary men's and women's apparel, has opened a new store in McLean, Virginia. The store opened this week at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center, adding to existing stores in Baltimore, Lutherville and Bethesda. The new 2,200-square-foot location is Sassanova's largest to date and marks the first time the store is bringing its signature women's collections and its Nova Man menswear under one roof, according to a release. Owner Angela Tandy is one of this year's Women Who Mean Business honorees. T. Rowe Price lays off employees T. Rowe Price Group Inc. has started laying off an undisclosed number of employees, including at its new Harbor Point headquarters, the Baltimore Sun reported yesterday. The investment giant did not disclose the size of the layoffs or offer other specifics about the cuts but said the move is part of a plan to cut costs and return to organic growth. A nearly 50-year-old regional Italian restaurant chain has sold its 10 locations as its owner looks to retire. BBJ reporter Morgan Simpson has more on what's next for the family-owned chain. The Orioles may be on break, but Camden Yards was still hopping yesterday as we celebrated this year's Best Places to Work winners at the B&O Warehouse. The event was emceed by Ryan Ripken and attendees got a chance to meet the Oriole Bird, sample a wide array of ballpark and Maryland-themed food and take photos on the flag court. Read all about how the winning companies became a Best Place to Work here. More speed cameras coming to I-83 Watch out, speedsters, more cameras are coming to Interstate 83. Baltimore City is adding two cameras along the roadway that are set to go live on Aug. 4, the Department of Transportation announced Thursday. The new cameras will be located near 41st Street, which the department said was picked based on where speeding and crashes typically occur. The city already has two other speed cameras on I-83 and the department said only one camera in each direction will operate at any given time. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 12 or more miles per hour will receive a citation. The fine for a speeding citation is $40. The logistics arm of Office Depot is closing down its Howard County facility as part of a nationwide cost-cutting effort. The BBJ's Matt Hooke has all the details. New hotel and conference center gets $7.5 million state grant The state Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a $7.5 million capital grant to support the upcoming Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference. The project is expected to result in 200 new full-time jobs and create $1.5 billion in economic impact over the next two decades, according to a release from Gov. Wes Moore's office. Our friends at the Washington Business Journal did a deep dive this spring into what the $103 million project will mean to the historic town.
Malaysian Reserve
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Fichtner Home Exteriors Marks 14 Consecutive Years as Central Maryland's Most Trusted Roofer in "What's Up? Media's" Best of Annapolis Awards
ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fichtner Home Exteriors, an Annapolis-based leader in roofing and exterior home improvements, has solidified its legacy as a cornerstone of trust and quality. For an extraordinary 14th consecutive year, the company has been voted #1 roofer, siding contractor, window contractor, or gutter contractor in What's Up? Media's Best of Annapolis Awards, a powerful reflection of its roofing mastery and commitment to Central Maryland. Since 1997, What's Up? Media has connected the Chesapeake Bay region with over 300,000 monthly readers through What's Up? Annapolis, What's Up? Eastern Shore, and What's Up? Central Maryland. Its reader-voted Best of Annapolis Awards celebrate the area's finest, and Fichtner Home Exteriors' 14-year streak underscores its unmatched standing in Anne Arundel County and beyond. 'We're deeply humbled to be recognized for 14 straight years,' said Tom Fichtner, owner and president. 'Customer service is at our heart, and this enduring support from our community drives us to uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability.' Roofing is the bedrock of Fichtner Home Exteriors, proven by elite distinctions like GAF Master Elite status—earned by only 3% of U.S. roofing contractors—and membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) since 2000. Affiliations with TAMKO, James Hardie, and others ensure top-tier materials and techniques, while a 97% client recommendation rate highlights their excellence. Beyond roofs, their expertise spans siding, windows, doors, porches, and gutters, enhancing homes with precision. With decades of experience, Fichtner Home Exteriors has become a local standard-bearer, crafting storm-resistant roofs and energy-efficient solutions that stand the test of time. Licensed under MHIC #50157, their work reflects a deep-rooted passion for the craft and community. This 14-year milestone cements Fichtner Home Exteriors as Central Maryland's most trusted name in roofing and exterior improvements. Media Contact:Tom FichtnerFichtner Home ExteriorsPhone: 410.519.1900Email: Tom@
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
US Naval Academy ends affirmative action in admissions
The U.S. Naval Academy will no longer consider race, ethnicity or sex as a factor for admission to the service institution, a response to an executive order by President Donald Trump, according to federal court documents made public Friday. The change in policy was made in February by Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, the academy's superintendent, in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January, according to a court filing by the U.S. Justice Department in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The president's order on Jan. 27 said that 'every element of the Armed Forces should operate free from any preference based on race or sex.' It also directed the secretary of defense to conduct an internal review with respect to all 'activities designed to promote a race- or sex-based preferences system,' including reviews at the service academies. 'Under revised internal guidance issued by the Superintendent on Feb. 14, 2025, neither race, ethnicity, nor sex can be considered as a factor for admission at any point during the admissions process, including qualification and acceptance,' according to the court filing made public Friday. The decision comes after a federal judge ruled in December that the academy could continue considering race in its admissions process. In that case, the judge found that military cohesion and other national security factors mean the school should not be subjected to the same standards as civilian universities. During a two-week bench trial in September, attorneys for the academy argued that prioritizing diversity in the military makes it stronger, more effective and more widely respected. The case against the policy was brought by the group Students for Fair Admissions, which was appealing the judge's decision. The Justice Department asked in the filing on Friday to suspend the current briefing schedule in the case while the parties consider the change in the academy's policy. 'The parties require a reasonable amount of time to discuss the details of the Academy's new policy and to consider the appropriate next steps for this litigation, including whether this litigation is now moot and, if so, whether the district court judgment should be vacated," the Justice Department wrote. Students for Fair Admissions also brought the lawsuit challenging affirmative action that resulted in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023. The high court's conservative majority broadly prohibited the consideration of race and ethnicity in college admissions, ending a long-standing practice meant to boost opportunities for historically marginalized groups and sending shock waves through higher education. But it carved out a potential exemption for military academies, suggesting that national security interests could affect the legal analysis. Students for Fair Admissions later sued the Annapolis-based Naval Academy, challenging the exemption. But Judge Richard Bennett rejected their arguments, saying that the school had 'established a compelling national security interest in a diverse officer corps.' Attorneys for the group argued during trial that prioritizing minority candidates is unfair to qualified white applicants and that cohesion should arise from other sources such as training and command structure. The academy argued in that case that its admissions process considers many factors, including grades, extracurricular activities, life experience and socioeconomic status, according to court testimony. Race often played no role in the process, but sometimes it came under consideration in a 'limited fashion,' attorneys for the academy wrote in court papers.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
US Naval Academy ends affirmative action in admissions
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The U.S. Naval Academy will no longer consider race, ethnicity or sex as a factor for admission to the service institution, a response to an executive order by President Donald Trump, according to federal court documents made public Friday. The change in policy was made in February by Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, the academy's superintendent, in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January, according to a court filing by the U.S. Justice Department in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The president's order on Jan. 27 said that 'every element of the Armed Forces should operate free from any preference based on race or sex.' It also directed the secretary of defense to conduct an internal review with respect to all 'activities designed to promote a race- or sex-based preferences system,' including reviews at the service academies. 'Under revised internal guidance issued by the Superintendent on Feb. 14, 2025, neither race, ethnicity, nor sex can be considered as a factor for admission at any point during the admissions process, including qualification and acceptance,' according to the court filing made public Friday. The decision comes after a federal judge ruled in December that the academy could continue considering race in its admissions process. In that case, the judge found that military cohesion and other national security factors mean the school should not be subjected to the same standards as civilian universities. During a two-week bench trial in September, attorneys for the academy argued that prioritizing diversity in the military makes it stronger, more effective and more widely respected. The case against the policy was brought by the group Students for Fair Admissions, which was appealing the judge's decision. The Justice Department asked in the filing on Friday to suspend the current briefing schedule in the case while the parties consider the change in the academy's policy. 'The parties require a reasonable amount of time to discuss the details of the Academy's new policy and to consider the appropriate next steps for this litigation, including whether this litigation is now moot and, if so, whether the district court judgment should be vacated,' the Justice Department wrote. Students for Fair Admissions also brought the lawsuit challenging affirmative action that resulted in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023. The high court's conservative majority broadly prohibited the consideration of race and ethnicity in college admissions, ending a long-standing practice meant to boost opportunities for historically marginalized groups and sending shock waves through higher education. But it carved out a potential exemption for military academies, suggesting that national security interests could affect the legal analysis. Students for Fair Admissions later sued the Annapolis-based Naval Academy, challenging the exemption. But Judge Richard Bennett rejected their arguments, saying that the school had 'established a compelling national security interest in a diverse officer corps.' Attorneys for the group argued during trial that prioritizing minority candidates is unfair to qualified white applicants and that cohesion should arise from other sources such as training and command structure. The academy argued in that case that its admissions process considers many factors, including grades, extracurricular activities, life experience and socioeconomic status, according to court testimony. Race often played no role in the process, but sometimes it came under consideration in a 'limited fashion,' attorneys for the academy wrote in court papers.
