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CBS News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Expect heavy traffic around Baltimore during Artscape, Memorial Day weekend
It's expected to be a busy weekend in Baltimore as Artscape returns for the Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates more than 873,000 Marylanders will drive 50 miles or more this weekend. While that is an increase from last year, it is still lower than pre-pandemic levels. Increased police presence during Memorial Day weekend MDTA said Memorial Day marks the start of the peak travel season on the roads. More than 340,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26, Memorial Day. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents. "You're going to see an increased law enforcement presence here and across the state," said Lt. Tim Howell with MDTA Police. Lt. Howell said travelers should drive responsibly and pay attention to lane signals. "If you see a red 'X,' that means the lane is closed," he said. MDTA said expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling during peak hours. This is a result of traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not two-way operation timing or management. Artscape downtown for first time In Baltimore, business owners and food vendors are excited for another year of Artscape. "I think a change was like due," said Ekiben Co-Founder Ephrem Abebe. This year, Artscape will be held downtown, shifting from its previous locations throughout Mount Vernon, Station North, and Bolton Hill. The two-day festival features more than 100 artists. Food vendors, The Empanada Lady and Ekiben, are working on their final preparations ahead of the Saturday kick off. "We've been preparing for Artscape for like three months," said Elisa Milan, the owner of The Empanada Lady. "We're prepping a lot of chicken," said Abebe. Milan said she's expanding her operations for the festival, serving customers at her brick and mortar downtown and at the festival just a walk away. "I'm running three operations," she said. "I've never done this before." Milan is taking advantage of the Artscape's new location being downtown. "Because we're so close, we're going to be intentionally trying to drive people down to the restaurant," she said. Due to it being a holiday weekend, Abebe expects a larger crowd at Artscape. "Typically, Artscape Sundays are a little bit slower," Abebe said. "With Monday being Memorial Day, we think it's going to be a pretty great turnout." Traffic impacts Baltimore City DOT said the several streets will be closed to traffic through midnight on Monday. Detours and parking restrictions are in effect: Fayette Street closed from President Street to Guilford Avenue. Gay Street closed from E. Baltimore Street to E. Saratoga Street. Holliday Street closed from E. Baltimore Street to Pleasant Street. Pleasant Street closed from Fallsway to Guilford Avenue. Pleasant Street Ramp closed at SB JFX. Lexington Street closed from Guilford Avenue to N. Frederick Street. Frederick Street closed from E. Fayette Street to E. Lexington Street. Dickey Place closed from Guilford Avenue to Holliday Street. Saratoga Street closed from Holliday Street to N. Gay Street. Saratoga Street between Holliday Street and Guilford Avenue will have a temporary two-way traffic pattern implemented for Breco Condominium residents.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
The hidden meaning behind the Golden State Valkyries' logo and court design
The first thing fans will see when they walk into Chase Center this summer is the Valkyries brand new playing court. It's a design that was months in the making, and one Kimberly Veale, the team's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, said holds a plethora of hidden meaning. "We wanted something that was unique, ownable and that really stood out for the Valkyries," Veale said. It starts with the court's signature violet border. No other sports team in the world has this shade of purple as their main color and that was intentional. "It was important to come out with a bold, strong color that really amplified the story of the Valkyries," Veale said. Also unique is the court's chevron-patterned flooring. "This chevron, to us, leans into the bold angular features of the brand, and it points into Vs so when you zoom out and look at it from the bowl, you can see kind of that subtle V pattern throughout the entire court," said Veale. In the center of the court is the team's logo, a nod to both the Valkyries mascot and the Bay Area. "Overarchingly, the shape is a V for victory, for Valkyries. Down the middle we've got the Bay Bridge which is the connecting point, the connector between San Francisco where Chase Center's located, where we play our home games and the Sephora Performance Center in Oakland where our team goes to work every day, that's where they practice, where our front office is headquartered," Veale explained. "It also doubles as a sword, which is a common symbol associated with the Valkyries in the mythology." There is also a nod to the Valkyries' entry into the WNBA. "On the sides, you've got five slices which double as the bridge cables and wings. So we know Valkyries can fly, it's one of their superpowers, so building that into the logo was important for us. And then throughout the entire logo, there's 13 lines to represent that we're the 13th team entering the WNBA," Veale said. There are also a few additions solely for this inaugural season, including a crest that the players will run over every time they sub into a game. Veale told KPIX the goal was to create a bold, memorable look that both fans would love to look at and players would love to play on. She feels like they've succeeded in that, and now it's just time to put the shiny new court to some use. "It's really special to have had such a strong team designing it, the intentionality that went into it. But it's going to be really exciting to see this team come to life on this hardwood," Veale said.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- CBS News
Some Marylanders say Memorial Day travel is out of their budget this year
Memorial Day marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, signaling the unofficial start of summer. On Monday, the Eastern Shore and Maryland beaches will be filled with visitors. However, some Marylanders say the cost of traveling is too much for them. AAA estimates more than 873,000 Marylanders will drive 50 miles or more this weekend. While that is an increase from last year, it is still lower than pre-pandemic levels. "While prices are higher in some regards, gas prices are trending about 40 cents less than they were this time last year," Ragina Ali, from AAA Mid-Atlantic. AAA says the best times to drive this weekend are in the morning, typically before lunchtime. Poll: Financial restrictions keep vacationers at home A new poll conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, shows that not everyone will be traveling this year. About 47% of Americans will skip a summer vacation this year due to financial restrictions, according to the poll. UMBC surveyed 1,123 adults in America between May 1 and May 5 to determine how summer vacation trends have changed for 2025. Less expensive ways to celebrate Some drivers told WJZ they don't want to deal with the traffic, and others say it is too expensive to travel. "I need a break. I drive enough," Glen Burnie resident Bruce Lee said. "Too much sitting in traffic. A 40-minute trip becomes two hours." Some Marylanders said they will say they will stay on this side of the Bay Bridge and head to the state parks, while others will enjoy a family BBQ at home. "You don't have any money to just to go out and have fun," said Christi Hayes. "But I mean, hanging out in somebody's backyard can be fun. I'm working a full-time job and part-time doing DoorDash, and it's just very, very difficult." And, a staycation at home is just the break some need. "Probably, relax. I might go to Sandy Point [and] do practically nothing," Lee said. Crackdown on distracted and impaired driving Maryland law enforcement says it will be cracking down on impaired and distracted driving. Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority will be conducting saturated patrols, as well as having additional personnel on standby to assist with any crashes that arise. More than 300,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Bay Bridge this weekend. "Those crashes are probably people looking at their cellphone, looking behind in the back seat, looking outside at the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. But we need you all to pay attention to the roadway ahead of you," said Lt. Col. Ronce Alford, from the Maryland Transportation Authority. Do you prefer flying? More than 70,000 Marylanders will fly this weekend. If you are flying, make sure you have a Real ID, which is now required. The Real ID is a federally compliant license, learner permit, or nondriver ID card issued by state driver's license agencies. You can tell if a state-issued license or ID card is a Real ID if it has a black or gold star in the upper right corner. In Maryland, 4.8 million residents, about 99% of all eligible residents, have a Real ID. Maryland state park reservation system The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced a new day-use reservation system, which will launch at several parks, beginning with Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park on May 19. The system will require all visitors to reserve day-use passes during peak times before their visit in an effort to reduce overcrowding. Ideally, the new process will ensure that visitors know that they have space before arriving at the park - a contrast from allowing visitors to drop in, which the Park Service says has led to an increase in capacity closures.
