Speed Cameras, Potentially Hazardous Toys, and "The Year Of The Oyster"

Baltimore officials say they have lost complete confidence in the accuracy of the radar systems in the citys' automated speed cameras. A citywide audit is in the works to determine each the accuracy of each camera; it comes after two of the devices were revealed to be sending tickets to motorists not driving fast enough to warrant them (via the Baltimore Sun).

On today's edition of Inside Maryland Politics, WYPR Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith talks with the Sun's Luke Broadwater about the investigation into the city's automated speed camera program.

Earlier this year the governors of Maryland and Virginia proclaimed a banner year for blue crabs. But they were wrong. With drought and then a hurricane, it turns out it’s the year of the oyster. WYPR’s Pamela D’Angelo reports.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, consumer advocates are urging people to be careful what toys they buy -- as some could be dangerous. The Maryland Public Interest Research Group has put out its annual list of potentially hazardous toys (more here from the Frederick News Post). 

Most of Baltimore City's 2010 overhall of its fire and police pension system will be allowed to stand -- under a Friday ruling from District Court Judge Marvin Garbis. Earlier this year, that same judge ruled that the city's decision to change the way it works out annual increases for retirees was unconstitutional. Last week's ruling says that portion of can be separated from the rest of the overhaul. Both sides are expected to appeal the case to the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals (via the Baltimore Sun). 

People who were laid off from the Sparrows Point steel mill this year are being notified of upcoming deadlines for receiving federal assistance; some workers laid off this year have to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance this month in order to be eligible; that deadline comes 26 weeks after a layoff (via the Baltimore Sun). Meanwhile, Baltimore County is opening an employment program at Eastpoint Career Center for people laid off from Sparrows Point; more information about the program is online here.

Baltimore County remains in the elite ranks of counties with top bond ratings from all three major ratings agencies -- after the county received AAA ratings from Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poors on Friday (via the Daily Record and the Baltimore Sun). 

A proposal to overhaul Baltimore's zoning code would make FormStone illegal for newly built rowhouses (via our wire service and the Baltimore Sun).

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency is warning consumers about a new scam that is targeting individuals who buy prescription drugs online (via our wire service and WJZ).

And in sports: the Ravens fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday; the score was 23 to 20. Despite the loss, the Ravens remain in good shape heading towards the playoffs, as they still have a nine and three record and a two game lead over the Steelers in the division. The Ravens play against the Redskins this coming Sunday.