MARYLAND BRIEFING

Thursday, March 29, 2007

CHESAPEAKE BAY

Decline in Grasses a Bad Sign

The amount of underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay -- considered a key indicator of the estuary's health -- fell by 25 percent in 2006, reaching its lowest level since 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday.

Surveys showed that the area of "submerged aquatic vegetation," which had risen slightly in 2004 and 2005, dropped from 78,263 acres to 59,090 acres last year. Environmental officials said the likely causes include hot summer weather in recent years, which has killed off grasses that were not tolerant of warm water.

Also, June's rains washed down a glut of dirt and pollution, which clouded the water and prevented the grasses from getting sunlight.

"This is a serious hit to the [grass] and the critters that depend on it," said Mike Fritz of the EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program.

The grasses provide shelter for many bay animals, including small blue crabs, and they produce underwater oxygen for creatures to breathe. Fritz said the findings were discouraging, because they showed that previous efforts to reduce pollution had still left the bay in ill health.

-- David A. Fahrenthold

HIGHER EDUCATION

Desegregation Violation Feared

A state lawmaker said yesterday that Maryland could face sanctions for violating federal desegregation law if a decision by a state commission to allow a university program that duplicated one at a historically black college is not reviewed.

A measure sponsored by Sen. Joan Carter Conway (D-Baltimore) would force the Maryland Higher Education Commission to review programs, if asked to by a historically black college.

Some lawmakers bristled at the idea, which has caused considerable debate. They say the bill, which would allow disputes to be taken to circuit court, could allow public universities to sue one another.

The measure, which received a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee yesterday, was prompted by a 2005 vote by the commission that endorsed a joint MBA program at Towson University and the University of Baltimore over the objections of nearby Morgan State University. Maryland agreed to desegregate its historically black universities with unique programs that would attract white students.

-- Associated Press

BALTIMORE SLAYING

Guilty Plea by Prince George's Man

A Capitol Heights man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for stabbing his former girlfriend in the throat while she waited at a Baltimore bus stop, state prosecutors said.

Earl Holeman, 38, was sentenced to life in prison with all but 30 years suspended after entering the plea Tuesday.

On New Year's Day in 2006, Holeman stabbed Michelle Denton, 49, in the city's downtown. Images from a city security camera showed Holeman running away, prosecutors said.

Holeman was arrested by Baltimore police after they were notified by a camera operator who saw him running. The camera did not film the homicide.

Police said the two got into an argument before Holeman attacked her with a knife.

The city set up about 300 security cameras at high-crime areas beginning in May 2005. The city's program has become a model for urban police departments.

-- Associated Press