HOV enforcement planned Wednesday

Police: Bank robbed by 'Granddad Bandit'

A middle-aged, balding man suspected of committing at least 26 bank robberies in 12 states since 2008 struck in Virginia in June, federal authorities said.

The man the FBI has dubbed the "Granddad Bandit" typically walks calmly into banks and hands a teller a note demanding money, authorities said. He might gesture to suggest that he has a weapon. Once he gets the cash, he flees on foot.

The robber is described as white, 50 to 60 years old, and about 6 feet tall. He weighs about 230 pounds. Sometimes he wears a baseball cap, and he usually wears glasses.

The man is believed to have robbed a bank in Glen Allen, Va., June 22, authorities said. He also is believed to be responsible for bank robberies in states including Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma and New York. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the robber's arrest and conviction.

-- Maria Glod

MARYLAND

Anne Arundel slots referendum allowed

Maryland's highest court has issued an order allowing a referendum on the state's largest planned slots casino to move forward in Anne Arundel County.

Just hours after hearing arguments in the case, the Court of Appeals decided to allow a public vote on a zoning measure needed to build a 4,750-machine casino at Arundel Mills mall.

An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge had ruled that the zoning measure was not subject to a public vote because it was part of an appropriations package.

The high court did not explain its reasoning in its order but apparently rejected that interpretation.

A coalition of homeowners surrounding the mall and horse-racing interests -- who want a slots casino at nearby Laurel Park racetrack instead -- had spearheaded a petition drive to put the measure on the ballot. Anne Arundel law allows residents to second-guess County Council decisions if enough voter signatures are gathered.

The case has political implications for the governor's race.

-- John Wagner