(Left to right) Squeegee, a Baltimore cat in the running for America's Favorite Pet; President Joe Biden speaks at Bowie State University in November 2022; A Philadelphia Dance Company member performs.
(Left to right) Squeegee, a Baltimore cat in the running for America's Favorite Pet; President Joe Biden speaks at Bowie State University in November 2022; A Philadelphia Dance Company member performs.

Last week, we shared news about a Baltimore cat competing in the America’s Favorite Pet contest, polls showing approval ratings for Gov. Wes Moore and President Joe Biden, and Black History Month events in Maryland.

Read the recaps and revisit the stories here:

Most-Read Stories:

Group standing under red pop up tent in the rain, some holding signs
BTEC Group: Speakers and concerned residents united in calling for Governor Moore to “Put the Shovels in the Ground.” The event was relegated to a small lot next to the abandoned American Ice Factory building by the MTA. (Photo from BTEC)

“Advocacy groups demand completion of the Red Line as fully light rail project: ‘Gov. Moore, Put the shovels in the ground!’”: Several community and advocacy groups gathered to demand the completion of the Red Line as a 100% Light Rail Transit project.

Cat with miniature pumpkins around him and his tongue sticking out.
Squeegee Boy executing the perfect blep. Photo from King_Squeegee_ IG account.

“Otterbein feline Squeegee Boy claws his way to top 20 in America’s Favorite Pet contest”: A Baltimore cat named Squeegee Boy has made it to the top 20 in the feline category of the America’s Favorite Pet contest — and he’s in the running for top 15! Fans of Squeegee can vote online with one free vote per day, or more votes with a donation.

two children stand in front of a bagel shop display of trays of bagels
Photo from THB Facebook page.

“THB to open new location for bagel and deli lovers of Locust Point”: Last Thursday, THB Bagelry & Deli hosted a grand opening for its seventh location — its third in Baltimore City — which is in Locust Point.

The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show next month will include the Maryland Orchid Society's Orchid Show and Sale. Photo courtesy of Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show.
The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show next month will include the Maryland Orchid Society’s Orchid Show and Sale. Photo courtesy of Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show.

“Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show to return next month”: The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show will return next month with an orchid show and sale, home improvement television show hosts, hundreds of crafters and exhibitors, and more.

Baltimore City Council chambers were packed Tuesday during Harborplace legislation testimony. Photo by Ed Gunts.
Baltimore City Council chambers were packed Tuesday during Harborplace legislation testimony. Photo by Ed Gunts.

“Harborplace legislation advances after key City Council hearing”: MCB Real Estate cleared a key hurdle in its efforts to redevelop Harborplace, when a City Council committee voted on Tuesday to advance legislation needed for its $500 million plan to proceed.

Editor’s Picks:

Biden in a white shirt holding a microphone in front of rows of people on a stage, addressing a crowd of rally-goers who are cheering and smiling and holding signs.
President Joe Biden in November 2022, addressing a crowd at Bowie State in Maryland at a Get Out the Vote rally. Screenshot from The Democrats YouTube channel.

“Gonzales Poll: Maryland voters give Biden solid approval ratings overall; less so on specific policies, but still rank him well over Trump”: Part Two of the most recent Gonzales Poll focused on Maryland residents’ views of the national electoral stage – in particular, the 2024 presidential election. Part One found Maryland Gov. Wes Moore continues to have a solid approval rating, and voters support increased penalties related to stolen firearms and fentanyl-laced drugs that result in death.

Orange cat looking into the camera
New pet scanning stations across Baltimore County can help reunite owners with their little weirdos, like this one, the reporter’s own cat. (Photo credit: Aliza Worthington)

“Baltimore County launches ‘pet scanning stations’ to reunite lost pets with their owners”: Reuniting lost pets with their owners just got easier in Baltimore County thanks to new pet scanning stations launched at five locations across the county.

(Left to right) Robyn Murphy, CEO of JRM Consultancy; Chrissy Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities; and Chris Simon, co-owner of BLK Swan as well as founder and CEO of BTST Services pose for a photo. Murphy, Thornton and Simon are among the members of an advisory council for The Black Leadership Circle initiative recently launched by Associated Black Charities. Photo courtesy of Associated Black Charities.
(Left to right) Robyn Murphy, CEO of JRM Consultancy; Chrissy Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities; and Chris Simon, co-owner of BLK Swan as well as founder and CEO of BTST Services pose for a photo. Murphy, Thornton and Simon are among the members of an advisory council for The Black Leadership Circle initiative recently launched by Associated Black Charities. Photo courtesy of Associated Black Charities.

“Associated Black Charities’ Black Leadership Circle aims to amplify Black voices and create executive leadership opportunities”: Associated Black Charities announced plans to create The Black Leadership Circle, an initiative to enhance the voice of Black executive, corporate and non-profit leaders in the Baltimore area.

The author's grandaddy and all his daughters, standing in birth order around 1999 or thereabouts.
The author’s grandaddy and all his daughters, standing in birth order around 1999 or thereabouts.

“How to Find Love”: This Valentine’s Day, columnist Jalynn Harris walked readers through seven steps of how to find love: love of family, love of romantic partners, and love of friends.

Members of the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco!) perform. Photo courtesy of Philadanco!
Members of the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco!) perform. Photo courtesy of Philadanco!

“The Gordon Center, Meyerhoff Arts Gallery to celebrate Black History Month through dance and art”: As part of Black History Month, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts is hosting a celebration of Black dance in America throughout February.

Panelists speak during a previous Greater Baltimore Committee event. Photo courtesy of Greater Baltimore Committee.
Panelists speak during a previous Greater Baltimore Committee event. Photo courtesy of Greater Baltimore Committee.

“Greater Baltimore Committee to hold inaugural Baltimore Region Investment Summit to attract international businesses”: Baltimore will make the case for why international businesses should invest in our city during the inaugural Baltimore Region Investment Summit on June 27, the Greater Baltimore Committee announced Thursday.