8 things to know: Grocery chain opens first Carroll County store

Good morning, Greater Baltimore.

Yet again, Baltimore city was not chosen to host a MLB All-Star game as Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the 2025 All-Star Game was awarded to the Atlanta Braves. With the Texas Rangers hosting the 2024 All-Star Game and the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the 2026 All-Star Game, it means that Baltimore is set to continue its over two-decade long streak, having not hosting the game since 1993. According to The Baltimore Sun's Orioles reporter, Nathan Ruiz, only the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs and Oakland (soon to be Las Vegas) A's have been waiting longer to host one.

It's a shame because Baltimore doesn't get a chance to host things like the NHL's outdoor games or the NBA All-Star Game. In 2022, when the NBA All-Star Game took place in Cleveland, Ohio, city officials reported that it brought a nearly $250 million boost to the local economy. Imagine the type of impact Baltimore could see if it could host the MLB All-Star Game, especially during a time period where the Orioles might actually be good for a stretch of time.

Alas, like the World Cup bid, it is but a dream now.

Here's your last wrap-up of news before the weekend:

New grocery store to open in Carroll County

Grocery Outlet has opened its first location in Carroll County as the value retailer continues its expansion across the state. In a release, the company said the store in Eldersburg's Freedom Village is 22,069 square feet and will be owned and operated independently by local residents Gregory and Amber Phelps. The California-based chain has more than 450 locations in eight states, including establishments in Catonsville, Edgewood, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown and Salisbury.

GM workers approve new contract

The United Auto Workers union approved the ratification of a new contract with General Motors, marking the first deal between union workers and one of the Big Three automakers that were targeted by the union's six-week strike earlier this year. The St. Louis Business Journal reports that the deal, originally reached on a tentative basis last month, did not have overwhelming support as about 55% of the nearly 36,000 UAW voted "yes" to the proposed contract. Workers will receive 25% base wage increases through April 2028, cumulatively raising the top wage by 33% compounded with estimated cost-of-living adjustments to over $42 an hour, according to the union.

Joe Squared to close at year's end

Joe Squared, the Station North restaurant known for its pizza and live music venue, has announced that it will close by the end of December. The worker-owned cooperative wrote on its website that "lower turnout, higher expenses, and a lack of resources" have forced the nearly 20-year staple of Baltimore to close.

Baltimore Harborplace design rebuked by city panel

A city design panel told the developers of the proposed reimagined Harborplace to go back to the drawing board, claiming the proposed outline of the project has not been properly vetted. The Baltimore Business Journal's own Melody Simmons has the story of how Baltimore's Urban Design and Architecture Advisory Panel largely rebuked MCB Real Estate's proposed designs over a number of issues.

Baltimore County, Sparrows Point Steel awarded $47 million grant for offshore wind

The U.S. Maritime Administration has awarded Baltimore County and Sparrows Point Steel a $47 million grant to support plans to establish an offshore wind logistics and manufacturing hub in the county. According to a news release, the funding will help transform the former Bethlehem Steel site "into a sustainable working waterfront by supporting extensive upgrades needed for large offshore wind components to be staged and transported to offshore wind project sites along the East Coast."

Kennedy Krieger Institute to host 34th annual Festival of Trees

Kennedy Krieger Institute's Festival of Trees will return to the Maryland State Fairgrounds for its 34th year next week. In a news release, the institute said the three-day holiday celebration featuring hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on display Nov. 24-26 throughout the Cow Palace at the Fairgrounds.

Waterfront Partnership to screen Mr. Trash Wheel documentaries

Baltimore's favorite trash interceptor Mr. Trash Wheel is no stranger to the spotlight and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore plans to screen two new short-form documentaries that examine the popular staple's origins and impact. In a news release, Waterfront Partnership said the two documentaries — "Baltimore's Healthy Harbor Initiative" and "Mr. Trash Wheel" — will be shown on Nov. 30 at Harbor East Cinemas. There are two showings, the first starting at 6 p.m. with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and another at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $25. All proceeds will go towards the Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative and its fundraising campaign for Professor Trash Wheel's new batteries.

Ravens defeat the Bengals on Thursday Night Football

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengal 34-20, improving their record to 8-3. However, star tight end Mark Andrews suffered what is believed to be a season-ending ankle injury, dealing a serious blow to the Ravens Super Bowl aspirations.