Former state legislator and veteran dies at 60

Good morning Baltimore and welcome to 2024.

I rang in the New Year with a long hike in the Shenandoah Valley, some relaxing time at a cabin and a rather intense game of charades. You have to set the tone for the year early, and I think I struck a nice balance.

But now it's time to get down to business and make the most of this fresh start. We have fresh news for you, whether you're settling back into your old work routine or beginning a new one in 2024.

Let's get to it.

Former state senator dies at 60

Former Maryland lawmaker Doug J.J. Peters died Saturday from complications from multiple myeloma, Maryland Matters reports. Peters was 60. He served four terms in the Maryland Senate starting in 2006, representing a district in Prince George's County as a Democrat. He resigned from his post in July of 2021, per Maryland Matters. Peters, who served in the Army from 1988 to 1998, earned an MBA from the University of Baltimore and was CEO and president of the Peters Group. “He was a tremendous public servant, and a remarkable businessman. More than anything, he was our rock, our north star,” his family said in a statement. You can read more about his life and career of public service here.

Boy Scouts plan nearly $10M in renovations at Harford County camp

The Boy Scouts of America have almost completed a $9.4 million fundraising campaign to improve a massive campground in northern Harford County. The Baltimore Area Council will use the money to build a 400-seat dining hall, a wastewater treatment plant and bathroom facilities, among other notable improvements to the 1,665-acre Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation. The modernization effort at the 75-year-old facility — one of the state's biggest scouting destinations — will help the Boy Scouts appeal to a new generation of campers and fit the needs of an organization that has made several notable reforms over the past decade. Read more about the overhaul and what it means for the camp.

The most-anticipated Greater Baltimore restaurant openings of 2024

Despite the restaurant industry's continued challenges in a post-pandemic world, over 60 restaurants opened in Greater Baltimore this year and several are already planned to debut in 2024. A majority of the restaurants are expansions on already existing places or new ideas from area restaurateurs, while a few are groups breaking into the Baltimore-area market such as Slutty Vegan founder Aisha "Pinky" Cole or Washington D.C.-based Clyde's Restaurant Group. BBJ's Morgan Simpson has the scoop on new eateries that are expected to open throughout the year.

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Ravens secure division with blowout NYE win

The Ravens cleaned up on Sunday with a 56-19 win against the Miami Dolphins. There's a lot to say about the blowout win, but most importantly, the Ravens secured the AFC North, the top playoff seed in the AFC and home field advantage in the postseason. As if that weren't exciting enough for Ravens fans, quarterback Lamar Jackson's 5 touchdown passes and more than 300 passing yards against Miami launched him well ahead of any other player in the MVP discussion. On DraftKings sportsbook, Jackson now has -20,000 odds to win the award, meaning oddsmakers have all but crowned him MVP already. The Ravens will wrap up their regular season against Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Longtime Baltimore radio host retires after decades on air

Rev. Lee Michaels, the host of a gospel program on Heaven 600/WCAO Radio, retired last week after more than three decades on air and four in the industry, the Sun reports. The host of The Morning Experience and pastor at Manifest Wonders Christian Center in Baltimore grew up in Perkins Homes, was in the Air Force and studied at Coppin State University. He signed on as host in 1991, and has led the program since. The twists and turns of his career are too many to list here, but take a look at the profile as Rev. Michaels hits retirement.

PGA deal with Saudi Arabia passes deadline

The deal that will change the global course of professional golf has missed its first deadline, the Wall Street Journal reports. Though the PGA Tour and LIV Golf (a product of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund) had hoped to finalize an agreement by the end of 2023, the parties now say negotiations will run into 2024. The rivals-turned-partners have not disclosed specific sticking points, but WSJ notes that LIV signed PGA champion John Rahm away from the PGA Tour — a seemingly antagonistic move so close to the deal's original deadline. Long story short: More waiting is on deck, and a deal may not take effect until 2025, per WSJ.

New Maryland laws on deck for 2024 in health care, worker pay and more

The calendar isn't the only thing changing as we start a new year. Many minimum wage workers will see a boost to $15 per hour a year earlier than initially planned for the state, as we here at 8 Things to Know HQ wrote last week. But that's not all: The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs will expand utility assistance programs this year, diagnostic testing will be mandatorily covered in some health insurance plans, spam callers and telemarketers will be under heavier scrutiny and, of course, plastic bag bans will be taking effect across the state on various timelines. Check out the Banner's roundup for more details.

College Football Playoff National Championship set for Jan. 8

After two nail-biting endings yesterday, the College Football Playoff has its championship contenders: The Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies. The University of Michigan went into overtime against the University of Alabama, but the Wolverines pulled out a 27-20 victory thanks to strong defense and a touchdown run for Blake Corum, who also broke Michigan's rushing touchdown record with the winning run. The University of Washington fended off a last-second try at the end zone by the Texas Longhorns for a 37-31 win behind quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s 430 passing yards. The Wolverines and Huskies will face off Monday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Questions or comments about this newsletter? Contact BBJ Digital Producer Joe Ilardi at [email protected].