Wes Moore inauguration takes place today; CIAA previews in Baltimore

A little more than a month remains until the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament descends on Baltimore for the third year in a row.

City and CIAA officials hyped up the upcoming games in a press conference yesterday, which also included a three-point shot contest. Ultimately, Mayor Brandon Scott and his teammates beat the team headed by CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker .

But more important than Scott's free throw skills is the question on everyone's mind: Will the $200 million overhaul of the newly-named CFG Bank Arena be complete in time for the tournament?

Timothy Leiweke says yes.

The CEO of Los Angeles-based Oak View Group , which last year took over the 60-year-old facility's redo, told us they've been working at a breakneck speed to get it ready for the Feb. 21 tipoff. He also shared that the project cost will likely be more than what was originally projected. Here's what else he had to say about the arena renovation, and what the arena looks like now.

Now, for the news of the day.

• Today is the inauguration of Gov.-elect Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov-elect Aruna Miller . The two will be sworn in at noon inside the State House, followed by a public ceremony and then a gala in the evening. Moore, the state's first Black governor, and Miller, the state's first immigrant and woman of color lieutenant governor, will take their oaths of office on Frederick Douglass' bible. There will be a myriad of road closures in Annapolis throughout the day, which you can find more details on at WBAL-TV.
• In his new role, Moore has big plans and priorities for Maryland. But first, he has to introduce a budget for the next fiscal year — and he has to do it by Friday. Expect to see him set money aside to address issues like child poverty, government job vacancies and inequity. Throughout his campaign, Moore has doubled down on his pledge to focus on "work, wages and wealth." WYPR
• Moore also made a series of Cabinet appointments yesterday, including tapping two mayors for secretary roles. Salisbury Mayor Jake Day has been named the housing and community development secretary, and Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller will become the special secretary of opioid response. Another familiar name to BBJ readers, Kevin Atticks (of Grow & Fortify , which has represented the state's breweries and wineries) has been named agriculture secretary. And in the role of commerce secretary, Kevin Anderson of Cardinal Atlantic Holdings, has been selected. WBAL
• The Bel Air Athletic Club will close its doors next month after more than 40 years. The club said in a letter to members that its landlord has decided to "repurpose" the property, however, no formal proposal has been submitted to the Town of Bel Air. Nearby, there is a new 59,000-square-foot development planned at the former Harford Mall property. News of the club's closing prompted the creation of a petition, which had collected over 2,000 signatures as of this morning. WMAR2
• Cuples Tea House has expanded its offerings with a new record and book shop called Vinyl and Pages Baltimore. The new store at 407 N. Howard St. — in the Howard Row development Cuples is already a part of — will celebrate its grand opening on Jan. 28 from 12-4. The venture was curated by The Curated, a content studio and creative agency. And wow — the vibes in the space look incredible. Instagram
• In Baltimore's City Hall, a new city administrator has been selected. Faith P. Leach , who is currently the deputy mayor of equity, health and human services, has been named to the position by Mayor Scott. In the role, she will expand her focus to overseeing most city agencies. Leach is known for her work on Scott's squeegee collaborative plan, and developed the city's guaranteed income pilot. Baltimore Banner
• The latest update in former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby's perjury trial is that a federal judge has denied her request to have the trial moved out of Baltimore. U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby's decision also came with a warning to Mosby's lead defense attorney, A. Scott Bolden, that she could find him in criminal contempt for violating rules related to other proceedings in the case. Baltimore Banner
• If you're looking for a way to fill your calendar this weekend there's a first-of-its-kind fundraiser to benefit Movember , the world's largest men's health organization. On Saturday, Jan. 21, about 30 vintage and classic motorcycle enthusiasts will ride throughout Baltimore wearing their finest and most fashionable attire to raise awareness for their cause. The inaugural Frosty Ball Ride and Party ends at Christopher Schafer Clothiers. Movember focuses on research for prostate cancer, mental health, male-suicide prevention programs and more. More info at Eventbrite.