Tag: Maryland politics
-
While the WNBA Fights Over Sophie Cunningham, Maryland Quietly Stays the Course
While Sophie Cunningham and the WNBA fight a national battle over transgender athletes, Maryland has quietly stayed the course. Five years of legislation aimed at changing the state’s girls’ sports policy have ended without a floor vote.
-
Who Actually Paid for the New M&T Bank Stadium
The Ravens recently completed a $489 million renovation of M&T Bank Stadium, funded largely by public bonds from a 2022 state law. Team President Sashi Brown thanked Maryland residents and politicians. The Ravens retain all revenue from the stadium, while taxpayers face questions about the project’s returns on their investment.
-
How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem
Maryland’s horse racing redevelopment plan escalated from $375 million to over $715 million through five decisions made without public cost-benefit analyses. Key decisions included concentrating racing at a rebuilt Pimlico, abandoning Shamrock Farm, purchasing Laurel Park, and acquiring the Preakness IP, all while lacking transparency and accountability.
-
What Moore Announced — And What Comes Next
Governor Wes Moore’s press conference outlined major updates for the Preakness Stakes, including a historic Sunday date and a broadcasting deal with NBC through 2032. While the announcements were substantial, concerns about governance, competition with new racing series, and the economic implications for Maryland’s $633 million investment remain unaddressed.
-
The Hand They’re Not Playing: How Maryland Can Rebuild Horse Racing After the Preakness Shake-Up
Maryland faces a critical moment in revitalizing the Preakness and its horse racing legacy. With options to build independent coalitions and focus on a four-race calendar, Maryland has the chance to create a significant racing framework by 2028. Immediate action is necessary to secure this future and leverage its unique assets.
-
What CDI Does With Tracks It Owns
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has a documented strategy for acquiring and managing racetracks, evident in its closure of Arlington Park and relocation of prestigious races to Colonial Downs. Maryland’s $85 million investment to secure the Preakness IP aimed to prevent such an outcome, ensuring the race’s future remains tied to its heritage, not CDI’s corporate…
-
Blindsided, Again
Churchill Downs announced a Thoroughbred Championship Series without including the Preakness Stakes, surprising Maryland officials who only learned of the plan through media. This follows Maryland’s $85 million acquisition of the Preakness IP. The series threatens the future of the Preakness and represents a significant strategic shift in American racing.
-
The Bet That Already Lost
Governor Wes Moore’s $85 million investment in Preakness Stakes’ intellectual property failed as Churchill Downs built a competing championship series, omitting the Preakness. CDI strategically divested remaining Maryland properties, indicating its departure from the state. Maryland’s efforts to secure horse racing prominence were undermined, raising concerns about governance and operational competency.
-
The Governor Bought a Horse Race
Governor Wes Moore’s administration committed $85 million in taxpayer funds to acquire the Preakness Stakes brand, amid rising costs and budget deficits in Maryland. Critics argue this move prioritizes political gain over essential infrastructure needs and question the governance and management of this state-owned commercial property, with significant financial risks involved.
-
Maryland Is Bleeding Money. Voters Have a Choice.
Maryland’s upcoming Republican primary reveals significant governance failures under Wes Moore’s administration, particularly regarding costly public investments in racing. The state faces scrutiny over mismanaged deals like the Churchill Downs acquisition. Republican candidates Dan Cox, Ed Hale, and John Myrick offer specialized skills to address these procurement and legal issues, challenging Moore’s record.
Sports & Whatever 