Animal Abuse

Recently, there have been several animal abuse cases reported in different parts of Baltimore. Examples of the abuse include a dog getting set on fire, another dog was pelted with rocks, a third dog was found hanging from a fence and a cat was blown up with fireworks. On average, there is about one report of animal abuse each week in Baltimore. In 2009, then Mayor Shelia Dixon created the Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force to try and come up with ways to raise awareness of animal abuse in the city. Animal rights activists are looking for ways to educate Baltimore residents so that the abuse stops. Please respond to the follow:

What do you think Animal Rights Activists can do to help stop animal abuse?

Summer Learning Day

The Baltimore City program kicked off it's Summer Learning Program last Friday (June 25th). To read the brief online article and watch the video on the WBAL News website click HERE. After viewing the video and reading the story, answer the following:

What were thoughts about the Summer Learning Day presentation held at Towson University? What would you suggest to make it better?

Chris Brown Finally Gets His MJ Tribute

In February of 2009 Brown and pop star Rihanna, his girlfriend at the time, got into an altercation and Brown would later be charged with battery (which he plead guilty to), ordered to conduct community service and placed on probation. During last night's 10th annual BET Awards Show, Chris Brown performed a tribute to the late, great Micheal Jackson. During part of the performance Brown broke down into tears and was unable to sing the lyrics to Jackson's classic song "Man in the Mirror". Later in the show when Brown accepted a "Fandamoniom" Award, Brown stated "I let you all down before, I won't do it again. I promise you." Up until last night's performance, Chris Brown has been mostly out of the spotlight while trying to navigate through his legal troubles and regain his footing as a singer and entertainer. Please comment on the following:

Does Chris Brown deserve a second chance as an entertainer? Why or why not?

Controversial Bottle Tax Passes in Baltimore City

The Baltimore City Council recently passed what is called a "bottle tax". As a result, there will be a 2 cent tax on all bottled beverages in the city of Baltimore. The bottle tax, which was initially set to be 4 cent per bottle, is expected to save Baltimore City approximately $5 million dollars over the course of the next three years. Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake supports the bill and says that it will also save up to 50 jobs and help fund programs such as graffiti removal and trash clean up around the city. Many city business owners are against the bill because they believe customers will start going to the county to buy their bottled beverages. If this were to happen, some businesses say that they will lose up to 10 percent of their sales. Respond to the following:

What do you think about the bottle tax? Will it stop you and your family from buying bottled beverages in the city?

Curbing the Violence in Baltimore City

The city of Baltimore is notorious for it's crime and violence. When you turn on the local news each evening, you're almost certain to hear about someone being attacked, injured or even murdered on the streets of Baltimore City. During the summer months violence tends to increase as the days seem to grow longer, students begin their summer vacations and more and more people occupy the streets and local businesses. In an effort to help reduce the amount of violence and crime in the city, many police officers work hard to patrol neighborhoods, work with members of the community and catch suspected criminals. Despite their efforts, law enforcement continues to struggle to decrease the amount of violence that takes place in our city. Respond to the following:

What do you think can be done to curb the violence in Baltimore City?