Baltimore Checkbook

Exclusive: Cal Ripken looks to sell majority stake...

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Cal Ripken Jr. is in early talks to sell a majority stake in the Aberdeen IronBirds, the popular minor-league franchise the Hall of Famer has owned in his hometown since 2002. The move is a continuation of a plan by Ripken Baseball — headed by Cal and brother Bill — to divest its interest in minor-league teams and focus on growing its youth baseball business, said John Maroon, a spokesman for Ripken. At one time Ripken owned three minor-league clubs, but since 2013 has sold the Augusta (Ga.)…

White Marsh suburban office complex sells to...

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A five-building complex in White Marsh has been purchased by a Bethesda-based real estate investment group in its first foray into the Baltimore market. Kenwood Management Co. and partner Avanti Capital recently purchased Tyler Ridge from Corporate Office Property Trust, which has sold several properties in the White Marsh area over the past five years. Current tenants in the complex who include Verizon, Ryan Homes and MedStar Health will remain. Bill Singer, principal with Kenwood Management…

Opinion: Transform Baltimore must not eliminate...

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Much has been said in recent years about the loss of manufacturing and industrial jobs contributing to the current state of our city. Despite this conversation, the Baltimore City Council is considering eliminating prime industrial property in Southeast Baltimore that could serve as a thriving hub for quality jobs. And we must ask ourselves whether we want a city that creates jobs for average Baltimoreans or a city that creates condos for the privileged few. As the Baltimore City Council considers…

Twitter skyrockets on more takeover rumors

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Are Twitter’s days as an independent company numbered?



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/twitter-skyrockets-on-more-takeover-rumors/41794192

Marriott closes blockbuster deal with Starwood,...

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Marriott International Inc. announced early Friday that it completed its merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., creating the world’s largest hospitality company. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce signed off on the deal earlier this week, removing the last regulatory hurdle to its completion. The combined company is moving forward rapidly with its integration plans, also announcing early Friday its plans for respective rewards program members. “We’re incredibly enthused about this…

$3 Grande fall beverages at Starbucks through...

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Fall has arrived at Starbucks!

Get a taste of autumn with $3 Grande Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccinos and new Chile Mochas.

Stop in participating stores from 2 to 5 p.m. through Sunday and try the limited-edition fall flavors.

No coupon is necessary.

Click here for the deal.

Wells Fargo CEO could walk with $200 million

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Calls for Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf to step down are getting louder.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/wells-fargo-ceo-could-walk-with-200-million/41785434

Harvard's endowment takes $1.9 billion hit

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Harvard University’s endowment has taken a pretty big hit.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/harvards-endowment-takes-19-billion-hit/41785866

8 things you need to know this morning

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Good morning, and a very happy Friday. It’s going to be warmer than average (by this week’s standards) today, but prepare for an absolutely gorgeous weekend. The Orioles’ three-game series against the Diamondbacks will be your last chance to see them play at home during the regular season. Here are eight things to know to get your day started. Yahoo confirmed Thursday that millions of Yahoo users’ accounts were hacked in late 2014 by what the company is calling a “state-sponsored hacker.” Back…

Here's the value of crops that each county in...

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The Eastern Shore is a hotbed for crops, and by far, leads other areas of the state when it comes to production. Caroline County produced $257.9 million worth of crops in 2012, the most recent year that data is available, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture. That leads all counties in the state. For this week’s list, we looked at what the top crops were in Maryland and ranked them by the value of production or sales. Corn ranked No. 1 on the list, with…