Baltimore Checkbook

States face a $1 trillion pension shortfall

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149428228772/states-face-a-1-trillion-pension-shortfall#_=_

The U.S. is facing a $1 trillion pension shortfall because states aren’t paying enough money into their retirement plans for public workers.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/states-face-a-1-trillion-pension-shortfall/41354274

New Baltimore startup that lets friends work out...

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149424200732/new-baltimore-startup-that-lets-friends-work-out#_=_

We all know that fitness is important, but not everyone has time to make it the gym. And maybe you workout at home, watching online fitness videos to try and get in shape, but it is hard to stay motivated when you are doing it alone. Daniel Freedman, 34, and Mike Kott, 39, co-founded a new startup fitness company to try and confront some of those fitness barriers. Baltimore-based BurnAlong is a multi-person video platform that will allow people to workout with friends and fitness instructors across…

Here's what Under Armour plans to sell at Kohl's

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149422653227/heres-what-under-armour-plans-to-sell-at-kohls#_=_

Under Armour recently offered a few more details about its upcoming expansion into 1,200 Kohl’s stores. The Baltimore-based sportswear maker will sell lower-priced items like basic tank-tops, leggings and shirts in exclusive colors and materials at Kohl’s, according to Citi Research analyst Kate McShane, who released the details in an investors note following a conference call with Under Armour. Shoppers will still have to visit an Under Armour store or sporting goods store to buy its more expensive…

Groups want affordable housing at Port Covington

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149421184152/groups-want-affordable-housing-at-port-covington#_=_

Things got a little testy on Tuesday night at the latest Port Covington hearing at Baltimore City Hall.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/news/community-groups-push-for-more-affordable-housing-at-port-convington/41347282

Inside the big banks' plan for new digital cash

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149420987212/inside-the-big-banks-plan-for-new-digital-cash#_=_

A group of big banks led by UBS is planning its own version of digital cash, using blockchain, the technology underpinning Bitcoin. The Swiss bank said on Wednesday it has teamed up with Deutsche Bank, Spanish Santander bank, investment giant BNY Mel…



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/inside-the-big-banks-plan-for-new-digital-cash/41350336

'Feel the Churn' says Mr. Trash Wheel as he gets...

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149420315712/feel-the-churn-says-mr-trash-wheel-as-he-gets#_=_

With all the bad news and controversy surrounding Baltimore these days, leave it to Mr. Trash Wheel to inject some levity. “With the election just around the corner, I humbly announce that I am running for supreme ruler of trash affairs,” the motor mouth tweeted this morning, with an Obama-esque “Hope” poster campaign art attached to the announcement. The solar-powered boat charged with picking up trash in the Inner Harbor has collected more than 420 tons of garbage over two years since it first…

PNC to update ATMs because of 'chip card'...

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149418634637/pnc-to-update-atms-because-of-chip-card#_=_

Customers of PNC Bank might notice some changes soon as the bank upgrades some 9,000 ATMs. The new features are designed to improve security, according to PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE: PNC). Specifically, the software update will allow the ATMs to read the EMV – or “chip” – cards, which are harder to counterfeit than traditional magnetic stripe-only cards. Beginning Oct. 1, the fraud liability for MasterCard will shift to the ATM owner and Visa will shift the liability next year. “EMV…

The annual raise: An endangered practice?

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149418634232/the-annual-raise-an-endangered-practice#_=_

The automatic annual raise that many employees have come to expect could be eliminated in favor of larger payments to a select few — if the message from a growing group of managers and industry experts is heard. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, companies are determining that automatic annual raises don’t motivate employees the same way that more-optimally structured bonuses do. The belief among the employers is that automatic raises inefficiently distribute pay across a company.…

Middle East country buys chunk of Empire State...

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149418462117/middle-east-country-buys-chunk-of-empire-state#_=_

Some of the Middle East’s vast oil riches are being plowed into Manhattan’s most iconic skyscraper.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/middle-east-country-buys-chunk-of-empire-state-building/41349612

Old Line Spirits puts final touches on 25,000-s.f....

http://baltimorecheckbook.tumblr.com/post/149417801507/old-line-spirits-puts-final-touches-on-25000-sf#_=_

It took longer than they anticipated, but Arch Watkins and Mark McLaughlin finally have a Baltimore home for Old Line Spirits, a whiskey line they started last year. Wakings and McLaughlin, former Navy Reserve buddies who both transplanted to Baltimore, purchased Golden Distillery in Washington, D.C., after apprenticing at the company. While production of their Old Line Spirits American Single Malt Whiskey began in Washington, the goal was always to move operations to Baltimore. Now, the final…