Baltimore Checkbook

Hunt Valley Embassy Suites purchased by Virginia...

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The Embassy Suites in Hunt Valley is under new ownership, but the property will remain under the Hilton-owned brand going forward. Shamin Hotels, based in Richmond, Va., purchased the property at 213 International Circle for $13.7 million from Xenia Hotels and Resorts in May. The sale of the 223-room property breaks down to about $61,400 per room. The group has since taken over the property and Shamin Hotels CEO Neil Amin said a full renovation has recently begun. The renovations will include all…

GE Appliances wants to turn your design ideas into...

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In Louisville, Kentucky, just about anyone can walk into GE Appliances’ new innovation hub and pitch an idea for what could become the company’s next big product. GE Appliances, once a unit of General Electric before it was sold to Haier in January, …



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/ge-appliances-wants-to-turn-your-design-ideas-into-new-products/40796172

Half-price slices at Cheesecake Factory for...

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Mark your calendar for half-priced slices at The Cheesecake Factory when dining in on July 29-30 to celebrate National Cheesecake Day.

No coupon is necessary.

Take the opportunity to try the chain’s new Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cheesecake on a blonde brownie crust, topped with Nutella. If that…

Volkswagen profits back on track, despite scandal

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Embattled German automaker Volkswagen said it will be able to post better-than-expected profits when it reports results next week, despite the costs and other problems associated with its diesel emissions scandal.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/volkswagen-profits-back-on-track-despite-scandal/40795842

8 things you need to know this morning

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Good morning, and happy Wednesday. I have to say, it was nice to be able to walk off the Light Rail this morning and not immediately run for a glass of water. Temperatures will remain reasonable this morning, but will still creep up into the mid-80s this afternoon. Here are eight things to know to get your day started. Maryland is one of three states to file a lawsuit against Volkswagen, saying the German auto maker violated the state’s emissions laws. Volkswagen admitted in September that it…

RNC Notebook: Trump nominated; Business owners...

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CLEVELAND – Tuesday saw New York real estate magnate Donald Trump officially become the Republican presidential nominee, and, afterwards, three business owners who know him vouched for his virtues as a person and an executive. Two in particular underscored the challenge Trump has posed to Republican free-trade principles. Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White and New York City-based Standard Waterproofing Company founder Andy Wist weren’t featured during the hour the main TV networks…

State Center developer, state head to mediation...

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Mediation is expected to begin later this month between the developer of the long-stalled $1.5 billion State Center project and the state of Maryland with the hope of moving the project forward. Caroline Moore, president of Ekistics LLC, the lead developer of State Center project that was halted two years ago after being stalled by a bitter lawsuit, said through a spokeswoman Tuesday that she was planning to enter into mediation in late July. The focal point of the mediation was not disclosed by…

MedImmune makes staff cuts

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Gaithersburg-based MedImmune said it’s made “minimal staffing reductions,” though the biotech company — one of Maryland’s largest — is mum on the details. A spokeswoman for MedImmune, the research and development arm of London-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE: AZN), declined to give any specifics, including how many jobs or divisions were impacted by the cuts. But in an emailed statement that confirmed the rumored cuts, MedImmune said it shifted resources and hires to more key…

Car-sharing helping cities with their transit...

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There’s a promising fix for any city with transportation issues – and car ownership has nothing to do with it. A new study found that cities that turn to a flexible type of car-sharing stand to benefit from less pollution, less traffic and more parking.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/how-carsharing-is-already-helping-cities-with-their-transit-issues/40785842

Gawker founder prepares to file for bankruptcy

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A month after his online media company filed for bankruptcy, Gawker Media founder Nick Denton is preparing to do the same. Denton could take the action as early as this week, according to a source familiar with the situation.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/gawker-founder-prepares-to-file-for-bankruptcy/40787730