Baltimore Checkbook

Bariatric surgery: A proven path to better health

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The field of bariatric surgery has received increased attention in recent years, coinciding with the development of new approaches for helping individuals who are obese lose weight. It couldn’t be timelier. According to the National Institutes for Health, more than one-third of adults — 35.7 percent — are considered obese. “Individuals who are severely obese are resistant to maintaining weight loss achieved by conventional therapies,” explains Dr. Christopher You, medical director of…

Rare pink diamond smashes auction records

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An extremely rare 15.38 carat pear-shaped pink diamond – called the ‘Unique Pink’ – sold for $31.6 million at Sotheby’s in Geneva on Tuesday, making it the most expensive fancy vivid pink diamond ever to sell at auction. The spectacular diamond, se…



from http://www.wbaltv.com/rare-pink-diamond-smashes-auction-records/39601102

New rule expands overtime pay to millions of...

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Starting later this year, millions more workers will become eligible for overtime pay.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/new-rule-expands-overtime-pay-to-millions-of-workers/39597644

Report ranks Maryland's top traffic bottlenecks

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A new report that evaluates the benefits of the state’s recent transportation investments also highlights the 30 worst bottlenecks in Maryland – most of which are in the greater Baltimore area.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/news/report-most-of-marylands-traffic-bottlenecks-are-in-baltimore-area/39593052

Exclusive: The Gallery at Harborplace is for sale

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The glass-encrusted office tower, parking garage and retail complex at the Gallery at Harborplace are on the market. General Growth Properties Inc., owner of the waterfront property at Pratt and Calvert streets, this week listed the iconic property, that has a total of 431,918 square feet, for sale. The Renaissance Hotel, also a part of the complex, is not included in the sales package. Nicole Keelty, a senior vice president with Cushman & Wakefield, which has listed the property, declined to…

Check your favorite restaurant's inspection report

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Baltimore City restaurant inspection reports are now available online.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/news/baltimore-restaurant-inspection-reports-available-online/39592288

ESPN brushes off subscription concerns

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ESPN and its shrinking number of subscribers have been blamed in part for slowing down its parent company, Disney. At its upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Tuesday, ESPN president John Skipper brushed off those concerns.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/espn-in-the-crosshairs-looking-at-new-way-to-measure-viewers/39591414

Doctors are a naturally competitive bunch....

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What’s one of the most effective ways to get doctors to change their referral and drug-prescribing habits, two of best-known drivers of health care costs? Tap into their competitive sides. That’s what CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield CEO Chet Burrell told attendees at the recent Health Datapalooza conference in D.C. as he discussed how data has become a secret weapon for the Owings Mills-based insurer, the region’s largest. All CareFirst had to do was show doctors how they ranked for unnecessary…

A higher tax for D.C.'s Metro? Regionwide campaign...

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A pair of regional organizations are jointly crafting a proposal for dedicated funding for the Washington Metro to augment what the transit system receives from fares and cash-strapped area governments. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, representing 22 area jurisdictions, and the Greater Washington Board of Trade expect to have a proposal ready by September, said Roger Berliner, chairman of the MWCOG board and a Montgomery County councilman. The complexities of a regional funding…

Baltimore manufacturing facility looks to grow by...

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A medication-flavoring machine, a device for reusing blood in transfusions, a touch screen children’s desk: these are some of the things being built at Harbor Designs and Manufacturings’ new 45,000-square-foot plant in Baltimore. Harbor works with small companies who want to partner with a local manufacturer or designer to build prototypes and market-ready products. The company on Wednesday debuted its new, larger space at 1100 Wicomico St., which company leaders say will allow Harbor Designs…