Baltimore, MD - Dec. 18, 2024 - The Social Security full retirement age (FRA) is set to increase in 2025, affecting Maryland residents born in 1960 or later. Currently, individuals can claim reduced benefits starting at age 62, but to receive full benefits, they must wait until the FRA. For those born in 1960 or later, the FRA will rise to 67 in 2025.
This change means that Maryland residents turning 62 in 2025 can still begin receiving Social Security benefits; however, these benefits will be reduced to account for the longer period over which they will be received. To obtain full benefits without reduction, individuals will need to wait until age 67.
It's important for Maryland residents to consider this adjustment in their retirement planning. Delaying benefits until reaching the...
Negotiations fora prisoner swap-ceasefire deal with Israel are nearing conclusion, the Hamas-affiliated Quds network reported.
According to the report, "the negotiations between Israel and the organization are now in their final stages."
"A discussion is ongoing regarding the names and sentences of the Palestinian prisoners who will be freed as part of the deal," the report added. According to the sources, "the prisoners with heavier [sentences] will be exiled to Turkey and Iran, while the rest will be released to Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip."
On Tuesday, a senior Palestinian Authority official gave an interview to the BBC and revealed what the agreement is supposed to look like, stressing that the talks on the deal are in the "decisive and final phase."
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Baltimore, MD – Dec. 16, 2024 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rabbi Moshe Zwick z"l, husband of Mrs. Chaya Zwick and father of Mrs. Sossy Prero, Mrs. Rachel Leah (Gil) Neuman, Mrs. Russy (Eli) Newman and Yaakov Yisroel (Goldy) Zwick..Shiva wil be observed at 1070 E. 24th Street in Brooklyn until Thursday, Dec.19, 2024,Sossy (Yehudah) Prero, Rachel Leah (Gil) Neuman and Russy (Eli) Newman will be returning to Baltimore to resume sitting Thursday afternoon through Monday morning, Dec. 23 at 6120 Benhurst Road, Baltimore, MD, 21209. .Mrs. Chaya Zwick will be returning to Baltimore Friday and will be available starting Motzai Shabbos through Mionday morning at the same address. Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
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Baltimore, MD - Dec. 10, 2024:
Dear Friends,
Rabbi Michoel Glazer, z’l, tragically passed away at the young age of 47 due to an unexpected health crisis, leaving behind six grieving children who now face the overwhelming challenge of continuing their lives without him. In the wake of this devastating loss, we must unite as a community to provide essential support during their time of need. This campaign is critical to ensuring the Glazer family receives the help they need to navigate this difficult period.
All funds raised through this platform will be carefully and responsibly managed, both now and in the future, by a dedicated committee of professionals with expertise in legal and financial planning. This committee will work in close collaboration with the Glazer family’s ...
Baltimore, MD - December 18, 2024 – A new congressional spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown includes provisions for 100% federal funding to rebuild Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The legislation, which extends government funding through March 14, 2025, allocates over $100 billion in disaster relief, encompassing the Key Bridge project.
Maryland's congressional delegation has been advocating for full federal support for the bridge's reconstruction following its collapse earlier this year. Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that the federal government's commitment is crucial for the project's timely completion.
The inclusion of the Key Bridge funding in the stopgap measure refle...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 18, 2024 - The Baltimore Citizen Review Board (CRB), responsible for reviewing police misconduct complaints, is set to dissolve in 2025, prompting concerns over police accountability. Mayor Brandon Scott assured the public that a more robust oversight entity with expanded powers and resources will replace the CRB.
The decision aligns with statewide legislative changes to enhance police accountability. While some community leaders worry about a potential oversight gap, others view it as an opportunity for stronger reforms. The Mayor’s office committed to public involvement in shaping the new framework, with additional details to be released soon.
Annapolis, MD - Dec. 18, 2024 - Governor Wes Moore today announced $50.8 million in awards through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative to revitalize Baltimore City’s neighborhoods by reducing the number of vacant buildings across the city. The 43 awards tap $50 million committed to the program in the State’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget—a historic acceleration of funding to the department to rehabilitate vacant properties—clearing the way for affordable housing, new green space and mixed-use developments. “In order for it to be Maryland’s decade, it has to be Baltimore’s time,” said Gov. Moore. “This historic investment through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative will transform the City of Baltimore b...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 17, 2024 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Alan Gordon, z’l, husband of Beth Weinberg-Gordon, father of Shayna Weinberg-Gordon and brother of Tracey Gordon Kotlicky, Etta Gordon, and Norman Gordon.
The levayah will be held on Thursday, Dec.19, 2024 at 12:30PM at Levinson’s.
The kevurah will take place at Beth Tfiloh Cemetery, 5660 Windsor Mill Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207
Shiva through Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 will be observed at 2912 West Strathmore Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209
Shacharis: 7:00AM
Mincha/Maariv: 4:35PM
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Towson, MD – Dec. 17, 2024 – A mass casualty shooting occurred Tuesday evening on the 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard in Towson, leaving one person dead and nine others injured. Baltimore County Police reported that multiple victims were transported to area hospitals, though the conditions of those injured remain unknown.
The incident, which took place around 7:15 p.m., prompted a large law enforcement response, including Baltimore County Police, the Baltimore County Fire Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Neighbors reported hearing over a dozen gunshots, and several blocks around the scene were closed off as first responders worked to secure the area and provide medical assistance.
This remains an ongoing investigation, with aut...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 17, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Miller (Silver Spring, MD) and Sara Lowenthal (Baltimore, MD) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Menachem & Suzy Miller and Mickey & Basi Lowenthal.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism, prosecutors said Tuesday as they worked to bring him to a New York court from from a Pennsylvania jail.
Luigi Mangione already was charged with murder in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson, but the terror allegation is new.
Under New York law, such a charge can be brought when an alleged crime is “intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping.”
Mangione’s New York lawyer has not commented on the case.
Thompson, 50, was shot dead as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where Min...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 17, 2024 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Shmuel Brody, z’l, father of Chani Broner.
Shiva will be observed through Motzaei Shabbos at 5905 Key Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21215
Visiting times: 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
House Democratic veteran Rep. Gerry Connolly fended off a challenge from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Tuesday, putting the Virginia Democrat in line to become the House Oversight Committee’s top-ranked Democrat in the new Congress.
Connolly has served on the Oversight Committee since 2009 and has led Democrats on the subcommittee on government operations since 2013. He announced on Nov. 7 that he was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, opening the door for a challenge from Ocasio-Cortez.
Despite those health challenges, Connolly won by a vote of 131-84, according to multiple Democratic sources — cementing his role in one of the most high-profile positions in Washington to combat the incoming Trump administration and a unified Republican majority in Congress.
Oca...
The funding plan to pay for a new Key Bridge is in limbo despite the U.S. Senate rolling a funding amendment into a short-term spending bill.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, said the Republicans in the House of Representatives are holding it up. Meanwhile, a deadline looms at midnight on Friday.
The strategy has changed. Maryland’s congressional delegation is now seeking authorization for 100% funding and will work on getting the money for it later.
“House Republicans have not signed off on 100% funding for the Key Bridge. The Senate has signed off on that. But we have not been given a good reason why House Republicans continue to object,” Van Hollen told 11 News. “That is the state of play as we speak.”
President Joe Biden said ...
Annapolis, MD - Dec. 17, 2024 - Maryland Democrats met Tuesday morning to cast the state’s ballot in the Electoral College.
It marked the formal casting of Maryland’s electoral votes for the president and vice president of the United States.
The casting always happens on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday of December when there is a Presidential General Election.
Some of the notable officials that attended were Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Lt.-Gov Aruna Miller and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman.
The results certifying the election of Donald Trump will take place on Jan. 6 in a joint session of Congress.
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 17, 2024 - Health officials in Maryland on Tuesday reported the first cold-related deaths of the winter weather season.
The Maryland Department of Health said the deceased were all men, with two of them in their 60’s and one in their 30’s. Two of the deaths occurred in Baltimore City and one occurred in Baltimore County.
The first cold-reported death occurred on Nov. 23, with the other two reported on Dec. 2.
“To prevent the onset of cold-related illness, including frostbite, Marylanders should avoid exposure to cold weather, both by limiting time outside and by wearing several layers of lightweight, insulated clothing,” MDEH said in a statement. “Insulate toes, fingers, ears, cheeks, and the tip of the nose.”
Marylanders i...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 17, 2024 - A man and woman have died after being hit by a train Monday evening in west Baltimore.
According to the Baltimore City police, around 7 p.m. officers from the Southwest District responded to assist Amtrack police with a fatal incident in the 400 block of North Smallwood Street. They confirmed that an adult man and woman died as a result of this incident.
Amtrack released the following statement:
“On Dec. 16, 2024, Amtrak train 97 was traveling from New York City to Miami at approx. 5:50 p.m. ET when two individuals who were trespassing on the track came into contact with the train south of Baltimore. There have been no reported injuries to the 161 passengers or crew onboard. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incid...
Crimes motivated by anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli feelings increased 90% and 450%, respectively, in Los Angeles in 2023, according to the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations.
They were the highest levels ever for both categories, the commission said this week in its annual analysis of hate crimes. There were 242 anti-Jewish hate crimes in Los Angeles in 2023, compared with 127 in 2022.
Anti-Israeli crimes spiked from 4% to 22% of hate crimes against Jews, and 50% of anti-Israel crimes were violent, the report said.
Hate crimes in general rose 45% in Los Angeles in 2023, the report said. The majority of hate crimes targeted African Americans, LGBT communities, Jews, and Hispanic groups, with antisemitic crimes representing 18% of all hate-motivated crimes in Los Ang...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 16, 2024 - Congratulations to State Senator Jill Carter, who, due to her new appointment to MD State Board of Contract Appeals, will no longer serve as our Senator. The decision regarding her replacement will be made by the State Central Committee, which includes Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, Alex Friedman, and Sandy Rosenbluth, who together hold three of the eight votes in the selection process.
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 17, 2024 - A wave of carjackings carried out by juveniles has left Baltimore residents shaken and demanding action.
The incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the handling of juvenile offenders.
"I don't even know how to express in words how someone could even fathom to do that," local resident Nigal Brown said.
Another resident, David Nwachukwu, added, "It's not safe for anybody out here."
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) reported that a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old were arrested after attempting to steal one car and successfully carjacking another. One of the suspects was armed with a small knife. Despite the 15-year-old's six prior arrests, including charges for a handgun violation and assault, both juveniles were released on...
