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$9 Million Riot Damage in Baltimore

CNN

BALTIMORE (AP) - The government's first estimate of damage from rioting last month in Baltimore puts the cost at $9 million.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski's office said Tuesday the preliminary estimate comes from a Small Business Administration survey of 284 businesses and two homes damaged during riots following the death of Freddie Gray.

Mikulski's office says the agency found that 30 businesses and one home sustained major damage. Another 254 businesses and one home sustained minor damage.

The figures could change as officials gather more information. The survey was part of a process that led the Small Business Administration to declare a disaster and make low-interest loans available.

The Baltimore Development Corp. is gathering damage information separately from the government. The corporation says it has received damage reports from more than 350 businesses.

Grand Jury

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cell phone video
Freddie Gray in Baltimore Police Custody

BALTIMORE (AP) - Lawyers for six Baltimore police officers charged after the death of Freddie Gray are asking that any grand jury proceedings be transcribed or recorded.

The Daily Record reports that in a motion filed Monday in Baltimore Circuit Court, the lawyers say they are concerned that investigators misidentified facts and applicable law that "should be considered when determining the appropriateness of the charges."

It's not known whether a grand jury will hear the charges, but attorneys say they anticipate that prosecutors will request indictments against the four officers charged with felonies. They would have to happen before a May 27 preliminary hearing.

In grand jury proceedings, a judge is not present and hearsay is permitted. Attorney Andrew Alperstein says recording means witnesses would be "locked into the testimony."

Police Week

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Baltimore police badge

BALTIMORE (AP) - The U.S. Attorney for Maryland is marking National Police Week by thanking Baltimore police officers who serve with honor and integrity.

U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein issued a statement Tuesday saying criticism of the Baltimore city police department should not obscure the good work that many officers do. He says the murder rate has fallen and most other types of crime have declined over the past decade thanks to the work of Baltimore's police officers.

Rosenstein says Baltimore police officers have saved many lives.

In the wake of recent riots in the city following the death of a man fatally injured in police custody, Rosenstein says some criminals have taken advantage of recent events. Rosenstein says Baltimore police officers have one of the most challenging and important jobs in Maryland.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.