By: Jon Sham

Maryland endured an earthquake this week, and is getting ready for a hurricane. And all just days before the city of Baltimore is set to host its inaugural Grand Prix. See what stories made the top 5 this week.

1. Earthquake: Baltimore shaken, but not stirred – by Nicholas Sohr

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake sent office workers streaming out of high-rise buildings Tuesday afternoon and clogged Baltimore’s streets with an early rush hour as many decided to call it a day after the tremors began just before 2 p.m.

The quake was centered in Virginia and appeared to cause little damage in Maryland, according to public safety officials. Inspectors scrambled to assess bridges, roads, public buildings, stadiums, tunnels and utility lines.

2. Maryland Mortgage Program rate at record low – by Daily Record Staff

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development said Monday the interest rate for the state’s flagship mortgage financing program, the Maryland Mortgage Program, has dropped to 3.5 percent, the lowest level in its history.

The program is primarily targeted to first-time homebuyers and purchasers of foreclosed and short-sale homes.

3. EBDI development plan draws fire from Middle East residents – by Melody Simmons

Residents of Middle East reacted angrily again Wednesday night against efforts to present a new development plan for their community, saying they have been disenfranchised from the process and fear they will be priced out of their neighborhood.

In a third meeting at East Baltimore Development Inc., called to discuss a proposed plan for the 88-acre redevelopment near Johns Hopkins Hospital, several residents stopped a presentation on future housing to vent their frustration about their lack of participation in planning the project, now 10 years old.

4. Minority contractors have concerns over EBDI site – by Melody Simmons

Upcoming construction by East Baltimore Development Inc. was detailed Tuesday at a forum that drew contractors seeking work, but among the chief questions was whether laborers working on a $60 million tower at the site are in the country legally.

Wayne R. Frazier Sr., president of the Maryland Washington Minority Contractors’ Association Inc., said he made a spot visit to the graduate student tower at 929 N. Wolfe St. “at closing time” in mid-July to take an informal census of the workforce.

5. Mayor, police chief, businesses all need Grand Prix to succeed – by Rachel Bernstein

When Jay G. Davidson wakes up on Labor Day Monday, the biggest test he’s ever prepared for will be over.

And Davidson said he feels confident that he — and the rest of Baltimore Racing Development LLC — have done the best they can to create a successful inaugural year of the Baltimore Grand Prix.