Week in review: 4/8/11

Optimism at O’s opener

Vendors and concession stand owners inside and outside at Camden Yards were equally positive about a strong home Opening Day bringing in cash. The Orioles, playing with three new starting infielders, had begun the season with three wins on the road before winning again Monday at home.

Lottery looks online

Maryland Lottery Agency officials are considering selling tickets online to bolster revenues and keep the state’s games competitive with other jurisdictions that are readying themselves for a jump to the Internet.

Homeowners to appeal

A lawyer for several thousand Anne Arundel County homeowners said Monday he will appeal a judge’s ruling that applies a change in a fee-refund ordinance retroactively. The ruling would mean the residents are owed only $4 million — not $25 million — in refunds and interest for impact fees collected between 1988 and 1996.

Priest’s alleged kids

Siblings who claim to be the offspring of a priest’s affair with a church organist about 60 years ago cannot sue Baltimore-based St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, which hired the priest and allegedly covered up that he was their father, the Court of Special Appeals ruled.

Stanley B&D gets loan

Maryland and Baltimore County have lent Stanley Black & Decker $1.1 million to secure the company’s presence in Towson and ensure that its 1,300 local workers have jobs. The money will go toward modernizing the company’s campus.

Defined benefits remain

A panel of Maryland Senate and House of Delegates members agreed Monday to state pension and retiree health benefit changes to address huge unfunded liabilities that would pose future financial problems if left unaddressed.

Court cuts reporters

The Baltimore County Circuit Court is quietly losing 237 years of courtroom experience: Its 14 court reporters learned last month that the courthouse will convert entirely to digital recordings by summer.

Casinos’ revenue rises

The state’s two casinos generated nearly $13.1 million in revenue in March, the Maryland Lottery Agency announced Tuesday. This was the second-best month for Hollywood Casino Perryville, which took in more than $9.83 million.

State Center lawsuit

A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge heard a motion Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit filed by downtown property owners who want to stop redevelopment of the $1.5 billion State Center project, which they see as a financial threat to them.