Synthetic surfaces gaining traction at major horse racing tracks

Dirt flying as horses race around the track. Fans cheering as their favorite thunders down the stretch, hooves pounding toward the finish line. That sight and sound has disappeared from some North American racetracks that have replaced traditional dirt with a synthetic surface made...

Enforcing minor crimes returns 'accountability' to Baltimore, new top prosecutor says

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore’s top prosecutor announced Thursday a new program that allows police to issue citations for minor crimes such as loitering, drug possession and public urination — a significant shift from the more progressive policies of his predecessor, who declined to prosecute...

Santander's big night (3 hits, 3 RBIs) helps Orioles outlast Guardians 8-5

BALTIMORE (AP) — After leading by seven runs in the second inning, the Baltimore Orioles still ended up in a familiar position — relying on Yennier Cano and Félix Bautista to close out the game from out of the bullpen. Those two were up to the task, and Baltimore held on for an...

New exhibit shows how Jim Henson brought Miss Piggy and the Muppets to life

BALTIMORE (AP) — Who is the baddest pig you’ve ever seen? There’s only one answer: Miss Piggy. Originally named after the iconic actor and singer Peggy Lee, the popular karate-chopping swine was created by Bonnie Erickson in 1974 for a stint on “The Tonight Show.” ...

Today in History: May 27, Queen Mary's maiden voyage

Today in History Today is Saturday, May 27, the 147th day of 2023. There are 218 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 27, 1935, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, unanimously struck down the...

US cities hope crime strategies keep homicide numbers dropping and prevent summer surge

CHICAGO (AP) — An expected bump in violent crime this summer has mayors and police officials around the U.S. rolling out familiar strategies of making officers more visible and engaging with community groups, in some cases leaning on civilians to enforce curfews and keep the peace. ...

Adnan Syed's murder conviction on hold for now, as Maryland Supreme Court considers appeal

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Adnan Syed will not return to jail and his murder conviction is on hold, for now, as Maryland's Supreme Court decides whether to hear his appeal. The state's highest court issued an order on Thursday that prevents the reinstatement of Syed's murder conviction...

Orioles activate RHP Givens off 15-day IL, option Irvin

TORONTO (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles activated right-hander Mychal Givens off the 15-day injured list before Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Left-hander Cole Irvin was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Givens had not pitched this season because of...

Bob Baffert-trained National Treasure crosses finish line first in Preakness hours after a Baffert horse was euthanized

Taxed wins Black-Eyed Susan at 11-1; Faiza finishes 3rd in 1st defeat

BALTIMORE (AP) — Faiza was lurking just behind Hoosier Philly at the end of the second turn, and the unbeaten favorite appeared ready to press for the lead. Turned out there was another horse that was about to leave both of them behind. Taxed raced to an upset...