Local Leads: 6/25/10

News you need to know

The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:

BUDGET WOES HALT FIREWORKS
St. Mary's County government won't be hosting any fireworks or any celebration at all for the Fourth of July. More than a year ago the county commissioners decided to end Freedom Fest, which was held at the county fairgrounds in Leonardtown for 20 years. (The Enterprise)

MARYLAND SEAFOOD IS SAFE
Federal scientists say the Gulf Coast oil spill won't contaminate Maryland's shores or seafood -- at least for now -- though long-term questions linger regarding the damage done by "dispersants" pumped into ocean waters.  Sen. Barbara Mikulski and other members of Maryland's congressional delegation on Thursday questioned scientists from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration about the government's efforts to protect Marylanders from the oil spill. (Washington Examiner)

PARKING FINE INCREASE
The cost of getting nabbed in a parking violation in Arlington is going up. Tickets for an expired meter will rise from $25 to $35, and tickets for most other parking offenses will rise from $40 to $50, under the fiscal 2011 budget adopted by the County Board. The fiscal year starts July 1, and the new fines will kick in then. (Sun Gazette)

PLUG IN YOUR CAR
Maryland will spend more than $500,000 in federal stimulus money to build 65 stations across the state where drivers will be able to recharge their electric vehicles, Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Thursday. The stations will be clustered mostly in Baltimore City and the suburban counties along Interstate 95. (The Daily Record)

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