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In an interview with The Afro-American Newspaper last week, Mayor Sheila Dixon didn’t mince words when speaking about the ongoing investigation into her business and personal dealings.

Dixon was quoted in the paper as saying: “I think there is sexism and racism. It covers the gambit [sic].”

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Howard County officials are trying once again to close the county’s only adult bookstore, the Pack Shack. (Maybe they should just try for a name change instead?)

The fight has lasted eleven years so far. Now, the Pack Shack has made one final move to ensure they’ll remain in Ellicott City for a long time: the adult bookstore is actually selling books.

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It’s been a relatively quiet day so far — no confessions of affairs, new allegations of corruption, or laughable quotes (well, maybe one). The stage may be set for next week, however. Here’s a rundown:

• Anthony McCarthy — Dixon’s former chief-of-staff during City Council days and then mayoral spokesman — was scheduled to appear before the grand jury this week. His testimony has been postponed indefinitely. Sources cite scheduling conflicts as the official reason for the postponement. If you recall, McCarthy has an interesting history as well, having been dismissed from his position in Dixon’s office in November. At the time, McCarthy was being investigated by the Baltimore County police for undisclosed reasons. Charges were never filed but Dixon referred to the allegations as “shocking.”

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Since the Naval Academy in Annapolis was founded in 1845, a chaplain has said grace before the midshipmen’s mandatory noon mealtime. Now, the American Civil Liberties Union is threatening legal action if the academy doesn’t end the tradition.

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Sheila Dixon held a press conference this morning in front of City Hall, during which she lashed out at the media for publicizing the details of the investigation while alleging that there is a leak in the prosecutor’s office.

Dixon said: “What really bothers me is that I can’t talk about it but certain people, certain media people, are getting information from the prosecutor’s office. It doesn’t give me a fair opportunity to share.”

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Ronald Lipscomb has not only showered Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon with gifts of fur coats and vacations. The Sun reported today that Lipscomb has also donated a significant amount of money to her political campaign over the past decade.

Also under investigation — and far more disgraceful to me than the political contributions, if true — are Dixon’s use of gift cards. Prosecutors are trying to determine whether Dixon solicited gift cards from businesses as donations for needy families, but then instead gave them to city employees or used them herself.

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(stock photo)

The grand jury began calling witnesses yesterday in the case against Mayor Sheila Dixon. The investigation is focusing on whether Dixon received pricey gifts — including vacations and fur coats — from developer Ronald Lipscomb in exchange for tax breaks and other advantages.

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Margaret Burns e-mailed Anna Sowers yesterday to explain her comments regarding Zach Sowers. Some (like the Sun) are referring to the letter as an apology. Others (like Anna herself [see June 18 post]) are not so sure that it qualifies as one.

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The case against Sheila Dixon is moving ahead.

Not only have four more people been subpoenaed (plus a former chief of staff who reportedly received her subpoena months ago), but a Grand Jury is scheduled to hear evidence on the case beginning next week.

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At a news conference today, Mayor Dixon claimed to not be stressed by the continuing investigation into her financial dealings.

Dixon said to the audience: “Just to let you know for those who think I’m a little stressed out today, I’m not, because I look at my God, and I look at what I do physically and mentally, to be able to move forward.” Her statement was met by applause from several in attendance.

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