Baltimore teacher contract talks take turn for worse

Six months of negotiations over a new contract for teachers in the Baltimore City public schools have taken a turn for the worse, with the union saying it is “not optimistic” that the two sides will be able to reach an agreement soon. The Baltimore Teachers Union called on teachers to rally at the next meeting of the Baltimore City school board on Oct. 11. The existing contract, which was due to expire at the end of June, has been extended until Oct. 30, as negotiations continue. District leaders issued a statement Saturday saying they were disappointed by the union’s statement, which contended that the district’s proposal would cut at least $10 million in compensation for teachers. A spokeswoman for the district declined to comment on specific points of the negotiations. A union representative could not be reached for comment.

Pedestrian fatally struck by vehicle in Catonsville

A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in Catonsville on Friday night, Baltimore County police said. Shortly after 11 p.m., a 2002 Saturn Vue traveling east on Baltimore National Pike near Rolling Road struck a man in the road. The victim, whom police did not identify, was pronounced dead at Saint Agnes Hospital. Police said the driver remained at the scene, and the accident is under investigation.

18-year-old woman shot in East Baltimore

An 18-year-old woman was injured Friday night in a shooting in East Baltimore, police said. Officers were called at 11:15 p.m. to Madison and Ensor streets in Oldtown for a shooting. There they found the woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. The victim was taken to an