Regional News From WBAL-TV

URGENT: Eye On Annapolis has made a donation to support the relief efforts in Haiti. Right now, money is the critical thing needed to get medical supplies and basic necessities to the people on the island. We have chosen to support Doctors Without Borders for this effort and encourage our readers to do the same. If not through Doctors Without Borders, but through a legitimate organization. Unfortunately scammers come out of the woodwork when disaster strikes. Here is a list (updated frequently) of organizations that have been vetted and are participating in the relief efforts. Even if it is only $5, please give. It could have been us!

Police Lieutenant Charged In Sexting Case. An Anne Arundel County police lieutenant is facing a federal child pornography charge. According to court documents, 47-year-old James Cifala exchanged sexually explicit picture messages — a practice known as “sexting” — with an underage girl.Cifala allegedly asked the girl via text message to send the photos, and prosecutors said the images constitute child porn. Cifala is a 27-year veteran of the department and lives in Edgewater. Police said he has been suspended without pay.

Grasmick Lobbies For Teacher Pay, Tenure Changes. At least two proposals that could affect teacher pay and their time on the job are getting some attention in Annapolis.State schools Superintendent Dr. Nancy Grasmick tested the waters with the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on Thursday. She’s calling for two major changes that she said will improve teacher quality.

Bill Would Require Sterilizing Dangerous Dogs. The owners of dogs deemed dangerous by local authorities would be required to spay or neuter their animals within 30 days of receiving notice of the canine’s designation, under a bill proposed by a Maryland lawmaker. Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, R-Talbot County, told members of the House Judiciary Committee Thursday that her proposal would reduce the number of dogs in shelters and alleviate the aggressiveness of the dog in question.

More MD Foreclosures Due To Economy, Not Banks. State officials are blaming new foreclosure filings in Maryland on the poor economy.Foreclosures in Maryland continue to skyrocket. There were about 16,000 new claims in the fourth quarter — up 67 percent compared to the same time last year, according to the state.