Regional News From WBAL-TV

O’Malley’s State Address to Draw Criticism. Jobs are expected to be the focus of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s State of the State address on Tuesday, but how the governor plans to accomplish that is coming under fire. The tone of the speech will reflect the times; however, it won’t be somber, 11 News reporter David Collins said. The governor will tout optimism, declaring that we are currently at the beginning of a recovery.

Sisters Get Probation In Mother’s Death.  Two Baltimore sisters who pleaded guilty to the abuse of their mother that ended in death were sentenced to probation by a judge on Monday. Tia Sewell, 27, and her sister, Sharon Jones, 26, made no comment and tried to shield their faces as they left Mitchell Courthouse. Both women shook and cried as they waited for a judge to sentence them on charges of abusing their mother, 40-year-old April Montford. Montford died in February 2008. Her death was ruled a homicide because she had complications from being shot at age 17, but abuse and neglect were considered contributing factors.

Domestic Violence Victims Memorialized In Service. Lawmakers, dignitaries and survivors came together for the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence’s annual memorial service. The Monday evening event raised awareness and garnered support for families affected by domestic violence. One by one, the names of victims of domestic violence who lost their lives last year in Maryland were called. Janet Blackburn’s sister, Gail Pumphrey, and Gail’s three children were shot to death in a Montgomery County park on Thanksgiving Day in 2007. Since then she’s made it a point to attend the vigil every year.

Girl, 3, Thrown From SUV In Crash. Maryland State Police said a 3-year-old Pennsylvania girl was thrown from an SUV that hit a guardrail at the Interstate 81 and Interstate 70 interchange. Police said the Ford Explorer was traveling west on I-70 near Hagerstown on Sunday evening when the driver attempted to take the I-81 exit “at the last minute.” Investigators said the unrestrained child was ejected when the SUV hit the guardrail. Police said there was no child safety seat in the vehicle.