Maryland
Oceans Calling Festival 2024, Ocean City, Maryland – Day 2 – ReadJunk.com
Photo by Bryan Kremkau
Date: September 28th, 2024
Bands: The Killers, The Offspring, The Beach Boys, Rebelution, Young The Giant, The Hives, The Beaches, Switchfoot, The Samples, Katelyn Tarver, Glom
Day 2 of the Oceans Calling Festival couldn’t have been more different from the previous day. After the god-awful weather of Day 1, the sun was shining, the skies were clear, and the temperature was perfect—warm, even hot at times. It was the ideal setup for an outdoor festival. Aside from The Offspring, all the other bands were new to me, and I was especially excited to finally see The Samples live, having recently gotten into their music. Some other bands turned me into a fan by the end of the day as well.
I got to the festival grounds early, grateful it wasn’t raining again. Having soaked and ruined my New Balance shoes the night before, I was stuck in slip-on Vans for the day. Fortunately, my “old man” feet held up, mostly because the walking was on the sand. Hearing horror stories from other photographers about the chaos during and after Blink-182’s set confirmed that leaving early the previous night was the smart decision. Honestly, I probably should’ve left right after Sublime.
The day started with Glom, whose lead singer wore a heavy jacket like it was 30 degrees out—I was sweating just looking at him. Katelyn Tarver, an actress and singer-songwriter, followed. I wasn’t familiar with her before, but I enjoyed the songs I caught from her set.
I’ve been into The Samples for about two months now, though I swear I’ve seen their videos or heard their music before. Maybe I picked up one of their albums back in the ‘90s when I was getting into ska, not realizing they weren’t a ska band and returned it? Either way, it took long enough, but I’m a fan now! Their music is a mix of The Police, college rock, and some jam elements. I was hoping to hear “When It’s Raining,” but it wasn’t meant to be. They played “Did You Ever Look So Nice,” “Could It Be Another Change,” and “Waited Up.” I stayed for most of their set before heading to the Rockville stage to catch Switchfoot.
Switchfoot is a name I’ve heard, but I wasn’t too familiar with their music beyond maybe one or two songs. Their set was energetic, and lead singer Jon Foreman was all over the crowd like a shark—popping up here and there, which made it tricky but fun to photograph. After a few songs, I made my way to the Sea Bright stage, which took some time due to the growing Saturday crowd. I even ran into some people from my high school that I hadn’t seen in 27 years—pretty crazy, considering there were around 60,000 people at the festival.
Next up were The Beaches, and I’m completely hooked now. I hadn’t really listened to them before, but since the festival, I’ve been playing their music every day. This Canadian indie/pop rock band had the crowd bopping with their catchy tunes. They came out in matching shirts that said “Who is Jocelyn?”—a reference to one of their latest singles. Their stage presence was electric, with hair-whipping and infectious energy. Standout songs for me were “Blame Brett,” “Takes One To Know One,” “Shower Beer,” “Me & Me,” and my personal favorite, “Edge of the Earth.” Definitely one of the festival highlights for me.
During The Beaches’ set, I made my way back to the Hives stage, stopping by the amusement park area to snap some pics and catch the view from the pier. I’ve never seen The Hives live but had heard they were a blast to photograph—and they didn’t disappoint. Lead singer Per “Pelle” Almqvist was all over the stage, swinging his mic, climbing speakers, and kicking the bouncers’ water bottles out of the way. At one point, he made his way to the soundboard, rallying the crowd. They played their hits like “Hate To Say I Told You So,” “Walk Idiot Walk,” and “Tick Tick Boom.”
Young The Giant followed, giving photographers the rare gift of four songs to shoot, without any release restrictions—a breath of fresh air. I wasn’t familiar with their music but became a fan after seeing them live. Their set featured a huge screen with vibrant patterns and colors, and the crowd went wild when they played “Cough Syrup.” Lead singer Sameer Gadhia has incredible stage presence, and I’d definitely see them again.
I attempted to grab some food after, but the lines were too long, so I headed over to catch Rebelution. I’ve been a fan for years but hadn’t had the chance to see them live until now. Their reggae rock vibe was perfect for the festival, and the crowd loved it. I couldn’t help but dance during songs like “Count Me In” and “Sky Is The Limit,” even while trying to snap photos. Unfortunately, I had to leave halfway through their set to photograph The Beach Boys.
I’ve always been a fan of the original Beach Boys lineup, but despite their political affiliations – I was still interested in seeing Mike Love and Bruce Johnston perform. However, I’d been warned that they sing over pre-recorded tracks, which definitely messed with my head. It’s a bit disheartening, especially for a band with such a legacy. Despite that, they played crowd-pleasers like “Surfin’ Safari,” a cover of The Ramones’ “Rockaway Beach,” and “Surfin’ USA.” I also missed Dexter Holland from The Offspring joining them for “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” earlier in the set.
The Offspring was next, and while I had a photo pass for the entire set, I only ended up shooting five songs. Like other bands, they had a photo release requiring all images to be approved before posting, which was frustrating. I get that bands want control over their image, but these restrictions are annoying for photographers. It’s pretty ironic for a punk band to impose such rules, but I digress. Despite the restrictions, The Offspring delivered a fantastic set, playing hits like “Come Out and Play,” “All I Want,” and “Want You Bad.” Guitarist Noodles even threw in a medley of classics like “Iron Man,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Blitzkrieg Bop.”
I stayed for most of their set, but after two days of the festival and dealing with moving plans, I decided to head home early. I didn’t bother with The Killers since they weren’t allowing photographers, and I’ve never been a fan anyway.
Day 3 featured bands like Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, Lisa Loeb, O.A.R. & Friends, and Barenaked Ladies, but it wasn’t really my thing, so I skipped it. Overall, Oceans Calling was a great festival, despite the terrible weather on Friday. I do think scheduling the festival at the end of September, during hurricane season, might not be the best idea. That said, it’s great having such a big event just an hour away from home.
I loved the lineup, the VIP lounges, free water, air-conditioned bathrooms, and decent (if expensive) food. For future festivals, I’d suggest better access for photographers, more buses at the end of the night, and additional exits for emergencies. But all in all, it was a well-run event with an awesome lineup, and I’m already looking forward to next year!
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Maryland
Office building in Glen Burnie evacuated after shift in parking garage floor
GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WBFF) — An office building in Glen Burnie was evacuated on Thursday afternoon after its underground parking garage experienced a shift in one of its floors.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department initially responded to the 7300 block of Ritchie Highway around 2:30 p.m. on July 9 after reports of a partial building collapse.
However, the department later clarified that there has been no collapse of the 10-story building.
Officials said crews are evaluating the building’s structural integrity after work was being performed in the parking garage.
All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported, according to Fire Captain Jenny Macallair.
The fire department is asking drivers to avoid the area while crews continue their assessment.
FOX45 News has a crew on the way to the scene, and we will provide updates as they become available.
Maryland
How the Baltimore-style hot dog tells a uniquely Maryland story
See America’s most iconic hot dogs
Welcome to the United States of Hot Dogs! We’ve compiled a few of the best hot dogs eaten across the country.
Although Maryland is often celebrated for its seafood, one over-the-top creation has carved out its own loyal following among locals and visitors alike: The Baltimore-style hot dog.
Sausage is merely its first layer of meat. It’s wrapped in a thick slice of fried beef bologna and piled high with toppings.
It’s proof that while hot dogs are truly an All-American food, their real power lies in how they adapt to local tastes.
Hot dogs were “invented” in the U.S. after German sausages were served in buns. They’re a staple of baseball games — the all-American pastime. And they are truly a democratic food: nearly anyone can afford to enjoy them.
But even more, hot dogs are American because of their adaptability, reflecting the ingenuity and diversity that gives our country such a rich culinary tapestry.
“You can tell the story of America through hot dogs. There are probably other things you could use, other objects or icons, but I think hot dog is a really good one,” said Bruce Kraig, a Ph.D. food historian and author of “Hot Dog: A Global History’ and ‘Man Bites Dog: Hot Dog Culture in America.”
Regional hot dog toppings, from chili in Cincinnati to celery salt in Chicago to jalapeños in the Southwest, tell distinct stories of place.
Here in Baltimore, Maryland, our contribution to the United States of Hot Dogs is the Baltimore-style hot dog.
What is a Baltimore-style hot dog?
At its core, the Baltimore dog is a meat-on-meat masterpiece. It starts with a kosher all-beef sausage that is split, fried and wrapped alongside thick, charred bologna slices.
It’s traditionally topped with raw onions and yellow mustard, with a pickle spear on top or on the side. Some variations include the addition of sweet relish, ketchup or cheese.
“In this creation, grease from the bologna mixes with the grease from the hot dog, and both find their way into the bread to form an unforgettable aroma, taste and aftertaste — and 200 points on your cholesterol count,” Baltimore historian Gilbert Sandler told The Baltimore Sun in a 2019 story.
Where did the Baltimore-style hot dog come from?
Its origins are often somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have originated during the Great Depression when, according to TasteAtlas.com, “people added bologna slices to the hot dog in order to make it a fuller, heartier meal.”
Jewish delis along Baltimore’s historic “Corned Beef Row” were looking for ways to offer working-class customers a filling, calorie-dense meal for a small chunk of change, leading to the birth of the Baltimore-style hot dog.
First becoming popular in the early 1940s at Mandell and Ballow deli, the bologna-wrapped hot dog spread throughout Baltimore, The Sun reported.
“Despite being a nutritionally questionable combo of two of the world’s least-healthful meats, the bologna dog continues to be a local favorite, enjoyed without apology,” FoodRepublic.com wrote in 2023.
Four best places to try a Baltimore-style hot dog
Attman’s Delicatessen: A Baltimore institution since 1915, Attman’s version of the Baltimore-style hot dog sits at the top of its menu. Its dog — for $7.99 — comes with your choice of mustard, relish, chopped onions and ketchup. Details: 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore; 410-563-2666, attmansdeli.com.
Weiss Deli: Another Baltimore staple, Weiss serves speciality sandwiches and, of course, the Baltimore-style hot dog. You can customize the $7.49 dog with up to eight toppings, but its most popular version comes with just deli mustard and raw onions on top of the bologna-wrapped sausage. Details: 1127 East Lombard St., Baltimore; 410-276-7910, baltimoreweissdeli.com
The Dog House Carryout: A legendary landmark in Baltimore, The Dog House Carryout has been slinging its classic comfort food for more than 75 years. You can get a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog for $6.95, with bologna added for an extra $1.25. The dog comes with your choice of mustard, relish, onions and ketchup. Details: 617 Fallsway, Baltimore; 410-685-7269, thedoghousebaltimore.com
Killa Dogz: Killa Dogz, one of the more modern hot dog spots in the city, offers a wide variety of options, including what it calls the “Bmore” dog. At $7, its version is deep fried, wrapped in bologna and “served on a squishy bun with mustard.” Chili and cheese are among the top ways to customize its dog. Details: 6106 Belair Rd, Baltimore; 443-438-7822. killadogz.com.
Jennifer Borresen contributed the interactive graphic to this story. She is a graphic journalist at USA TODAY, specializing in explanatory graphics and illustrations in various fields, including politics, science, weather and entertainment.
Maryland
Maryland man sentenced to 15 years for attempting to join ISIS
BALTIMORE, MD. – A Hanover man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release on Wednesday for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, federal prosecutors announced.
Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., 22, pleaded guilty in January 2026 after unknowingly revealing a plot to travel abroad and fight for the designated foreign terrorist organization to an undercover law enforcement officer, prosecutors said.
What we know:
Court documents reveal that between March and October 2024, Teekaye coordinated travel arrangements with a Somali ISIS fighter. His itinerary detailed a flight departing from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Turkey, with subsequent travel through Ethiopia to cross into Somalia.
FBI agents arrested Teekaye at BWI on October 14, 2024, after he cleared airport security, according to previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting.
READ MORE: Maryland man arrested for allegedly attempting to join ISIS
Leading up to his arrest, court documents say that Teekaye prepared for his departure by practicing at a Maryland shooting range and attempting to purchase an assault rifle, which was blocked due to an existing state probation status.
Days before his arrest, Teekaye sent the undercover officer a photograph of himself wearing a mask and wielding a large machete, declaring a choice of “victory or martyrdom.”
Following his arrest, prosecutors say Teekaye made multiple unprovoked statements to law enforcement vowing to resume his violent efforts upon his eventual release from custody and threatening the lives of prison guards.
Dig deeper:
Federal authorities noted that Teekaye established a secondary plan to execute domestic terrorist attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions supporting Israel within Maryland if his international travel failed. A digital forensic search of his phone uncovered specific search histories focused on Jewish organizations and community members in Howard County, alongside queries regarding home break-ins and escaping murder charges.
A local rabbi impacted by the surveillance spoke during the sentencing hearing regarding the threat’s toll on the community.
The Source: Information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting.
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