Last week, we shared the 2026 dates of some major Baltimore festivals and events; a profile on a new home decor shop in Hampden; and Howard County’s expansion of tax credits for seniors. Revisit the stories here: People gather Wednesday inside the Odorite building for its auction. Photo credit: Ed Gunts. “Mystery buyer emerges for the Odorite building in Midtown-Belvedere“: A potential buyer has emerged for the Odorite building in Midtown-Belvedere, a property that has been vacant since the cleaning products supply company merged with another firm and moved out in 2023. Baltimore rings in 2017 with its New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Inner Harbor. Photo credit: Patrick Gillespie/Flickr Creative Commons. “‘Holy Grail’: Mayor Brandon Scott announces 2026 dates for Baltimore’s major festivals and cultural events, including a third day to mark the 50th anniversary of AFRAM“: Mayor Brandon Scott on Thursday announced the 2026 dates for Baltimore’s major festivals and cultural events, including a third day of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the AFRAM festival. Photo credit: Wosunan via FreerangeStock.com “Expanded and updated tax breaks for Howard County seniors are now in effect“: Howard County has expanded eligibility for a property tax credit for seniors, and extended the length of another tax credit to help residents age in place. Jonathan Todd (left) and Andrew Hatch (right), co-owners of Balston Mercantile. Credit: Jenna Mattern “Balston Mercantile brings home decor and local craft to Hampden“: In June, couple Jonathan Todd and Andrew Hatch opened the Hampden home decor shop Balston Mercantile, selling wares that span the East Coast. Baltimore Development Corporation President and CEO Otis Rolley on Dec. 11. Photo credit: Ed Gunts. “BDC chief Otis Rolley says he will participate in the next Sisson Street Task Force meeting, apologizes to chair Odette Ramos for his agency’s no-show this week“: Baltimore Development Corporation President and CEO Otis Rolley says he will participate in the next Sisson Street Task Force meeting and apologized for the agency’s no-show this week. ...read more read less