Hogan has invited both Democratic and GOP politicians to the state's suites at sports venuesGETTY IMAGES
Maryland Gov. LARRY HOGAN has used the state's suites at sports venues to "entertain family, reward state employees and honor charities -- especially those focused on fighting cancer and supporting law enforcement." Hogan also has "invited both Democratic and GOP politicians, university and corporate leaders -- and executives of his private real estate business." As part of contracts with the Maryland Stadium Authority, the governor and Baltimore mayor are "provided with skyboxes" at M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. There are "no legal restrictions on who the officials can invite." The governor "also has a suite" at FedExField (BALTIMORE SUN, 7/31).
A CLOSER LOOK: The Baseball HOF in August is "expected to open 'Moe Berg: Big League Spy,' an exhibition that offers a glimpse at the double life" led by former MLBer MOE BERG. Berg’s life as a spy during World War II was detailed in NICHOLAS DAWIDOFF’s book “THE CATCHER WAS A SPY” in '94, which was "adapted into a film with the same title, starring PAUL RUDD, and released last month." The exhibit -- on display for about a year -- is part of the Hall’s "role as a museum dedicated to tracing the history and culture of baseball." The Hall "built the Berg exhibit largely from its collections, which included donations made in the 1970s" by his siblings (N.Y. TIMES, 7/31).
NAMES: HBO has "acquired worldwide TV and streaming rights" to "AT THE HEART OF GOLD: INSIDE THE USA GYMNASTICS SCANDAL." The film directed by ERIN LEE CARR is set to be released in '19 and is "based on years of research" by producers DAVID ULICH and DR. STEVEN UNGERLEIDER. The deal was negotiated with HBO by UTA Independent Film Group (DEADLINE.com, 7/30)....Netflix has picked up actress OCTAVIA SPENCER and LEBRON JAMES' limited series about MADAM C.J. WALKER (VARIETY.com, 7/29)....Former Atlanta-based WVEE-FM host RYAN CAMERON has been named the PA announcer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Falcons games as a part of a three-year deal. For 14 years, Cameron has been the PA announcer for the Hawks at Philips Arena (AJC.com, 7/30)....The book “12: THE INSIDE STORY OF TOM BRADY'S FIGHT FOR REDEMPTION” is reviewed as an “interesting and revealing look at the NFL and one of its premier players.” For Patriots fans, it is an “oh-so-sweet tale of revenge and resurrection” of Brady (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 7/31)....BMX freestyler MAT HOFFMAN and Oklahoma AD JOE CASTIGLIONE have been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Sports HOF. The ceremony takes place Monday night (NEWSOK.com, 7/31)....A lightning-induced wildfire in Colorado forced Golf HOFer GREG NORMAN and others to “evacuate his mountain ranch” near Aspen on Sunday (GOLF.com, 7/30)....Former U.K. Prime Minister DAVID CAMERON and his family were spotted on the field at Fenway Park before Phillies-Red Sox last night (POLITICO.com, 7/31).
