jim white

Dock workers and the management of 15 East Coast and Gulf ports reached a tentative agreement on a new master contract late Friday night, averting a threatened walkout on Wednesday.

A weekend strike by dockworkers from Maine to Texas has been averted after union and management negotiators settled a major sticking point and agreed to extend the contract deadline for 30 days while they hammer out the rest of the six-year deal.

Port of Baltimore officials say they "are preparing for the worst," in the event of a dockworkers strike at one minute past midnight on Dec. 30.

New commercial services have led to larger crowds and increased strife for anglers, park officials and home owners