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Clara Longo de Freitas

Clara

Clara Longo de Freitas is a breaking news reporter. She has worked for the Baltimore Banner for more than two years, covering all things East Baltimore before joining the express desk. She also covered the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, youth gun violence and immigrant issues. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she spent most of her college years looking into workers’ conditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Clara is also an illustrator and likes to paint in her free time. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States in 2016.

The latest from Clara Longo de Freitas

Kilmar Abrego Garcia and one of his children in an undated photo provided by CASA, an immigrant advocacy organization, in April 2025.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Key events in saga of Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador
Here’s a timeline of what we know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia and what has happened since he was deported.
The Maryland State Police logo.
Owings Mills man killed in hit-and-run on Baltimore Beltway while changing tire
Junior Dunkley, 67, of Owings Mills, was changing a flat tire when he was struck by another vehicle on I-695 in Baltimore County.
A screenshot from a talk given by Judge Paula Xinis in 2021 to U.S. Courts. Xinis spoke in late March during a virtual observance of Women’s History Month hosted by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Who is Paula Xinis? Judge at the center of Kilmar Abrego Garcia case
Xinis, an Obama administration appointee, is in the national spotlight after her ruling turned into a standoff with President Donald Trump.
Discussions, art exhibits and other events will be held across Baltimore in April to mark the anniversary of Freddie Gray’s death.
Art exhibits and events marking 10 years since Freddie Gray’s death
Several organizations will host discussions, art exhibits and other events in April to reflect on Freddie Gray’s death and the state of policing in Baltimore.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia and one of his children in an undated photo provided by CASA, an immigrant advocacy organization, in April 2025.
What to know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man ICE mistakenly deported to El Salvador
Abrego Garcia’s deportation, and the fight to bring him back, remains an international topic of discussion — dominating news coverage and attracting the interest of political figures.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the guilty plea on Monday, saying the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Baltimore County man pleads guilty to paying thousands in bribes to former state official
A Randallstown man pleaded guilty to paying about $20,000 in bribes to steer state contracts to his company.
Kevin Guy, 32, is accused of using his position of authority to commit third- and fourth-degree sex offenses between January 2018 and September 2024, according to charging documents.
Youth ministry leader faces more than 70 charges after sexual abuse allegations surface
A Catonsville youth ministry director was indicted Monday on more than 70 charges, stemming from allegations of sexually abusing minors.
Kipi, a 4-year-old reticulated giraffe at the Maryland Zoo, had a baby girl on March 27. Keepers said they didn't know Kipi was pregnant, but the new calf is a welcome surprise.
Surprise! Maryland Zoo gets a new (and unexpected) baby giraffe
Keepers at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore said no one knew that Kipi, a 4-year-old reticulated giraffe who arrived at the zoo in November, was pregnant.
Annapolis officials held a community meeting in March in response to the Clay Street shooting.
Man arrested in connection to deadly shooting at Annapolis school bus stop
Following the shooting, residents of the close-knit community raised concerns in a meeting with public officials.
Jaye Summerlot protests outside of the District Courthouse in Greenbelt, MD on April 4, 2025 for Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a man who was mistakenly deported by the Trump administration.
Federal judge orders return of Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador
Recounting the moment on Friday, Jennifer Vasquez Sura said she hasn’t seen or heard from him since, in her first speaking appearance since news of her husband’s deportation was reported.
TECOLUCA, EL SALVADOR - MARCH 26: Prisoners look out their cell as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tours the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) on March 26, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The Trump administration deported 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organizations 'Tren De Aragua' and Mara Salvatrucha with only 23 being members of the Mara. Nayib Bukele president of El Salvador announced that his government will receive the alleged members of the gang to be taken to CECOT.
Judge to hold hearing for Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador
A judge will hear arguments in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran resident who the government said was deported after an “administrative error.”
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16: The fantasy sports website DraftKings is shown on October 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. DraftKings and its rival FanDuel have been under scrutiny after accusations surfaced of employees participating in the contests with insider information. An employee recently finished second in a contest on FanDuel, winning $350,000. Nevada recently banned the sites. (Photo illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Baltimore sues DraftKings, FanDuel over alleged ‘predatory’ online sports betting
Baltimore is suing online betting giants DraftKings and FanDuel, accusing the companies of targeting and exploiting vulnerable people with gambling addictions.
Baltimore County Police respond to an armed barricaded subject near Gray Manor Terrace in Dundalk on Tuesday.
Dundalk barricade ends after gunfire sparks lengthy standoff with police
Baltimore County Police Department officers who were investigating overnight property damage were met with gunfire Tuesday morning, police said.
Patty Morin and Randolph Rice exit the Harford County Circuit Court on Monday, March 31, 2025, after of the pretrial hearing for Victor Martinez-Hernandez, the man accused of killing Rachel Morin in 2023.
Judge in Rachel Morin case denies ‘extreme’ request by defense
Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey said a sequestered jury is an “almost impossible task in 2025.”
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: A Pro-Trump supporter holding a MAGA hat stands outside of the United States Capitol before the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Cold temperatures have forced the ceremony inside, but spectators still gather outside and around the city to celebrate.
Sorry not sorry: Maryland Trump voters have no regrets
Maryland Trump voters defended his “chainsaw approach” all the while acknowledging its certain impact on their home state.
The Dali, a massive container ship from Singapore, still sits in the wreckage and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Baltimore port on April 1, 2024. It has been a week since it lost power and struck the bridge , causing it to topple in seconds, taking several roadway workers and their cars with it. The once giant frame of the bridge now sits in the water and large cranes have arrived to untangle the mess.
A year after Key Bridge collapse: Ways to remember and reflect
A year after the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, ripple effects are still being felt.
Education Department, wine tariff: What Trump’s latest moves could mean for Maryland
We’re here to help you understand what went down recently and how it may impact Maryland.
Mr. Trash Wheel, sitting where the Jones Falls meets the Inner Harbor, is missing his signature googly eyes.
The curious case of Mr. Trash Wheel’s missing googly eyes
Mr. Trash Wheel, the city’s beloved trash-eating machine, has lost his signature googly eyes, leaving him blind just weeks before Earth Day.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer gives a television interview at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025.
Schumer’s book tour stop in Baltimore postponed for ‘security reasons’
Sen. Chuck Schumer is postponing an event in Baltimore for his upcoming book due to “security reasons,” according to an email from Enoch Pratt Free Library.
FBI HQ move, Towson Univ. targeted: What Trump’s latest moves could mean for Maryland
We’re here to help you understand what went down recently and how it may impact Maryland.
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