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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

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation said long-term lane closures will be implemented along a portion of Harford Road for CSX to reconstruct the Harford Road Bridge.
Long-term lane closures come to Harford Road for bridge reconstruction work
A stretch of Harford Road will face long-term lane reductions as part of an effort to speed up a CSX bridge reconstruction project.
May 6, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: Mother (2nd R) of Kilmar Abrego Garcia holds a picture of her son and his family during a news conference to discuss his son's arrest and deportation at Cannon House Office Building on April 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus held a news conference to discuss the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the maximum security prison Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, an incident the Trump administration claims as “an administrative error,” but refuses to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States.
Maryland’s Salvadoran community roiled by Abrego Garcia deportation
The Kilmar Abrego Garcia case has roiled Maryland’s Salvadoran population, which is one of the largest immigrant groups in the state.
May 6, 2025
WARREN, MICHIGAN - APRIL 29: President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Macomb Community College on April 29, 2025 at Warren, Michigan. Trump held the rally to highlight his accomplishments during his first 100 days in office, including closing the border, job creation and the economy.
Trump says he could return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the US, but won’t
In an interview with ABC News, the president said he “could” bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. from El Salvador, but won’t.
Updated Apr 30, 2025
Trump’s first 100 days in office: How Maryland has been affected
Here’s a look at some of the ways President Donald Trump’s moves have impacted Maryland during his first 100 days.
Apr 29, 2025
A screenshot from the Chesapeake Conservancy's peregrine falcon webcam, which is watching a nest on a skyscraper in Baltimore.
Falcons on the 33rd floor: Webcams let you get up close with nature around Maryland
Chesapeake Conservancy, along with explore.org, launched the webcam in 2015.
Apr 27, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 22, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 22, 2025
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.
Apr 20, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 18, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 17, 2025
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.
Apr 14, 2025
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.
Apr 9, 2025
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.
Apr 7, 2025
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.
Apr 7, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 5, 2025
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.”
Apr 3, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 3, 2025
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.
Updated Apr 1, 2025
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.”
Mar 31, 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.
Mar 25, 2025
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