The latest from Emily Opilo
Can Baltimore’s ‘baby bonus’ make a comeback?
Organizers of the Baby Bonus proposal, which would have given $1,000 to new parents in Baltimore City, are trying to find a way to keep the spirit of their proposal alive.
The I-83 speed cameras are moving, but not far
Baltimore City plans to move the two automated speed cameras on Interstate 83 to new locations soon.
New IG report shows improving conditions at Baltimore DPW
Conditions at the much beleaguered solid waste division of the Baltimore Department of Public Works are beginning to improve after myriad problems were brought to light last summer.
Marvin James, Mayor Scott’s ‘wartime’ adviser, to step down
James said Scott gave him three objectives when he took the job: Stabilize the office — which had been hemorrhaging people — get crime down and win the election.
In the shadow of political clashes, Baltimore makes progress on overdose strategy
The Baltimore City Council’s Budget and Appropriations Committee approved more than $14 million to community organizations and city agencies to help tackle Baltimore’s overdose crisis, which in recent years had become the worst ever in a major American city.
Baltimore to appoint ‘permit czar’ and advisory board in effort to centralize permitting
Baltimore will name a “permit czar” and an accompanying advisory board in an effort to centralize its permitting process as it undertakes a $3 billion vacant home remediation effort.
Little-used early voting site drives Baltimore elections office $1.4M over budget
The overage, about one-fifth of the board’s overall budget, came after election officials opted to increase the number of early voting centers in the city from seven to eight.
Baltimore moves closer to creating consumer protection agency
The office would have the power to investigate complaints and issue citations. An accompanying board could suspend a business’s license if it engages in unfair or deceptive practices.
Baltimore City Council again calls off opioid hearing under pressure from mayor
The only member of council who can cancel another’s hearing, City Council President Zeke Cohen had avoided wading into the back and forth. Until now.
U.S. Rep. Beverly Byron remembered for adventurous, trailblazing spirit
Byron represented Western Maryland in the House of Representatives for seven terms.
Baltimore sheriff’s overtime order resulted in $2.2M overpayment to officers, inspector general finds
Baltimore Sheriff Sam Cogen directed his staff to use a code on electronic timesheets to boost their wages, triggering an improper calculation that cost the city more than $2.2 million, the city’s inspector general has found.
Pricey contractors helped rescue a Baltimore wastewater plant. You’re paying the tab.
A Baltimore Banner review found the city has spent tens of millions of dollars since 2022 on three different firms hired to bolster the city’s workforce, and millions more have been committed.
Mark Conway wants to talk about opioids. Should he?
The councilman says he just wants to save lives. The mayor’s office says he’s an attention seeker playing political games.
A BPD officer’s red light crash cost Dennis Freeman his leg. Now it could cost the city $720K.
A Baltimore Police officer who once shot a city teen holding a BB gun and dinged the car of a passerby will likely cost the city $720,000 this week to settle a lawsuit with a different man who lost a leg in a crash with the officer.
Health giants, utilities, Harborplace developer helped pay for mayor’s inauguration
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott raised more than $400,000 for his inaugural festivities last year from some of the region’s most prominent and politically connected health, utility and real estate companies.
What we know about Trump’s federal spending freeze and its impact on Marylanders
What we know about President Donald Trump’s temporary pause on federal spending and its impact on Marylanders.
Confusion, anger as Maryland officials, nonprofits grapple with funding freeze
State officials and nonprofit leaders reported they were locked out of federal systems used to draw down federal funds for Medicaid reimbursements and financing basic needs for low-earning Marylanders.
Baltimore ‘in the process’ of challenging federal funding freeze in court
The joint statement endorsed by Mayor Brandon Scott and city officials said they are pursuing legal action in an effort to prevent cuts to funding Baltimore uses.
Baltimore’s iconic Bromo Tower is in need of repair. But who is in charge?
It’s time for Baltimore’s landmark Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower to get a facelift. As the city cuts ties with BOPA, the nonprofit that has managed the tower for years, it’s unclear who will oversee the project.
Baltimore leaders approve water and sewer rate hikes despite pleas from residents
Baltimore’s mayor-controlled spending board voted to increase the city’s water and sewer rates by as much as 15% after hearing objections from residents.