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Penelope Blackwell

Penelope

Penelope Blackwell was the East Baltimore reporter for The Baltimore Banner. Previously, she covered breaking news for The Banner and local government in Durham, NC, for The News & Observer. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Morgan State University and her master’s in journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

The latest from Penelope Blackwell

A view of the Jones Falls running through Baltimore, with Charles Street and Pennsylvania Station in the background.
Why Baltimore buried the Jones Falls more than a century ago
Baltimore is a city of hidden rivers, and one of the most famous is the Jones Falls, which is buried for about 2 miles in the heart of the city. But some think it's time to start "daylighting" more of the river and restore more of its natural surroundings.
A lawsuit filed by an Indiana-based bank against former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake seeks repayment on a $2 million commercial loan.
Ex-Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake sued over $2 million business loan
An Indiana-based bank seeks repayment on a $2 million commercial loan against former Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Montebello Elementary/Middle School is seen beyond the intersection of 33rd Street and Hillen Road.
Busy Lake Montebello intersection gets new lane to ease traffic woes
Starting Monday, a new traffic pattern at 33rd Street and Hillen Road in Northeast Baltimore will allow motorists to enter Lake Montebello from 33rd Street.
A picture of Jedale Parsons and her son, Hunter, on a cross at her home in Hagerstown, Md., on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Hunter Parsons passed away from an overdose on January 1, 2023.
New Year’s Day is usually a celebration. In Baltimore, it’s the deadliest day for overdoses.
New Year’s Day has been the deadliest day of the year for overdoses, a Banner analysis of a decade of autopsy data found.
Elmer A. Henderson school, located at 1101 N. Wolfe St. will soon be demolished. The building has become a public safety problem for vagrancy and drug activity.
Vacant for years, an old school in East Baltimore may finally come down
After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, the old East Baltimore Community School building is expected to be demolished next year.
Church leaders, elected officials and private partners celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Southern Streams Health and Wellness Center.
Church breaks ground on $32M facility to expand health care access in East Baltimore
Bishop Donte Hickman, head of Southern Baptist Church in East Baltimore, held a celebratory ground breaking ceremony for the new Southern Streams Health and Wellness Center expected to open in 2027.
Shakeia Allen.
Shakeia Allen’s killing keeps going viral as alleged gunman remains on the loose
Despite viral video on social media of the deadly shooting, police still haven’t caught the man they is responsible, Allen’s ex-boyfriend Amir Johnson.
A Baltimore City firefighter on the scene of a fire in Downtown Baltimore on Sept. 22, 2024.
Baltimore firefighters install dozens of smoke alarms after fatal Greektown fire
Baltimore City firefighters went to door to door, changing batteries and installing new fire alarms in homes in Greektown after a three-alarm fire left one woman dead on Nov. 25.
The historic Baltimore Traction Co. Car Barn at the corner of Central Avenue and East Pratt Street in Jonestown.
As historic Car Barn awaits next phase of renovation, community is cautiously optimistic
The long-vacant Baltimore Traction Co. Car Barn has been cleared and is awaiting its next phase. Developers aim to transform the 43,000-square-foot space to offer improved access to amenities and bring jobs to nearby neighborhoods.
This new Alo store is the latest high-end addition to Harbor East. Though they have a  location in Washington, D.C., this is their only Maryland store.
From ‘studio-to-street,’ Alo opens new activewear store in Harbor East
Harbor East added luxury activewear Alo to its long list of 12 blocks of shopping retailers and dining options on Nov. 15, 2024.
Police said they don’t know of any additional victims but encouraged anyone with information otherwise to come forward.
Scout leader charged with rape and assault of teen in Howard County
Howard County Police arrested and charged James Alan Soltysiak, a 56-year-old Scout leader, with second-degree rape and assault.
Residents check out there new homes at Hope Village during the opening ceremony in East Baltimore, Md. on Nov. 4, 2024.
Tiny houses in East Baltimore create new community for unhoused families
Thirteen families have secured housing through newly built, 400-square-foot homes built in an alleyway. The project, called Hope Village, offers affordable homeownership in East Baltimore’s Oliver community.
At left, attendees cheer at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Aurora, Colo., on October 11; at right, Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters after a campaign rally in Atlanta, Ga., on October 19.
Young people could define this election — if they vote
Signs point to large voter turnout by youths this election. But will they actually vote?
A Baltimore man was sentenced Wednesday to decades in prison in the fatal shooting of his roommate, an Army reservist, following an altercation last year.
Baltimore man receives lengthy prison sentence in killing of Army reservist roommate
A Baltimore man was sentenced Wednesday to decades in prison in the fatal shooting of his roommate, an Army reservist, following an altercation last year.
Hilton employees and supporters marched in front of the downtown hotel during a Labor Day strike.
Baltimore hotel workers reach new deal with city-owned Hilton for higher wages
Workers at Baltimore’s Hilton Inner Harbor ratified a new union contract after months of negotiations.
Illustration of three paper chains cut out of personal documents, with links missing from each paper chain.
Maryland agency to improve access to benefits for people with disabilities
The settlement agreement requires DHS to take steps to ensure people in Maryland with disabilities receive fair access to public benefits, including the state’s temporary cash assistance program.
The Depot dance club at 1728 N. Charles in Station North on Oct. 12.
After 26 years, Station North dance club The Depot is for sale
The Depot, a nightlife staple in Station North, is listed for sale after more than two decades in business.
State Sen. Cheryl Kagan this week wrapped up a multi-year tour of the state's 911 call centers. Her final stop was in Calvert County where she met with 911 specialists and trainee specialists.
Sen. Cheryl Kagan visited every 911 center in Maryland. Here’s what she learned.
State Sen. Cheryl Kagan spoke with The Baltimore Banner about her tour of every 911 call center in Maryland and the surprising things she learned along the way.
A new mega-exhibit focused on sports will open at the American Visionary Art Museum this weekend.
What to do this weekend, from seeing Ice Cube to an AVAM sports-themed show
Whether you want to check out a new exhibit at the American Visionary Art Museum or see rapper Ice Cube perform, we’ve got you covered.
Last year, five people were shot on the campus of Morgan State University during homecoming week celebrations. This year, security is more strict.
Ahead of homecoming, Maryland universities ramp up security with drones, license plate readers
Following the string of shootings during homecoming celebrations in recent years, campus police departments are implementing additional security measures and protocols.
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