The latest from Emily Opilo
State’s Attorney Ivan Bates gets retroactive approval for travel after scrutiny
Bates has been submitting past trips, some almost two years old, after The Banner reported at least eight trips had not received proper scrutiny by the city’s spending board.
Baltimore’s permit backlog was bad. A new system made things worse.
So far, the promised overhaul of Baltimore's permit backlog hasn't worked, according to city data.
After councilwoman’s tearful plea, mayor’s office publicly commits to more immigrant aid
Mayor Brandon Scott’s office has committed to adding more money for immigration services to the budget, but how much is still up in the air.
A string of fires in Hampden has left neighbors suspicious and on edge
Rumors are swirling in the aftermath of four fires on Keswick Road in the Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore City.
Scott picks Tennessee official to lead Baltimore’s health department
Michelle Taylor is a doctor, breast cancer survivor, Hopkins grad and serves in the Air National Guard
Baltimore’s next health commissioner has big job to fill, with long vacancy a factor
A new Baltimore health commissioner will take over an office that has been known for doing big things. Lately, there hasn't been a leader there to oversee even the little things.
3 takeaways from the first day of Baltimore City Council budget hearings
New online permitting is not going well and the battle for the ‘narrative’ in Baltimore City.
Hacker who crippled Baltimore in 2019 ransomware attack pleads guilty
The attack shut down Baltimore computer and communications systems for months and caused $19 million in lost revenue and expenses.
Baltimore City Council warns mayor: Don’t expect ‘blank checks’ for overtime
Mayor Brandon Scott's budget would increase fees on landfill use, EMS transports, and ride-sharing and taxi rides, and more.
Baltimore’s biggest party is in Vegas, not at Preakness. And you’re footing the bill.
Baltimore is sending at least eight officials to the annual International Council of Shopping Centers convention at a cost of more than $27,000, according to publicly available travel requests.
Baltimore firefighter dies in training, second fatal injury this week
Charles Mudra, an emergency vehicle driver for the department, suffered a medical emergency as he was training at an East Baltimore facility.
Baltimore’s top YIMBYs want to erase zoning rules blocking more housing
A package of five bills will attempt to make it easier to build and redevelop Baltimore City properties.
Baltimore won millions to fight overdoses, but community groups may get just a fraction
Only $2 million is slated to be available to community organizations interested in applying for grants this upcoming year.
Federal job cuts cost Baltimore tax revenue, punching $5.9 million hole in budget
City officials know of at least 12,000 federal employees who work in Baltimore, but there are untold more who commute to other locations or work from home in the city.
Ivan Bates criticized Marilyn Mosby’s travel. He’s disregarding rules she inspired.
A Baltimore Banner analysis of city records and social media posts found that Bates spent at least 44 days outside the city since he took office, excluding personal travel which does not need to be approved by the city spending board.
Camp Small was warned of fire, environmental hazards ahead of massive blaze
The facility was faulted for blocked fire lanes and combustible mulch, but those don't appear to have contributed to the fire.
The COVID grant was supposed to help the community. Instead they bought property.
Baltimore City is suing Ahavas Chaim after the group used federal COVID-19 aid intended for rental assistance to buy property instead.
Baltimore’s proposed tax cut could come at a cost — like a new trash fee
Cutting Baltimore City property tax rates would come at a cost — about $120 million annually.
Taxes, test scores, the arts: 3 promises in Mayor Scott’s State of the City address
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott delivered his State of the City speech in a more casual, TED Talk-style format.
Baltimore mayor proposing property tax cut by 2028
Mayor Brandon Scott will announce the plan in his State of the City address Monday evening.