Local government

Wednesday’s approval for Worley’s contract followed a dramatic City Council meeting Monday in which police reform activists interrupted proceedings with opposition and demanded a say.

Bates, 55, a Democrat who lives in Locust Point, took office promising stricter prosecution of both the most violent crimes and low-level offenses. Broad swaths of those surveyed say they support those policies.

The twin feelings of city residents — that Baltimore is headed in the wrong direction, but also that its future is bright — are shared by a majority of respondents, a new survey from Goucher College Poll in partnership with The Baltimore Banner shows.

How safe is the drinking water in Baltimore right now? How did Baltimore discover cryptosporidium in the water? We answer those questions and more.

Former Mayor Sheila Dixon leads, according to a Goucher College Poll-Baltimore Banner survey, but many respondents say they’re looking for other options.

Though Councilman Zeke Cohen holds an early lead over the incumbent Council President Nick Mosby, many respondents to The Banner poll — more than supported either council member — said they would vote for someone else entirely.

The poll of 711 registered Baltimore voters was conducted by phone, both landline and mobile, between Sept. 19 and Sept. 23.

Mayor Brandon Scott tapped Worley, a homegrown veteran who first entered the agency more than two dozen years ago and climbed his way up the ranks, in June.

A Republican Women of Baltimore County fundraiser was relocated after Democrats and other groups objected that the event was screening transphobic movies.

City leaders hope the policy will improve government service delivery, revive downtown Baltimore’s commercial office district and maintain some flexibility for employees regarding remote work.

City Council President Nick Mosby had maintained at a hearing earlier in the day Friday that the council’s hands are tied if it wants to avoid an outcome that could allow the mayor to bypass its say in the mapmaking process.

Not much has changed since Annapolis abandoned a trial bike lane on Main Street weeks ahead of schedule five years ago, giving in to merchants who howled at the loss of a few dozen parking spaces. So, I asked the mayor: With two years left in office, where is his bike revolution?

The city has until the end of 2024 to earmark all of its American Rescue Plan Act funding. So far, it has obligated less than 40%.

A man and woman fought to survive a brutal attack police believe is tied to Jason Billingsley, the suspect in the killing of tech CEO Pava LaPere.

Appointed by Mayor Brandon Scott for the position in 2021, Irene Agustin assumed the leadership post as the agency faced questions about its operations. Earlier this month, The Banner reported agency errors caused the city to miss out on more than $10 million in federal reimbursements.

Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force chairman Bill Henry offered Baltimore City Council members two alternative regional water authority structures being weighed: turning Baltimore’s most valuable asset to a not-for-profit organization with a directors’ board controlled by political appointees, or a board that includes elected officials themselves.

Both the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and the Police Department have stressed a need for stronger relationships between their agencies and community members to stay ahead of potentially dangerous events.

People in Carroll County need to know what Moms for Liberty represents and why it might get to tell their children what they’re allowed to read at school, says Cindy Rosenberg, a county resident and educator.

City Council President Nick Mosby raised concerns Tuesday that the body will have to vote through new district lines by next week in order to avoid an outcome that could allow Mayor Scott to bypass its say in the process.

In Uplands, residents allege being shortchanged by developers and government officials who promised them safe and affordable housing.