Local government

    In mapping future for Security Square Mall, demo decision may be the easy part
    Officials will have to balance the financial interests of Security Square Mall’s multiple owners with community needs and wants, weighed against a uncertain real estate market.
    The food court at Security Square Mall in Woodlawn on July 7, 2023.
    Banner political notes: Baltimore County Police keep a tight grip on records; Baltimore public housing list reopening
    Under a county executive administration that bills itself the “most transparent” in Baltimore County’s history, Police Department officials have closed ranks around public information.
    Maryland, Baltimore City, Baltimore County politics
    While police stalled in serving a warrant, a victim of abuse was killed
    Experts say the case exposes deep flaws in a system that places undue burden on those subjected to abuse to stay safe.
    Photo collage of grainy image of woman’s eyes, close up and closed, with excerpts from court documents including text “Final Protective Order” and the dates June 24, 2023 and July 12, 2023.
    Commentary: This is how the money for Baltimore City schools is spent
    Baltimore City Public Schools must counter misconceptions about how school funding is spent and provide schools and the teachers with what they need, says Joseph Mahach, who teaches Algebra I at Patterson High School.
    Students are dismissed early from school at Baltimore City College on June 2, 2023 because of lack of AC and rising temperatures inside the school building.
    Biden nominates former Maryland Gov. O’Malley to lead Social Security Administration
    If confirmed by the Senate, O’Malley will oversee around 60,000 administration employees at the Woodlawn headquarters. The agency administers federal retirement, disability and family benefits programs and enrolls people in Medicare health coverage.
    Martin O'Malley, wearing a dark suit and tie, holds his hand up in front of himself as he speaks.
    Mayor Scott taps 33-year agency veteran to lead Baltimore City Fire Department
    Mayor Brandon Scott announced Wednesday morning that he has tapped James Wallace to lead Baltimore City Fire Department, after eight months of a series of rotating interim leaders.
    James Wallace speaks at a news conference at his introduction as the nominee for Baltimore’s next fire chief on July 26.
    Letters: Readers on Leslie Streeter’s column about reaction to mayor’s baby news
    Readers express a range of viewpoints about topics including fatherhood, family, race and social media in response to Leslie Gray Streeter’s column about reaction to Mayor Brandon Scott and his girlfriend expecting a child.
    Mayor Brandon Scott speaks at a news conference at City Hall on July 19, 2023.
    As some cities ditch ShotSpotter, Baltimore County launches $738k pilot
    Funded through federal American Rescue Plan dollars, Baltimore County is launching the ShotSpotter pilot in areas of the southwestern Wilkens and eastern Essex police precincts that BCPD and the software developer determined “have seen an increase in reported gun violence as well as met the company’s criteria."
    6/16/22—Exterior of the Public Safety Building and Police Department in Towson.
    What’s next for Marilyn Mosby? A women’s retreat in Jamaica weeks before her trial this fall.
    Mosby, who exited the state’s attorney’s office last year, said 25 professional women will be accepted to join her in the “intimate holistic transformational experience.”
    Portrait of Marilyn Mosby at the Baltimore City State's Attorney Office.
    Commentary: Addressing city’s violent crime means making tough choices
    Morgan State University’s new Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction will engage all segments of Baltimore as it seeks answers for addressing the “carnage” from gun violence in the city, says Anna McPhatter, dean of Morgan’s School of Social Work and director of the center.
    Anna McPhatter is the dean of Morgan State's School of Social Work and director of the Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction.
    Why a new state law makes another review of Tyrone West’s death complicated
    Leaders of two law enforcement offices that may have the authority to launch a new investigation are saying it’s within the purview of the other office because of a state law taking effect later this year.
    Tawanda Jones listens as guest speaker, Cephus “Uncle Bobby” Johnson, addresses the crowd during the 521st installment of the rallies she initiated 10 years ago, known as West Wednesdays, in Waverly on July 19, 2023. Johnson is the uncle of Oscar Grant, a man killed by a police officer in Oakland, California. Jones’ brother, Tyrone West, was killed by police in 2013, and she’s been searching for justice and accountability at these public rallies every week since then.
    Here’s how a pumping station fire affected the rest of the water system
    Officials are continuing to ask residents of Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard counties to restrict their water use.
    Workers make repairs at the Cromwell pumping station after a fire damaged the facility. (Courtesy: Baltimore Department of Public Works)
    Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby files for divorce from City Council President Nick Mosby
    The Mosbys have been a fixture of Baltimore politics for more than a decade, and often appeared in each other’s campaign literature and at public appearances.
    Marilyn Mosby motions hearing at 2 p.m at the federal courthouse downtown Baltimore on April 14, 2022. (Photo by Shan Wallace/The Baltimore Banner)
    The hottest spot for Maryland politicians this week? A Greek restaurant opening.
    The grand opening of Estiatorio Plaka, Greektown’s newest authentic restaurant and bakery, included several of the city and state’s top officials.
    Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, left, speaks with realtor Jason Filippou at the Estiatorio Plaka opening in Greektown on July 20.
    Clifton Park pool on track to open Friday
    Contractors repaired the pool’s pump, clearing the way for the pool in northeast Baltimore to open.
    In an email to The Baltimore Banner on Thursday, Kevin Nash, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Recreation & Parks, wrote the city expects the Clifton Park pool to be operational Friday. (CBS News Baltimore)
    Vowing to ‘dig deeper,’ City Council sets date for second hearing on Brooklyn Day shooting
    The hearing, planned for Sept. 13 at 1 p.m., was announced by Councilman Mark Conway, who said he expected the Police Department will have by then completed its “after-action report.”
    The exterior of Baltimore City Hall as seen on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.
    Analysis: How the Black Butterfly grew, changed over the last 80 years
    The majority Black neighborhoods known as the “Black Butterfly” has gone through a metamorphosis over the last 80 years. What began as small enclaves in Central Baltimore has spread its wings into the county.
    Missed deadlines may have cost the city more than $10 million in federal housing aid
    Facing staff turnover and mounting workloads, the homeless services office began using city dollars instead of HUD funds, and then missed a deadline for reimbursements.
    A delay in submitting timely reimbursement requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development may have cost the city more than $10 million.
    Commentary: Business investment, engagement can turn Baltimore around
    CSX, T. Rowe Price and Under Armour are demonstrating ways to help turn Baltimore around through investment and engagement, Christopher B. Summers, president and chief executive officer of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, says.
    Digital rendering shows hypothetical view of new development, with people walking, running and sitting on wide sidewalk next to new glass building.
    Pool’s out for summer: Patterson Park’s pool won’t reopen this season as city tackles repairs
    Baltimore officials acknowledged this week that the Patterson Park pool won't reopen this summer so it can undergo much-needed repairs. It comes after a radio station's video of kids swimming without permission in a city pool's green water went viral.
    Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the city's pools during his news conference Wednesday.
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