Neighborhoodsby Fern ShenJul 27, 2026

Senator Mary Washington calls out MDE after crematorium emissions incidents

The state allowed a North Baltimore facility to begin incineration operations without stack and opacity tests; the York Road facility had a second release after the first was reported.

EnvironmentJul 24, 2026

Milky-white discharge – possible sewage leak – flowing into Stony Run today

The pipe break or leak, down the hill from Tudor Arms Avenue near the Wyman Park Apartments, is sending the substance into a tributary of the Jones Falls.

NeighborhoodsJul 24, 2026

A Baltimore neighborhood’s years-long quest for help with a smelly trash pile

Belair-Edison residents sent emails, made 311 complaints and watched as violations and fines piled up, but still the garbage remained. Finally, they gave up on city government and took matters into their own hands.

Special SeriesCommentaryJul 23, 2026

A hearing next week in the legal battle that Baltimore’s inspector general never should have had to fight

A chronology of the dispute between IG Isabel Cumming and Mayor Brandon Scott that could cripple her office’s ability to investigate corruption in city government. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesJul 22, 2026

Chief of Baltimore’s wastewater division steps down following critical OIG report

Source describes the fired manager as a “scapegoat” for chronic issues facing the two sewage treatment plants.

Special SeriesPoliticsJul 21, 2026

Local Democratic Socialists of America chapter is holding a pre-election campaign launch

Aligning with successful campaigns across the country, Greater Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America tout their grassroots causes and endorsed candidates, including school board member Ash Esposito.

The Drip

Your quick news fix

Special Series

IG fights back after Scott neuters her powers

Jul 23, 2026

A hearing next week in the legal battle that Baltimore’s inspector general never should have had to fight

Fresh Water, Foul Sewage

Jul 22, 2026

Chief of Baltimore’s wastewater division steps down following critical OIG report

Campaign 2026

Jul 21, 2026

Local Democratic Socialists of America chapter is holding a pre-election campaign launch

Cold Brew

A refresher from the archives

Culture & Artsby Fern ShenMay 26, 2015

The whole world is curious about West Baltimore these days. One place to tune into the community’s struggles – and its sources of strength – is the little waterproof journal chained to a bench not far from where Freddie Gray was arrested.