What's Happening In Baltimore Today

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Updated Oct. 8, 2025, 11:40 a.m.

A 16-year-old girl in the custody of Maryland’s Department of Human Services (DHS) died by suicide last month while staying in a Baltimore hotel, according to the state’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Authorities identified the teen as Kanaiyah Ward, who was found dead on September 22 at the Residence Inn by Marriott on North Wolfe Street. The medical examiner determined Ward died from diphenhydramine intoxication — the active ingredient in the over-the-counter antihistamine Benadryl.

Following Ward’s death, DHS announced it has suspended its partnership with Fenwick Behavioral Services, the private contractor hired to provide one-on-one support to the teen. The department said it is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Growing concerns over child welfare practices

Ward’s death comes amid heightened scrutiny of DHS and its handling of vulnerable children. A recent state audit found serious failures within the department and the Maryland Social Services Administration, including cases where children in state custody were housed in hotels and, in some instances, exposed to workers with prior criminal convictions.

The audit reported that 280 foster children were placed in hotels between 2023 and 2024, citing systemic staffing shortages and placement challenges.

Maryland Secretary of Human Services Rafael López responded to the audit earlier this year, saying the department has worked “with urgency” to reform its practices and reduce hotel placements.

Still, Ward’s death has renewed bipartisan concern among state lawmakers about the safety and oversight of children in DHS custody.

“Are there other children still in hotels? How much is being spent on this? Why weren’t these kids placed in homes? Who’s responsible for watching them?” asked Del. Jesse Pippy, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

Officials say investigations into both Ward’s death and the broader placement system are ongoing.

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Stay informed with the latest updates from Baltimore in 2025. From breaking news to major developments, here are the top stories shaping the city this year.

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1. Baltimore DPW will soon mail notices about lead galvanized, or unknown water service lines

2. Man charged in stabbing that marked Baltimore’s 100th homicide of 2025

3. Maryland woman arrested for break-ins caught on camera facing charges in 3rd county

4. Greene Turtle CEO explains why Towson location is closing amid Thirsty Thursday backlash

5. Marylanders receiving federal assistance could be impacted by government shutdown

6. Baltimore County man accused of causing massive explosion to his home

7. Maryland offering resources to support residents impacted by government shutdown

8. New laws for Maryland drivers begin Wednesday, Oct. 1

9. Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup to close in May

10. Woman arrested for burglarizing several Maryland homes

11. 16-year-old in Maryland DHS custody found dead at Baltimore hotel

12. Former Baltimore County teacher sentenced to 20 years for sex abuse of student

13. Former Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson sworn in as USDA Advisor for Nutrition and Housing

14. 25,000 dead fish causing a stench near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

15. Man found guilty of first-degree murder in shooting of bystander Cameran Holt

16. Johns Hopkins ends negotiations with UnitedHealthcare

17. Dr. Earl Richardson, President Emeritus of Morgan State University, dies at 81

18. Unexplained burglaries in Baltimore prompts safety meeting, police request publics help

19. Man charged with two murders accused of also killing mother, ruled incompetent for trial

20. 1 injured while U.S. Naval Academy was being cleared after reported threat

21. Baltimore City takes new steps to address vacant buildings

22. Baltimore City Council calls for law enforcement, local agencies to address open-air drug markets

23. Phase 2 of renovations at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium nearly complete

24. Maryland Gov. Moore discusses campaign for re-election in 2026

25. Maryland leaders say federal money, not troops needed in Baltimore

26. Suspect arrested for murder of missing Maryland woman

27. Woman alleges Cashapp theft by Baltimore squeegee worker

28. Six people rescued from water near Fort Armistead near Key Bridge site

29. Baltimore mayor boasts about continued historical crime decline

30. Anne Arundel County school bus drivers’ union awaits counteroffer from management

31. Maryland senator files proposal to redraw state map after redistricting in Texas

32. Child, 2 adults dead after murder-suicide in Baltimore County

33. Baltimore leaders say city is investing in neighborhood approach to stop overdoses

34. Baltimore scores big win with $62 million verdict against Maryland ghost gun retailer

35. Body camera footage shows moments leading to Baltimore man’s in-custody death

36. New York man arrested after Harford County deputy injured in chase on I-95

37. Maryland judge issues emergency order to stop ICE from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia

38. Court throws out Trump administration’s lawsuit against all Maryland federal judges

39. Union for Anne Arundel County bus drivers and aides authorize strike

40. Johns Hopkins, UnitedHealthcare fail to reach deal over insurance coverage

41. Kilmar Abrego Garcia taken into ICE custody in Baltimore

42. Cybersecurity incident at MTA impacts mobility transit service, new bookings unavailable

43. Towson’s rat problem addressed by Baltimore County officials after WJZ report

44. Gov. Wes Moore invites President Trump to Maryland for public safety walk

45. Maryland college student moves into dorm after MHEC restores grant

46. Jewish students, parents, teachers push back against antisemitism allegations at BCPS

47. MDTA says revisions to new Key Bridge could speed construction, limit impact

48. MTA rolls out rules of conduct, new law takes effect in October

49. Body of missing swimmer recovered from Beaver Dam swimming quarry

50. U.S. Coast Guard confirms ship explosion near Baltimore’s Key Bridge site

51. Maryland’s SNAP-ED program to shut down October 1

52. Baltimore residents worried after recent burglaries in Mount Washington

53. BGE asks customers to limit electricity after substation disconnection

54. Baltimore mayor responds after President Trump takes jab at the city

55. Convicted killer of Maryland mother Rachel Morin sentenced to life in prison

56. 4 children, 2 adults killed in Maryland house fire

57. Police investigating mass shooting in Park Heights

58. Former youth pastor facing child sex abuse charges in Baltimore County

59. Anne Arundel County Police expands drone program to enhance safety

60. Baltimore County listed in latest DOJ report of U.S. “sanctuary jurisdictions”

61. Baltimore’s DPW is making “visible progress” for heat protection, report finds

62. Cause of partial downtown building collapse unclear as city officials wait for inspection

63. Baltimore police sends out more patrols to Federal Hill following recent violence

64. Dali shipbuilder sued over power failure that led to collision with Key Bridge

65. Maryland teen drowns after storm pushes him into draining pipe, officials say

66. Baltimore City schools accused of neglecting incidents of antisemitism

67. Howard County passes emergency bill targeting for-profit house parties

68. Maryland patients face uncertainty as Johns Hopkins, UnitedHealthcare clash over insurance coverage

69. 10 hurt, 5 hospitalized after possible hazardous materials incident at Poultry processing plant

70. Baltimore children under 12 ride free onboard MTA buses

71. Video shows chaos as gunfire is heard in Baltimore’s Federal Hill

72. Woman found dead along shoulder of Baltimore Beltway

73. BGE, Pepco customers will save around $3 on monthly energy bill starting in 2026

74. Maryland pastor arrested by ICE agents, community rallies in support

75. Morgan State unveils new off-campus student housing development

76. New Baltimore County Inspector General appointed as current one was rejected

77. Vehicle with body pulled from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

78. Family of Ronald Silver II sues Baltimore over DPW worker’s death

79. Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release, another bars immediate ICE detention

80. Nurses at Baltimore hospital hold 1-day strike over staffing, patient care concerns

81. Baltimore City school board meeting derailed by offensive video

82. Ocean City, Maryland residents reject ordinance that would restrict short-term rentals

83. Baltimore County teachers to see cost of living raise in September under agreement with district

84. Baltimore Ravens’ veterans report to training camp with high expectations

85. Worker dies after getting trapped in trench at Baltimore County construction site

86. Part of York road still closed after major water main break in Baltimore County

87. $200k grant funding approved for new flood warning system in Baltimore

88. 35 cars, two businesses broken into in Baltimore’s Federal Hill, police say

89. Juveniles to be detained if arrested while on ankle monitoring under new DJS guidelines

90. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces buyout offer for state employees

91. 25 people hospitalized due to suspected overdose in West Baltimore

92. Baltimore Police to share body cam video in fatal shooting of 70-year-old woman

93. DPW to start trash and recycling collections at 5:00 A.M. during summer months

94. Baltimore’s collapsed Key Bridge remains to be demolished this week

95. Marilyn Mosby says she hit rock bottom, criticizes current Baltimore State’s Attorney

96. Maryland joins 19 states suing Trump administration over Medicaid data release to DHS

97. Baltimore City Council President, other leaders demanding end to BGE multi-year rate hikes

98. Baltimore Police officer charged with rape of 16-year-old girl

99. Marilyn Mosby says State’s Attorney Ivan Bates filed complaint against her over Syed case

100. Baltimore County fire chief gives update on house explosion in Rosedale

101. New Maryland state laws to go into effect, including hiring freeze

102. Maryland State Police crack down on multiple illegal car rallies

103. Baltimore Fire union raises concerns over city’s decision to downgrade 4 medic units

104. Ocean City, Maryland’s new beach tent rules cause confusion for visitors

105. Undeground fire in Downtown Baltimore on Saturday under investigation

106. Demolition of last remnants of Francis Scott Key Bridge to begin next month

107. Accusers of ex-Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker left with “stain” of his denial, attorneys say

108. Man dies in Baltimore police custody, prompting investigation

109. Baltimore City Police say woman, 70, lunged with knife before officer shot and killed her

110. Maryland to implement state hiring freeze, buyouts, due to historic fiscal challenge

111. Justice Department asks Abrego Garcia not be released on federal charges

112. Man sentenced to life for murder of 12-year-old Baltimore girl

113. Amtrak train stuck in tunnel without power near Baltimore amid heat wave in Maryland

114. Second quadruple shooting reported in West Baltimore after 2 adults, 2 teens injured

115. Baltimore Mayor Scott signs $4.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2026

116. AFRAM brings sense of community back to Druid Hill for 49th year

117. BOPA has new agreement with Baltimore City, will operate as “Create Baltimore”

118. Baltimore community mourns arabber who was fatally shot by police

119. Baltimore leaders focus on reintegration to keep crime rates down

120. Investigators release body camera footage from deadly police shooting in Dundalk

121. Baltimore gym teacher accused of inappropriately touching students

122. CIAA Tournament To Remain in Baltimore through 2029

123. Suspect dead after Baltimore police shooting leaves officer injured

124. Orioles minor league player Luis Guevara, 19, dies in personal watercraft crash in Florida

125. MTA introduces plan for future of Baltimore’s bus services

126. Suspended Maryland teacher found not guilty of sexually abusing students in partial verdict

127. Maryland releases updates to Tenant’s Bill of Rights, takes effect July 1

128. Baltimore lawyer alleges Meta, Google allowing “squatter networks”

129. Baltimore City Council passes $4.6 billion 2026 budget

130. University of Maryland Medical System sues company over denied service claims

131. Maryland Attorney General Brown preliminary agrees to settlement with Purdue Pharma

132. 1 man dead, 2 other injured after shooting on Maryland I-70

133. Hundreds gather at State capitol in Annapolis for ‘No Kings’ rally

134. Gov. Moore announces relief funding for some BGE customers to help with high energy costs

135. State highway officials say Baltimore Beltway project will reduce congestion along I-695

136. Police investigating Maryland couple accused of killing, hiding the body of a 3-year-old girl

137. Baltimore teacher allegedly choked her neighbor over trash cleanup

138. Maryland man dead, trooper hurt in multi-car crash on I-95

139. Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. to face federal criminal charges

140. Maryland could see a spike in health insurance costs in 2026

141. Ground beef distributed in Maryland and around the nation could contain E. Coli

142. Baltimore County approves 4.9% water rate increase

143. Local police warn of uptick in break-ins as summer season approaches

144. Howard County Public Schools cutting more than 120 jobs as school boards slashes budget

145. Diesel Spill from Johns Hopkins Vendor Tanks Sends 2,000 Gallons into Inner Harbor

146. Baltimore Mayor Scott says DOGE cuts are “irresponsible” as Johns Hopkins freezes hiring

147. Baltimore building collapses after truck crashes

148. Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker lists Maryland home for $3.2 million

149. BGE to shift supply costs onto lower-usage months, reducing peak season bills

150. Several new laws go into effect in Maryland

151. 16-year-old convicted of killing classmate at Joppatowne High School

152. WNBA star Caitlin Clark ruled out of Wednesday’s WNBA game in Baltimore

153. Man and woman killed in double shooting in Baltimore on Memorial Day

154. Baltimore Police to increase presence for major holidays and high-profile events

155. Baltimore sees spike in juvenile crime as repeat offenders go unchecked

156. Baltimore’s Jewish community seeks more patrols after Israel Embassy staffers shot

157. Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay is seeing a concerning drop in blue crabs

158. Baltimore police release video of deadly officer shooting

159. Juvenile crime in Baltimore is out of control, City State’s Attorney says

160. Police remind the public to stay vigilant against potential post-storm scams

161. Investigation underway after Police say a County Officer shot man armed with knife

162. 17-year veteran of Baltimore Fire Department dies in skills training session

163. West Baltimore warehouse condemned after Monday fire, faces demolition

164. Fines to increase for Baltimore parking violations

165. Baltimore mother killed on Mother’s Day and her birthday

166. Man killed after exchanging gunfire with officers in North Baltimore, police say

167. Demolition of Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course to begin after 150th Preakness Stakes

168. Justin Tucker released by Baltimore Ravens amid sexual misconduct allegations

169. Baltimore mayor announces summer youth engagement strategy

170. New group aims to revitalize downtown Baltimore

171. Family of man killed by Baltimore County police says he wasn’t violent

172. Baltimore County police investigating scams by pet cremation service

173. Guilty verdict handed to man on trial for Rachel Morin’s murder

174. Trial for Rachel Morin’s accused killer resumes Monday

175. Family seeks police footage of Baltimore County crash that killed a man and 2 children

176. Supreme Court rules U.S. must facilitate return of mistakenly deported Maryland man

177. Baltimore schools votes to prohibit cellphone use

178. U.S. Department of Education pulls millions it committed to Maryland

179. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott touts drop in crime

180. Maryland reparations bill inches forward

181. Ravens Coach John Harbaugh reaches three-year extension to stay in Baltimore through 2028

182. Trial for accused murderer of Rachel Morin set to begin

183. Jane Doe identified in 29-year-old Baltimore County cold case through new DNA technology

184. Family of DPW worker who died of heat exhaustion calls for justice

185. One Year Later: Key Bridge Collapse

186. Baltimore’s Own Derik Queen Calls Game!

187. President Trump singles out Baltimore schools while dismantling Department of Education

188. NTSB to release new information in Key Bridge collapse investigation

189. Baltimore County child murdered on Christmas Eve honored by State Senate

190. Civil lawsuit filed against man convicted in daycare sexual abuse case

191. 5th person pleads guilty in mass shooting in Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes

192. Baltimore County Police Shooting: Suspect Identified as City School Teacher with Prior Gun Conviction

193. Baltimore County officer released from hospital after last week’s shooting

194. Baltimore residents respond as city ramps up parking enforcement

195. Baltimore County police officer injured in shooting at Catonsville precinct

196. Lawsuit against McDonogh School alleges former dean abused students

197. Family of DPW worker who died on the job speaks out on IG report

198. Pedestrian dies after falling under MTA bus in downtown Baltimore,

199. Maryland resident has case of measles, health department confirms

200. Maryland lawmakers consider tax on sugary drinks

201. Adnan Syed will not have to return to prison for Hae Min Lee’s murder

202. Proposed bill in Maryland would punish parents for some offenses committed by juveniles

203. CIAA tournaments put Baltimore in the spotlight

204. Baltimore County schools approve $2.98 billion budget

205. Anne Arundel County government buildings impacted by cyber incident

206. Morgan State acrobatics and tumbling team goes viral for routine

207. 18-year-old arrested in double shooting near Columbia mall

208. Maryland bill aims to use speed assistance technology for reckless drivers

209. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore appointed for Cohort of Governors

210. 1 dead, 1 injured after double shooting inside Baltimore senior living facility

211. Video shows Amazon delivery driver striking woman, leaving

212. Father sentenced to 65 years for shooting at his child’s birthday inside Maryland mall

213. Proposed bill in Howard County aims to create more affordable housing

214. BGE explains reasons for rising utility rates

215. Baltimore sheriff’s deputies overpaid by millions, OIG report shows

216. Baltimore City leaders aim to hold BGE accountable for rising utility bills

217. Baltimore County schools investigating teacher over social media post allegedly to help ICE

218. Baltimore community mourns death of longtime WBAL Reporter Tim Tooten

219. Man accused of AI impersonation of Pikesville principal indicted

220. Printing error causes Maryland comptroller’s office to send sensitive data to wrong addresses

221. Maryland’s highest court upholds ending statute of limitations on child abuse lawsuits

222. Design for Maryland’s new Key Bridge unveiled, 10 months after tragic collapse

223. Maryland lawmakers introduce legislation to address BGE price increases

224. Ravens fan pleads guilty to attacking Washington Commanders fans

225. Proposed bill would increase speeding fines in Baltimore City

226. Massage therapists accuse Ravens’ Tucker of sexually inappropriate conduct

227. Baltimore area first responders called to DC plane crash site

228. Proposed bill would prevent police from pulling over drivers for certain offenses

229. Daniel Hersl, of disgraced GTTF, granted supervised release

230. Middle River mother charged with murder in the death of her 11-year-old daughter

231. Baltimore DPW’s water and sewer rate hike approved by city’s spending board

232. Baltimore residents report stinky odor

233. Four injured after student attacked at Baltimore high school

234. BGE customers raise concerns over extreme bill increase

235. New bill seeks to find cause of student absenteeism in Baltimore City schools

236. U.S. Supreme Court will not hearing case on Maryland’s strict gun licensing laws

237. 18-year-old charged with murder of woman at Baltimore hotel

238. Security guard shot during altercation at Baltimore McDonald’s

239. Bird flu detected at Maryland poultry farm on Eastern Shore, Maryland officials say

240. $2.9 million allocated for railroad crossing upgrades in Baltimore County after Rosedale collisions

241. Baltimore police investigate man’s death as first homicide of 2025

242. Community mourns 4-year-old’s death at Baltimore County viewing

243. Baltimore State’s Attorney discusses violent repeat offender accountability

244. New Maryland law helps amputees cover special prosthetics

245. Former Pikesville principal sues Baltimore County schools over AI recording

246. Baltimore City DPW hold public meetings on proposed water rate increase

247. Maryland lawmakers to consider cellphone restrictions in schools

248. Marylanders approve of Gov. Wes Moore in Gonzales poll

249. $85 million invested for Highway to Nowhere redevelopment

250. Key Bridge pre-construction phase to begin

251. Maryland leaders strategize Baltimore crime plan

252. Maryland Senator Katherine Klausmeier named as Baltimore County executive,

253. Maryland sees its first major snow storm of the season in January

254. Rapper Lupe Fiasco to serve as hip-hop professor at Johns Hopkins’ Peabody Institute

What’s Happening In Baltimore: Top Stories You Need to Know in 2025

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