Good morning, Baltimore. I’m Morgan Riley, here with the word on the streets of Baltimore and beyond, bringing you the stories that shape our city and connect our neighborhoods. Here’s what you need to know today.
It’s been a week of both progress and soul-searching in Baltimore. At City Hall, leaders marked the second year of ongoing procurement reforms, more than tripling the number of senior specialists in their efforts to make city spending more transparent and efficient. This move is meant to fast-track vital services and support for residents, a theme often echoed in our city’s long push for good governance and opportunity.
Word on the streets of Baltimore is also about safety and resilience. The city saw five murders and 35 non-fatal shootings in April, and May began with several tragic incidents, including the heartbreaking loss of six-year-old Micah Comegys to gun violence. While Baltimore ended 2024 with 201 homicides, that’s sixty fewer than the year before—a sign that while challenges persist, progress is possible when communities and police work together. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re reminders of lives changed, families affected, and the work still ahead for all of us.
Let’s turn to a story of community spirit that’s classic Baltimore. With SOWEBOFEST coming up on May 25th in the historic Hollins Market, the Westside is getting ready for a celebration of local artists, food, and music. For more than forty years, SOWEBOFEST has been a gathering spot for neighbors, newcomers, and anyone eager to experience the city’s creativity up close. If you’ve never tried the crab cakes from one of the food trucks, consider this your invitation.
Looking at what’s next, there’s plenty to mark on your calendar. David Bowie fans can catch “Music Under the Dome” at the Maryland Science Center on May 30th, offering a cosmic journey set to Bowie’s greatest hits. For the literary crowd, The Lost Weekend festival at Greedy Reads brings acclaimed authors in for readings and signings from May 30th through June 1st. And for history buffs, check out the lecture on Baltimore’s culinary traditions at Homewood Museum on May 29th.
Weather-wise, expect comfortable spring temperatures in the mid-70s with sunshine midweek and a chance of showers by the weekend—ideal for exploring city parks or strolling the Inner Harbor.
As we wrap up, I’m reminded how Baltimore’s challenges and triumphs reflect bigger themes—resilience, reinvention, and the ongoing effort to build safer, fairer communities. Whether it’s through policy change, neighborhood festivals, or supporting a neighbor, Baltimore keeps moving forward.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Baltimore news update. For more info or to share a story, email me at morgan@inceptionpoint.ai or check out our website at Quiet Please dot AI. Have a great day, Baltimore.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
