Good morning, Baltimore. Morgan Riley here, bringing you the word on the streets of Baltimore, where art, community, and tradition converge. It’s Friday, May 30th, and we’re closing out the month with stories that capture the vibrancy of our city.

We start today with a look back at Artscape 2025, which Mayor Scott celebrated as a major success for Baltimore. This year, the city’s iconic arts festival moved downtown and drew record crowds. Hundreds of vendors, local artists, food trucks, and immersive installations transformed the heart of Baltimore into a creative playground. The Mayor emphasized how Artscape boosted local businesses and fostered a palpable sense of unity — a welcome sign for our cultural scene as we head into summer.

Switching gears: Safety remains a top concern for our neighborhoods, and recent weather events have been a reminder to stay prepared. Just two weeks ago, a confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down, moving from Baltimore to Dundalk with peak winds clocking in at 110 miles per hour. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, but families and businesses are still cleaning up and the city is reviewing emergency procedures to strengthen future responses. So, if you’re out and about this weekend, keep an eye on forecasts — community resilience is part of Baltimore’s DNA.

Now, let’s turn our spotlight to the Historic Hollins Market. Last Sunday’s SOWEBO Festival lit up the southwest with over 80 vendors, live music, and laughter echoing through the market’s brick-lined streets. I spoke with longtime vendor Cheryl Green, who said this year brought “new faces and old friends together — it reminded me why I love this city.” Her fresh crab cakes, she notes, “sold out before sunset.” Stories like Cheryl’s reflect Baltimore’s enduring spirit and entrepreneurial grit.

For those looking ahead, Baltimore’s social calendar is packed. Tonight, the Maryland Science Center hosts “Music Under the Dome,” an immersive planetarium journey set to David Bowie’s greatest hits — a cosmic tribute for fans of all ages. Book lovers, don’t miss “The Lost Weekend” literary festival at Greedy Reads, featuring acclaimed authors and new releases. And if history is your thing, Kara Mae Harris presents a lecture on Baltimore’s culinary traditions tonight at Homewood Museum.

Checking the weather, we’re looking at sunny skies with highs in the mid-70s all weekend. Expect a warm start to June — perfect for exploring festivals, farmers’ markets, or just strolling along the Inner Harbor.

As we reflect on this week’s stories, it’s clear that Baltimore thrives when community, creativity, and resilience come together. Whether you’re savoring a local dish, volunteering after a storm, or discovering new art, each moment adds to the city’s living history.

This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Subscribe now so you never miss a Baltimore news update. For more info, send an email to [email protected] or visit Quiet Please dot AI. Take care, Baltimore.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI