Word on the streets of Baltimore is that the city is buzzing with news, change, and community spirit this July. I’m Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news, here to guide you through today’s top local stories with warmth, trust, and a dash of Baltimore’s unique culture.
Let’s begin with recent headlines. Baltimore wrapped up 2024 with a marked decline in homicides—201, notably down by 60 from the year before. Still, challenges with gun violence persist. Just yesterday, in the 3000 block of Ridgewood Avenue, a 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were both shot but are now reported in stable condition. These incidents remind us that safety remains a pressing issue, but progress is being made as the community and city leaders continue working toward long-term solutions, drawing on both data and deep local knowledge.
July 1 marks the introduction of new laws across Maryland, impacting everything from cannabis regulations to tech taxes and climate initiatives. The state now prohibits the sale of cannabis products with more than 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving, tightening oversight on distribution. For the tech sector, a notable change is the new 3% sales tax on IT and data services, part of a broader effort to address budget shortfalls. Environmental policy is also making strides—under the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act, Maryland’s Department of Transportation must assess and offset emissions linked to new road projects. The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act rolled out new programs to support the bay’s ecosystem, a move welcomed by environmental advocates as the latest report from UMCES noted a dip in the bay’s health last year.
Now for a story that puts a brighter spotlight on local ingenuity. In Hamilton, music lovers are raving about Wax Atlas, a new record store and live venue opened by Andy Phillips. It’s quickly become a cultural hub, hosting performances that celebrate both classic Baltimore soul and the city’s contemporary soundscape. Phillips says his dream was to create a space where everyone feels at home—a testament to the city’s enduring creativity.
Turning to weather, expect partly cloudy skies today with highs near 84 degrees and a gentle breeze off the harbor. If you’re looking for community events, mark your calendars: the Baltimore Caribbean Carnival brings vibrant music and food to Druid Hill Park this weekend, while AVAM’s Flicks from the Hill returns Thursday nights, pairing art with family-friendly films beneath the stars.
As we close out today’s podcast, I invite you to reflect on Baltimore’s resilience and ability to adapt—from legislated change to community-driven renewal. Thank you for tuning in, and remember to subscribe so you never miss a Baltimore news update. If you want more information or have a story to share, email me at [email protected] or visit us at Quiet Please dot AI.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI