Word on the streets of Baltimore, it’s been a weekend that’s reminded us of both our challenges and our resilience. I’m Morgan Riley, and here’s what’s making news across the city.

The city is grappling with another surge in violence. According to CBS News Baltimore, three people lost their lives and ten others were injured in shootings across the city this past weekend. On Sunday, police responded to the 2200 block of Christian Street in Southwest Baltimore after two men were found unresponsive from gunshot wounds. Both were taken to area hospitals but did not survive. Earlier in the day, two young women, aged 17 and 18, were shot on Erdman Avenue in East Baltimore but are expected to recover. Police also reported a fatal stabbing in Fells Point Saturday morning, as a man succumbed to his injuries after being attacked on South Broadway. Five of the weekend’s victims were under 21, a reminder of the stakes as city leaders continue to address youth violence.

Despite these recent tragedies, Mayor Brandon Scott has pointed to an overall decline in homicides—down nearly 24 percent this year. Still, the CBS News Gun Tracker counts 26 deaths and 98 injuries among Baltimore’s youth in just the past year. It’s a complicated story—one that speaks to progress and persistent pain.

Turning to a different kind of loss, the Upton neighborhood is mourning Bilal "BJ" Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah Jr., the well-known arabber fatally shot during a police encounter last week. According to the Maryland State Attorney General’s Office, Abdullah allegedly shot a veteran officer, who’s now recovering after surgery, before Abdullah was killed in an exchange of gunfire. The West Baltimore community held a peaceful rally, demanding accountability and transparency as body camera footage is reviewed. The Baltimore City NAACP has called for serious reflection from all involved—a testament to how deeply these events touch the city’s fabric.

But even in difficult times, the city’s spirit finds ways to shine. This week, Dovecote Café in Reservoir Hill is hosting a free Juneteenth art exhibition through Saturday, featuring work by local Black artists and youth. It’s a celebration of art, resilience, and community—the kind of gathering that made Baltimore legendary, from Billie Holiday’s era to today’s creators.

As for the weather, expect sunshine and highs in the mid-80s today, with a chance of evening showers. Community events include the Patterson Park Summer Concert Series on Friday and the annual Pride Parade downtown this Saturday. Come out, connect, and lift each other up—because Baltimore’s story is never written by one voice alone.

In every block of this city, there’s struggle and there’s hope. As we mourn, remember, and build, we’re part of a city that’s always moving forward, never losing sight of what makes it unique.

This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Subscribe so you never miss a Baltimore news update. For more, send an email to [email protected] or check out our website at Quiet Please dot AI.

Thanks for tuning in. 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