What's Happening In Baltimore Today

Source: ANDREY DENISYUK / Getty

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. Baltimore residents worried after recent burglaries in Mount Washington

51. BGE asks customers to limit electricity after substation disconnection

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

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

54. 4 children, 2 adults killed in Maryland house fire

55. Police investigating mass shooting in Park Heights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

64. Baltimore City schools accused of neglecting incidents of antisemitism

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

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

67. 10 hurt, 5 hospitalized after possible hazardous materials incident at Poultry processing plant

68. Baltimore children under 12 ride free onboard MTA buses

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

70. Woman found dead along shoulder of Baltimore Beltway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

79. Baltimore City school board meeting derailed by offensive video

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

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

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

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

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

85. $200k grant funding approved for new flood warning system in Baltimore

86. 35 cars, two businesses broken into in Baltimore’s Federal Hill, police say

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

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

89. 25 people hospitalized due to suspected overdose in West Baltimore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

103. Undeground fire in Downtown Baltimore on Saturday under investigation

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

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

106. Man dies in Baltimore police custody, prompting investigation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

119. Baltimore gym teacher accused of inappropriately touching students

120. CIAA Tournament To Remain in Baltimore through 2029

121. Suspect dead after Baltimore police shooting leaves officer injured

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

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

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

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

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

127. Baltimore City Council passes $4.6 billion 2026 budget

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

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

130. 1 man dead, 2 other injured after shooting on Maryland I-70

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

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

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

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

135. Baltimore teacher allegedly choked her neighbor over trash cleanup

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

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

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

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

140. Baltimore County approves 4.9% water rate increase

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

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

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

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

145. Baltimore building collapses after truck crashes

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

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

148. Several new laws go into effect in Maryland

149. 16-year-old convicted of killing classmate at Joppatowne High School

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

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

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

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

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

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

156. Baltimore police release video of deadly officer shooting

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

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

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

160. 17-year veteran of Baltimore Fire Department dies in skills training session

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

162. Fines to increase for Baltimore parking violations

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

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

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

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

167. Baltimore mayor announces summer youth engagement strategy

168. New group aims to revitalize downtown Baltimore

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

170. Baltimore County police investigating scams by pet cremation service

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

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

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

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

175. Baltimore schools votes to prohibit cellphone use

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

177. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott touts drop in crime

178. Maryland reparations bill inches forward

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

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

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

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

183. One Year Later: Key Bridge Collapse

184. Baltimore’s Own Derik Queen Calls Game!

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

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

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

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

189. 5th person pleads guilty in mass shooting in Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes

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

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

192. Baltimore residents respond as city ramps up parking enforcement

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

194. Lawsuit against McDonogh School alleges former dean abused students

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

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

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

198. Maryland lawmakers consider tax on sugary drinks

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

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

201. CIAA tournaments put Baltimore in the spotlight

202. Baltimore County schools approve $2.98 billion budget

203. Anne Arundel County government buildings impacted by cyber incident

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

205. 18-year-old arrested in double shooting near Columbia mall

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

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

208. 1 dead, 1 injured after double shooting inside Baltimore senior living facility

209. Video shows Amazon delivery driver striking woman, leaving

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

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

212. BGE explains reasons for rising utility rates

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

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

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

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

217. Man accused of AI impersonation of Pikesville principal indicted

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

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

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

221. Maryland lawmakers introduce legislation to address BGE price increases

222. Ravens fan pleads guilty to attacking Washington Commanders fans

223. Proposed bill would increase speeding fines in Baltimore City

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

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

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

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

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

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

230. Baltimore residents report stinky odor

231. Four injured after student attacked at Baltimore high school

232. BGE customers raise concerns over extreme bill increase

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

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

235. 18-year-old charged with murder of woman at Baltimore hotel

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

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

238. $2.9 million allocated for railroad crossing upgrades in Baltimore County after Rosedale collisions

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

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

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

242. New Maryland law helps amputees cover special prosthetics

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

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

245. Maryland lawmakers to consider cellphone restrictions in schools

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

247. $85 million invested for Highway to Nowhere redevelopment

248. Key Bridge pre-construction phase to begin

249. Maryland leaders strategize Baltimore crime plan

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

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

252. 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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