BALTIMORE CITY FIRE

May 25 2026ENVIRONMENT

Extra eyes on a risky chemical tank in California

Fire crews in Orange County got lucky over the weekend when they spotted what looks like a narrow split in the side of a big storage tank holding 7, 000 gallons of methyl methacrylate. That flammable goop is used to make the clear plastic windows you see in airplane canopies and TV screens. The spli

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May 19 2026HEALTH

How cities, dirtier air, and shifting weather harm our lungs

City living used to mean better hospitals and faster ambulances. Now it often means breathing air that quietly damages lungs over years. Poor air quality isn’t just annoying—it rearranges how infections spread inside our chests. Warm air holds more water, which helps viruses and bacteria travel far

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May 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Weekend warmth fades as rain moves in for the week

Baltimore braces for a quick taste of summer before Mother Nature brings a change. Sunday will feel more like July with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees. Humidity will tag along, making it feel even heavier outside. When the workweek starts, the heat sticks around. Monday

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Breathing in Secondhand Smoke Outside: How Easy Is It to Avoid?

City sidewalks and parks often have special spots where people can light up. These areas are meant to keep smokers away from indoor spaces, but they might not protect everyone nearby. Studies show that secondhand smoke can travel through the air, even outside. Yet most research focuses on how much s

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May 02 2026CRIME

Crime Down, Youth Violence Up in Baltimore

Baltimore police report a drop in overall crime, with fewer shootings and homicides seen across the city. Yet this positive trend is not shared by crimes involving teenagers, who are increasingly appearing in the headlines. The city’s younger residents are gathering in large numbers for events lik

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Apr 17 2026BUSINESS

Downtown Baltimore sees growth in visitors while crime rates drop

Baltimore’s downtown area is getting more popular with visitors, while crime is going down. A recent report shows the city had 28. 5 million visitors last year, spending over $4. 3 billion—that’s a 7. 5% increase from the year before. Big events like the CIAA tournaments have brought nearly $110 mil

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Apr 13 2026WEATHER

Fire Alert: Stay Safe in Dry West Piedmont and Sandhills

Fire danger has climbed to a warning level in the Western Piedmont and Sandhills areas as humidity drops, winds pick up, and fuels become very dry. The National Weather Service says the risk of wildfires will grow through tonight, especially as gusts can push flames quickly across open land. Resid

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Apr 07 2026CRIME

Teen Gatherings Spark Police Alarm in Baltimore

Baltimore’s streets are feeling the heat of spring, and with it comes a new worry: big teen crowds that can turn violent. Police say these meet‑ups, often called “teen link-ups” on social media, are happening more and getting tougher to manage. Last month a video from the White Marsh Mall showed h

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Mar 27 2026CRIME

Jersey City Takes Action Against Unlicensed Smoke Shops

City officials in Jersey City have taken decisive steps to curb unlicensed smoke shops that are operating without proper permits. Five businesses were shut down after a coordinated effort by the local police and federal partners, which also led to several arrests. The crackdown followed complaints f

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Mar 18 2026CRIME

Baltimore County’s Crime Numbers Drop to a Five‑Year Low

Baltimore County police say that violent crime has fallen to its lowest point in five years. The 2025 report shows fewer homicides and non‑fatal shootings than ever before, while the department’s case‑solving rates hit record highs. In 2025, only 28 people were killed in the county—down from 55 i

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