Letter from the editor – Issue 64
It was always going to be just a matter of time before another interaction involving the police and a Black person in Baltimore ended badly. We’ve just seen three happen, all within the span of a few weeks. Bilal “BJ” Abdullah died on June 17 in a chaotic incident in Upton community. Police bodyworn cameras…
News
Baltimore police escalated mental health emergency before killing 70-year-old Pytorcarcha Brooks, bodycam footage shows
Despite Baltimore Police Department policies that call for officers to de-escalate in behavioral health emergencies, police forced entry through two different doors and shouted commands at 70-year-old Pytorcarcha Brooks before fatally shooting her on June 25, newly released body-worn camera footage shows. Police initially sought to leave the scene, stating that Brooks clearly didn’t want…
As mayor’s administration tiptoes around overdose prevention centers, Councilman Dorsey says they’re needed now
Amid calls for the adoption of more ambitious harm reduction initiatives to combat Baltimore’s unprecedented overdose crisis, Councilman Ryan Dorsey says it’s important not to mince words: overdose prevention centers are needed now. Dorsey’s endorsement of OPCs, which provide people a safe, judgment-free space to use drugs under the supervision of medical professionals, came at…
Greenlight Networks to invest $100 million to expand fiber internet in Baltimore
In Baltimore, thousands of families still struggle with unreliable or no internet access, limiting their ability to work, learn, and access healthcare. According to Maryland’s Statewide Broadband Access and Equity phone survey, 38% of low-income Baltimore households either lack a computer or rely on a smartphone to get online. Greenlight Networks, a fiber internet provider…
Investigation into WNADA director Chad Williams’ misconduct quietly completed after Baltimore Beat reporting
A third-party investigation into workplace misconduct at the West North Avenue Development Authority has been completed, Baltimore Beat has learned. The investigation was launched after the Beat in April revealed numerous former employees’ allegations of misconduct against Executive Director Chad Williams dating back to 2023, including stalking and harassment. The article also unearthed that Williams…
Arts & Culture
Dreaming is a movement for New Generation Scholars
In 1964, composer, pianist, and jazz royalty Duke Ellington was interviewed by Byng Whitteker for the CBC, who asked him where he gets all his ideas. Ellington responded, “Oh, man, I got a million dreams. That’s all I do is dream all the time.” His interviewer quips, “I thought you played the piano.” “No!” Ellington…
Best Beats 7/2/25 – 7/16/25
Pretty – “Chops 4 Breakfast” West Baltimore producer Shantele Pretty has gifted fans of golden era-hip-hop with a brand new beat tape: “Chops 4 Breakfast.” For those unfamiliar with hip hop, a beat tape is a project of instrumentals from a producer, usually given to a rapper for them to have a selection of sounds…
‘Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling’ is so unappreciated
In his 1982 stand-up special “Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip,” the comedian addressed stories of an accident he had with a pithy joke. In 1980, it had been reported that Pryor accidentally set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine. On stage, he referenced the many people who made light of the incident by…
Photostory: AFRAM 2025
AFRAM took place on June 21 and 22, over two steamy days in Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park. A host of local and national entertainers performed on two stages. The festival concluded with a performance from 81-year-old Patti LaBelle. Organizers call it one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast. Day One Day…
Reeta’s Sportsisms: A dry sports July, the Orioles breaking my heart, and the Ravens’ missing pieces
It’s The Least Wonderful Time of the Year July…one of the slowest, driest months in sports. While baseball and WNBA basketball are doing their best to hold things down, the truth is, people love football and NBA basketball more. In the meantime I’ve pleaded with professional boxing associations to give us a big name fight…
Peabody Heights Brewery launches first food truck, building toward a full bar
Japchae and bibimbap, anyone? Starting July 2, those craving Korean cuisine can find both at Peabody Heights Brewery. Earlier this week, the Abell brewery announced that it was launching The Concession Stand, the first Peabody Heights-owned food truck. With plans to serve Korean-fusion fare, its name, as Orioles fanatics may have guessed, pays homage to…
Bry Reed: To grow the game, the WNBA needs to market all of its stars
On Wednesday, May 28, I joined 11,000 other fans in welcoming the Washington Mystics to downtown Baltimore. The team, now coached by Sydney Johnson, a Towson Catholic High alum (previously on staff with the Chicago Sky), is led by veteran guard Brittney Sykes and Virginia native Shakira Austin. Their opponents for the evening were the…
Get your graduation announcement in Baltimore Beat!
Celebrate your graduating student in an upcoming print edition of Baltimore Beat. Click here to make a donation, then fill out this form. Note: All announcements are subject to approval. You are solely responsible for the content of the announcement you post, and agree not to post anything derogatory, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate. By proceeding,…
Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 7/02/25-7/16/25
Wednesday, July 2 Spread the Jam July2025: This is a jam session welcoming every musician “with open arms — no matter what.” Featuring Baltimore-based saxophonist Johanna McGuire. 6 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to redemmas.org/events. Art of Comedy: An open mic for comedians of all skill levels. Wednesdays. 9…
Baltimore Government and Community Events 7/2/25-7/16/25
Wednesday, July 2 West Wednesday: Hear about the ongoing fight for police accountability in the Tyrone West case and for all victims of police misconduct. This event happens every Wednesday. For more information, go to westcoalition.com or follow @westwednesday on Instagram and Justice for Tyrone West on Facebook. Board of Estimates Meeting: 9 a.m. at…
Dry River
I look around in the maze of your rivers, I walk in for the fresh waters. I get lost in the streams in the rocky floors that hurt my feet. I walk out from the discomfort of my foot’s bleeding vein. But I pause for a second as the sun shines its rays, seeing white…
Community Resources
This Baltimore Beat section aims to help the community with resources and support they may not know are…
