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Letter from the publisher – Issue 80

There have been whispers about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (also known as ICE) expanding their reach into Maryland for some time. Under President Donald Trump, the agency, which has existed since the early 2000s, has more power and a much larger budget. Read more.

Baltimore businesses and institutions brace for uptick in ICE operations

by Jaisal Noor

OP-ED: The Maryland Voting Rights for All Act ensures democracy doesn’t stop at prison gates

by Erika Lewis and Rianna Mukherjee

Welcome to Baltimore Beat’s pay-what-you-can advertising page.

We know that algorithms make the internet a less reliable way of publicizing the great work local businesses do. We also know that people here in Baltimore are looking for ways to keep their money in their communities. We hope this is a way that small businesses can feature themselves in Baltimore Beat, keeping their services at the front of readers’ minds.

For more information, go to baltimorebeat.com/paywhatyoucan.

News

Photostory: Family and friends gather to call for justice for Dwight Hawkins, who was shot by Baltimore police

“They look at us as if we are criminals. They are the criminals,” said Shana Hawkins, Dwight’s sister. “They get to shoot fucking first.”

by Valerie Paulsgrove March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

BPD officer Omar Rodriguez has fatally shot two Baltimore residents in less than a year

According to BPD spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge, Rodriguez “returned from administrative duties in January,” meaning at most, he had only been back on the street for less than two months before shooting someone again.

by Baynard Woods February 26, 2026February 27, 2026

OP-ED: Shared mobility options like scooters and bikes are a growing transportation solution in the Black Butterfly

“It’s time for the city to act on our recommendations to keep users safe and continue to expand ridership, increasing access to opportunity for all Baltimoreans,” Omar Faison, shared mobility coordinator for Bikemore, writes.

by Omar Faison February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

Arts & Culture

‘It’s Baltimore to the World’:BREAK A LEG keeps the gritty nature of Baltimore Club music alive, collaboratively

BREAK A LEG is a collective dedicated to defying genre on the dance floor. They’re on a mission to ensure the history of Baltimore doesn’t get erased in the process.

by Kylynn Couture March 24, 2026March 24, 2026