Newsletter
BPD data makes it hard to argue that Baltimore's drug war isn't alive and well
Earlier this week, the Baltimore Beat published my deep dive on the War on Drugs in Baltimore. Nearly everyone arrested and charged with drug "crimes" is Black.
Baltimore's landmark lawsuit is flawed — and so is the public's view on opioids
Earlier this week, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge P. Lawrence Fletcher-Hill rejected the city's $5.2 billion ask for abatement and reversed a $266 million jury verdict from last year. It shed light on the lawsuit's flaws, but there's more to the story.
BPD pleads for money to fuel drug-war policing as health department faces budget cuts
As it does every year, the Baltimore Police Department asked for an increase in funding this week, in part to fund drug enforcement efforts. Yet its tactics exacerbate the overdose crisis at a time when public health funding could be upended.
In OD crisis talks, Sen. Alsobrooks brings moderate politics to a fight demanding progressive reforms
U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks has positioned herself as a moderate Democrat who will fight to prevent cuts to Medicaid and other public health services. Yet her politics may not meet the calls for more ambitious reforms.
Gov. Moore signs budget with increased SUD program funding as fatal overdose rate slows
Gov. Wes Moore signed the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Tuesday. It brings a modest increase in funding for substance use and mental health services as fatal overdoses continue to decline.
Amid a lethal OD crisis, GOP looks to sabotage Medicaid coverage for 32,000 Baltimoreans with SUD
A far-right faction of Republicans in the U.S. House blocked a budget reconciliation bill backed by President Donald Trump and his allies on Friday because they want to slash even more Medicaid funding. Those with SUD stand to suffer amid an unprecedented overdose crisis.
Baltimore's harm reduction movement doesn't back down — but a larger coalition must form
Harm reductionists have joined the city's Opioid Restitution Advisory Board in fighting to ensure that a windfall of funds from opioid lawsuits is allocated in the best interest of those who use drugs. More Baltimoreans must show up.
Supplantation without representation: Opioid board has 'grave concerns' about city budget
At a meeting held by Baltimore's Opioid Restitution Advisory Board this week, members were shocked to hear they'd only have control over 5% of restitution funds allocated in the mayor's proposed budget.
Mayor Scott says the state of the city is strong. Here's where the OD crisis stands
At Mayor Brandon Scott's State of the City address Monday, he lauded his administration's progress, including its efforts to address the overdose crisis. Yet despite a historic drop in deaths, there's more to the story.
The clock is ticking in Baltimore's landmark opioid case
To abate the damage caused by two massive opioid distributors, the city needs a whopping $5.2 billion, attorneys and expert witnesses argued late last year.
Baltimore officials love a good drug bust, but they can be deadly for drug users
Mayor Brandon Scott and law enforcement officials touted the takedown of a drug trafficking organization. The busts may not be a good thing for those who use drugs in Baltimore.
What does Mayor Scott's proposed budget mean for harm reduction in Baltimore?
Mayor Brandon Scott's budget will undoubtedly impact harm reduction efforts in Baltimore. The truth is, however, it's not entirely clear how — but there is definitely room for improvement.