Bria thee Journalist

After a century, the University of Baltimore is struggling Over the last 10 years, the University of Baltimore’s enrollment has dropped, its faculty has halved, leaving its deficit swollen amid state cuts.

EXCLUSIVE: The University of Baltimore turned 100 years old this year. It is also facing a structural deficit, 50% less enrollment in 10 years, and is cutting positions.

“Our ability to generate revenue is under duress," the CFO told me. Read:

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/un...

As BGE bills are about to rise again, utility commission demands a delay The Maryland Public Service Commission is ordering Baltimore Gas and Electric to mitigate the effects of an impending supply-side rate increase by shifting cost recovery to less expensive times of yea...

Your BGE bill is set to go up again June 1. The Maryland Public Service Commission has ordered BGE to flatten those bills ahead of costly summer months, reports @briaovers.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/bge-...

At 11, she’s turned heartbreak into hope on the National Spelling Bee stage This week, Amelia “Bindi” Ray will take the national stage as the youngest Maryland competitor in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

At 11, she’s turned heartbreak into hope on the National Spelling Bee stage

Read the story by @kris10griffith.bsky.social on the @thebaltimorebanner.com ---> tinyurl.com/2rj9mrb5

Her final assignment before graduation? Beating Stage 3 cancer Anne Arundel County teacher Kayla Case earned her second master’s degree after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Getting a master's degree is hard. Kayla Case managed to study for her second while teaching part-time, pursuing the prestigious teacher's National Board certification and raising two toddlers. Oh: and she was also in chemo for Stage 3 cancer. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...

The Baltimore Banner Pop-Up Newsroom at Lexington Market Cowork with The Banner at Lexington Market. Meet the journalists, explore the space and share what stories matter most to you. Register here for the free event.

More info here. I hope to see you there!

events.humanitix.com/the-baltimor...

Hey #Baltimore! The Baltimore Banner is hosting a pop-up newsroom at Lexington Market on May 28th.

Several reporters and editors will be there, myself included. Stop by to learn more about The Banner's local journalism and tell us about stories you think we should tell.

How to do ‘recession core’ — the Baltimore way Americans are preparing for an economic downturn — a trend that’s evident on “recession core” social media.

Plentiful "recession core" TikTok content suggests Americans are nervous about the economy. @briaovers.bsky.social talked to local businesses and groups about how Baltimoreans can live more frugally without giving up their lifestyle. @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/rece...

UMB will lay off employees, reduce salaries amid budget crisis University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce Jarrell warned of a "clear and present danger" in relation to layoffs.

BREAKING: The University of Maryland, Baltimore will lay off employees and institute salary reductions amid a deficit of over $30 million. Read about what the president has called a “clear and present danger” exclusively in The Baltimore Banner:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...

The President and Elon Musk’s cuts to AmeriCorps aren’t just disheartening – they’re outrageous. These cuts won’t just harm Marylanders who have raised their hand to serve, they will disrupt the trajectory of our state.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/ripp...

Maryland nonprofits and volunteers ‘devastated’ after AmeriCorps cuts The Trump administration’s dismantling of AmericCorps leaves volunteers without work and Maryland community programs in a lurch.

By @briaovers.bsky.social: Maryland nonprofits and volunteers ‘devastated’ after AmeriCorps abruptly ends service. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)

Last week @briaovers.bsky.social at @thebaltimorebanner.com reported on what this could mean for the Social Security Administration, based in Woodlawn.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/soci...

It’s WrestleMania week, and this Baltimore wrestling fan is living out his dream It's WrestleMania Week for WWE fans, but Brian H. Waters isn't your typical wrestling fan. He's turned his hobby into his profession, living the dream he prayed for.

And another one from @tramonlucas.bsky.social!

Brian Waters was a wrestling superfan. His passion and resolve made him the perfect producer for @theringer.com.web.brid.gy's wrestling podcasts.

Read about Brian and his family!

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/culture/life...

For WrestleMania weekend, we went where pro wrestling dreams begin.

A wrestling school tucked away in a Harford County strip mall has trained stars like WWE's Lita and Mickie James and AEW's Lio Rush and Action Andretti.

Read it 👇🏾

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/culture/life...

We’re taking him to a vet to see if he’s microchipped. In the meantime, please share so we can find his family.

FOUND DOG ALERT! is this your pet?

Male dog was found on April 13 near St. Mary’s Park in Seton Hill in Baltimore. He’s wearing a green collar with a bow tie, no tags.

For more details about this pet or to contact the finder, click here:
petcolove.org/lost/pet/fou...

Families of Key Bridge victims shut out of $16M relief fund A community foundation raised money for the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong fund under the explicit premise that Key Bridge victims’ families would see some of it.

New: Named after a turn of phrase from the governor, the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Relief Fund raised $16 million. None of it went to help the victims’ families despite the Baltimore Community Foundation initially saying it would.

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...

Looking to speak with folks who are or were considering purchasing a new or used car in the Baltimore metro area.

Do these new tariffs give you pause or worry? Or are you unconcerned? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Email me: bria.overs@thebaltimorebanner.com
#journorequest

Great read by @briaovers.bsky.social

Let’s connect. @thebaltimorebanner.com

Kids are ready for school, but what time will they get there? A recent investigation by The Baltimore Banner found that thousands of Baltimore City students rely on public transportation to get to school but their transit options are often unreliable.

@lizbowie.bsky.social & I had a wonderful conversation about 'Transit nightmare' today on @middayonwypr.bsky.social.

We have been overwhelmed by how many people have shared their experiences on transit since our story came out.

Hope you'll listen!

www.wypr.org/show/midday/...

Social Security Administration closes offices, cutting nearly 200 employees The moves come after the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, entered Social Security last week.

Social Security's Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity no longer exists. The latest from @briaovers.bsky.social
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/soci...

Maryland delegation condemns DOGE at Social Security rally in Woodlawn

Story on @thebaltimorebanner.com by @briaovers.bsky.social here --> tinyurl.com/y8n96y59

Black businesses were already struggling — and here comes Trump Black businesses were already experiencing losses in support following an increase in sales following George Floyd and then a slew of anti-DEI lawsuits that followed.

President Trump vowed to end DEI in his second term, and he’s keeping that promise.

Now, it’s trickling down to corporations that had committed billions of dollars to racial injustice and equity, stirring up concern amongst Black business owners.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/national/bla...

Federal workers, how have Trump’s policies changed your job or agency? From the end of remote work to the recent buyout offers, how has your life been affected? Share your story.

📢Baltimore-based federal workers! The Baltimore Banner wants to hear from you!

Get in touch via email or use this form to tell us your experiences & thoughts on mandatory return-to-office policies, buyout offers & drastic changes to agencies’ priorities.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/fede...

A must-read from @briaovers.bsky.social on a Baltimore-area retail institution closing its doors after three generations of family ownership.

Baltimore’s content creators prepare for the end of TikTok Without the social media app, Baltimore-area influencers and businesses stand to lose a beloved speech platform — and money.

@briaovers.bsky.social spoke with Baltimore’s content creators who are preparing for the possible end of TikTok: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/tikt...

Baltimore’s content creators prepare for the end of TikTok Without the social media app, Baltimore-area influencers and businesses stand to lose a beloved speech platform — and money.

How Baltimore TikTok stars are preparing for the potential end of the app Sunday: “It feels weird and cringy to post on Instagram Reels.”

via @briaovers.bsky.social at @thebaltimorebanner.com
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/tikt...

Moore wants to make a ‘big bet’ on quantum computing industry A $27.5 million effort on quantum computing is part of the Democratic governor's plans to spur more economic activity in the state, particularly in emerging industries.

Maryland @govwesmoore.bsky.social wants to make a "big bet" on quantum computing as he seeks ways to spur economic activity.

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-pow...

Fila sports brand to lay off 130 workers in Towson and Curtis Bay Sports apparel brand FILA plans to lay off more than 220 employees in the United States, including 130 in Towson and Curtis Bay.

Fila, the sports brand that made a big comeback in years past, will lay off 130 of its employees in Maryland through the year.

www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/fila...

Thanks to all for reading! But, I’m aware not every person or studio is mentioned in this story. Unfortunately, I can’t do a comprehensive 40 year history in under 2,000 words.

More stories coming. If you worked at any of Hunt Valley’s studios and want to share your story, email me!