Waking up in Baltimore this morning felt a little different. Maybe it was the quiet that comes with that first thin blanket of snow, or maybe it’s just the weight of everything hitting the city at once. Between the slushy I-95 commute and some pretty heavy hearts in Essex, there’s a lot to catch up on if you’re just now pouring your first cup of coffee.
The Weather: Not a Blizzard, but Definitely a Mess
If you looked out your window in Charles Village or Canton earlier, you probably saw a dusting. It wasn’t the "shut down the city" kind of snow we sometimes get, but it was enough to make the Saturday morning grocery run a headache.
Breaking news in Baltimore today starts with the roads. We’ve already seen a handful of spin-outs on I-95 South near O'Donnell Street and up on I-895. The Maryland Department of Transportation is basically telling everyone to chill out—literally and figuratively.
We’re in this weird "double dip" weather pattern. Round one hit this morning, bringing about an inch or so to most spots, though some folks north of the city saw closer to three. Now, we’re in a bit of a midday lull. Temperatures are hovering near 40°C, so things are melting, but don’t let that fool you. Tonight, it’s going to refreeze, and round two of the wintry mix kicks in Sunday morning. It’s going to be slick. If you don't have to be out, honestly, just stay in and watch the playoffs.
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Tragedy in Essex: A Community in Mourning
It’s hard to even talk about the weather when you hear what happened in Essex last night. Firefighters were called to Foxcroft Lane for a two-alarm blaze that was just... intense.
The news we got this morning is the kind no one wants to hear. A 6-month-old baby girl, Sophia Rivera-Cortes, didn’t make it. Three other people are in the hospital for smoke inhalation. The fire was so fast it jumped from one house to the next, leaving the primary home completely gutted.
And it wasn't just Essex. Over in Dundalk, another fire at a senior living facility on Center Place displaced 20 residents. The Red Cross is on the ground there, but it’s a reminder of how dangerous these cold snaps can be when heating systems are working overtime. Mayor Scott and the Fire Department are actually out today doing a smoke alarm door-knocking event. It was planned before the fire, but man, does it feel timely now.
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The Ravens "New Era" is Getting Crowded
Switching gears to something a bit lighter—but no less stressful for some—the search for the next Ravens head coach is officially in high gear. Ever since Steve Bisciotti dropped the bombshell that it was "time for a change" and moved on from John Harbaugh, the rumor mill at Under Armour Performance Center (The Castle) has been spinning.
The team confirmed they just finished up interviews with two big names from the Sean McVay coaching tree:
- Nate Scheelhaase: The Rams' pass game coordinator. He’s the guy who helped Matthew Stafford have a career year at age 37.
- Chris Shula: The Rams' defensive coordinator. Yes, that Shula family. He’s been a hot commodity this cycle, with the Giants and Raiders also sniffing around.
It’s a weird vibe. For years, we knew what to expect. Now? Everything is up in the air. While the Ravens look for a leader, John Harbaugh is reportedly closing in on a deal with the New York Giants. Imagine seeing him on the opposite sideline next season.
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Bills, Bribes, and Bureaucracy
Life in Charm City isn't just sports and weather; it's the grind of the bills. BGE customers are reporting some massive jumps in their monthly statements. The Office of the People’s Counsel is looking into it, but basically, a mix of colder temps and rising transmission costs from the grid operator, PJM, is hitting pockets hard. Governor Moore and a bunch of other governors actually met at the White House yesterday to demand reforms.
And then there's the Coppin State scandal. A federal investigation just revealed that "fixers" allegedly tried to bribe a Coppin State basketball player to manipulate games. It’s a mess that’s bringing a lot of unwanted heat to the West Baltimore campus.
What You Should Actually Do Today
If you’re living through the breaking news in Baltimore today, here’s the "to-do" list that actually matters:
- Check your pipes and heat: With the refreeze coming tonight, make sure you aren't leaving hoses attached outside.
- Watch the black ice: Tomorrow morning’s drive will be way more dangerous than today’s because of the melt-then-freeze cycle.
- Check your smoke detectors: Seriously. After what happened in Essex, take the 30 seconds to push the test button. If it doesn't beep, go to the hardware store now.
- Keep an eye on the Key Bridge updates: Governor Moore and the Feds just agreed to "accelerate" the reconstruction. Expect more construction noise and detours around the Port area as they ramp up the timeline.
Baltimore is a tough city. We handle the snow, we handle the heartbreaks, and we definitely handle the sports drama. Stay warm out there, and maybe check in on your neighbors in Dundalk and Essex if you know someone over that way.
Keep an eye on the local radar this evening. The second round of snow is expected to start sticking after midnight, primarily for areas north of the city. If you’re planning to head to the Inner Harbor for any MLK weekend events, give yourself an extra 20 minutes for parking and slushy sidewalks.