Justin Fenton
@justinfenton.bsky.social
Investigative reporter at the Baltimore Banner
I asked Mayor Brandon Scott how he would mark this year’s historic decline in violence; he got choked up and said, “I’ll probably talk to Tony,” referring to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and former deputy police commissioner Tony Barksdale, who died unexpectedly in November
December 31, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I asked Mayor Brandon Scott how he would mark this year’s historic decline in violence; he got choked up and said, “I’ll probably talk to Tony,” referring to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and former deputy police commissioner Tony Barksdale, who died unexpectedly in November
Another year very thankful the @thebaltimorebanner.com came along; proud of our journalism and to work with so many talented people. If you’re a subscriber, thank you for your support. Happy new year! 🎉
December 31, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Another year very thankful the @thebaltimorebanner.com came along; proud of our journalism and to work with so many talented people. If you’re a subscriber, thank you for your support. Happy new year! 🎉
After years of covering 300+ homicides, I tried to take stock of what it means for Baltimore to finally see fewer than 150 victims this year. But people kept getting killed.
2 things are true: we’ve seen historic declines, and still too many ppl are dying www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
2 things are true: we’ve seen historic declines, and still too many ppl are dying www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
December 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
After years of covering 300+ homicides, I tried to take stock of what it means for Baltimore to finally see fewer than 150 victims this year. But people kept getting killed.
2 things are true: we’ve seen historic declines, and still too many ppl are dying www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
2 things are true: we’ve seen historic declines, and still too many ppl are dying www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Baltimore homicides declined furthest, fastest in the country as killings will reach a 48-year low, report @conarck.bsky.social , @invisibae.bsky.social , @sahanajayaraman.bsky.social www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Analysis: Baltimore homicides declined furthest, fastest in the country, could reach a 48-year low
Baltimore is on track to end 2025 with its lowest homicide total in 48 years, with fewer than 150 killings expected, marking a significant decline since 2022.
www.thebanner.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Baltimore homicides declined furthest, fastest in the country as killings will reach a 48-year low, report @conarck.bsky.social , @invisibae.bsky.social , @sahanajayaraman.bsky.social www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Breaking: ICE shooting in Glen Burnie leaves 2 people hospitalized, officials say www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
ICE shooting in Glen Burnie leaves 2 people hospitalized, officials say
Two people were taken to the hospital Wednesday after a federal immigration agent shot someone in Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County officials said.
www.thebanner.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Breaking: ICE shooting in Glen Burnie leaves 2 people hospitalized, officials say www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Really good reporting by my colleague @dylansegelbaum.bsky.social about an aspect of Maryland courts that flies under the radar - the court commissioner system that allows anyone to press criminal charges against another person, even if it’s total nonsense www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Maryland lets anyone file for criminal charges — and innocent people pay the price
Maryland’s district court commissioner system allows people to file criminal charges with little oversight, a Banner investigation found. The process can be abused and upend lives.
www.thebanner.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Really good reporting by my colleague @dylansegelbaum.bsky.social about an aspect of Maryland courts that flies under the radar - the court commissioner system that allows anyone to press criminal charges against another person, even if it’s total nonsense www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
NEW | As Under Armour ascended last decade, Kevin Plank received public support for his Baltimore Peninsula vision. But his company faltered, he narrowed his empire, and now won't be further developing the area.
UA, though, is still poised for a comeback, he says.
www.thebanner.com/economy/unde...
UA, though, is still poised for a comeback, he says.
www.thebanner.com/economy/unde...
Under Armour’s Kevin Plank built an empire. Now Rome is burning.
After years of regularly being profitable, Under Armour lost $200 million last year and is expected to operate at a loss, though a smaller one, this fiscal year, too.
www.thebanner.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:27 PM
NEW | As Under Armour ascended last decade, Kevin Plank received public support for his Baltimore Peninsula vision. But his company faltered, he narrowed his empire, and now won't be further developing the area.
UA, though, is still poised for a comeback, he says.
www.thebanner.com/economy/unde...
UA, though, is still poised for a comeback, he says.
www.thebanner.com/economy/unde...
Late breaking follow-up to our reporting from last year: Independent investigators call on Greater Grace church leaders to step down www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Independent investigators call on Greater Grace church leaders to step down
Greater Grace World Outreach should fire four top pastors and distance itself from controversial founder Carl Stevens, according to a report by an independent, faith-based organization.
www.thebanner.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Late breaking follow-up to our reporting from last year: Independent investigators call on Greater Grace church leaders to step down www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
Baltimore Peninsula timeline: From Dubai to goodbye
Baltimore Peninsula timeline: From Dubai to goodbye
Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank wanted to build a new mini-city in South Baltimore. With less than a tenth built, he’s stepping back from any future development.
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Baltimore Peninsula timeline: From Dubai to goodbye
Reposted by Justin Fenton
Kevin Plank exiting future development at Baltimore Peninsula
Kevin Plank exiting future development at Baltimore Peninsula
Kevin Plank will no longer develop Baltimore Peninsula, after only about one-tenth of the projected square footage has been built.
buff.ly
December 17, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Kevin Plank exiting future development at Baltimore Peninsula
The 126th Army-Navy game is today in Baltimore and will include a visit by President Trump. @thebaltimorebanner.com has a live blog all day: www.thebanner.com/sports/colle...
Army–Navy live updates: Tailgates, traditions and Trump kick off 126th rivalry game
Follow live coverage of the 126th Army–Navy game in Baltimore as service members, fans and President Donald Trump descend on the city for the pageantry and traditions.
www.thebanner.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The 126th Army-Navy game is today in Baltimore and will include a visit by President Trump. @thebaltimorebanner.com has a live blog all day: www.thebanner.com/sports/colle...
Former federal prosecutor and former Maryland deputy attorney general Thiru Vignarajah discussing the the ABC Capital housing saga in Baltimore and why there haven’t been any criminal charges against Jay Walsh
December 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Former federal prosecutor and former Maryland deputy attorney general Thiru Vignarajah discussing the the ABC Capital housing saga in Baltimore and why there haven’t been any criminal charges against Jay Walsh
Reposted by Justin Fenton
Exotic cats captured in Baltimore were comfort pets of pro football player www.thebanner.com/culture/life...
Exotic cats captured in Baltimore were comfort pets of pro football player
Former professional football player Brandon Haw’s two African serval cats caused a stir Friday when they escaped into the streets of West Baltimore.
www.thebanner.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Exotic cats captured in Baltimore were comfort pets of pro football player www.thebanner.com/culture/life...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
The Banner's Giacomo Bologna went to Las Vegas to keep following this important story about how private investors are triggering a foreclosure crisis here (and maybe elsewhere).
Baltimore is striking fear into the hearts of private lenders across the country
Baltimore is striking fear into private lenders across the country
When private lenders met in Las Vegas for their annual conference, almost everyone knew about the foreclosure crisis in Baltimore. Now, some industry leaders are calling for reforms.
buff.ly
December 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The Banner's Giacomo Bologna went to Las Vegas to keep following this important story about how private investors are triggering a foreclosure crisis here (and maybe elsewhere).
Breaking: Judge orders former CEO of ABC Capital Jason Walsh to pay $5.6M for defrauding investors www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Former CEO of ABC Capital Jason Walsh to pay $5.6M for defrauding investors
A Baltimore County judge ruled that Jason Walsh, the former CEO of ABC Capital, must pay more than $5 million to foreign investors who say he defrauded them after they agreed to buy Baltimore rental p...
www.thebanner.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Breaking: Judge orders former CEO of ABC Capital Jason Walsh to pay $5.6M for defrauding investors www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
NEW: Peña-Melnyk emerges as favorite to become next Maryland House of Delegates speaker
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Peña-Melnyk emerges as favorite to become next House of Delegates speaker
In the race to succeed Del. Adrienne A. Jones as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk said Sunday that the other top candidates have dropped out and pledged their supp...
www.thebanner.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:05 AM
NEW: Peña-Melnyk emerges as favorite to become next Maryland House of Delegates speaker
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
Who will be the next speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates?
Meet 10 delegates who could contend for the top job:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Meet 10 delegates who could contend for the top job:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Who could be Maryland’s next House speaker?
With Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones resigning from her leadership post, delegates will need to elect a new leader to preside over the chamber as they face challenging issues fro...
www.thebanner.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Who will be the next speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates?
Meet 10 delegates who could contend for the top job:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Meet 10 delegates who could contend for the top job:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
SCOOP from @emilyopilo.bsky.social & @leeosanderlin.bsky.social: Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said he is “terminating” his coordination with the mayor’s public safety office, which oversees the city’s flagship anti-violence initiative www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Bates to cut ties with mayor’s public safety office, citing ‘cloak of secrecy’
Ivan Bates outlined numerous complaints about the office, according to a seven-page letter sent to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Tuesday.
www.thebanner.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:20 PM
SCOOP from @emilyopilo.bsky.social & @leeosanderlin.bsky.social: Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said he is “terminating” his coordination with the mayor’s public safety office, which oversees the city’s flagship anti-violence initiative www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The U.S. Department of Justice wants Maryland’s voter rolls and is suing the state elections administrator for not offering them up, @brendawintrode.bsky.social reports www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The Trump administration wants Maryland’s voter rolls
Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis to get the state’s voter rolls.
www.thebanner.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice wants Maryland’s voter rolls and is suing the state elections administrator for not offering them up, @brendawintrode.bsky.social reports www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Former Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, back home in New Orleans, will serve as a deputy mayor for public safety there www.wdsu.com/article/new-...
New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno announces key administration members
New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno is set to announce key members of her administration, including a very familiar face.
www.wdsu.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Former Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, back home in New Orleans, will serve as a deputy mayor for public safety there www.wdsu.com/article/new-...
SCOOP from @emilyopilo.bsky.social & @leeosanderlin.bsky.social: Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said he is “terminating” his coordination with the mayor’s public safety office, which oversees the city’s flagship anti-violence initiative www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Bates to cut ties with mayor’s public safety office, citing ‘cloak of secrecy’
Ivan Bates outlined numerous complaints about the office, according to a seven-page letter sent to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Tuesday.
www.thebanner.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:20 PM
SCOOP from @emilyopilo.bsky.social & @leeosanderlin.bsky.social: Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said he is “terminating” his coordination with the mayor’s public safety office, which oversees the city’s flagship anti-violence initiative www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Please state your name for the record, the court clerk said.
"Justice"
What is your age?
“Timeless.”
What year were you born?
“I have been born many times.”
Alleged leader of violent "Zizian" group makes appearance in Maryland federal court
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
"Justice"
What is your age?
“Timeless.”
What year were you born?
“I have been born many times.”
Alleged leader of violent "Zizian" group makes appearance in Maryland federal court
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Alleged leader of cultlike ‘Zizian’ group pleads not guilty to federal gun charge
Ziz LaSota gave meandering answers at her initial appearance and arraignment in U.S. District Court related to a Western Maryland gun arrest, which ended what had been a cross-country search.
www.thebanner.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Please state your name for the record, the court clerk said.
"Justice"
What is your age?
“Timeless.”
What year were you born?
“I have been born many times.”
Alleged leader of violent "Zizian" group makes appearance in Maryland federal court
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
"Justice"
What is your age?
“Timeless.”
What year were you born?
“I have been born many times.”
Alleged leader of violent "Zizian" group makes appearance in Maryland federal court
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
New: Nearly six years after having them sealed, Pennsylvania prosecutors drop opposition to the release of autopsy records in the mysterious 2003 death of Maryland federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna lancasteronline.com/news/local/d...
DA asks judge to lift seal on federal prosecutor's autopsy records of Jonathan Luna
Nearly six years after having them sealed, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office has dropped opposition to the release of autopsy records in the 2003 death of federal prosecutor Jonathan
lancasteronline.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:21 PM
New: Nearly six years after having them sealed, Pennsylvania prosecutors drop opposition to the release of autopsy records in the mysterious 2003 death of Maryland federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna lancasteronline.com/news/local/d...
‘Marooned’ in Baltimore: Crew of ship that destroyed Key Bridge are still here 19 months later, not permitted to leave. “A few have been granted permission to temporarily return home, including one for his own wedding.” By @hayesgardner.bsky.social www.thebanner.com/economy/dali...
Deal between Dali and U.S. has left crew ‘marooned’ for 19 months
The NTSB will discuss probable cause of the Key Bridge collapse during a meeting Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, nine crew members of the Dali ship that struck the bridge are stuck in Baltimore...
www.thebanner.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:19 PM
‘Marooned’ in Baltimore: Crew of ship that destroyed Key Bridge are still here 19 months later, not permitted to leave. “A few have been granted permission to temporarily return home, including one for his own wedding.” By @hayesgardner.bsky.social www.thebanner.com/economy/dali...
Reposted by Justin Fenton
Scoop: Reps for Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank have been lobbying Gov. Wes Moore’s office in an effort to persuade Maryland to buy Plank’s horse farm, email show.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Kevin Plank wants Maryland to buy his horse farm
Emails detail a pitch to turn Sagamore Farm into a state-owned horse training facility.
www.thebanner.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Scoop: Reps for Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank have been lobbying Gov. Wes Moore’s office in an effort to persuade Maryland to buy Plank’s horse farm, email show.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...