Baltimore Daily Local Headlines: Child-care probe, conduit questions, Federal Hill sentencing

Here is what Baltimore is waking up to on Tuesday, March 3.

1) Child-care investigation tied to past conviction

City police and federal investigators are looking into a former substitute teacher who worked at Downtown Baltimore Child Care at the Homewood Early Learning Center. Officials say the inquiry stems from a prior state conviction for distributing child pornography. The former employee is incarcerated, and authorities say identified victim families have been notified while the investigation continues.

2) City Hall looks at conduit system after 2024 underground fire

A City Council committee is pressing for updates on Baltimore’s underground conduit system after an investigation found combustible gases contributed to the September 2024 fire that triggered manhole explosions and neighborhood power outages. The committee plans to focus on what has changed since then, what the current conditions are, and what steps the city and utilities can take to prevent a repeat.

3) Federal Hill bouncer sentenced in chokehold case

A Federal Hill bouncer who was captured on video putting a man in a choke hold has pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. Court records summarized in the report indicate he received a nine-year sentence with most of it suspended, plus probation and anger management requirements. The incident occurred outside Cross Street Public House.

Also worth a look

• Residents and environmental advocates say a trash pile on city-owned property near the Jones Falls has remained for months despite repeated complaints, raising concerns about runoff and enforcement.
• Forecasts called for a wintry mix and possible freezing rain early Tuesday, and the city’s public works department said street sweeping would not run on March 3 because of cold, snowy conditions.

Sources