In The News

City State's Attorney Ivan Bates was among the men who greeted the students in the tradition's 11th year. Read more.

“This year has been historic for our city. For the first time in nearly 50 years, Baltimore has recorded fewer than 100 homicides. Read more.

“As Baltimore’s young people prepare to head back to school, it is crucial that they have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates in a statement to the AFRO. Read more.

Bates notes that his office jailed 2,200 repeat violent offenders, compared to 1,000 under the previous administration. Read more.

"I applaud Ivan's efforts in doing this. I think he's got a good mindset, but it has got to be a collaborative approach in partnership with (the Department of Juvenile Services)," said Sen. Bill Folden, R-District 4. Read more.

On Monday Dandre Woods-Bethel was handed two Life sentences for shooting and killing Michelle Green and Julie Rice on Clifton Park Terrace. Read more.

“Everybody has a plan. The mayor had his plan. The police department, they have their plan,” Bates said. “And when I came and I ran for office, I had my plan. The plans have to work together as one.” Bates is quick to attribute the city’s reduction in violence to a team effort. For example, without victim assistance – which is supported by a federal grant – prosecutions that would have fallen apart in previous years concluded in convictions because witnesses could be found to appear in court. Police now are actually focused on removing illegal guns from the street, he said. Read more.

Lamont Johnson was sentenced to 60 years, with all but 40 years suspended, for second-degree murder and use of firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in connection to the death of 21-year-old Tiwan Wilson. Read more.

The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office doesn't just focus on prosecuting violent crime. The office is committed to protecting older adults in the city. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates explains how. Read more.

Homicides in the city and violent crimes involving young people are at decade lows, and the drop in gun violence is considerable. As of this past week, fewer than 100 people have been killed in the city. As of this past week, 84 people were killed in the city. That's a noticeable decline from 2024, when the city reported 115 homicides. Read more.