Latest news with #Baltimoreans
Technical.ly
04-08-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
UBalt is launching an AI center that focuses on access, not just innovation
Baltimoreans now have a new place to learn about and explore AI, thanks to the University of Baltimore. Announced July 28, the Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI) will serve as a space where AI technology is not only studied, but actively applied to address local needs. CAILI, led by Jessica Stansbury, UBalt's director of teaching and learning excellence and the center's inaugural director, wants to ensure AI doesn't widen the existing digital divide. 'It's not that CAILI is just a place for AI innovation,' Stansbury told 'It's more that CAILI is a place of AI innovation with and for Baltimore.' Stansbury and her colleagues believe CAILI will set itself apart from other university-run centers — like the two-year-old Johns Hopkins Data Science and AI Institute, for example — by prioritizing public understanding and practical engagement over research. 'We're really looking to make sure that people are aware of what AI is, that folks are AI literate, particularly with respect to working professionals and people who are going to need to manage how others are using AI in the workplace,' said Aaron Wachhaus, associate provost at UBalt. Created with collaboration, with goals to boost community impact The center, which will be supported by the provost's office for the first three years, was born out of two years of AI-focused initiatives and research within the university. Initial efforts included 'Learn with Me' sessions for faculty and students exploring tools like ChatGPT. By mid-2023, UBalt had joined a national research initiative led by an education research nonprofit Ithaka S+R, collaborating with other institutions to explore AI in higher education. The university hosted its first AI Summit in June 2024, which brought together students, faculty, local organizations and industry leaders to collectively define 'AI literacy.' The summit became a catalyst for deeper community involvement and helped shape the vision for CAILI. 'We can't be blindly developing curriculum if we don't understand how it's impacting the community and industry,' Stansbury said. 'So we brought everyone to the table.' Those conversations led to the creation of a free AI in Practice webinar series, featuring industry experts discussing the use of AI in higher education. UBalt partnered with JHU and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on the series. 'I really firmly believe, not only with my faculty background, but my administrative background, that this is a space where we cannot afford to compete,' Stansbury said, underscoring her commitment to cross-institutional partnership. Helping Baltimoreans understand and navigate AI While CAILI doesn't yet have a physical space, it will operate through open-access venues like the university library and travel to partner organizations for lunch and learn workshops. Stansbury is still recruiting partners for the center, but hopes to develop AI literacy workshops at libraries in the future. Stansbury also wants to use the center to address the ethical concerns surrounding AI use. UBalt has already experimented with new educational tools like MoodleBox, a platform that allows students to interact with multiple AI engines. Last fall, students in an AI ethics and philosophy course used the tool to explore generative AI models and learn about biases within the technology. Dean Merritt, a UBalt alum and vice president of sales at Baltimore-based SaaS company Mindgrub, has participated in AI in business panels hosted by the university. He sees UBalt as uniquely positioned to help Baltimoreans understand and navigate AI, given its strong ties to the local community and its focus on serving working adults and nontraditional students. 'The university as a whole has always been very accessible to all levels of education, all generations, those that are working and trying to learn and level up their careers as well as those who are going into it full-time,' Merritt said. 'It's a great place to focus on the real-world application of AI.' Maria Eberhart is a 2025-2026 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of The Groundtruth Project that pairs emerging journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported in part by the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation and the Abell Foundation. .
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The NHP Foundation and Henson Development Company Open the Doors to Park Heights Senior Apartments
Development is first phase of $400M Neighborhood Revitalization Plan BALTIMORE, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The NHP Foundation (NHPF), a national not-for-profit provider of affordable housing, partnered with The Henson Development Company (Henson), the City of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Park Heights Renaissance Community Development Corporation (CDC) to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of The Terraces at Park Heights—a $52 million development delivering 100 affordable one- and two-bedroom homes for seniors in Northwest Baltimore. This milestone marks the first phase of a sweeping transformation of the 17.3-acre Park Heights Master Redevelopment Area (MRA), designed to revitalize a historically under-invested community into a vibrant, mixed-income, multi-generational neighborhood. The master redevelopment plan includes NHPF and Henson's 90-unit single-family home community, affordable multifamily building and new green spaces. This is expected to further support the neighborhood revitalization efforts which include the new Enoch Pratt Free Library as well as an overhaul of Pimlico Racecourse. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, and First Lady of Baltimore City Hana Scott, Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton, Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, Senator Antonio Hayes, Park Heights Renaissance CEO Yolanda Jiggetts, and Elizabeth Tatum, Acting Director, Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs, and Delegates Malcolm Ruff and Sean Stinnett. "Since taking office, we've invested more than $75 million into Park Heights to create jobs, grow the economy, and open pathways to work, wages, and wealth for Baltimoreans," said Gov. Wes Moore. "This project marks the next chapter in our work, and it will transform the city by ensuring seniors have access to affordable housing and a safe, vibrant community. When we say this is Maryland's decade and Baltimore's time, it's partnerships like this one that show us what that looks like." Major Announcements Unveiled at the Event: The overall master-planned community will be called Cloverbrook Green. Cloverbrook was the first horse to win the Preakness Stakes that had been bred and trained in Maryland. The community will offer an array of "green" features including solar-powered common areas and energy-efficient appliances. 90+ single-family homes with a targeted construction start of 2026. A 59-unit affordable multifamily rental building will be named The Anderson, commemorating George "Spider" Anderson's legacy. A new sculpture of Anderson—one of only two African American jockeys to win the Preakness in its 150-year history—was unveiled along with other outdoor artwork created by Art with a Heart, a local organization dedicated to using art to enrich lives, bridge divides, and forge the leaders of tomorrow. George "Spider" Anderson was the first African American to win the Preakness Stakes on May 10, 1889 and May 10th, 2025, the date of the Ribbon cutting was the 136th anniversary of his win. A mural by Baltimore based multi-hyphenate artist LaToya Peoples that honors the history of people of color in the racing industry and celebrates Baltimore's heritage. "We see this as a unique opportunity to merge Baltimore's rich history with innovative, forward-thinking development that will reestablish this area as a cornerstone of economic and social activity," said Dana Henson, Vice President, Principal, The Henson Development Company, Inc. "There's a story here waiting to be retold, and we're excited to craft a narrative that blends the area's historic vibrancy with new opportunities for growth, connection, and celebration." The event featured citations from both the Mayor's office and Senator Chris Van Hollen and representatives from the many vendors responsible for the project's completion: Southway Builders, Torti Gallas & Partners, STV Inc., D.W. Kozera, and Environmental Health Consultants. The celebration aligned with the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes and the 4th Annual George "Spider" Anderson Music & Arts Festival, reinforcing the neighborhood's cultural ties to Baltimore's racing history. "You can see my family's home from the Terraces, so this groundbreaking is especially meaningful to me," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "For many years, folks thought a project like this one, in Park Heights, was impossible. But here we are. This is the story of a neighborhood that never gave up, that stayed committed, and that came together to do the impossible. I couldn't be prouder to be a son of Park Heights—especially today—and I'm grateful to each and every member of the community who helped make this a reality." Funding partners for the development include: $8.7M – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) $22.5M – Tax credit equity from R4 Capital and Aetna, a CVS Health Company $13.3M – City of Baltimore $5.4M – Maryland CDA $2.1M – Deferred developer fees Additionally, through community quarterback Park Heights Renaissance, Governor Moore's Office of Children funded the ENOUGH Grant Program which contributed $300,000 toward a new onsite maker space, providing hands-on creative programming for residents and the surrounding community. "In partnership with our state, city and local partners, we are helping to restore Park Heights' position as one of the most prominent and sought after neighborhoods in the City," said Mansur Abdul-Malik, Senior Vice President, NHPF. "The new maker space reflects our commitment to investing in people and places which we feel are the two most important ingredients for any neighborhood revitalization effort." Community-Driven, Sustainable Design The Terraces at Park Heights incorporates rooftop, carport, and gazebo-mounted solar panels, battery backup power, and meet the National Green Building Standards. Amenities include a fitness center, library, computer lab, coffee bar, and lounge areas, along with original artwork and photography celebrating the neighborhood's horseracing legacy. Resident services will be provided onsite by Operation Pathways, NHPF's dedicated resident services subsidiary. "Housing is the foundation of strong communities. We are committed to building public-private partnerships that drive long-term change," said Eric Price, President and CEO of NHPF, "Though the road hasn't always been easy, we have remained true to our commitment—to the City and to the residents of Park Heights—to help make this a place where people want to live, grow, and thrive." About The NHP Foundation (NHPF)The NHP Foundation (NHPF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit real estate corporation founded in 1989. With over three decades of experience in affordable housing acquisition, investment, development and construction, NHPF's team brings together deep knowledge of real estate fundamentals, attention to changing resident and community needs, and the expertise required to make sound investment decisions. We are also committed to providing equitable, tailored resident services programs, powered by our subsidiary, Operation Pathways, which offers Family-Centered Coaching to families facing poverty and hardship. Through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits, NHPF currently owns and operates 63 properties across 16 states and the District of Columbia serving over 25,000 residents. For more information, please visit About The Henson Development CompanyTHE HENSON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. (THC), a 100% family owned and operated minority-owned business enterprise, is a fully integrated real estate developer, consultant and program manager based in Baltimore, Maryland. The president and founder of THC is Dan Henson, a successful developer who has a distinguished private and public sector career in housing. Founded in 2000, the company is committed to providing full service real estate development services in urban and progressive communities. THC has had particularly detailed experience with re-energizing former public housing developments into mixed-income, mixed-use communities for more sustainable and stable communities, offering a comprehensive vehicle to revitalize neighborhoods that nurture and support an improved quality of life for the families who reside there. THC has worked on or is currently working on real estate development projects totaling over $600 Million – 3,000 units in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Additionally, THC serves as a consultant on numerous assignments across the country. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NHP Foundation
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Baltimore ultra-marathon swimmer Katie Pumphrey completes six-hour swim in Inner Harbor
Katie Pumphrey, a Baltimore open-water ultra-marathon swimmer, is preparing for another long-distance challenge, her third English Channel crossing. Pumphrey completed a six-hour swim on Thursday in Baltimore's Inner Harbor as she looks to qualify for a chance to swim the English Channel in July. "This morning, we're out for a six-hour training swim, really excited to kick off my 2025 season here, my open-water swim season," Pumphrey said. In 2024, she completed a historic 12+-hour swim from the Chesapeake Bay to the Inner Harbor. "The English Channel is salty, rough, big wave water" The water temperature was just right for this swim in the Inner Harbor, at about 59 to 60 degrees. As crazy as it sounds to hear about anybody swimming in the Inner Harbor, Pumphrey wants to encourage others to open water swim while she chases another ultra marathon. Pumphrey is using this six-hour swim as a qualifying practice for her third English Channel crossing. "I'm just really excited to swim around," Pumphrey said. "It doesn't matter how far we go for this six-hour, it's just time." Pumphrey is gearing up for a jam-packed spring and summer in various waters, stroke by stroke, working to represent Baltimore in her long-distance swimming challenges. "The English Channel is salty, rough, big wave water; it's a 21-mile stretch between England and France," Pumphrey said. "You don't swim in a straight line, however, because of those changes in current and tide, and you plan to swim in an S, so my 2015 and 2022 English Channel swims were closer to 36 to 37 miles." While the Inner Harbor's waters are calm in comparison to the choppy English Channel, Pumphrey is pumping each stroke to also show other Baltimoreans that our Harbor is safe to swim. "More and more is happening, I'm really excited for this to be a more regular thing," Pumphrey said. "Open water swimming should be done with a lot of safety in place and with all things in mind. Our Inner Harbor is a beautiful place for open water swimming." Pumphrey is expected to swim the Bay to Harbor ultra swim in June, which is an annual 12 to 13-hour swim that celebrates the progress toward a cleaner and more swimmable Inner Harbor. The 24-mile journey will begin at Sandy Point State Park near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
CBS News
05-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Longtime Baltimore Elections Director Armstead Jones dies at 71
Armstead Jones, a longtime elections director in Baltimore City, died at the age of 71 on Saturday. The news comes just hours after he announced his retirement on Friday. A member from Baltimore City government confirmed his death with WJZ on Saturday evening. "His contributions to the growth, knowledge and development of this staff and new board members will sustain many of us as we move forward in this progress," Scherod Barnes, President of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, said. Jones started working in elections in 1995 as a board member. He became president of the Baltimore City Board of Elections in 2003 and later the director, according to the Baltimore Banner. He managed city elections during many changes, like changing the election calendar and moving to more mail-in voting during the pandemic, which was challenging for election leaders in the state. "Armstead has been a fixture at the Baltimore City Board of Elections," Michael Summers, Chairman of the Maryland State Board of Elections, said in a statement after Jones announced his retirement. Recently, Jones took breaks from his job because of health issues, including being away during the preparation for the 2024 primary and being in the hospital during the 2022 governor election. "Serving as Director of the Board of Elections in Baltimore for 18 years was an honor and a responsibility I never took lightly," Jones said in a final statement after announcing his retirement. "I'm deeply grateful to the people of this city for trusting me to protect their voice and help shape a more accessible, transparent, and fair democratic process." "Armstead Jones, Sr. was an institution himself," Mayor Brandon Scott said. "He had just completed thirty years of service to the Board of Elections, nearly 18 of them as chair, overseeing countless fair and free elections. In recent years, as poll workers across our country were under attack, Mr. Jones stood cool, calm and collected on behalf of all Baltimoreans and our right to vote. The Board of Elections today is a credit to his work to recruit and train the very best—and his legacy will forever live on in Baltimore politics." Representative Kweise Mfume took to X to acknowledge Jones's death as well: "Within hours of announcing his retirement, Baltimore Elections Director Armstead Jones died at the age of 71. He was an old school friend and real soldier who loved his job and cherished his City. Rest in peace AJ, with God's grace and power"
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DraftKings, FanDuel Face Major Lawsuit Over 'Shady Practices'
Prominent sportsbooks DraftKings and FanDuel are facing a major lawsuit as the city of Baltimore has accused the two sportsbooks of deceptive and unfair practices to target and exploit vulnerable gamblers. The lawsuit, which was filed on Thursday, claims that the two sportsbooks use misleading promotions to attract bettors and then leverage data and analytics to keep problem gamblers betting. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a statement on the lawsuit, calling out the two sportsbooks for "shady practices." "These companies are engaging in shady practices, and the people of our city are literally paying the price," Scott said in a statement via ESPN. "DraftKings and FanDuel have specifically targeted our most vulnerable residents -- including those struggling with gambling disorders -- and have caused significant harm as a result. This lawsuit is a critical step to hold them accountable and protect all Baltimoreans." The lawsuit explains that the companies lure bettors in with "bonus bets," which are credits that can only be used at the sportsbook. These credits often expire shortly after sign-up, encouraging frequent betting and risk-free winning immediately after sign-up. "Defendants are not interested in people merely dipping their toes in the water: They want bettors to bet, in significant amounts, over and over," the complaint states. "Some get hooked, and that's the point." The lawsuit alleges that the companies collect data on bettors and use that data to identify those most likely to gamble more. The lawsuit says that users identified as the most likely to continue gambling are sometimes given exclusive offers and checked in with "to keep these players betting as much as possible." The lawsuit claims that these practices from the sportsbooks are so well known in the gambling industry that sharp bettors "have learned to mimic the behavior of problem gamblers" in order to receive rewards and maintain higher betting limits. When reached for comment by ESPN, FanDuel said it would not comment on the allegations while DraftKings did not provide a statement.
