On Tuesday, LTYC founder and president Dermell Brunson announced that contractor payments for May through June had been completed. Teachers Marcus Mason and Cedric Benning say they have not received their wages.

“We still out here having hard times,” Mason said, expressing disbelief over Brunson’s claims.

“At first, I checked my bank account to see if any truth was involved with that… I talk to my other co-defendants and none of them have been paid either,” Benning said.

The teachers, including Benning, a former contracted music teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, and Mason, a former digital music teacher at Baybrook Elementary/Middle School, are among eight former educators who filed a federal lawsuit against Baltimore City Public Schools and LTYC earlier this month. They allege they were not compensated for several months of work last school year, leading to significant financial difficulties.

“Credit cards have been closed on. I’m in collections on everything. You name it, I’m behind on it… car payments, all my credit cards are behind,” Benning said.

In a press release sent to FOX45, LTYC stated, “After more than a year of navigating mounting fiscal challenges and delayed partner payments, LTYC has continued to make significant strides in catching up on payments to all teaching artist-contractors.”

For the former teachers, the wait for payment continues.

Benning said, “[Brunson’s] complaint of vendors… that has nothing to do with me, vendors not paying you. The bank don’t want to hear that and credit cards don’t want to hear that. I’m waiting on Dr. Brunson to get paid.”

Efforts to reach LTYC for further comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

“Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and the Baltimore County Police Department have reviewed the school response and the police response to the incident at Kenwood High School on Monday, October 20, 2025, and are committed to taking additional steps to ensure all staff fully understand and follow established protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring again,” the statement said.

Lamont Davis said he’s still unnerved when he thinks about the possibility that his 16-year-old grandson, Taki Allen, could have lost his life after that incident at Kenwood.

“Had one boy flinched, God forbid, one of them ran or dropped his phone or flinched after eight cars pulled up with guns blazing,” Davis said. “My grandson would have been killed on the spot, dead. My wife can’t even talk about that. She breaks down and starts crying.”

Davis spoke to FOX45 News on Tuesday after receiving the letter that school officials sent out to parents.

“It shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Why did they allow it to happen in the first place? You have to have a tragedy to make you understand that your protocols have gaps in them, serious gaps,” Davis said.

Officials also offered “important context,” saying the Omnilert AI weapons-detection system was introduced in 2023 and works with existing cameras to identify potential threats.

All schools are equipped with Omnilert, leveraging over 7,000 cameras as of the spring of 2024, according to the statement.

Officials released a timeline of the incident, which goes as follows:

• 7:04 p.m. – Omnilert alert issued for review.
• 7:05-7:06 p.m. – BCPS Executive Director of School Safety, BCPS School Safety Manager, and Maryland Safe Schools Facilitator with the Baltimore County Police Department reviewed the alert and canceled it. No further action was taken in the Omnilert system.
• 7:17 p.m. – Principal contacted the School Resource Officer (SRO) and reported the alert. Because this alert was received after school hours, the SRO called the local precinct.
• 7:23 p.m. – First officer arrives at Kenwood High School, responding to a report of a suspicious person with a weapon.

“I commend the Baltimore County Police Department and the Public School System for their responsiveness after my request for a thorough review of the technology and processes behind the AI-guided camera warning system involved at Kenwood High School,” Baltimore County Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. said.

“Both agencies confirmed that they conduct incident reviews as part of their regular practice, examined with me all aspects of this troubling incident, and shared examples where the Omnilert system captured valuable information that helped prevent bad outcomes. We agree on the need for annual retraining to ensure that dedicated staff follow appropriate existing protocols, and we will all remain vigilant about how our technology is functioning.”

To ensure everyone follows protocols, BCPS will continue to remind staff about the alert system. School administrators and staff will communicate directly with the Executive Directors of School Safety or Schools regarding concerns, while Baltimore County police will remind school resource officers (SROs) of after-hour procedures.

Have a news tip? Contact Ellie Buckheit at ebuckheit@sbgtv.com and Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com.

The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. Monday at the high school’s historic building on The Alameda near East 33rd Street.

School police dispatch audio revealed the urgency of the situation, with requests for a crime lab to examine the entire building.

The building is currently vacant, as students and staff have relocated to the University of Baltimore amid renovations.

A thief or thieve gained access after knocking down part of the surrounding fence, which has since been repaired.

While police have not disclosed the specific items stolen, nearby resident Calvin Knox speculated that copper might have been the target. “That’s what they break in the schools to take: copper,” Knox said. “It pays maybe $5 a pound. So, the guys that’s breaking into there, they be making maybe anywhere from 4 or $500 a day.”

In January at Yorkwood Elementary School, about a 10-minute drive away, $80,000 worth of copper piping was stolen during a snowstorm.

“You want them caught because it puts everybody in danger,” Knox said of the thieves. “Because you are stopping someone from stealing, they’re stealing from the school, right? That ain’t preventing them from taking from you.”

Currently, there is no information about the suspect, but school police said they’re hoping to review surveillance footage that could help identify the intruder.

 Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com.

The chapter claimed the fee is an attempt to suppress its freedom of speech.

Dr. Richard Vatz, professor emeritus of political rhetoric at Towson University and former adviser for Towson’s Turning Point USA chapter, criticized the university’s actions, saying, “It’s really outrageous for Maryland to do this. I’m amazed that Maryland isn’t embarrassed that it would cause Turning Point such difficulty on this.”

The event, scheduled for Oct. 22, is set to feature Cabot Phillips, senior editor with The Daily Wire, a conservative website. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, known as FIRE, has intervened, sending a letter urging the university to rescind the security fee requirement.

According to the letter, campus police have agreed to staff the event at no cost, but Turning Point USA must hire a security company for entry screening.

The university maintains that the security requirements are consistent with those imposed on other events, regardless of content or viewpoint.

In an email, officials stated, “The university imposes the same type of screening requirements and related security fees on other event hosts holding similar types of guest speaking events.”

Despite the controversy, university officials are standing by their decision for now.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

The event saw at least 300 people filling a small parking lot, waving Israeli flags, dancing and singing in a display of raw joy.

Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg highlighted a poignant moment during the celebration, sharing the story of Barr Cooperstein, who, after suffering a stroke five years ago and not walking or speaking since, rose from his wheelchair to greet his son following over two years of captivity.

“Dear friends, miracles are possible!” Gruenberg exclaimed to cheers from the crowd.

Among the attendees was 11-year-old Eli Kates, who expressed his amazement at the community’s unity, saying, “We’re all connected in some way.”

Richard Milner, another participant, reflected on the emotional impact of the hostages’ release, stating, “It hit you in your gut … you just couldn’t believe this was finally happening.”

He added, “All the wasted lives. Wasted lives on both sides. That’s where the tears are coming from.”

The only quiet moment of the night came when Rabbi Gruenberg read the names of each released hostage, amid what one woman described as a lively and empowering celebration.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

Around 6:22 p.m. Sept. 19, officers responded to the 3700 block of Eldorado Avenue for a report of gunfire.

Once there, police said they found the man with a gunshot wound to the body. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

Residents said the shooting happened during a football game.

“All of a sudden, we heard gunshots and people started running everywhere,” one man said.

Detectives are investigating and ask anyone with information to call 410-396-2466 or remain anonymous by contacting Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.

Have a news tip? Contact Ellie Buckheit at ebuckheit@sbgtv.com, and Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

BREAKING: Baltimore police are investigating a report of a shooting next to Forest Park High School. pic.twitter.com/7BuwkgoF5V

— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) September 19, 2025

Jim Prost, a resident and chair of the Bolton Hill Community Association’s Safety and Security Committee, expressed concern over the recent incidents. “Every once in a while, you get this weird spike,” Prost said. He noted that one of the recent break-ins occurred on his street, where intruders took a bicycle but left behind items like a roll of coins and a cellphone. “The strangest thing about it is nobody is taking much of anything,” he said.

Emily Thomas, another Bolton Hill resident, voiced her frustration and desire for answers. “I want to know why it’s happening and what we can do about it. And it’s unfortunate because I think every summer there’s this like wave. What the heck is going on?” she said.

In response to the crime wave, Prost has secured a $10,000 grant from BGE — with help from State Sen. Antonio Hayes, the Democrat who represents the area — to purchase solar-powered motion detection lights for the neighborhood.

“Statistically it reduces crime,” Prost said, emphasizing the importance of lighting in deterring criminal activity. “I think what makes lights effective is their motion detection. And all of a sudden you think you’re all alone in the dark and all of a sudden this floodlight flashes because you got within ‘X’ feet of it.”

The neighborhood’s efforts to improve lighting, particularly in alleyways where many of the burglaries have occurred, are part of a broader plan to enhance security.

“I think that’s going to be a really good thing,” Prost said.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

Bill Packo, owner of Barley’s Backyard Restaurant, said, “Around 11, there were probably about 2,000 people.” He noted that the issue has persisted for about a year, with huge crowds lingering outside businesses along York Road.

Surveillance cameras captured a large crowd last week, and incidents of trouble have been reported. “Two weeks ago, a county police officer was assaulted. Last Thursday, and that was a Thursday, a police officer was hit by a dirt bike rider who was arrested and in possession of a handgun,” said Packo.

Packo also described the scene outside his business, saying, “I was out there around midnight last week and I would say there were approximately four to six cars dispensing alcohol drinks out of the back of their car.”

The situation has drawn the attention of Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, who attended a meeting with Towson business owners and county leaders, including Police Chief Robert McCullough, to discuss the issue.

Baltimore County Council Chair Mike Ertel acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “From a crowd control standpoint, yeah, it’s an issue.” He assured that there would be follow-up meetings to address the concerns, emphasizing, “We’re not going to tolerate bad behavior.”

Packo expressed his frustration, saying, “I firmly believe that it’s going to take someone to be shot here to be able to have local officials really crack down on the people who are not observing the crowd control rules.”

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

The young suspect, who was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor at the time of his arrest this week, has a history of 18 prior felony offenses, according to investigators.

Jason Johnson, former Baltimore City Police Deputy Commissioner, described the case as emblematic of the frustrations residents have with DJS and repeat young offenders. “Something has to be done to protect the public and protect this young person,” Johnson said.

He emphasized the importance of juvenile detention facilities, stating, “The state maintains juvenile detention facilities for a reason. And this is a poster child literally for the type of person that needs to be detained.”

Johnson clarified that the call for detention is not indefinite. “No one is saying detained for the rest of his life … detained for now. Until there can be some sort of court action to determine what the remedy is going to be with respect to this person,” he said.

The arrest has raised questions about how DJS handles youth crime, especially as the agency, under acting director Betsy Fox Tolentino, implements changes. These include a new policy effective July 3, which mandates that any child charged with a crime while on an ankle monitor will be automatically held in detention until their next hearing.

Baltimore attorney Kurt Nachtman, a former city prosecutor, commented on the changes.

“I certainly think we’re on a stepping stone in the right direction,” Nachtman said. He noted that recent legislative changes have limited the ability of prosecutors and judges to manage juvenile offenders effectively. “It has a lot more to do with the changes in the law that the General Assembly made that marginally tied the hands of prosecutors and judges,” he said.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is advocating for policy changes at DJS, particularly regarding who should make detention decisions. Bates believes judges, after hearing from attorneys on both sides, should be responsible for these decisions, rather than DJS acting as the primary gatekeeper.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.

Speaking to FOX45 at a community event, Cogen highlighted what he believes to be a $3 million shortfall in the budget for court security, a situation he described as a “lurking potential danger” for Baltimore City courtrooms.

“We have a court security line item that we’re supposed to be budgeted for, and it’s just too low,” Cogen said. “We estimate that there’s about a $3 million shortfall from what we need.”

Cogen said there is a shortage of sheriff’s deputies providing courtroom security and judge protection. Cogen added that deputies are being pulled from street duties to work in the courthouse, impacting programs such as domestic violence and eviction services.

“What we’re doing is, we’re pulling deputies from street functions and having to bring them into the courthouse, which is shortcutting the things we do in the streets like our domestic violence program, like our eviction program,” he said.

The issue of courtroom security was underscored by an incident last week at a murder trial, during which three family members of a victim attacked the defendant.  Deputies quickly subdued and arrested the suspects.

“It just highlights that in the era that we’re in, with the polarization that we have in the country and the violence that we’re seeing around the country in courtrooms, and the murder that we had in Washington County of one of the judges, we need to focus on court security,” Cogen said, referring to the 2023 killing of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, who was shot in his driveway.

Baltimore City Council members, including Public Safety Committee Chair Mark Conway, acknowledged the sheriff’s concerns. “We continue to try to find ways to meet the need here,” Conway said.

However, he said disagreements among city officials over budget cuts remain a hurdle.

“I suspect that most do agree that there’s a great need to support the sheriff’s office. What it takes to get there, the decisions that need to be made, the cuts that would have to be made in order to do that, I think, is where you might find disagreement within city officials,” Conway said.

Cogen emphasized the importance of addressing the issue before it escalates. “I don’t want anyone to say they’re surprised that the sheriff didn’t speak up and say he’s not funded properly for court security,” he said.

The sheriff said he hopes state lawmakers will provide security-related funding or require local governments to ensure more funding is available.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com and follow him on X at @KeithDFox45.