Baltimore's inspector general sues the city over blocked access to financial records and claims political interference.

Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming has sued the city, claiming Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration blocked her access to financial records and undermined her office’s independence. She argues the city improperly treated her subpoenas as public records requests, leading to redactions that hinder investigations into potential misuse of taxpayer funds, particularly related to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. Cumming, supported by her advisory board and pro bono attorneys, is seeking a court declaration affirming her office’s authority under the city charter and injunctive relief to ensure access to records and protect whistleblower confidentiality. The city maintains it is following state law and will address concerns through legal channels, but the dispute underscores growing tensions over transparency and accountability in local government.