WYPR NewsRoom

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-20) The theft and misconduct in office charges against Mayor Sheila Dixon went to the jury yesterday after her defense and the prosecution gave final statements. Deliberations resume this morning. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith and Reporter Donna Marie Owens were in the courtroom yesterday. They take a look at what's on tap today.

Jury Begins Deliberations In Dixon Corruption Trial

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-19) Closing arguments in the trial of Baltimore mayor Sheila Dixon were concluded early this afternoon and the case went to the jury. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith and our reporter Donna Marie Owens were in the courtroom. Earlier this afternoon, they discussed the court proceedings.

A Reprieve for the Chesapeake Center

Baltimore (2009-11-19) Maryland's financial trauma could play havoc with the budgets of important helping agencies. Great care - and perhaps some luck - will be needed escape the budget cut ting unscathed. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Defense Rests in Dixon Trial; Jury To Hear Closing Arguments

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-18) The defense rested its case this morning in the trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Dixon Calm Amid Courtroom Drama

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-18) The corruption trial of Mayor Sheila Dixon resumes in a Baltimore City Circuit Court room. The prosecution rested its case abruptly yesterday - without calling its star witness, developer Ronald Lipscomb, to the stand. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith previews today's proceedings with our reporter Donna Owens, who is covering the trial.

Prosecution Rests Case In Dixon Trial; Judge Dismisses Two Charges

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-17) The felony trial of Mayor Sheila Dixon continued today in Circuit Court. There were some significant developments. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was in the courtroom and she spoke earlier today with our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith.

Opening Arguments In Dixon Corruption Trial

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-12) Opening statements in the corruption trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon began in a downtown courtroom today. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens is covering the trial. She spoke earlier with our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith.

Jury Selection Begins in Dixon Trial

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-09) The much-anticipated trial of Mayor Sheila Dixon on corruption charges began this morning in a Baltimore Circuit Courtroom. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith speaks with reporter Donna Marie Owens on the first day's proceedings.

Growing Up Baltimore-Foster Care Survivor Works To Make Life Better For Those In System

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-06) Baltimore children who are rescued from abusive parents--or orphaned by murder, suicide or disease - often wind up in foster care. And that can be either a blessing or a further tragedy. In this installment of our series, "Growing Up Baltimore," WYPR's Karen Hosler has the story of a young woman who survived abuse, neglect and Maryland's foster care system. She's now determined to make life better for those who come behind her.

Poly-City Tilt No Longer A Thanksgiving Treat

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-06) When Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute meet Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, they'll renew Maryland's oldest football rivalry. But there are alums of both schools who wish the game was being played later in the month. WYPR's Milton Kent has the story.

Down Rigging Weekend in Chestertown

Chestertown, MD (2009-11-05) It's the time of the year when many Chesapeake Bay boaters begin pulling their craft from the water and getting them ready for winter. For some, it's a bittersweet experience. But the folks who run the Schooner Sultana turn it into a weekend-long celebration. WYPR was a media partner for this year's event and our Joel McCord paid a visit.

Growing Up Baltimore-Dangerous Neighborhoods

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-04) Many neighborhoods in Baltimore that were once stable places to grow up have been declining for years. Families struggling to keep their children safe, contend with rows of boarded up houses, trash, and street crime. As part of our series, "Growing Up Baltimore," WYPR's Mary Rose Madden reports that even a chance encounter with a neighborhood dog can be scary.

Statue and Celebration Commemorate Former Baltimore Mayor

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-03) A statue of William Donald Schaefer, Baltimore's "Do It Now" mayor, was unveiled yesterday at the scene of his signature achievement, the Inner Harbor. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith was there and filed this report.

Growing Up Baltimore - Overview

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-02) For the past eight months, WYPR has been exploring the challenges facing young people in our city. "Growing Up Baltimore," is made possible, in part, Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence. The findings and conclusions presented in our series do not necessarily reflect the opinions of these organizations. Fraser Smith, WYPR's Senior News Analyst begins with an overview of our findings.

Regatta To Be Held In Annapolis

Annapolis, MD (2009-10-19) On the same day the United States Power Boat show began packing up at City Dock, Annapolis officials signed a lease to bring an international sailboat racing championship to the same space within days after the last exhibition tent is trucked away. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ocean City Merchants Bracing For Slots

Ocean City, MD (2009-10-12) A little more than a year ago, Ocean City merchants were urging voters to reject a plan that would put slot machines at a nearby harness racing track. The voters paid no heed and last month a state commission granted permits for 800 slots barely five miles from the boardwalk. Now, merchants at the resort are trying to make the best of a bad situation. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Solving the Infrastructure Problem

Baltimore and Montgomery County, MD (2009-10-01) The water main break that flooded much of Dundalk two weeks ago, washing out a commuter artery and stranding dozens, is the latest example of the problems outlined in "Drip, Drip, Drip: The Crisis That's Out of Sight and Out of Mind." In the last installment of this special report, WYPR's Joel McCord examines potential solutions.

The Forgotten Infrastructure - Protecting the Bay

Baltimore and Montgomery County, MD (2009-09-24) While municipalities and public works agencies throughout Maryland struggle to repair crumbling water mains and stop sewage spills, they face another rapidly growing infrastructure problem. In this installment of "Drip, Drip, Drip: The Crisis That's Out of Sight and Out of Mind," WYPR's Joel McCord delves into the storm drains.

Cummings Probes Health Insurance Execs

Capitol Hill (2009-09-18) On Capitol Hill this week - Congressman Elijah Cummings had some tough questions for major health insurance executives. The Maryland Democrat is trying to figure out how private insurers decide whom to cover and which claims to pay. Sara Sciammacco reports from Washington.

Sewer Problems Overwhelm City and State Maintenance Officials

Maryland and Washington, DC (2009-09-17) From Baltimore to Cumberland, from the Washington suburbs to Cambridge, sewer system operators are under state and federal orders to stop the spills that have damaged Chesapeake Bay tributaries over the years. But the costs are overwhelming. In this installment of "Drip, Drip, Drip: The Crisis That's Out of Sight and Out of Mind," WYPR's Joel McCord looks at how those operators are coping.