WYPR NewsRoom

Much At Stake For Dixon, City In Corruption Trial

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-12) The city of Baltimore must be grateful to see Mayor Sheila Dixon's long-awaited trial finally under way. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Chesapeake Center Threatened By Budget Axe

Baltimore, MD (2009-11-05) Just below the surface of Maryland's deep budget cutting lie flesh and blood reality - dashed hopes, dreams deferred and broken promises. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

The Annual Autumn "Dance" Begins

Baltimore, MD (2009-10-29) Maybe you think it's just a matter of raking the leaves. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says its time for a second look.

ACORN Convenient Punching Bag, But Necessary Irritant

Baltimore, MD (2009-10-22) Notwithstanding some foolish behavior by a few of its former workers, ACORN is the sort of positive irritant a democratic system must protect. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

NAACP Takes Unnecessary Preventative Measures

Baltimore, MD (2009-10-15) Better safe than sorry? That's about all you can say in defense of the local branch of the NAACP's curious effort to guarantee a black mayor for Baltimore, should Mayor Sheila Dixon have to leave the job. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

More Sunshine Need On City Contracts

Baltimore, MD (2009-10-08) The Baltimore Development Corporation contracted firms to tear down a few buildings recently and succeeded in raising a storm of criticism. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Olympic Bid A Needed Getaway For Obama

Baltimore, MD (2009-10-01) People are wondering why President Obama would interrupt conversations about health reform, a war or two and falling approval ratings, to lobby for the 2016 Olympics. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith offers some thoughts on that question in his weekly essay.

Indicted Dixon Faces Added Budget Duress

Baltimore, MD (2009-09-24) Even as prosecutors characterize her as a spendthrift, Mayor Sheila Dixon appeals to city workers and city residents for economizing until the recession clouds clear. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Unemployment's Far Reach

Baltimore, MD (2009-09-17) Unemployment, we are told, gives Maryland a bit of a break, well below the ominous national figures. It is with us, nevertheless, and we ought not forget. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

School Children, Adults Learn From Obama's Message

Baltimore, MD (2009-09-09) How far beyond the pale of reality are we gone when the President of the United States can't urge American kids to work hard in school? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Governor O'Malley Struggles to Balance Budget in an Unforgiving Era

Baltimore, MD (2009-09-03) Governor O'Malley struggles to balance his budget in an unforgiving era. He knew - or should have known. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Remembering a Lost Senator

Baltimore, MD (2009-08-27) The death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy touches Americans deeply. His venerated last name, his firm jaw, his family, his record as a public servant and his voice have been part of our lives as Americans for almost a half-century. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

City Residents Won't Let Gun Violence Deter Them From Inner Harbor

Baltimore, MD (2009-08-20) Shootings at the Inner Harbor last weekend sparked new concern about guns - not just in Baltimore but around the country. Visitors seemed unfazed, but how long will that last? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

An Anti-dote For "Bumper Sticker Politics"

Baltimore, MD (2009-08-13) The outbreak of bedlam in the health care town meetings calls for a return of the political truth squad. Fortunately, there s at least one truth meter up and running. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Sotomayor Does Intricate Dance Towards Confirmation

Baltimore, MD (2009-07-16) Judge Sotomayor's trial by question is about to end with her confirmation by senators who should be eager to vote for her. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Latest Senseless Shooting No "Stray" On Baltimore Streets

Baltimore, MD (2009-07-10) Another child was gravely wounded last week in the incessant gunfire on Baltimore streets. They called it a stray bullet. In his weekly essay, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says the language, among other things, needs to be changed.

Infrastructure Needs Scream For Attention Following D.C. Accident

Baltimore, MD (2009-06-25) The DC Metro crash this week is a chilling reminder that the nation's infrastructure always needs more work than its managers can afford. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Police and Commuting

Baltimore, MD (2009-06-11) A few Baltimore City employees have a cushy fringe benefit - take home automobiles. And sometimes home is not in Baltimore - or Maryland. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Pappas' Gubernatorial Hopes "Slim" But Not "None"

Baltimore, MD (2009-05-07) Mike Pappas wants to run for governor. Everyone applauds his ambition. Everyone also says his chances are slim t o none. It doesn't mean he shouldn't run. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Ignorance Of Nation's History Not Blissful Baltimore, MD (2009-04-23) Newspapers are dying and the future of the news media is in doubt. That's just the industry. Consumers are hungry for thoughtful consideration of public affairs, history and politics. You could see it Tuesday night at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall when the historian David McCullough spoke. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.