WYPR Public NewsRoom Archive

The Latino Vote in Maryland (2008-09-24)
Latinos are now the largest minority in the U.S., and a growing voter bloc. In WYPR's series of reports on the coming election, Bob Costantini spotlights the Hispanic community and efforts to reach out to them:

Experience Corps Benefits Seniors, Students (2008-09-24)
Last week was the beginning of the school year for a group of senior volunteers in Baltimore city. They are helping students in some of the city's troubled elementary schools. They are part of a nationwide program that aims to promote healthier learning environments through classroom interaction between the seniors and some of the youngest students. WYPR's Farrah Childs filed this report.

Proposed Constellation Sale Prompting More Questions Than Answers (2008-09-24)
A French company has increased the valued of its bid to acquire Constallation Energy Group, but the company still appears headed to Warren Buffet, the financial wizard from Omaha. WYPR's Georgia Samios, former deputy financial editor at The Sun, discusses the situation with WYPR's Senior News Analyst, Fraser Smith

Lawmakers Discuss the Bailout (2008-09-23)
Lawmakers of both parties are asking tough questions about the Bush Administration's emergency bailout plan for Wall Street. Prince George's Democrat Steny Hoyer is sending the message that it's not just about Wall Street. Todd Zwillich has more:

Presidential Politics in Maryland This Weekend (2008-09-22)
Presidential politics took on a Maryland flavor over the weekend with appearances by Republican candidate John McCain and Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney, as well as a send-off rally for Obama volunteers heading out of state. WYPR's Joel McCord and Bob Costantini report.

Gilchrist Expresses Support for Obama (2008-09-22)
Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest has now thrown his support behind Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Sara Sciammacco reports from Washington.

City. State Shocked Over Murder Of Former Baltimore Councilman (2008-09-22)
Just three days after former City Councilman Ken Harris was gunned down outside a Northeast Baltimore lounge, city officials, former colleagues and friends are trying to make sense of his untimely death. Meanwhile, police continue working to solve the case. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Maryland's Congressional Leaders Look Toward November Elections (2008-09-19)
Maryland's congressional lawmakers are counting on the country's economic woes to give the Democratic ticket a boost in November. They say the economy is the top issue among voters back home. Sara Sciammacco of the Capitol News Connection has more from Washington.

Inside Maryland Politics: Maryland's Historical Role in Presidential Elections, Pt. 2 (2008-09-19)
Former Maryland Secretary of State John Willis discusses Maryland's historic role in presidential elections.

State Transportation Budget Cuts Highlight Larger Fiscal Problems (2008-09-19)
Last week, state Transportation Secretary John Porcari announced more than a billion dollars in budget cuts that will delay highway and commuter rail improvements for years. The delays are part of a wider problem with the state budget brought on by the nation's declining economy. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Inside Maryland Politics: Maryland's Historical Role in Presidential Elections, Pt. 1 (2008-09-19)
In the weeks leading up to the Presidential Election, WYPR's Senior News Analyst discusses Maryland's role in Presidential Elections past with Former Secretary of State, John Willis.

Ravens Take On Browns; Last Place O's Finish The Season (2008-09-19)
Hurricane Ike gave the Ravens a bye week instead of a game in Houston last weekend. But Saturday, John Harbaugh's team resumes play this Sunday, when they host the Cleveland Browns at M & T Bank Stadium. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles will soon end their 11th consecutive losing season. Neal Conan, the host of NPR's Talk of The Nation sat in earlier today to discuss Charm City's sporting birds with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Constellation Energy Sale Raises Local Concerns Over Market (2008-09-19)
The Wall Street financial upheaval will apparently mean dramatic changes at Constellation Energy, parent company of BGE. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith discusses the implications of the company's effort t o stabilize itself with The Sun's Jay Hancock.

McCain Fortunes Slip As Wall Street Dips (2008-09-18)
Has the bouncing ball bounded past Alaska Governor Sarah Palin already? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

O's Mora Barely Recognized For Torrid Second Half Pace (2008-09-15)
Melvin Mora is 36, this is his 10th major-league season, his ninth with the Orioles, he's been an All-Star twice - yet his numbers for 2008 have gone beyond even his usual production. David Steele of the Baltimore Sun filed this report for WYPR about Mora, a star who receives little recognition.

Ike Postpones Ravens-Texans Game (2008-09-14)
The Baltimore Ravens will have to wait for Hurricane Ike to pass through South Texas before they see if they will play the Texans in Houston on Monday night. But no tropical depression can dampen the glow of the Ravens opening day win last week over the Cincinnati Bengals. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie to discuss that victory on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Getting Stimulus Checks to Those Who Did Not Expect One (2008-09-08)
Tens of thousands of people in the Baltimore area are being urged to file federal income tax returns, not because they have something to pay,,,but because they have something to get and, according to the plan, give back to the economy. WYPR's Bob Costantini has more on the effort to get stimulus checks in the hands of those most in need:

Flacco Era Begins For Ravens On Sunday (2008-09-05)
The long wait is over. The NFL's regular season began last night. The Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday at M & T Bank Stadium. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco makes his NFL debut by default as veterans Troy Smith and Kyle Boller are ailing. Will the Ravens be respectable or rotten? WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie to handicap the Ravens on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

The GOP Convention Sideshow (2008-09-05)
If national political conventions always draw party heavyweights, they also draw a sideshow almost as good as the main attraction inside the convention hall. WYPR's Joel McCord found one this week at the gates to the Republican National Convention.

Football Comes to the St. Frances Academy (2008-09-05)
As kids return to classrooms, the sounds of fall are being heard all over the area. But for one Baltimore school, Saint Frances Academy, an entirely new sound is reverberating . WYPR's Milton Kent watched the action from the sidelines and filed this report, the first in a series.

Major Force In Civil Rights Movement Will Be Missed (2008-09-04)
Baltimore lost one of its bravest souls this week with the death of the Rev. Chester Wickwire, former chaplain at the Johns Hopkins University and a major force in the Maryland civil rights movement. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comment s in his weekly essay.

Maryland's Delegation to the GOP Conventions Visits The Prairie Island Indian Community (2008-09-04)
With time on their hands before the vote to nominate John McCain their candidate for president, Maryland's delegation to the Republican National Convention visited nearby Prairie Island Indian Community. For most it was a lesson in a different culture, but for one member it was like coming home. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

POWs Talk to Maryland's Delegation at the Republican Convention (2008-09-03)
The Maryland delegation to the Republican National Convention met with former prisoners of war in St. Paul on Tuesday.

Marylanders At RNC Backing Palin For Veep (2008-09-03)
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is to accept the Republican nomination for vice president tonight. Members of the Maryland delegation to the GOP convention say they expect she will confound critics who say she doesn't have the experience to hold the second highest office in the land. WYPR's Joel McCord reports from the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

Maryland Republicans Think They Can Cut Into Dem Wins (2008-09-01)
Maryland Republicans are confident about John McCain in the strongly Democratic state.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Examining the Future of the Bay (2008-08-29)
Throughout the summer, WYPR's Joel McCord has profiled people and events that give the Chesapeake Bay its character. In this final edition of Chesapeake Summer he reminds us that the bay still faces serious problems.

Democrats Search For Unity in Denver (2008-08-28)
Tonight, Marylanders will crowd in Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium to hear Senator Barack Obama accept their party's nomination for President of the United States. As exciting as that history making moment may be, they know it's just the beginning.WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Teen Pregnancy On The Rise In Baltimore (2008-08-27)
Last year, the teen birth rate in Baltimore spiked. So has the rate for teenagers having sex and those who engage in sex without protection. As more teens get pregnant, Maryland taxpayers are having to pick up the tab for more un-insured health care. WYPR's Farrah Childs reports.

Democrats Express Mixed Feelings About Clinton at This Year's DNC (2008-08-26)
Maryland's Democratic Convention delegation might be a model of unanimity as the national party tries to fend off damage inflicted by a small but troubling group of Hillary Clinton diehards. Even so, the Free State's party includes a handful of Clinton sympathizers determined to support their candidate until she gets the respect they feel she's being denied. WYPR's senior News Analyst, Fraser Smith, who's in Denver covering the convention, reports:

Baltimore Schools Open Doors On A Hopeful Note (2008-08-26)
Public schools re-opened on Monday in the metro area. In Baltimore, 82-thousand students returned to classes amid great fanfare that included balloons, music and large signs at most schools with the new slogan: Great Kids, Great Schools. WYPR's Melody Simmons was on hand and filed this story.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Enjoying a Maryland Farmers Market (2008-08-22)
If there's one sure sign of summer throughout the Chesapeake region, it's the growing number of farmers' markets touting local produce. In this edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord visits one of those markets.

College Presidents take Controversial Stand on the Drinking Age (2008-08-21)
College presidents in Maryland and elsewhere have stirred up the proverbial hornets next with their support of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving are beside themselves. But maybe there's a middle ground. WYPR's Senior News analyst Fraser Smith comments n his weekly essay.

New School Chef Touts Farm Fresh Menu (2008-08-20)
When city schools open next week, there will be a fresh peach waiting for each of Baltimore's 82-thousand students. The fruit will be trucked in from a rural farm in Carroll County. It will usher in a new culinary era in the public schools that will highlight a move to fresh, local specialties, including crab soup. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

Highway Construction Reshaping I-95-695 Interchange (2008-08-18)
Construction delays on the Baltimore Beltway, or on I-695 in Maryland, are nothing new. But as any motorist making the daily commute through the I-95-I-695 interchange can see, there is something very new going on at the place where Baltimore's two busiest highways meet. WYPR's Garland Thompson reports on improvements that could make rush-hour bottlenecks a thing of the past:

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...A Visit to Sandy Point (2008-08-15)
Sandy Point State Park, with its long stretches of bay-front beaches, picnic areas and marina, enjoys a reputation as the working man's park. In this edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord finds out why.

Cambridge Continues To "Come Around" (2008-08-14)
Cambridge elects its first black mayor, Victoria Jackson-Stanley, 40 years after the Eastern Shore town was a hot-bed of racial hostility. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith offers this commentary.

The VA Increases Mental Health Services for Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan Conflicts (2008-08-13)
Maryland Army National Guard members get a heroes' welcome, of course, returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan. But as the Bush administration's war effort continues, there are repeat tours of duty and added stress on those who wear the uniform. WYPR's Bob Costantini spotlights the mental health outreach efforts that are now increasing as the number of veterans grows:

Bay Bridge Crash Raises Safety Concerns (2008-08-12)
Officials at Maryland Triple-A used the tractor trailer crash early Sunday that tied up Bay Bridge traffic for nearly 36 hours to renew their calls for studies leading to an additional bay crossing. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Groundbreaking For New Homeless Healthcare Clinic (2008-08-12)
Healthcare for the Homeless in Baltimore, is moving and expanding. Services will include health and dental care, podiatry, drug treatment and more. WYPR's Farrah Childs reports.

Numbers Of Maryland's Homeless Increasing (2008-08-11)
Last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported an overall decline in the number of chronically homeless people. Local Service providers and homeless people here say this may be true in other parts of the country, but not in Maryland. WYPR's Farrah Childs reports.

Meals on Wheels Feels the Crunch (2008-08-08)
A major feeding agency in Maryland may have to cut back service if high gas and food prices continue. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports as part of our occasional series, The Crunch, which details the impact of the economic downturn on local residents.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...AARGH! Middle Schoolers at Sea (2008-08-08)
Before the American Revolution, the British sent the schooner Sultana to the Chesapeake Bay to enforce the hated taxes on paint, glass and tea. In today's edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord boards a replica of that vessel, which has become a floating classroom.

Favre Saga Overshadows Ravens Pre-Season Opener (2008-08-08)
The Baltimore Ravens opened their pre-season schedule last night in Foxborough with a 16-15 win over the New England Patriots, in a game where most starters were rested. But the biggest story in the NFL and the world of sports took place a day earlier in New York. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie to discuss that story and the Ravens on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Homeless Muslim Women Find Shelter in West Baltimore (2008-08-07)
Every year, more than three million Americans will experience homelessness. And the current economic downturn has put even more stress on families trying to make ends meet. But there's one group of homeless few people hear about: Muslim women. No one knows how many Muslim women are homeless in Baltimore-- but a loosely-knit network of shelters is there to help them out. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

Baltimore's International Soccer Tournament Showcases Multiculturalism (2008-08-06)
A tour around Baltimore City's recent International Soccer Tournament feels like a visit to the United Nations. Flags representing different countries drape a series of tents. Languages besides English fill the air. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

State Remains Vigilant On Bridge Maintainence and Replacement (2008-08-04)
The Minnesota's I-35 West Bridge collapsed a one year ago. The tragedy prompted authorities everywhere to make bridge inspections a top priority. Maryland's 10 bridges built on the model of I-35 West all passed their health exams, but the inspections showed there is much work to be done to keep our citizens safe. WYPR's Garland Thompson filed this report on how Maryland is rebuilding and replacing its aging highway bridges.

Mock Disaster Staged At M & T Bank Stadium (2008-08-04)
M & T Bank Stadium in downtown Baltimore was bustling on Saturday, but it wasn't for Ravens football. Instead, city, state and federal officials were conducting a mock attack. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

Log Canoe Racing A Reminder Of Colorful Chesapeake Past (2008-08-01)
Log canoes, the 19th century work boats, were always in danger of capsizing as they raced to oystering grounds under full sail. Today, they race around buoys in Eastern Shore rivers, always in danger of capsizing. In this edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord takes in log canoe races at Rock Hall.

Sachs Heading Probe Into State Police Spying (2008-07-31)
Governor Martin O'Malley has asked former state Attorney General Steve Sachs to conduct an independent review of under cover state police surveillance of anti-war and anti-death penalty groups. He announced the probe in a news conference this morning and WYPR's Joel McCord was there.

Feds Press State On Racial Equality In Higher Education (2008-07-31)
Equal justice and equal treatment for black Marylanders remains a work in progress despite considerable progress. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith, author of the new book, Here Lies Jim Crow, comments in his weekly essay.

68: The Fire Last Time Ep 1 Pt 1 (2008-07-29)
WYPR's five part series examining the period surrounding the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

"'68: The Fire Last Time," Part 5 (2008-07-29)
In the last of our five-part series, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith leads a panel discussion on the events that occured in Baltimore following the April 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"'68: The Fire Last Time," Part 4 (2008-07-29)
The unrest in Baltimore lasted a little longer than three days but during that time, the violence spread over a thousand city blocks. It took the police, National Guard and federal troops and the tireless efforts of community leaders to end the violence. In that week, six people died, 700 were wounded and more than a thousand businesses were destroyed.

"'68: The Fire Last Time," Part 2 (2008-07-29)
This week WYPR is airing a five-part documentary series, 68: The Fire Last Time. Some people call it a riot - others refer to it as a citizen uprising . Both terms describe a period of confusion, anger, and tension that engulfed the city in April 1968 following the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, in Part 2, we look at the situation which Baltimore faced following the tragic news from Memphis. WYPR's Sunni Khalid continues our series.

"'68: The Fire Last Time," Part 3 (2008-07-29)
Forty years ago this week the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and the city of Baltimore erupted in violence. The riots subsided within days but their effects linger to this day. This week, WYPR is airing a special series on the events of April, 1968. WYPR's Sunni Khalid picks up the story in part three of "'68: The Fire Last Time."

"'68: The Fire Last Time," Part 1 (2008-07-29)
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil unrest that subsequently erupted in 125 cities and towns across the nation, including Baltimore. In the first of our five-part series, ' 68: The Fire Last Time, WYPR looks back at the month leading up to one of the most tumultuous weeks in Baltimore's history. WYPR's Sunni Khalid begins our series.

Comission on Capital Punishment Hears from Prominent Death Penalty Abolitionists (2008-07-28)
In its first session yesterday, Maryland's Commission on Capital Punishment heard from two men who turned in their brothers, despite fears they could receive the death penalty. And the results were very different. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Will Proposed New Arena Lure NBA Or NHL To Baltimore? (2008-07-25)
After a year-and-a-half of speculation, a local group released a report calling for the construction of a 300-million-dollar, 18-thousand, 500-seat area to replace the antiquated First Mariner Arena in downtown Baltimore. The new facility would be built on the same site. But is it too little, too late to attract a major league tenant? WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie to discuss a proposed new arena on Sports With Mike Lurie.

Black Boaters Celebrate Their Legacy (2008-07-24)
Dozens of African-American boating enthusiasts gathered this past weekend near Annapolis for fellowship and fun on the water. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Baltimore Youth Help Clean Up Bay Area (2008-07-24)
Maryland has a string of state parks around the Chesapeake Bay. And most of them have maintenance backlogs that reach into the millions of dollars. In this edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord takes a look at one effort to ease that problem.

Target Becomes New Anchor At Mondawmin Mall (2008-07-23)
While some neighborhoods struggle to keep small businesses, others struggle to keep big ones. National chain stores are still a rarity in Baltimore City. But as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, last night, a simple store opening was hailed as a major event for people wanting to simply shop:

Shoppers Excited for New Target Store (2008-07-23)
While some neighborhoods struggle to keep small businesses, others struggle to keep big ones. National chain stores are still a rarity in Baltimore City. But as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, last night, a simple store opening was hailed as a major event for people wanting to simply shop:

Program Helps Disabled Vets Back Into The Driver's Seat (2008-07-23)
The corner of The Alameda and Loch Raven Boulevard in Baltimore is famous as the site of the old Veterans Administration hospital. Although the main hospital has moved downtown, the site houses several clinics. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports that the campus in northeast Baltimore has also become a location where lives are turning a corner, figuratively and literally:

Group Tries To Reclaim Historic Cemetery (2008-07-23)
On a hill in west Baltimore, a historic African-American cemetery named Mt. Auburn sits as one of the city's most hallowed grounds. But years of neglect have rendered this site an overgrown forest, complete with broken and forgotten grave markers and a mausoleum that years ago disappeared in thickets -- until now. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this story about a group of men trying reclaim their past.

Baltimore City School's CEO: One Year On the Job (2008-07-22)
This month, Baltimore schools chief Andres Alonso marked the end of his first 365 days on the job. He inaugurated reforms that include paying students to increase test scores, signing up 700 volunteers to work in schools, replacing about 45 principals and personally reviewing all student suspensions. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

City Makes Progress In Fight Against Syphilis (2008-07-21)
Baltimore City once had the highest rate of syphilis in the country, but it has gone down significantly in the last 10 years. WYPR's Natasha Lesser reports on what the city Health Department is doing to combat the disease.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Oxford Residents Compete in Unusual Ways (2008-07-18)
For some reason, a lot of boating challenges start in a bar and turn into annual traditions. In this week's edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord soaks himself in the tradition of Oxford's annual cardboard boat races.

Campaign Launched To Fire State's Attorney's Spokesperson (2008-07-18)
A campaign to get the Baltimore City State's Attorney to fire her spokesperson got underway this week. The widow of a murder victim is demanding that Margaret Burns retract and apologize for comments published in an on-line publication or be fired. WYPR's Art Buist filed this story.

Assuring Words On Economy Far From Reassuring (2008-07-17)
President Bush urged Americans to keep the faith this week, but faith in the economy seemed to be in short supply. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Guild Members Protest Latest Sun Job Cuts (2008-07-17)
Baltimore Sun workers rallied today to protest 100 job cuts set to take place tomorrow. WYPR's Farrah Childs takes us into the lives of some people that are personally affected.

Congressional Delegation Debate Moves To End Recession (2008-07-16)
The President is urging Congress to pass emergency legislation to bolster a troubled economy. Maryland lawmakers are becoming increasingly vocal with their own ideas for how to shore up fragile markets and reassure a jittery public. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports from Capitol Hill.

Safe Streets Making Progress In Curbing Violence (2008-07-15)
A citywide campaign that works to reduce street violence has received funding to continue its efforts. WYPR's Farrah Childs reports on how some ex-offenders are making positive changes in their community.

The Crunch: Marylanders Try to Cope With High Gas Prices (2008-07-14)
Maryland's congressional delegation held a press conference Friday with members of the small business and non-profit communities about rising gas prices and what's being done to help. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports as part of our occasional series, The Crunch, which details the impact of the economic downturn on local residents.

Shootings in Baltimore Expected to Spike (2008-07-14)
Shootings and homicides are down this year, but experts predict they will spike during these hot summer months. WYPR's Farrah Childs takes you into the lives of people who have experienced gun violence first-hand.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...City Students Get Schooled in Nature Photography (2008-07-11)
The Chesapeake Bay has long been a source of inspiration for photographers and the National Geographic Magazine has long been known for its stunning photography. In this week's edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord visits a National Geographic Society Photo Camp at Port Isobel, Virginia.

O's Limping Towards All-Star Break (2008-07-11)
The Baltimore Orioles are stumbling toward next week's All-Star break. Are the Birds poised to repeat their annual mid-season swoon, or will they manage to remain in contention for a post-season berth. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie and Sun columnist Mike Lurie to discuss the O's on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Horse Auction Coming to Pennsylvania (2008-07-10)
Congress promised wild horses a home on the range forever. But competition from cattle -- heightened by years of development and drought has made that promise impossible to keep. Instead, the federal government is now running a traveling road show of wild horse adoptions. And it's coming this weekend to a town near you. WYPR's Karen Hosler reports.

New Jersey Women Delivers a Message in a Bottle (2008-07-09)
The cry for help tucked in a bottle and tossed into the ocean is a staple in tales of shipwreck survivors. A New Jersey woman has adapted that convention as part of a campaign to win Congressional passage of ocean conservation legislation. She stopped at the National Aquarium in Baltimore yesterday where WYPR's Joel McCord caught up with her.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Bay Bridge Workers Get Ready for Holiday Traffic (2008-07-04)
If the Chesapeake Bay is the heart of many Maryland summers, then the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the artery that frequently is clogged with traffic. In this Fourth of July edition of our Chesapeake Summer series, WYPR's Joel McCord visits with some of the people who try to keep that artery open.

Fireworks A Holiday Threat (2008-07-03)
As the Fourth of July approaches, many Maryland residents are going out to buy fireworks to be set off in backyards for the most part. As always, it's important to take precautions - and to be sure they're legal where you live. WYPR's Farrah Childs spoke to some experts about how to stay safe this Fourth.

Bill For Fallen Area Soldier Becomes Law (2008-07-02)
A bill signing ceremony was held Tuesday morning in honor of a Baltimore area soldier killed in Iraq while trying to obtain his American citizenship. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Roland Park Residents Upset Over Plans to Build Assisted Living Center in Green Space (2008-07-02)
There was standing room only last night in Roland Park at a community meeting to protest plans by the Baltimore Country Club to sell 18 acres to a senior living center. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this story.

Baltimore County Homeless Shelter Under New Control (2008-06-30)
Starting tomorrow, Baltimore County's east side homeless shelter will be under new control. The county decided not to renew its contract with St. Vincent de Paul, an independent faith-based non-profit organization known for its work with the homeless in Baltimore City. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...Survey Team Monitors Horseshoe Crab Levels (2008-06-27)
Ten years ago, the population of horseshoe crabs was declining, prompting tighter restrictions on harvesting them and setting off annual surveys to check on their status. In this edition of Chesapeake Summer, WYPR's Joel McCord joins a survey team in the Coastal Bays.

Sun Cuts Newsroom Staff Again; Local Group Tries To Buy Paper (2008-06-27)
Employees of the Sun are waiting today to learn what the Tribune Company will offer them to quit their jobs. The company announced Wednesday that 100 jobs would be cut from the Baltimore Sun Media Group. WYPR's Art Buist has been following this story and files this report.

Orioles Breeze Into Weekend Series With Nationals (2008-06-27)
The Baltimore Orioles travel to Washington to play a weekend series with the Nationals, still playing above .500 and fresh off taking a series against the Chicago Cubs. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie and Sun columnist Mike Lurie to discuss the high-flying Birds on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Dixon Responds To Latest Probe Allegations (2008-06-26)
Mayor Sheila Dixon held a press conference Wednesday at City Hall. For the first time, she addressed a wide range of issues surrounding the ongoing ethics investigation by the state special prosecutor's office relating to her tenure as city council president. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this report.

Prosecutorial Cloud Hangs Over Dixon, City (2008-06-26)
Mayor Sheila Dixon serves now in an atmosphere of suspicion as a state prosecutor examines her personal and public life. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Nats, New Ballpark Beckon O's Fans To D.C. (2008-06-26)
Today marks the final step in Baltimore and Washington truly becoming a two-team baseball market. The Orioles travel down the road to play the Nationals in the opener of the first inter-league series between the neighboring franchises, since the Nationals' new ballpark opened this spring. David Steele of the Baltimore Sun visited the Nation's capital earlier this week and filed this report for WYPR.

Federal Hill Residents Meet With Officials to Discuss Issues of Safety (2008-06-24)
A pair of murders on the streets of Federal Hill over the weekend has left residents there shocked and frightened. Nearly 200 turned out last night at a community meeting to discuss the neighborhood's safety with city police and politicians. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this report.

Ocean City Advises Citizens To Hit the Beach Before It's Too Late (2008-06-24)
With a sinking economy and soaring gas prices threatening summer vacation plans, merchants and elected officials in Ocean City have launched pre-emptive strikes to keep those tourist dollars coming. WYPR's Joel McCord reports as part of The Crunch, our occasional series on the economy.

This Week on Chesapeake Summer...A Visit With a Chesapeake Bay Soft Crabber (2008-06-20)
The Chesapeake Bay is the centerpiece of life in much of Maryland, and especially so in the summer. The early soft crab runs in Tangier Sound are among the first heralds of summer. Today we launch an occasional series, Chesapeake Summer. And in our first segment, WYPR's Joel McCord visits a Smith Island soft crabber.

Dr. Ben Carson Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom (2008-06-20)
He overcame significant odds; and Dr. Ben Carson, a Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon wants many more young people to follow his path. Dr. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom yesterday. WYPR's Bob Costantini was there and spoke later with eminent physician about the future:

Celtics Crush Lakers, Win 17th Championship (2008-06-19)
The Boston Celtics are once again the NBA champions after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Were the Celtics that good? Or were the Lakers that bad? WYPR's Andy Bienstock dissects the NBA Finals with David Steele, a sports columnist with the Baltimore Sun, who is sitting in this week for Jerry Bembry on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Maryland Lawmakers Divided on Drilling Issue (2008-06-19)
Maryland lawmakers are divided when it comes to drilling off their coasts. Though not simply along Party lines. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports from Capitol Hill.

Murphy, Russert At The Top Of Their Games (2008-06-19)
The world of politics lost two important statesmen in the last week. One was a Marylander, one a national figure. Both were lovers of politics. Both knew it was more than a game. WYPR's Senior News Analyst comments in his weekly essay.

Steroids and Horses (2008-06-18)
On occasion, the sport of horseracing can take a stunning turn from thrills to heartbreak. That seems to be happening a lot lately. In Washington, Congress is looking to take the reins on safety issues and the use of performance-enhancing drugs in horses. The industry wants a chance to make changes at its own pace. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports from Capitol Hill.

Rising Prices Take Bite Out Of Local Businesses (2008-06-18)
Whether or not the U.S. is in a recession, there's no denying a downturn in the economy, fueled by rising gasoline prices. As the first part in our occasional series of stories, The Crunch, WYPR's Bob Costantini examines the effects on many small businesses:

Dixon Probe Draws Mixed Public Reaction (2008-06-18)
One day after a raid on the home of Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon that's part of an ongoing ethics probe, the Mayor is making every attempt to conduct business as usual. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was among the reporters covering Dixon today, and getting public reaction. She filed this report.

Young Violinist Uses Talent to Support Obama (2008-06-17)
Senator Barack Obama, the all-but official Democratic candidate for president, got a boost from a young musician when he appeared at the Civic Center several months ago. Fourteen-year-old Joshua Coyne stood before a First Mariner Arena crowd of 13,000 with all the aplomb of a veteran performer. Later, he spoke about his candidate. WYPR's Senior News analyst Fraser Smith reports.

GOP Makeover (2008-06-17)
Republican leaders in the US House want to re-vamp the party image in order to stave off a Democratic landslide this year. Maryland Republicans welcome the changes, but they question if it will be enough. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

Jim McKay, Ogden Loomed Large Over Local Sports Scene (2008-06-13)
The Baltimore sports seen acknowledged the transition of two giants this week. Yesterday, the first Raven, perennial all-pro tackles Jonathan Ogden retired. A few days earlier, longtime sportscaster Jim McKay died at 80. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie and Sun columnist Mike Lurie to discuss the careers and lives of both men on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Strayer University and the Liberian Government Launch Scholarship Program (2008-06-13)
for-profit university in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area and the national government of Liberia have launched a scholarship program -- to help rebuild the war- ravaged West African nation, which was founded in 1847 by freed slaves repatriated from the United States. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Stray Bullet Slayings Prompt Difficult Questions (2008-06-12)
Babies hit by gunfire on city streets and young people staging hunger strikes are symptoms of a broader crisis in the care of Baltimore's children. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Federal Farm Bill Passes (2008-06-12)
As we heard earlier this week, the new Farm bill will help Marylanders who can't afford food to eat. The state will get money to pay for food stamps, to stock local pantries and get more fruits and vegetables into low-income schools. The bill will also invest hundreds of millions of dollars to protect the states largest natural resource the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland strawberry and asparagus growers are also getting some attention. Sara Sciammacco has more from Washington.

South Africa Also Grappling With Fuel Price Hike (2008-06-12)
The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States climbed past the four-dollar mark in the last few days, with no relief in sight. While Americans are starting to complain loudly about their plight, other countries around the globe have had to make their own adjustments to higher prices. Today, WYPR's Sunni Khalid spoke with former broadcast journalist Kenneth Walker in Johannesburg, South Africa, about how people in his adopted country is dealing with higher fuel costs.

Demand For Food Stamps Grows As Economy Struggles (2008-06-11)
Of the 23 million Americans using food stamps, about 350,000 are Marylanders. But not everyone who needs food stamps is getting them. Tens of thousands of Marylanders are eligible but not participating in the program. This federal assistance program received a small boost of 10 million dollars when the farm bill passed a few weeks ago. But serious problems remain. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden reports.

Down 2-0, Lakers In Must-Win Game Against Celtics (2008-06-10)
The Los Angeles Lakers face a must-win situation tonight when they host the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the NBA Finals. League M-V-P Kobe Bryant has been held in-check by the Celtics so far, but he's received little help from the rest of his team. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discusses tonight's match-up with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

City Kicks Off Youth Summer Jobs Program (2008-06-10)
Mayor Sheila Dixon kicked off a summer jobs program for Baltimore youth yesterday (Monday) at Morgan State University. Meanwhile, some other young people who waged a hunger strike that ended last week, held a press conference outside City Hall, still pushing for additional city funding. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

'Stop Snitching' Auteurs Start Snitching (2008-06-06)
Four years ago, Baltimore captured national headlines with the release of the infamous Stop Snitching DVD. The expletive-laden video featured cameos of some of the city's most violent drug dealers, who threatening to deal with anyone cooperating or snitching with police or prosecutors. As WYPR's Sunni Khalid reports, many of those who helped produce Stop Snitching and its sequel have not only ended up in prison, but are also snitching themselves to federal prosecutors.

Maryland's Superdelegates Go For Obama (2008-06-05)
U. S. Senator Ben Cardin shed his uncommitted super-delegate status yesterday, announcing his support of Senator Barack Obama. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Baltimore's Only Emergency Shelter For Homeless and Runaway Teens Shuts Down (2008-06-05)
A longtime youth group home, which also served as Baltimore City's only emergency shelter for homeless and runaway teens, has shut down. The closure of Peggy's Place has to do with an overall decline in state funding for group home operations. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Top Legislators Attend Summit Discussing Violence in Schools (2008-06-04)
Maryland schools are suffering a spike in student violence that's spreading from city to suburb to across the bay. WYPR's Bob Costantini has more on yesterday's Summit on School Safety Solutions that brought out some of the state's biggest names.

Hunger Striking Students To Meet Mayor Dixon (2008-06-04)
As summer nears, the issue of jobs for youth and how to fund them in Baltimore, is at a critical stage. Adding to the anxiety is a hunger strike, now in day six, being waged by some local students whose requests to fund a specific youth program will be the topic of a meeting today with the Mayor. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

High Levels of Rainfall Cause Mosquito Population to Rise (2008-06-03)
Record setting rainfall in May created perfect conditions for potentially large swarms of mosquitoes in June. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Blue Jays Distinguished In NCAA Lacrosse Championship Defeat (2008-05-30)
The Johns Hopkins University men's lacrosse team came up just short in last weekend's NCAA final against Syracuse, but the Blue Jays reputation as one of the top programs remains intact. Meanwhile, a young Orioles team is still hanging around .500 and having fun doing it. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, to discuss jays and O's on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Alleged Cop-Killer Goes to Trial (2008-05-29)
Shortly after midnight on January 9th 2007, off-duty Baltimore City Police Officer Troy Chesley, was shot and killed in Northwest Baltimore, apparently resisting a robbery or car jacking. Officer Chesley's killing was one of the events that inspired WYPR's award-winning series: "The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore. The trial of Officer Chesley's accused killer, Brandon Grimes, is set to begin this morning. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

New Bill That Honors a Fallen Soldier Expected to Pass (2008-05-29)
A Maryland mother whose son was killed in Iraq awaits word about a bill in his honor that could soon be signed into law by President Bush. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports

Enoch Pratt Free Library and Civic Frame Host HIV Forum (2008-05-29)
In local news, the Enoch Pratt Library hosted a forum last night on the issue of African American women and HIV/AIDS. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

Celtics, Pistons Look For Advantage In Deadlocked Series (2008-05-28)
The Boston Celtics host the Detroit Pistons tonight in Game 5 of the deadlocked Eastern Conference playoffs. Meanwhile, the defending champion San Antonio Spurs are one loss away from being eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers. WYPR's Sunni Khalid talks hoops with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Students Release Horseshoe Crabs Into the Bay (2008-05-28)
The Chesapeake Bay has long been the centerpiece of life in much of Maryland. And it becomes even more central in the summer. Today, WYPR's Joel McCord begins Chesapeake Summer, a look at summer life on the bay. He starts at Sandy Point State Park, joining students who have been raising horseshoe crabs in their classrooms over the winter.

O's Remain In Race; Hopkins Vies In NCAA Lacrosse Final Four (2008-05-24)
The Baltimore Orioles continue to hang tough near the top of the American League's East division following a road trip to New York. Preakness winner Big Brown takes his Triple Crown hopes to the Big Apple for the Belmont Stakes in a couple of weeks, hoping to be the first horse to pull off the feat in 30 years. WYPR's Sunni Khalid joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, to talk birds and horses once more on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Re-Examining The NAACP (2008-05-23)
Last week, we broke news that the Baltimore-based NAACP was poised to select a new national leader, whom we now know is 35-year-old Benjamin Jealous. As the NAACP moves forward, WYPR's Donna Marie Owens asked a cross-section of African-Americans across Baltimore, what issues they believe the Civil Rights organization should prioritize.

New Crabbing Regulations Approved (2008-05-23)
A panel of state lawmakers approved yesterday emergency regulations to cut the harvest of female blue crabs by more than a third. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

BSO's Alsop Puts Money Where Her Music Is (2008-05-22)
Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra are proposing to show, once again, why music is such an enriching element of city life. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comment s in his weekly essay

The BSO Does It's Part to Help the Community (2008-05-21)
Can music change young lives? Research says it can. And beginning next year, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will begin a program at Harriet Tubman Elementary School in West Baltimore to mentor potential young prodigies. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

The Economic Stimulus Checks Are Arriving (2008-05-20)
The 150-billion dollar economic stimulus plan from Washington, mostly in the form of tax rebates, is just starting to take hold,,,either with a check in the mail or direct deposit. WYPR's Bob Costantini has the story of one of a few local businesses advertising specifically to get customers to do what Uncle Sam wants spend the money and stimulate an ailing economy:

Donaghy Scandal Overshadowing NBA Conference Finals (2008-05-20)
Unfortunately for NBA Commissioner David Stern, the biggest news in the league is off the court. The Tim Donaghy referee scandal has resurfaced at the beginning of the conference finals. WYPR's Andy Bienstock explores the on and off-court issues with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Decentralizing the City School Budget (2008-05-20)
This Thursday, principals at a majority of the city's 192 schools will hand in budgets for next year. Unlike past years, they will have autonomy on how to spend a set amount and for the past six weeks, they have been focused on spread sheets trying to figure out how to pay for everything from curriculum to floor wax. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons explains.

State Survey Crews Track Rockfish Population (2008-05-19)
Spring time on the Chesapeake Bay brings, among other things, the spawning run of striped bass. It also brings state survey crews to the water to keep track of the species that nearly collapsed two decades ago, but seems to have recovered. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Humanitarian Problems in Gaza (2008-05-16)
Israel celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding this week with festive events that include a visit by President George W. Bush. In a sharp contrast, a humanitarian crisis is taking place for the million-and-a half Palestinians, who live in the isolated Gaza Strip. For them, 1948 marks a historical moment when many of them fled their homes in what is now Israel and never returned. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm filed this report.

Marylanders Anticipate the 133rd Preakness (2008-05-16)
On Saturday, more than 120-thousand people are likely to squeeze into Pimlico Race Course. If recent history is any guide, about 4-Million dollars will be bet at Old Hilltop' for the 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes, an additional 6-million will come in from other Maryland locations. WYPR's Art Buist reports the economic impact of the Preakness is a lot bigger than what happens at the track this weekend.

Beyond The Preakness: The Future Of Horse Racing In Maryland (2008-05-16)
Preakness week is here, again, and the debate is being renewed on the future of horse racing in Maryland and across the nation. Milton Kent of the Baltimore Sun hosts a panel discussion on the topic.

Celtics Survive Cavs; Hornets Push Spurs (2008-05-15)
The Boston Celtics survived a scare at home last night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but will Boston wilt on the road in game six? And the defending champion San Antonio Spurs face a must-win game tonight against the New Orleans Hornets, who lead their series three games-to-two. WYPR's Sunni Khalid talks hoops with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of EPSN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

East Baltimore Community Joins Church In March Against Drug Dealers (2008-05-15)
Fed up with drug dealers in their community, a historic Catholic school in East Baltimore held a community march earlier today. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

Let's Not Get Too Excited About the Drop In the Murder Rate Just Yet (2008-05-15)
Murders and violent crime figures are down in Baltimore, but odds are the underlying, crime producing problems have not been addressed. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Celtics, Spurs Facing Playoff Exits (2008-05-14)
The Boston Celtics roared through the NBA's regular season, but they are in danger of being bounced from the second round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Are the Celtics on the verge of a major upset? Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele talks hoops with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of EPSN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Baltimore's Crime Rates are Down, But How Safe is the City? (2008-05-14)
According the latest statistics compiled by the Baltimore Police Department, the overall crime rate is down just one-percent, but serious crime is down significantly in almost every category across the city, continuing a trend that began last August. The question is: Do city residents feel safer in their homes or neighborhoods? WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this reports.

Are Baltimoreans Getting on Board for the Red Line Transit Project? (2008-05-13)
It could cost more than a billion dollars. It could cost more than two billion. Baltimore civic leaders are pushing the Red Line, a transit project, that they argue needs to get moving. And as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, they are trying to get riders and community leaders on board, quickly:

A New Program Offers A Challenge and Opportunity for Ex-Offenders in Baltimore (2008-05-12)
A few determined ex-offenders are finding themselves in demand in a field clamoring for able workers willing to learn - and hustle. Relatively well-paying jobs and a new world of responsibility are available in a new training program. WYPR s Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports.

Thoroughbred Safety Hot Issue Following Derby (2008-05-09)
Paul Shepard says his love of horse racing began in the 4th grade watching Secretariat's 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes. His passion for the game led him to join the ranks of race horse ownership in a Maryland-based partnership. But the tragic breakdown of Eight Belles in Saturday's Kentucky Derby and the surrounding controversy over the safety of the animals has him thinking wholesale reform must be adopted if the sport is going to survive.

Hopkins, UMBC, Maryland and Navy Gain NCAA Lacrosse Tourney Berths (2008-05-09)
Four local schools, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Navy, Maryland and defending champion Johns Hopkins, begin play this weekend in the NCAA lacrosse tournament. WYPR's Andy Bienstock joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, to handicap the field on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Mothers of Murdered Children Start a Grief Counseling Program (2008-05-09)
Three Baltimore City mothers are rolling out a new support group and advocacy organization for families whose children have been murdered. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Juvenile Warrant Task Force Targets Baltimore Teen Offenders (2008-05-08)
A few days ago - WYPR aired a story on Baltimore City Police Department's adult warrant apprehension task force. Today, we go out with the department's juvenile warrant apprehension task force. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden has this report.

Fraser Smith on Grandparents Raising Grandkids (2008-05-08)
Family life in some parts of the United States is sustained by a resilient band of loving women determined to care for the children of their children. WYPR's Senior News analyst Fraser Smith considers to contribution of grandmother's in his pre-Mother's day essay.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Garner Local and National Attention (2008-05-07)
Hundreds of grandparents, including several busloads of Marylanders, are expected to descend on the Nation's Capitol today, [Wednesday] for the 3rd annual National GrandRally. For some Baltimoreans who are among the millions of Americans raising their grandchildren, this issue hits close to home. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Hornets Pushing Defending Champs To The Brink (2008-05-07)
The upstart New Orleans Hornets look to take their third straight game against the defending champion Spurs in San Antonio tonight. Meanwhile, recently-crowned league M-V-P Kobe Bryant leads his Laker squad against Utah in the other Western Conference semi-final series. Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele joins our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of EPSN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

New Production Aims to Direct School Children Away From Gangs (2008-05-06)
Anti-gang initiatives in Maryland are under way, including a new stage production featuring Baltimore City school students. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Clinton, Obama Vie In Crucial Indiana Primary (2008-05-06)
State election officials in North Carolina and Indiana have reported higher than expected turnout as voters went to the polls to cast ballots in the hotly-contested Democratic presidential primaries. Polls in the Tar Heel state give Senator Barack Obama the edge, while his rival, Senator Hillary Clinton has pulled ahead in some polls in Indiana. WYPR's Senior News Analyst spoke earlier today with our Bob Costantini, who reported from several polling stations in Indianapolis.

The Warrant Apprehension Task Force Seeks Out Baltimore's Most Violent Criminals (2008-05-05)
When she took office, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon vowed to focus efforts on violent offenders who were under warrant. In 2008, the number of people murdered in Baltimore so far is 60 - 23 fewer than this time last year. A federal, state and city partnership, the Warrant Apprehension Task Force was part of Dixon's plan; and though none of the really bad guys got caught, WYPR's Bob Costantini went along with the team one morning to experience their task:

Family Insurance Extends To 25-Year-Olds (2008-05-02)
At first glance, the seasons for high school and college graduation and open enrollment for health insurance plans may not seem to have much in common. But until this year, graduation and the loss of health insurance went hand in hand for many young adults. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O'Malley Seeks Federal Help for Watermen (2008-05-02)
Governor Martin O'Malley is turning to the federal government for help for hard-pressed Maryland watermen affected by declining crab stocks and new crabbing regulations. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Lawmakers Grapple with Rising Food Costs (2008-05-02)
While Congress stalls on the Farm bill, Maryland's low-income families struggle to pay for food. Skyrocketing prices have dried up several local food banks. Lawmakers are grappling over short and long term fixes. Sara Sciammacco has more from Washington.

Volunteers Attempt to Assuage Issues in Problematic City Schools (2008-05-02)
In just 15 days, 500 volunteers have stepped forward and expressed interest in a new program by Baltimore city school officials aimed at injecting a positive presence into schoolyards, classrooms and hallways. After a high school student was videotaped beating her teacher in a classroom last month, the volunteer program was established as officials hope to triage the embattled system. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

Pennsylvania Weigh Billion Dollar Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade (2008-05-02)
Pennsylvania municipalities and the state government have been locked for months in a bitter dispute over the cost of sewage treatment plant upgrades required to fulfill its Chesapeake Bay commitments. Now, an unlikely coalition has proposed a solution. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Immigrants March for Reform (2008-05-01)
Immigrants Rights activists marched on the nation's capitol today (Thursday). They say a lack of national immigration reform leads to states like Maryland passing their own tough anti-immigrant policies. Jodi Breisler reports.

O's Stay Close, Ravens Pick Flacco (2008-05-01)
The surprising Baltimore Orioles are hanging around first-place a month into the system. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens hope they selected their quarterback of the future in Delaware's Joe Flacco. WYPR's Sunni Khalid talks both of Charm City's birds with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Obama's Pastor Just Won't Back Down (2008-05-01)
The Democratic presidential primary campaign lurched along this week with another installment of Barack Obama-Jeremiah Wright matter. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Mavs, Suns Make Quick Exit From NBA Playoffs (2008-04-30)
Two of the NBA's perennial title contenders have already been eliminated from the playoffs - and Avery Johnson, the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks was fired earlier today. Meanwhile, And the verbose Washington Wizards face elimination tonight by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine, joins us from New York and talks hoops with WYPR's Sunni Khalid.

Local Economists Discuss Housing Crisis (2008-04-29)
With statistics indicating that over the next two years, one in 26 Maryland homeowners with sub-prime mortgages will be at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure, the topic is paramount these days in public concern and debate. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons went to a forum on the crisis Monday afternoon, where she heard more dire forecasts.

Frederick County Weighs Response To Immigrant Influx (2008-04-28)
Immigrants accounted for more than half of Maryland's workforce growth from 2000 to 2006, according to a recent study for the Urban Institute. That growth, however, isn't always smooth. Frederick County has one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the state, and local politicians have put forth several proposals aimed at highlighting the issue of immigration--both illegal and legal. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

High School Play Explores Violent Street Life Facing Teens (2008-04-25)
Tonight and tomorrow night, Baltimore's City high school students will present the hip-hop musical Concrete Jungle - written by, scored by, and performed by members of the after-school drama group, Unchained Talent. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden stopped by a dress rehearsal.

Ravens Pondering First-Round Pick (2008-04-25)
The NFL's annual college draft begins Saturday afternoon, with the Ravens hoping to find a star rookie with the eighth pick of the first round. Will they pick a quarterback with their first pick, or will they draft a cornerback or a lineman. Sports columnist Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun discussed the Ravens with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Is Baltimore Nearing an Institutional Meltdown? (2008-04-24)
Now and then, the city of Baltimore looks like a basket case. Schools and churches seem to be under siege. The social services infrastructure can't keep pace. Are we on the brink of institutional meltdown? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Suns, Mavs Both Down 2-0 In Playoff First-Round Series (2008-04-23)
The Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks made big late-regular season trades in hopes of strengthening their title chances, but both teams are down two games in their first-round playoff series. Did the Suns get the old Shaquille O'Neal, or an old Shaq? Did the Mavs get the old Jason Kidd, or an old Jason Kidd. David Steele of the Baltimore Sun raised these questions with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Pennsylvania Primary Crucial To Clinton, Obama (2008-04-22)
Voters went to the polls today to cast ballots in the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary, with Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama hoping to pick up delegates in their marathon race for their party's presidential nomination. Many polls expect a tight race, with Clinton remaining a slight favorite. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith spoke earlier today with our reporter Garland Thompson, who visited several stations in Philadelphia.

Arabbers, City Far Apart On Stable Solution (2008-04-22)
Baltimore's horse drawn produce vendors, known as arabbers, were looking forward to a new stable for their horses, promised by the city. But over the weekend, they got word that the city may be backing off. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Teachers Meet With Administrators at North Avenue to Discuss School Safety (2008-04-22)
The beating of a city teacher this month -- which was captured on a cell phone and made national headlines -- has started a dialogue about how to improve school safety. Yesterday, executives at North Avenue asked teachers their opinions. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons was there to hear their thoughts.

QB At Top Of Ravens Draft Needs (2008-04-21)
The Ravens have been of the NFL's most successful teams in the draft. But the recent retirement of quarterback Steve McNair will present the team with several scenarios heading into this weekend's draft. The Ravens have to come way with a quarterback. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun filed this report from the Ravens training facility in Owings Mills.

Lakers, Celtics Early Favorites For NBA Finals (2008-04-18)
The marathon that is the NBA playoffs begins this weekend. There are no clear-cut favorites in the competitive Western Conference, while the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons appear to be the class of the East. Could there be any first-round upsets? WYPR's Sunni Khalid raised this question with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

14 Year-Old Shot in West Baltimore (2008-04-18)
For the second day in a row, schools in a West Baltimore neighborhood were on what officials refer to as lockdown. Tuesday, a police officer and a suspected gang member were shot in the schools' vicinity, two suspects were arrested. Yesterday, in the same neighborhood, gunshots were fired again. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden reports.

McNair Retires, Ravens Look To Draft For QB (2008-04-17)
The Ravens have another gaping hole to fill following the unexpected retirement of starting quarterback Steve McNair yesterday. Will McNair's announcement force the Ravens to draft a quarterback in the first round of next week's NFL college draft. Sports columnist David Steele of The Baltimore Sun discussed the Ravens with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Saving a Local Symbol (2008-04-17)
The governors of Maryland and Virginia are weighing in on the latest effort to save the blue crab. Hardly anything matters more symbolically and materially to those who live along the Chesapeake. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith says hard choices await policymakers

WYPR Board of Directors Recieve CAB Results (2008-04-16)
WYPR's Board of Directors met yesterday to discuss station management issues. The meeting was highly-anticipated. And it was also the first board of directors' meeting since the February dismissal of talk-show host Marc Steiner. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

Maryland and Virginia Make Efforts to Correct the Problems with the Local Blue Crab Population (2008-04-16)
The governors of Maryland and Virginia pledged yesterday to work together to save the Chesapeake Bay's flagging blue crab population, but they left the details to others. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

BRAC Transplants from New Jersey Get a Tour of Baltimore (2008-04-14)
The expected influx of 60-thousand direct and indirect jobs related to base realignment and closure or BRAC spotlighted Baltimore City Saturday. WYPR's Bob Costantini caught up with people bussed in from New Jersey and then bussed all around town.

Bio-Tech Building Opens In East Baltimore (2008-04-11)
This morning in East Baltimore, nearly 500 people showed up for the opening of a 54 million dollar life sciences building. The building was erected in the footprint of a former blighted, and drug-infested block and several community leaders and politicians hailed the event as a new day for the city. Long-time residents, though, were not so optimistic. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

O'Malley Endures 'The Worst Stretch in his Years in Public Life' (2008-04-10)
Governor O'Malley says these last 14 months have been painful for him, in part because his wealthy state is home to a lot of families under stress from the failing economy, the toll of two wars - and the necessity of a tax increase. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay

Hornets' Paul Legitimate MVP Candidate (2008-04-10)
The NBA's surprise team of the year - the New Orleans Hornets - are holding on to the top spot in the Western Conference. And the Hornets' point guard, Chris Paul, has emerged as a candidate for league M-V-P. Meanwhile, the playoff-bound Washington Wizards are finishing the season strongly. WYPR's Sunni Khalid talked pro hoops with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

O'Malley Begins Signing Bills That Resulted from the Close of the General Assembly (2008-04-09)
Hours after Maryland's General Assembly closed up shop for the year Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law the first of nearly a thousand bills lawmakers passed over the last 90 days. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Two Top American Officials in Iraq Deliver Their Findings to Congress (2008-04-09)
The Iraq war, its length and cost in blood and treasure all merged yesterday in Washington and Baltimore. WYPR's Bob Costantini covered both ends of this story, as the two top American officials in Iraq delivered their latest outlook:

Maryland Senator Urges Congress to Ease the Pains of Foreclosure (2008-04-08)
Nearly twenty-three thousand Maryland residents faced foreclosure last year. Now Senator Barbara Mikulski is urging Congress to pass a relief measure that would provide counseling and legal services for homeowners. Evelyn Lombardo reports

African-American Voters Express Fears For Obama Candidacy (2008-04-08)
A recent CNN poll shows that three-in-four Americans say the United States is ready for a black president. Yet as Barack Obama edges closer towards potentially becoming the Democratic nominee, some African-American voters are worried. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

The Annual Sine Die (2008-04-08)
The curtain rang down last night on the General Assembly's 2008 session in which lawmakers repealed a tax they passed in November, replaced it with a new one and settled most of their differences with Constellation Energy. WYPR's Karen Hosler and Joel McCord report.

Chesapeake Bay Program Releases It's Latest Report Card (2008-04-07)
The Chesapeake Bay Program, an amalgam of state and federal agencies, released another depressing report card on the estuary's health last week as lawmakers in Annapolis wrestled with bay-related measures. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Baltimore County Feels the Pressure of it's Growing Homeless Population, and a Down Turning Economy (2008-04-07)
About 54-hundred people in Baltimore County are homeless at some point in any given year, and that number is expected to grow considerably. While most of them are women and children, the county is now focused on how to house men, particularly in the west side, where a permanent shelter is desperately needed. WYPR's Bob Costantini spotlights the issue:

Questions Arise as Some Seek to Change Maryland's Online Wine Sale Law (2008-04-04)
If you're a wine lover in Maryland, chances are you know you it's illegal to buy wine over the Internet. Maryland is one of 16 states that does not allow it. And that has many wine lovers crying sour grapes. WYPR's Sarah Richards takes a look at the recent effort to change the law.

Computer Services Tax Repealed (2008-04-03)
A key Senate committee voted to repeal the computer services tax, breaking a budget log jam, and the full Senate revived an important part of Governor Martin O'Malley's energy package on a busy day in Annapolis yesterday. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Playoff Berth Slipping Away from Mavericks (2008-04-02)
The NBA playoff chase continues with a couple of surprises. The floundering Phoenix Suns have righted their ship and are climbing the standings in the West. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks - without MVP Dirk (No-Vitskee) Nowitski - are in danger of missing the post-season. WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked pro hoops with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Alcopops (2008-04-02)
Is the Maryland General Assembly really proposing to okay the camouflaging of alcoholic beverages known as alcopops? The attorney general of Maryland worries they might. WYPR's Senior News analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Congressman Wynn Leaves His Seat Early, Causes Controversy (2008-04-02)
Eight-term Congressman Albert Wynn, who lost his re-election bid in this year's Democratic primary, has decided to leave Congress in June in order to get started on a lucrative lobbying career. But he's also leaving in his Prince George's and Montgomery county constituents in the lurch. WYPR's Karen Hosler reports.

Remembering Some of the Most Overlooked and Underappreciated Women in Baltimore History (2008-03-31)
Today is the last day of Women's History Month and Baltimore has more than its share of remarkable women to remember. A group of 50 adults and youths took a history tour Friday that paid a call to Mary Pickersgill's house, where she made the Star-Spangled Banner, and several other sites where women of note made their mark. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm has more:

Area Men's Schools Bounced From NCAA Tourney; O's Prep For Opener (2008-03-30)
All of the local men's college basketball teams have been eliminated from both the N-C-Double A and N-I-T tournaments, but bracketologists across the nation are still in the throes of March Madness. Meanwhile, the Orioles prepare to travel north from Florida in preparation for next week's home opener at Camden Yards. WYPR's Sunni Khalid talked hoops and Birds with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Lawmakers Try To Extend Thornton Funding to Military Families (2008-03-28)
The education funding formula known as Thornton, which the General Assembly adopted in 2002, contained money to help low-income children attend pre-kindergarten. Now, some lawmakers in Annapolis want to extend that to military families. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Maryland's Hiring Freeze Causes Shortage in Social Service Workers (2008-03-28)
For the last year, Maryland's social services departments have been understaffed- when it comes to signing up poor state residents for government assistance programs. The shortage stems from an ongoing state government hiring freeze imposed as part of an effort to stabilize Maryland's budget. State human resources officials are pushing to restore the positions, especially now under the threat of a recession and a possible upswing in government relief. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Maryland Settles it's Differences with BGE Parent Company, Constellation Energy (2008-03-28)
State's settlement of its dueling lawsuits with Constellation Energy, BGE's parent company, contains a number of trade-offs. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Newsome, Reese Blaze Trail For Black NFL Executives (2008-03-26)
When it comes to hiring minorities in the front office, it has been a slow process in the National Football League. But that might change with the recent success of two African American general managers, the Ravens' Ozzie Newsome and the New York Giants' Jerry Reese.

Fraser Smith on the Arrival of Spring (2008-03-26)
So you're feeling a little of that fever? Of course you are. That wonderful time of the year is upon us officially. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Area Television Viewers Prepare for Next Year's Digital Conversion Process (2008-03-24)
You've probably seen the announcements about the digital television conversion taking place in the United States. For the tech-not-so-savvy and people who watch over the air signals, WYPR's Bob Costantini gets us up to speed as the transition moves into the home stretch:

Reforms Needed in Maryland's Health Care System (2008-03-24)
Senator Ben Cardin joined a panel of health policy experts Saturday to discuss what needs to be done to improve health care access in Maryland. WYPR's Taunya English reports.

NCAA Tourney Underdogs Put Scare In Favorites (2008-03-21)
The Cinderella story ended earlier this afternoon for the gallant Golden Retrievers of UMBC, who were ousted from the NCAA men's basketball tournament by nationally-ranked Georgetown, 66-47. But other underdogs have already put a scare into some of the top-seeded teams. WYPR's Sunni Khalid spoke earlier with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, who does this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie from Raleigh.

Fifth Anniversary of Iraq War Spawns New Protests (2008-03-21)
Five years to the day after the second Iraq War began, Baltimore anti-war protestors gathered on all four corners of Northern Parkway and York Road for a vigil that drew support from passing motorists. No arrests were made, compared to dozens at federal government buildings in the District of Columbia. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm was there and filed this report.

Baltimore's 'Boy's Hope Girls Hope' Program Uses Strict Discipline to Help Students Graduate (2008-03-20)
There are many approaches to saving a child from poverty. Baltimore's Boys Hope Girls Hope program takes a rather drastic approach: it takes children out of their underprivileged environment entirely. The national program run by Jesuits has been operating in Baltimore for six years. Later this year, it plans to begin construction on a girls' residence. Until then, the program caters strictly to boys. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

Rockets Streak Over; Will They Fall In Tough NBA West? (2008-03-20)
The Houston Rockets 22-game winning streak is over. They're the top-ranked team in the tough Western Conference, but will they stay there? What teams are poised to make a late-season charge for the playoffs? WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked pro hoops with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Obama Addresses His Race and Relationships (2008-03-20)
Senator Barack Obama's discussion of America's racial divide comes in the midst of a campaign for president, but his observations are important to consider as the nation continues to struggle with its history of racial strife. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Congressional Race in Maryland Sheds Light on Gender Balance Among Elected Representatives (2008-03-19)
Donna Edwards' victory over an eight-term incumbent last month in heavily Democratic Prince George's County means she's set to become the first African-American woman to represent Maryland in Congress. Her gender is as remarkable as her race. Women have all but disappeared from Maryland's congressional ranks, and are losing seats in Annapolis as well. WYPR's Karen Hosler examines the trend.

Maryland State Senate Expected to Approve Medical Rights for Domestic Partners (2008-03-18)
A bill that would give unmarried partners in Maryland the right to make medical decisions for each other may be as far as the General Assembly is willing to go this year in extending rights to same sex couples. That's much less than what advocates for gay marriage had hoped. WYPR's Karen Hosler reports.

The Supreme Court Re-Examines DC's Gun Law (2008-03-18)
The US Supreme Court today is expected to take up a case on whether to overturn the nation's toughest handgun laws in Washington DC. Like Baltimore, Washington has suffered from the effects of high crime and gun violence. Maryland restricts gun owners by requiring safety locks. As Evelyn Lombardo of the Capital News Connection reports for WYPR that DC residents and its political leaders are divided on whether the city's handgun ban should remain.

Coppin State's Men's And Women's Basketball Teams Qualify For NCAA Tourneys (2008-03-18)
With the start of the NCAA basketball tournament this week, there are only five schools with conference tournament champions for men and women: North Carolina, Oral Roberts, San Diego, Western Kentucky and Coppin State. That's right, for the first time in school history the men and women from Coppin State will play in the NCAA tournament in the same year. W-Y-P-R's Jerry Bembry reports from the West Baltimore campus,where the two teams got together to watch the men's selection show.

Examining the Bills That Never Make It Out Of the State House (2008-03-14)
Every year there are bills in the General Assembly that attract a lot of attention but rarely get out of committee. WYPR's Karen Hosler and Joel McCord report on a few of them.

Food Stamp Challenge Highlights Need for Reform (2008-03-14)
Try spending no more than 21 dollars on food and beverages over seven days. That's what people taking Maryland's Food Stamp Challenge are doing this week. This national campaign sets out to raise awareness about living on the average food stamp benefit of three dollars per day. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports

Maryland Out Of NCAA Tourney; Local Schools Vie For Berths (2008-03-14)
The Maryland Terrapins were bounced out of the ACC men's basketball tournament and probably played themselves out of an NCAA tourney bid as well. But a handful of area teams have a good chance to make the big dance. WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked hoops with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie - who is with the O's in Fort Lauderdale -- on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

State Senate Approves Budget, Proposed Cuts (2008-03-13)
The state Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a budget for the next fiscal year that includes $350 million in cuts from the spending plan that Governor Martin O'Malley sent to lawmakers in January. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Baltimore City Public Schools Unveils 2008 Budget (2008-03-12)
Before a standing room only crowd last night, Baltimore schools CEO Andres Alonso outlined the system's 2009 budget. It calls for 110-million-dollars in cuts from the central North Avenue office including elimination of 310 full time jobs. The move is the first major school restructuring Alonso has taken on since he started in July. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this report.

How Long Can Streaking Rockets Win? (2008-03-12)
The sizzling Houston Rockets take a 19-game winning streak into tonight's game against the Hawks in Atlanta. How long can the Rockets streak last? WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked pro hoops with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

A Discussion About Major Changes in Baltimore's Public School Budget (2008-03-12)
Last night, Baltimore school's CEO Andres Alonso presented a $1.1 billion budget for 2009 to the school board. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith talks with reporter Melody Simmons about that meeting.

Morgan State Top Seed In MEAC Playoffs; NCAA Tourney Berth At Stake (2008-03-12)
When we last visited the Morgan State basketball team in December, there was an air of anticipation around campus after the Bears played competitive games against some of the nation's top programs. That excitement was justified Morgan State went on to win their conference regular season championship, and tonight the Bears begin their quest for the school's first berth in the Division I basketball tournament. W-Y-P-R's Jerry Bembry reports.

Responding To Listener Letters & E-mail Messages (2008-03-12)
Last week, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith addressed Senator Hillary Clinton's claim that WHITE House experience makes here a better candidate than Senator Barack Obama. This week, readers respond.

Baltimore City School For the Arts 'Expresses' Itself (2008-03-07)
At the Baltimore School for the Arts, everyone goes into high gear when it's time for Expressions, the annual showcase of student talent held in the lofty ballroom. But during this year's fundraising event, the old building looked better than new. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm visited the Mount Vernon campus before the performances wrapped this week.

Ravens Not Making Waves In Free Agent Market (2008-03-07)
The NFL's free agent signing season is in full swing, but the Baltimore Ravens have made few headlines. Should the Ravens try to acquire some quality veterans, or should they fill some glaring needs through next month's college draft? WYPR's Sunni Khalid raised this question with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

NBA's Western Conference Becoming Wilder (2008-03-06)
The NBA's Western Conference is even wilder than ever, as nine teams with winning records try to qualify for eight playoff berths. Meanwhile, the injury-depleted Washington Wizards are holding on to a playoff spot, despite the continued absence of star Gilbert Arenas. WYPR's Sunni Khalid raised these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

A Profile of an Atypical Drug Addict From Baltimore (2008-03-06)
For nearly two decades, Kellie Robinson was just another drug statistic in Baltimore. But her story is unique. The cousin of former Mayor Kurt Schmoke, Robinson was in gifted and talented classes in elementary and middle school. Then in high school, she began to fall behind academically and started getting high. Eventually, her life plunged into despair. But unlike most addicts here, Robinson's story has taken a hopeful turn. WYPR's Melody Simmons explains.

The Drama That Is The Democratic Primary (2008-03-06)
The Democratic Party's long struggle to choose a presidential nominee may rival the Sopranos or The Wire for drama and audience appeal. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Lawmakers Move to Stop Slots in Southern Maryland (2008-03-05)
Slot machines were outlawed in Southern Maryland in the mid-1960s. But they seem to be making a come-back in a slightly different form. And state lawmakers are moving to stop it. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Baltimore's Substance Abuse Epidemic Discussed (2008-03-04)
A Baltimore City Health Department report released earlier this year concludes deaths from drug and alcohol abuse overdose in Baltimore is 3 to 4 times higher compared to the rest of the nation. Public health professionals, as well as substance abusers, offer advice about how the city might improve its prevention, treatment and recovery programs. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Violent Crime Rate Down; Prosecutors, Police Encouraged (2008-03-03)
Authorities say aggressive police work has cut Baltimore's violent crime rate significantly since July of last year, but that's not the whole story. WYPR's Garland Thompson shows how tight supervision of released ex-offenders and effective federal anti-crime programs have helped put a dent in the scary spike of violent crime in Baltimore.

School Breakfast Program Gives Baltimore Students A Boost (2008-03-03)
This week is National School Breakfast week. Breakfast is available to more and more school children in Maryland, and they need it. That's the latest finding from a study conducted by the Food Research and Action Center. The survey found that for every 100 low-income children getting free or reduced lunch, only 43 had breakfast in school during the 2006-2007 school year. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Billick Sounds Off; Ravens Management Questioned Over Firing (2008-03-01)
Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick surfaced again in the media for the first time since he was fired by the team on New Year's Eve. In this commentary, Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele said it's not so important what Billick said, but about what his sudden dismissal says about the management style of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.

Maryland's Superdelegates Weigh In on the Close Democratic Presidential Race (2008-02-29)
They're called super-delegates, usually an afterthought and honor bestowed on democratic party bigwigs. In 2008, however, super-delegates may have the power to decide the nomination as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama continue a relatively close race. WYPR's Bob Costantini examines the local superdelegate landscape:

Yao Injury Could Ground Rockets Playoff Hopes (2008-02-28)
The surging Houston Rockets were making a run for the playoffs in the NBA's tough Western Conference before receiving word that their All-Star center Yao Ming would be lost for the year with a foot injury. Can the Rockets survive without Yao, or will they just have to wait until next year to make the post-season? David Steele of The Baltimore Sun put this question to our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Proposed Tech Tax Repeal Could Pose Quandry For Lawmakers (2008-02-28)
Maryland legislators, apparently with the support of Governor O'Malley, are about to undo one of the more important actions of last year's special legislative session. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Opposition To Tech Tax Building In General Assembly (2008-02-28)
When state lawmakers adopted a sales tax on computer services during the November special session, they stirred a hornet's nest of opposition. Yesterday, the hornets descended on Annapolis to lobby for repeal. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Nano Bio-Tech Industry Gets Boost From Annapolis (2008-02-27)
Senate President Mike Miller and Delegate Heather Mizeur launched a push yesterday for a measure they say would make Maryland the center of nano-biotechnology research in the world. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Indicted Bloods Member Ignored Federal Prosecutor's Warnings (2008-02-27)
Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein announced a 17-count indictment against 28 members of the Tree Top Piru Bloods, who allegedly ran a violent drug trafficking operation that stretched from Baltimore to Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. One of those named in the indictment is well-known to police and prosecutors for his brazen allegiance to the Bloods and his extensive record of violence. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Federal Indictment Targets Local Bloods Affiliate (2008-02-26)
Federal prosecutors yesterday issued a 49-page, 17-count indictment against 23 men and five women belonging to the Tree Top Piru Bloods, a local off-shot of the violent West Coast-based gang. Federal and city prosecutors and law enforcement officials vowed to continue their crackdown on gang activity. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Plans to Pay Baltimore City Students Sparks Controversy (2008-02-26)
It's bureaucratic name is the High School Assessment Recovery Program. Others may know this new approach in certain Baltimore city high schools as the plan to pay students to increase test scores. The controversial program opened this month as tutors are gathering to offer help to 5,793 low-scoring sophomores and juniors at 39 schools. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

Program Attempts to Get People Off of the Street and In to Jobs (2008-02-25)
Baltimore is one of the poorest cities of its size in the country. Census figures from 2003 rank it fifty-fifth out of sixty-eight American cities when it comes to median household income. Meanwhile, the number of children living below the poverty level dwarfs other Maryland counties. Many people associate these problems with the city's high crime rate. But one program is trying to break that link by helping people get jobs. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

Extreme Makeover: Statehouse Edition (2008-02-22)
A long overdue utility makeover of the Maryland State House will close the historic building for eight months this year. But curators of this living museum will freshen up the place as well adding a post-Civil War house chamber with controversial tales to tell. WYPR's Karen Hosler reports.

Governor, General Assembly Vow To Reduce Annapolis Crime (2008-02-22)
The state capital's crime rate dropped last year but murders increased, making the issue a big deal for Annapolis residents. So, at the urging of House Speaker Mike Busch, who represents the city, Governor Martin O'Malley announced yesterday a coordinated federal state and local crime fighting effort that could be a model for other cities in Maryland. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O's Open Spring Training Amid Low Expectations (2008-02-22)
The Baltimore Orioles have opened spring training in Florida, without any stars on their roster or any real hopes of breaking their 10-year string of losing seasons. David Steele, sports columnist for the Baltimore Sun, discussed these and other issues with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Dealing Frenzy Ends NBA's Trading Deadline (2008-02-21)
The smoke has cleared from the blockbuster deals before the NBA's trading deadline, with Ben Wallace, Wally Szerbiak and Joe Smith joining Cleveland and Mike James and Bonzi Wells relocating to New Orleans. Which team has emerged as the one to beat in the Western Conference? WYPR's Sunni Khalid sat down our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine to analyze all the recent wheeling and dealing on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Lessons Learned from "The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore" (2008-02-21)
One year ago, WYPR began a series of stories about crime in Baltimore. Entitled, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore. The objective was to illustrate the impact of crime on the quality of life - and on life itself. In this last report in the series, Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says an honest examination of the problem demands yet another major push for solutions.

Community Advisory Board Holds Open Meeting to Discuss the Changes at WYPR (2008-02-20)
It was the meeting many public radio listeners had been waiting for in Baltimore. Last night was the first opportunity local WYPR listeners had to voice their opinion on the recent changes undergone at the station. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

An Ex-Offender Explains His Successful Transition (2008-02-20)
Each year thousands of people are released from prison in Maryland. Only a small percentage of them find work. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Natasha Lesser reports on one ex-offender's success, and on what needs to be done to help others.

O'Malley Backs New Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2008-02-20)
Governor Martin O'Malley threw his support yesterday behind a measure designed to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland over the next 40 years. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

New Security Measures for Amtrak (2008-02-20)
This week Baltimore Amtrak passengers might notice some changes. The train operator is rolling out new security procedures. But insists the stepped-up precautions won't turn train stations into airports. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson went to Union Station to check it out.

Maryland's Foster Child Care System Discussed (2008-02-19)
The recent firing of Baltimore City social services employees, faulted for a toddler's death last year, raises concern about how Maryland's child welfare system protects and provides for the 10-thousand children currently in foster care. Young adults taken care of by the system speak up about the challenges but also the benefits they've received. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

A Look at the Baltimore Roots of the Two Most Powerful Women in Congress (2008-02-18)
It so happens Baltimore's the hometown of the two highest-ranking women in Congress, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Both Democratic lawmakers grew up in the bustling Baltimore of the 1940s and '50s. Both say today their rise to political power was no fluke but a result of a shared time, place and school. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm has the tale of two women in one city.

New Play Explores the Early Years of an American Hero (2008-02-18)
A Baltimore museum recently staged a Black History Month play portraying the life of a legendary American with Maryland roots. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

O'Malley Brings Budget Proposals to Capitol Hill (2008-02-15)
Nearly one month after proposing his budget for 2009 - Governor Martin O'Malley took his spending plans to Capitol Hill. The Democrat met with Maryland congressional lawmakers in an open meeting. Sara Sciammacco of the Capitol News Connection reports from Washington for WYPR.

Clemens, Trainer Trade Accusations Before Congressional Panel (2008-02-15)
Major League Baseball continued to grab off-season headlines this week, as star pitcher Roger Clemens and his former trainer, Brian MacNamee testified before a Congressional panel on the use of performance enhancing drugs. WYPR's Andy Bienstock raised the issue with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Incumbent Albert Wynn Loses Maryland's 4th District to Donna Edwards (2008-02-15)
It is rare for an incumbent Member of Congress to loose; it's even more unusual for an incumbent to loose in a primary, but last night voters in the 4th District replaced Albert Wynn with Challenger Donna Edwards. Wynn had represented the suburban Washington district for 16 years. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Senate Committee on Judicial Proceedings Discusses Marriage (2008-02-15)
On a day when many people were talking about love, the Senate Committee on Judicial Proceedings was talking about marriage; covenant marriage, heterosexual marriage, same gender marriage and domestic partnerships. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Rex Ryan Back In Ravens Fold After Missing Out On Head Coaching Job (2008-02-14)
Rex Ryan was a hot candidate recently to become a head coach in the NFL. But Ryan lost out on jobs in Atlanta and Miami. Since then, he has signed a new three-year contract with the Ravens and has been named assistant head coach as well as defensive coordinator. He looks forward to the Ravens becoming one the league's Top Five defenses again. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun filed this report for WYPR.

Andy Harris Defeats Incumbent Gilchrest in the First Congressional District (2008-02-14)
IT WAS A TOUGH CAMPAIGN, FILLED WITH NEGATIVE ADS,,,AND AS THE DUST SETTLES THIS MORNING, STATE SENATOR ANDY HARRIS HAS DEFEATED INCUMBENT WAYNE GILCHREST FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT REPUBLICAN NOMINATION. SHOWING HOW MUCH OF THE DISTRICT, ONCE CONSIDERED THE EASTERN SHORE'S, HAS SHIFTED TO THE WESTERN SHORE, WYPR'S BOB COSTANTINI REPORTS ON THE ELECTION NIGHT PARTIES, THAT WERE ALL CLOSE TO THE BAY BRIDGE:

Obama Wins Democratic Potomac Primaries (2008-02-13)
Maryland primary was supposed to be all Obama. And the pundits were correct. Jodi Breisler (Brice-lur) reports from Silver Spring, Maryland.

Dixon, Northeast Mayors Hold Summit On Illegal Guns (2008-02-13)
Mayor Sheila Dixon hosted a day-long conference at City Hall today with mayors from some other U.S. cities. They discussed the need to build a regional data base to track illegal guns. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this report.

WYPR's Election Night Coverage, Part Three (2008-02-13)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith moderates a panel discussion with Maryland Public Television political correspondent Charles Robinson and Johns Hopkins University professor emeritus Matthew Crenson.

Poll Sampling Shows Voters' Views Vary Widely (2008-02-13)
Freezing temperatures - and perilously icy streets - weren't enough to keep voters away from the polls yesterday in Maryland's primary election. An enthusiastic electorate turned out in greater than usual numbers in Baltimore and most of the surrounding counties, as well as the Washington, D.C. suburbs. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Pipkin Concedes To Harris In !st District GOP Race (2008-02-13)
State Senator E.J. Pipkin sent his supporters home before midnight Tuesday without conceding in the bruising Republican primary for Maryland's First Congressional District. About an hour later he changed his mind. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

WYPR's Election Night Coverage, Part One (2008-02-13)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith moderates a panel discussion with Maryland Public Televison political correspondent Charles Robinson and Johns Hopkins University's professor emiritus Matthew Crenson.

McCain Stays Strong in Potomac Primaries (2008-02-13)
Republican Senator John McCain beat Mike Huckabee by large margins in Maryland - but Huckabee came closer than expected in Virginia. McCain supporters are hoping he can unify conservatives in his party. His campaign says his moderate appeal will help him in November. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

WYPR's Election Night Coverage, Part Four (2008-02-13)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith moderates a panel discussion with Maryland Public Television correspondent Charles Robinson and Johns Hopkins University professor emeritus Matthew Crenson.

WYPR's Election Night Coverage, Part Two (2008-02-13)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith moderates a panel discussion with Maryland Public Television political correspondent Charles Robinson and Johns Hopkins University professor emeritus Matthew Crenson.

A Requiem For Two Congressional Heavyweights (2008-02-13)
This week's presidential primary in Maryland made several things unmistakably clear: Election 2008 is all about change. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay

Immigrant Discusses His Experience Voting for the First Time in America (2008-02-12)
Most of the first time voters in this primary were 18, or will be by November, but WYPR's Joel McCord found one in Annapolis who is a bit older.

Baltimore Board Of Elections Comment on the Voter Turnout Thus Far (2008-02-12)
Polls close at 8 p.m., but already, Baltimore elections officials are reporting brisk turnout. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Voters in Frederick County Maintain a Steady Turnout Despite Snowy Conditions (2008-02-12)
As part of today's ongoing primary election coverage, WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports about which presidential candidates Frederick County voters are supporting.

Maryland Voters Brave the Weather to Vote (2008-02-12)
Freezing temperatures and a dusting of snow greeted voters as they set out today for the polls in Maryland's primary. Still, an enthusiastic electorate turned out in greater than usual numbers in Baltimore and most of the surrounding counties, as well as the Washington, D.C. suburbs. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Some Thoughts from Voters in South Baltimore (2008-02-12)
Voters in Baltimore's Cherry Hill neighborhood came to the polls early this morning to record their selections in Maryland's presidential primary. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons was at one precinct at Southside Academy and filed this report.

Giants Super Bowl Surprise Shocks NFL (2008-02-12)
The New York Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory when they defeated the heavily favored New England Patriots, 17-14 in Super Bowl 42. Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele was at the big game and joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Looking at Political Preferences in North Baltimore (2008-02-12)
In North Baltimore, primary voters expressed preferences for candidates across the political spectrum. WYPR's Jamie Steihm talked with some of them.

Shaq Trade Sends Tremors Through NBA (2008-02-12)
The NBA trade deadline is little more than a week away, but one of the league's biggest stars has already been dealt. Center Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Miami Heat to Phoenix for Suns All-Star forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks. But will the proposed deal really improve either team? Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele joins our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Clinton Visits Maryland, Changes Campaign Manager (2008-02-11)
Tuesday's Maryland primary is going to be hotly contested for the democrats with more than 70 delegates at stake. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will appear in the Baltimore area today. WYPR's Bob Costantini was with the Clinton campaign yesterday, as it got a major shake-up before holding a rally in Bowie.

Proposed Bill to Toughen Dog Fighting Penalties (2008-02-08)
Delegate James Malone, a Democrat from Arbutus, sponsored a bill that made dog fighting a felony during the 2000 session. Now, aided by the splash of publicity surrounding the conviction of Atlantic Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on dog fighting related charges, he wants to make it a felony to even attend one. WYPR's Joel McCord

Young Voters Excited About Maryland's Potential Impact on Presidential Race (2008-02-08)
With both major political parties struggling to choose their nominees, Maryland's February 12th Primary might have a significant impact on the result. Young voters have been turning-out, and making their voices heard this Primary season. WYPR's Art Buist reports that young voters in Maryland plan to have their say this coming Tuesday.

Maryland's State Senate Debates the Best Use for the Chesapeake Bay Fund (2008-02-07)
During the special session in November, the General Assembly created a $50 million a year fund for Chesapeake Bay restoration projects. But they never specified how the money would be spent. Yesterday, a Senate committee took up a bill that lays out the rules and some groups wanted a piece of the money. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O'Malley Backs Down From Battles With Maryland School Superintendent (2008-02-07)
Some sort of peace deal was struck recently between Gov. Martin O'Malley and School Superintendent Nancy Grasmick. How and why may matter, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

New Family Trauma Center Extends Counseling Needs (2008-02-06)
Trauma is a fact of life for many families in Baltimore. A new collaboration between the University of Maryland and the Kennedy Krieger Family Center will be focussing on helping families survive traumatic experiences. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

Some Environmental Groups Remain Unimpressed With Wind Turbine Proposals (2008-02-06)
Usually, environmental groups are enthusiastic about clean energy projects. But the proposal to put 100 electricity generating wind turbines on state land in Potomac and Savage River State Forests in Western Maryland has given them pause. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Maryland's Presidential Primary May Have a Significant Impact on Party Nominations (2008-02-05)
It's Super Tuesday and some two-dozen states nationwide are holding presidential primaries and caucuses. Maryland won't hold its primary until February 12, but some experts predict the election here will matter more than ever. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Environmentalists Want Critical Areas Legislation Toughened (2008-02-05)
The 24-year-old law that was intended to protect the shoreline of the Chesapeake and its tributaries from development has been eroded to the point that it's ineffective. Now environmental groups are pushing for a new law to strengthen the old one. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Maryland Political Volunteers Travel Far Distances to Campaign for Candidates (2008-02-04)
This election season, countless Maryland political volunteers have gone the extra mile sometimes literally-to help their candidates' campaign efforts. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

How Effective is the State's New Violence Prevention Unit in Baltimore? (2008-02-01)
It's only been seven months since the State Division of Parole and Probation established its Violence Prevention Unit to help reduce violent crimes committed by ex-offenders, but officials say that they can already see progress. But can the initiative make a major impact in reducing homicides and violent crimes. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

NPR Holds Forum at Morgan State to Discuss Obama and His Effect on Race Relations (2008-02-01)
Morgan State University was the site of a special NPR broadcast yesterday focusing on African-American voters, Barack Obama and the Presidential election. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

Patriots Heavy Favorites Over Giants in Super Bowl XLII (2008-02-01)
This weekend it's Super Sunday, as the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots, a perfect 19-and-0 this year, are favored by 14 points over the Giants, but some analysts say underdogs have a puncher's chance to win. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

New Arm of Maryland's Parole and Probation Targets Violent Ex-Offenders (2008-01-31)
Last July, Maryland's Division of Parole and Probation created a special Violence Prevention Unit, or VPU, specifically tasked with keeping tabs on more than 13-hundred of the state's most violent ex-offenders. This stepped up enforcement unit came into being as a response to the recurring problem of ex-felons committing even more violent crimes.

As Two Candidates Concede, The Presidential Race Continues (2008-01-31)
Breaking up is hard to do - and so is leaving a presidential race. Talent - or strong leadership in a time of crisis - may not be enough to win the White House. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Assuaging Problematic House Fires in Baltimore (2008-01-30)
House fires in Baltimore are nothing new. Hardly a month passes without news of another deadly fire. Still, what few people know is that a little-known agreement involving utility companies, a hospital and the government is having an impact on the number of children killed in house fires. WYPR's Sarah Richards files this report.

West Virginia Wind Farms Provide Clean Energy Alternative (2008-01-30)
Reports that a Pennsylvania energy company wants to clear 400 mountaintop acres in state forests for wind turbines has stirred strong opposition, especially in Western Maryland where the turbines would be located. Because turbines already are in operation in West Virginia and more are under construction, WYPR's Joel McCord visited the sites and has this report.

New Parole Unit Keeping Tabs On Violent Ex-Offenders (2008-01-30)
What happens after a person gets out of jail is a mystery to most people. State agencies keep watch over former offenders, not only to keep the unrepentant off the streets, but to help others begin new, law-abiding lives. WYPR's Garland Thompson filed this report, part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

University of Maryland Law Students Travel to New Orleans in the Ongoing Relief Effort (2008-01-29)
University of Maryland Law School students returned recently from the school's third education and helping mission to New Orleans. They worked with lawyers, judges and home re-builders, helping a lot and learning a lot about themselves. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports.

An Examination of How Some Baltimoreans Memorialize the Deceased (2008-01-29)
Makeshift memorials often pop up on the streets to honor victims killed by violence. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum in Baltimore City is currently running a show to celebrate these memorials. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Stephanie Marudas starts off her report at the museum in Baltimore's historic Fells Point neighborhood.

Maryland Lawmakers React to President Bush's State of the Union Speech (2008-01-29)
Congressional Democrats from Maryland criticized the economic package laid out by President Bush in his final State of the Union address. Eric Niiler of the Capitol News Connection has more from Washington.

Resurgent Blue Devils Renew Rivalry With Terps (2008-01-25)
It's Duke week, again at College Park, as the Terps resume their long rivalry with the Blue Devils. Despite a first-round exit from the NCAA tournament last spring, Duke enters the weekend with a 15-1 record, four wins over ranked opponents and a number four national ranking. ESPN The Magazine's Jerry Bembry, reporting for WYPR, recently got a glimpse of the Blue Devils during a game in Philadelphia.

In Maryland's 4th Congressional District Race, A Rematch from 2006 (2008-01-25)
In 2006, incumbent 4th District Congressman Albert Wynn got an unusual scare: his challenger, Donna Edwards, came within 3,000 votes of defeating him in the Democratic Primary. This year features a rematch with both major candidates scrapping for every vote in the suburban Washington district which covers Prince George's and parts of Montgomery Counties. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

A Look at Maryland's First District GOP Race for Congress (2008-01-24)
One state senator argues he's conservative enough to represent the true feelings of his constituents. Another argues he's fought against corporate interests. And the incumbent in the first congressional district is playing up his more conservative side. That's the outlook as the republican voters face a choice in the February 12th primary. WYPR's Bob Costantini has a look at the GOP race for congress.

O'Malley Outlines Vision In State-Of-The-State Address (2008-01-24)
Gov. Martin O'Malley urged Marylanders yesterday to protect the state's values in what appear to be challenging economic times. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports on the governor's state of the state address yesterday in Annapolis.

O'Malley Continues to Defend Tax Plan During Annual State of the State Address (2008-01-23)
In his annual State of the State speech today, Governor Martin O'Malley defended the spending cuts and tax increases of the November special session despite a sagging economy that has hurt many Marylanders. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

East Side Group Tries To Steer Youths Away From Gangs (2008-01-23)
To reduce the city's homicide rate, Baltimore City officials are closely looking at gangs, guns, and drugs. As part of our series The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, Mary Rose Madden brings us a report about a group of young people who've watched the growth of gangs in Baltimore from within. And now, they're encouraging kids to reject gangs and accept their support and assistance.

Congressional Districts with Minority Representatives Recieve Less Money for Local Projects (2008-01-23)
A new study shows that minority members of Congress, including some from Maryland, get far less federal money for their home districts than their white counterparts. Leaders from the Congressional Black Caucus are pressing for change. Eric Niiler of the Capital News Connection filed this report for WYPR from Capitol Hill.

Gang Activity Creeps into Frederick County (2008-01-22)
Gang activity in Frederick County may be on the rise. The rapidly growing county north of Washington D.C. and west of Baltimore City is seeing signs of an influx of local, national, and international gangs. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Roland Park Branch Of Enoch Pratt Library Re-Opens (2008-01-22)
Roland Park residents and Enoch Pratt Free Library officials re-dedicated a 1920s library over the weekend after a long project doubled its size. It was the first time one community raised more than two million dollars to help cover the cost of enhancing a faded public space. WYPR's Jamie Stiehm was there for the fanfare:

Baltimoreans Unite to Commemorate the Memory Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (2008-01-21)
As the nation officially commemorates the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., local citizens and government leaders alike, reflect on his legacy. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Ravens' Head Coaching Search Nears Conclusion (2008-01-19)
More than two weeks after firing Head Coach Brian Billick, the Baltimore Ravens are no closer to naming a replacement. Meanwhile, the conference championships this Sunday will decide which teams will play in the Super Bowl 42 on February 4th. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, in this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Spiraling Violence Offers A Sobering Look At Dr. King's Legacy (2008-01-19)
In a brief speech at the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial concert this week, Mayor Sheila Dixon urged her audience at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall to worry about the city's endangered children. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Modern-Day Pied Piper Invents, Plays Own Instruments (2008-01-19)
He goes by the name Abu the Flutemaker, and he's on a mission to spread joy through music. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Advocates Push State To Adopt Emissions Legislation (2008-01-19)
As heavy snow piled up around them, hundreds of environmental advocates packed Lawyer's Mall outside the Maryland State House yesterday to demand action on a bill to limit the greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Activists Rally in Snow for Global Warming Bill (2008-01-18)
As heavy snow piled up around them, hundreds of environmental advocates packed Lawyer's Mall outside the Maryland State House yesterday to demand action on a bill to limit the greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

MLK Day in Perspective (2008-01-17)
In a brief speech at the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial concert this week, Mayor Sheila Dixon urged her audience at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall to worry about the city's endangered children. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Community Grieves The Murder Of Model Youth (2008-01-17)
Baltimore NAACP leaders and others gathered at a Northeast Baltimore intersection yesterday, to express grief and anger over the fatal shooting of a local teen, described as a model young man. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Donna Marie Owens filed this report from the scene.

Governor's Budget Focuses on Education, Energy (2008-01-17)
The $31.5 billion operating budget Governor Martin O'Malley released yesterday increases spending on schools and energy conservation programs while it cuts $550 million in projected spending. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

An Updated Look at the New CEO of Baltimore's Public Schools (2008-01-16)
It's been seven months since Dr. Andres Alonso took over as CEO of Baltimore's struggling public school system of 82,415 students. He inherited many challenges, including high truancy rates and a long list of failing schools. How is he coping? WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this story.

Plucky Wizards Double-Up Celtics; Heat Fades (2008-01-16)
The injury-riddled Washington Wizards have pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the NBA season so far, beating the league-leading Boston Celtics in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, the playoff hopes of the Miami Heat are fading fast. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discusses these are other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

O'Malley Closes Rosewood Amid Report, Complaints (2008-01-16)
After years of complaints from advocates for the disabled and a string of critical reports, Rosewood, the state's center for the developmentally disabled in Owings Mills is to close. Governor Martin O'Malley announced the closing yesterday and WYPR's Joel McCord was there.

Ex-Offenders Seek Help from Park Heights Group (2008-01-15)
A Park Heights non-profit group says its brand of crime and violence prevention is essential if Baltimore hopes to stop the revolving door that ushers convicted criminals in and out of city neighborhoods. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Taunya English filed this report.

Wounded Soldier's Plight Dramatizes Need for Increased Veterans Care (2008-01-14)
Since the Iraq war began in 2003, some 39-hundred American service-persons have lost their lives and more than 28-thousand have been wounded, according to the Dept. of Defense. Among those severely injured is Maryland resident Ryan Major, whose story listeners first heard here more than a year ago. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens updates us on his recovery.

Republicans Appeal Carroll County Ruling (2008-01-14)
Republican lawmakers appealed today the ruling of a Carroll County judge who threw out their suit to overturn the laws passed during November's special session of the General Assembly. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Study Says Coast Guard Unable To Prevent Extremist Attacks (2008-01-11)
Ports in Maryland may not be as secure as people think. According to the Government Accountability Office the Coast Guard is stretched thin and doesn't have the resources to prevent possible terrorist attacks on natural gas and oil tankers. Matt Laslo of the Capital News Connection reports from Washington.

State Facing Shortage Of Physicians (2008-01-11)
Two groups representing Maryland doctors and the state's hospitals kicked off a campaign this week to persuade policymakers to take steps to reverse a worsening physician shortage, which some say is compromising patient care. WYPR's Taunya English reports from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Ravens Still Looking For Head Coach; NFL Playoffs Heat Up (2008-01-11)
Several candidates have come and gone, but the Baltimore Ravens seem to closer to selecting a successor to former head coach Brian Billick. Meanwhile, the NFL playoffs reaches the divisional round this weekend with four games. Who will move closer to the Super Bowl? WYPR's Sunni Khalid puts these questions to our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, in this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Mayor Dixon Heads to Annapolis to Explain New Crime Fighting Strategy (2008-01-10)
Just an hour before Maryland's General Assembly convened in Annapolis today, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon laid out an agenda heavy on crime fighting initiatives. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Carroll County Judge Rules for Sate on Special Session (2008-01-10)
A Carroll County Circuit Court judge today denied a suit by Republican lawmakers to overturn tax hikes passed during last fall's Special Session. Governor O'Malley and many Democratic legislators are claim they have been vindicated by the ruling, while Republicans consider whether to launch an appeal. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith talked with our State House correspondent Joel McCord by telephone from Annapolis.

Lackluster Opening Day at the Maryland General Assembly (2008-01-10)
The highs of political victory - and the high anxiety of public service - led to an oddly low-key opening day session of the Maryland General Assembly yesterday. WYPR's Senior New Analyst comments in his weekly essay.

Maryland General Assembly Looks to Tackle Energy, New Business (2008-01-09)
With much of the difficult budget-balancing work behind them - but with more economizing ahead - the Maryland General Assembly convenes today for its annual 90-day session. WYPR's State House Correspondent Joel McCord and Senior News analyst Fraser Smith review this year's agenda.

City Sues Wells Fargo, Alleges Predatory Lending Toward Blacks (2008-01-09)
Baltimore City has filed suit against Wells Fargo Bank, alleging that the lender directly responsible for practices that have led to an unusually high rate of foreclosures against African-American homeowners, hurting efforts aimed at rebuilding some depressed communities. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Local Organization Brings the Arts to Baltimore's Youth (2008-01-08)
For the past five years, a local organization called Kiddie C.A.T.S. has introduced Baltimore's youth to the theater-going experience through a series of performances. Now, the group has expanded its operation to include after school arts workshops. WYPR's Jonathan Ehrens has this report.

An Update: ACLU's Lawsuit Against Baltimore City Police Department (2008-01-07)
Last year, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland filed a class action lawsuit against Baltimore's police, state and city officials. In it, the ACLU alleged the police were arresting people without just cause. Now, the ACLU is amending that lawsuit. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sarah Richards filed this report.

Gender Plays a Role in Treatment of HIV (2008-01-04)
Baltimore ranks near the top of cities in the nation for people with the HIV virus that causes AIDS. Women who are H-I-V positive may be missing out on critical information about their treatment options, according to a survey of women with the AIDS virus. WYPR's Taunya English reports.

Judge To Rule On GOP Lawsuit On Special Session (2008-01-04)
In a Carroll County courtroom today, lawyers for the state and five Republican lawmakers clashed over a GOP bid to declare the actions of last November's special tax raising session of the General Assembly null and void. WYPR's State House correspondent Joel McCord and Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith discuss the day's events.

Ravens Begin Search For New Head Coach In Earnest (2008-01-04)
The Baltimore Ravens continue their search for a new head coach a week after dismissing Brian Billick. Who are the candidates? And how much input will veteran players, like Ray Lewis, have in the selection. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, for this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

A New Year in a Perilous World (2008-01-03)
The New Year offers little more, so far, than a sobering new reminder of what a perilous world we inhabit and how we are increasingly interdependent. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Pistons, Celtics Dominate NBA's East; Undermanned Wizards Hanging Tough (2008-01-02)
The Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics meet this weekend in a showdown of the two best teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards continue to play well, without their injured superstar guard Gilbert Arenas. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these topics with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Ravens' Billick Dismissed Following Disappointing System (2008-01-01)
Despite earlier reassurances from ownership, Brian Billick was fired on New Year's Eve by the Baltimore Ravens. The news came nine years to-the-day that Billick led the franchise to its first-ever playoff win, during the team's 2000 Super Bowl run. But with the Ravens failing to make the playoffs again in 2008, the move was made. WYPR's Mike Lurie reports.

Annapolis Dock Getting Multi-Million Dollar Makeover (2007-12-31)
City Dock is the place to see and be seen in Annapolis. Even in winter, boats tie up at the bulkhead. But this year, Ego Alley has been taken over by construction barges as the dock gets a facelift. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Billick Era Ends; Ravens Begin Search For New Head Coach (2007-12-31)
The end of the Baltimore Ravens' disappointing 5-11 season also brought an end to the nine-year tenure of Brian Billick as head coach. Owner Steve Bisciotti made the official announcement this afternoon that it was time for a change. Here now, David Steele of the Baltimore Sun, talking about the move and what the Ravens do next, with Sun colleague Mike Preston.

Ravens Ending Season With A Whimper (2007-12-28)
The Baltimore Ravens end a disappointing regular season Sunday afternoon when they host the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Can the Ravens end their nine-game losing streak? Can head coach Brian Billick keep his job? Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, for this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Trailblazers NBA's Biggest Surprise (2007-12-27)
The Portland Trailblazers current winning streak has reached 11 games, making them the surprise team in the NBA so far. But hard times have befallen two Eastern Conference powers, as the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to struggle. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the league's biggest surprises and disappointments with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Rate Hike Protestors March On Mayor Dixon's House On Xmas Day (2007-12-26)
Hoping to take advantage of Christmas Day and its news vacuum, media-savvy protesters ginned up some coverage in their quest to roll-back big electric rate increases in the Baltimore area. As WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, the target of their ire was the mayor:

Christmas Story Retold By Local Elementary School (2007-12-24)
Everyone has a favorite Christmas pageant, but there are those who say the season hasn't really arrived until the children sing at Grace and St. Peters, the private elementary school on Park Avenue in Baltimore's Mt. Vernon neighborhood. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports.

New Efforts to Reform the Bail Bond System In Baltimore (2007-12-21)
A reform effort in Baltimore City is under way to stop locking up non-violent petty crime suspects before trial because they can't afford bail. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Ravens Stumble Towards Season's End (2007-12-21)
Rookie Troy Smith will make his first start as quarterback this Sunday when the reeling Ravens meet the Seahawks in Seattle. Can Smith help end the Ravens eight-game losing streak? Or is all hope lost for the season? Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, for this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Newsome Says Ravens' Window of Opportunity Not Closed (2007-12-21)
Hopes for another Super Bowl berth faded long ago for the struggling Baltimore Ravens, who have lost eight straight games - the latest to the previously winless Miami Dolphins. The task of re-tooling or rebuilding the team will be the job of Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome, widely acknowledged as one of the shrewdest executives in the league. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun recently sat down with Newsome and filed this report.

Steroid Scandal Implies 19 Orioles With Focus on Second Baseman, Brian Roberts (2007-12-20)
Nineteen current and former Orioles were named in the recent Major League Baseball probe into steroid and human growth hormone probe by former Senator George Mitchell. While the national spotlight may be on homerun king Barry Bonds and pitcher Roger Clemens, locally the focus is on Orioles All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts. And it should be, according to Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele.

Potential FCC Decision May Imply Decreasing Democracy (2007-12-20)
When does a decision by the Federal Communications Commission threaten the nation's democracy? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

New Basketball Coach Seeks to Revive Morgan State, Career (2007-12-20)
You have to go back a generation to find the last time the Morgan State men's basketball team had a winning record. But the Bears are 5-4 going into Friday's home game against Longwood, and when you walk around campus these days you sense the fortunes of the team are changing. Credit coach Todd Bozeman, who's in his second season at Morgan after essentially being banned from college basketball for nearly a decade. W-Y-P-R's Jerry Bembry files this profile on Bozeman.

Maryland's Former Top Cop Reinvented (2007-12-19)
Four years ago this month, Ed Norris, was indicted by a federal grand jury. The former head of the Maryland State Police pled guilty conspiracy to obtain by fraud and misapply funds of the Baltimore City Police Department and fraud and false statements in an individual tax return form. Norris was sentenced to six months in a federal prison. Today, he's reinvented himself as a popular talk show host.

Ex-Offenders Find Employment Difficult To Obtain After Incarceration (2007-12-18)
Ex-offenders face myriad challenges as they try to re-enter society. One of the most difficult is finding a job. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens illuminates the problem both offenders and employers face when it comes to hiring the thousands of men and women released annually from Maryland prisons. Her report is part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Baltimore Changes It's Recycling Program In Order to Boost Participation (2007-12-17)
Baltimore kicked off its new single-stream recycling program overwhelmed by residents' response to the sale of special containers to help promote participation. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports city officials hope to surpass the national rate of recycling, now pegged at 32 percent, by making it easy to store and collect:

Deadly Fire In Roland Park Raises Awareness About Fire Safety (2007-12-14)
Residents of an affluent Baltimore City neighborhood are paying closer attention to fire safety. The vigilance follows a recent house fire in the neighborhood that killed two children. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Dolphins Perfectly Awful Foe For Ravens (2007-12-14)
The New England Patriots have been perfect this season, while the winless Miami Dolphins have been perfectly awful. But are the struggling Ravens good enough to beat them this Sunday? Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, for this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Federal Program Could Make Baltimore "Greener" (2007-12-13)
Federal assistance might be on the way for Baltimore to become a cleaner and greener city, IF an energy bill becomes law. That's a big if. As Elizabeth Wynne Johnson of the Capital News Connection filed this report for WYPR about the legislation and the rocky road ahead.

Baltimore Unveils Plan to Reduce Homelessness (2007-12-13)
With the Baltimore homeless population estimated at 3,000, city leaders will soon release a report aimed at ending homelessness in the next decade. At a forum yesterday, homeless advocates and workers discussed the many hurdles that need to be cleared before such a goal can be reached. Among them are a lack of low-income housing stock, poor health care and education options. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this story.

O's Finally Unload Unhappy Tejada (2007-12-12)
The Orioles pulled off a major trade earlier today, trading their best player, unhappy shortstop Miguel Tejada (Tuh-HA-duh) to the Houston Astros for five players, including three pitchers. Is the move addition by subtraction, or just another bad deal Baltimore Sun columnist David Steele joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, for a special edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Will Global Warming Concerns Rise Fast Enough to Solve the Problem Before It's Too Late? (2007-12-12)
From Australia to the shores of the Chesapeake, the environmental consciousness sought by Nobel laureate Al Gore seems to be rising. But will it rise as quickly as sea levels? WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Slots Zoning Debate Rages in Cecil, Worcester Counties (2007-12-12)
A proposed State Constitutional Amendment would allow slot machine gambling at five locations: Anne Arundel, Cecil, and Worcester Counties, as well as Rocky Gap State Park, and Baltimore City. The vote is almost a year away, but local jurisdictions are thinking about what slots in their midst might mean. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Pennsylvania Hog Farm Expansion Plans Frighten For Residents (2007-12-12)
For three decades, farmers across the nation have been using Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, known as CAFOs, to meet the demand for plentiful and cheap food. But these operations also have created water quality and health problems for their neighbors. WYPR's Joel McCord reports on the battle over plans for one operation in Pennsylvania just north of Bel Air.

Bike Trail in Baltimore's Mt. Washington Neighborhood Causes Some Community Dissonance (2007-12-10)
Most neighborhood groups would kill for the kind of community participation that residents of Mount Washington, in northwest Baltimore, pride themselves in delivering. But as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, it may be a two-edged sword, considering the battle over a 16-foot bike path that would go through the village.

Non-Profit Empowers Local Teenagers (2007-12-07)
A non-profit group that aims to help young people affect positive change in their communities, had a special celebration last night in Southeast Baltimore. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

New Program for Refugee Youth (2007-12-07)
An after-school program plans to set up a site in Howard County to serve young Burmese refugees. The Refugee Youth Project currently operates at two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. It provides both academic and social support to young refugees between the ages of five and eighteen. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Sixers Fire GM King, Is Knicks' Thomas Next? (2007-12-06)
Earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers fired their longtime general manager Billy King. Could Isiah Thomas, the general manager/head coach of the hapless New York Knicks, be next? And can the Washington Wizards stay afloat for the next three months in the playoff race without star Gilbert Arenas? WYPR's Sunni Khalid posed these questions to our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine on this week's edition of NBA Beat.

Gypsy Moths Cause Headaches in Western Maryland (2007-12-05)
Every October, Garrett County's Autumn Glory festival pumps millions of dollars into the local economy. But those glorious red and gold leaves are being chewed away by gypsy moths, threatening that burst of tourism dollars. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Dixon Inaugurated as Baltimore's 48th Mayor (2007-12-04)
This morning at Morgan State University in northeast Baltimore, Sheila Dixon will be sworn in as the city's 48th mayor by her predecessor, Gov. Martin O'Malley. As interim mayor for 10 months, Dixon, has laid the groundwork for her first full administration. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this report.

Computer Service Industry to Take Hit With Added Tax (2007-12-03)
As part of the closing flurry of the General Assembly's special session last month, a new 6 percent sales tax was levied on computer services performed in the state. The tax, to take effect on July 1, was added by lawmakers at the 11th hour of the three-week session with little discussion from business owners about its potential impact. In the aftermath, though, the legislation has left many who own computer repair shops scrambling to figure out how their businesses will cope.

Reeling Ravens Have Prayer's Chance Against Unbeaten Pats (2007-11-30)
The unbeaten New England Patriots come to Baltimore for a nationally-televised Monday night game with the reeling Ravens at M & T Bank Stadium. The playoffs are a long-shot for Head Coach Brian Billick's crew, but the Ravens still have one of the league's top defenses. Could the Ravens pull off an upset? Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Finding a Correlation Between Sexual Assault and Homicide Rates in Baltimore (2007-11-30)
Police data show that rape and other sex crimes are on the increase in Baltimore. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports in this installment of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Remembering One Of Baltimore's Pioneering Journalists (2007-11-30)
Friends, family and several hundred members of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, crowded into St. Paul's Episcopal Church yesterday morning to celebrate the life of Frances L. Frankie Lou Murphy II, editor and long-time columnist for the Afro American Newspapers. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith reports.

Voters Too Decide Fate Of Slots (2007-11-29)
Marylanders will be polled for their views on slot machine gambling - perhaps for the final time - next November. In his weekly essay, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith warns: Get ready for an unusually busy election season.

Annapolis Peace Conference Brings Protests From Both Sides of the Conflict (2007-11-28)
As representatives of 50 nations gathered behind the walls of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in a search of a Middle East peace agreement, the inevitable crowd of protesters gathered at the gates. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Palestine and Isreael Converge in Annapolis for Peace Talks, But Does the Summit Offer Any Hope? (2007-11-27)
Arab and Israeli leaders converge in Annapolis today under a cloud of low expectations. Among the many questions posed by such a gathering: Why meet at all if there's no hope? WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Ravens Head to San Diego Still Reeling from Last Sunday's Strange Finish (2007-11-23)
Fresh from one of the most bizarre finishes of a game in NFL history, the Baltimore Ravens are reeling. On the heels of losing a game they first thought was a victory, the Ravens travel to San Diego this Sunday to face the Chargers. (WYPR's Andy Bienstock visits with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie...)

Remembering Those No Longer With Us During the Holiday Season (2007-11-22)
Things happen -- and we see the fragility of life. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Accusations of Molestation Surprise Parishoners in Baltimore's Little Italy Neighborhood (2007-11-21)
Residents of the Little Italy neighborhood in Baltimore are planning to hold a candlelight vigil near the bocce court in support of Fr. Michael Salerno, a priest at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church who was removed from his post this week amid recent allegations that he sexually molested a teenager in a Brooklyn, New York parish more than 30 years ago. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

BRAC Plan Unveiled (2007-11-20)
Priorities and questions were the order of the day at an unveiling of Maryland's base realignment plan Monday. It involves state government cabinet departments and many overlapping priorities. WYPR's Bob Costantini has highlights of the proposals geared toward dealing with an influx of workers, their families - and their commutes.

All Jazzed Up to Help Thanksgiving (2007-11-19)
Thanksgiving week brings with it the usual travel, family get togethers and pleas for help for the annual dinner started by Bea Gaddy, now being carried on in her memory. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports corporations and the well-to-do often come through for the dinner and Bea Gaddy center. But there is a tie that binds in being down on your luck and deciding to give back when your luck changes.

Special Session Ends, General Assembly Passes Modified Tax Plan (2007-11-19)
After a grueling, three week special session, the Maryland General Assembly adopted early today the majority of Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall and increase spending on the environment, transportation, education and health care. WYPR's Joel McCord reports

Tensions High In This Sunday's Game (2007-11-19)
Sports Commentator Mike Lurie discusses Sunday's game with Baltimore Sun Sports Writer Mike Preston.

Slots Won't Correct States Budget Shortfalls (2007-11-15)
Once gain, the subject in Annapolis is slots. Now, though, it seems that slots are coming with all their inevitable negative baggage. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Maryland House of Delegates Proposes to Cut State Jobs in Order to Reduce Deficit (2007-11-15)
When lawmakers try to cut the state budget, they often turn to vacant state jobs. By eliminating those jobs they can cut personnel expenses without firing anybody. But state employees say it also makes it difficult for them to do their jobs. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

House Adopts Spending Cuts (2007-11-14)
The House of Delegates easily adopted yesterday recommendations for nearly $500 million in spending cuts in the budget for the next fiscal year as the General Assembly lurches through the third week of a special session called to address a looming $1.5 billion shortfall. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Maryland House of Representatives Passes Altered Tax Plan (2007-11-12)
The House of Delegates adopted its version of Governor Martin O'Malley's tax plan early Sunday. But it contains a number of differences with the Senate version that may be difficult to resolve. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Navy Win Overshadows Ravens Humbling Loss To Steelers (2007-11-09)
The Naval Academy is still basking in last week's thrilling win over Notre Dame, ending a losing steak that stretched back 44 years. Meanwhile, the struggling Ravens hope to bounce back this weekend after last Monday night's debacle in Pittsburgh. Baltimore Sun sports columnist David Steele, who covered both games, joins WYPR's sports reporter Mike Lurie on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Latest Developments From The Special Session (2007-11-09)
The State Senate has been on a forced march through Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to close a looming budget deficit and finished most of its work this afternoon. WYPR's State House Correspondent Joel McCord has been covering the Special Session and joins our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith by phone from Annapolis.

Baltimore City's State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy Tight-Lipped Over Issues Surrounding Bail Bonds (2007-11-09)
Last month, Baltimore City's State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy surprised a meeting of law-enforcement professionals with the claim that unscrupulous bail bondsmen seized homes put up as collateral to get their loved ones out of jail. To date, however, the City's State's Attorney's office has supplied no evidence of people losing their homes. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Maryland Nears Top With Number Of Homeless Vets (2007-11-09)
A new report shows Maryland ranks among states with the highest number of homeless veterans. Evelyn Lombardo reports from Capitol Hill.

Senate Approves Slots Referendum For 2008 (2007-11-09)
The Maryland Senate voted last night to send a plan to legalize slot machine gambling to the voters in the November 2008 elections. It delayed action, however, on the rest of Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to cover a looming $1.5 billion shortfall in the budget for the next fiscal year. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and has this report.

Tax Payers May Still Lose In Revised Tax Proposal (2007-11-08)
Some Marylanders may wonder what they will get from the current deliberations over tax reform in Annapolis. If the question assumes that something tangible might come to them - a new program or money back in their taxes - they are mistaken. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith conjures with the dilemma in his weekly essay.

Senate Panel Approves Plans To Slots, Revamping Taxes (2007-11-07)
Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to revamp Maryland's tax structure and plug a $1.5 billion hole in the budget for the coming fiscal year survived its first test in a Senate Committee yesterday. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Few Voters Cast Ballots In Baltimore City General Election (2007-11-07)
Low voter turn-out characterized yesterday's General Election in Baltimore City. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens spent the day talking to voters and filed this report.

New Era Begins As Women Hold Baltimore's Top Three Offices (2007-11-07)
Now it's official. Baltimore's future - its present -is in the hands of three women: Mayor Sheila Dixon, Council President Stephanie Rawlings Blake and Comptroller Joan Pratt. They've been in charge for some time, but yesterday's election certifies their precedent-setting rise to the top of Baltimore government.

Baltimore GOP Largely Gone, But Not Forgotten (2007-11-06)
Today, believe it or not, is Election Day. In an overwhelmingly Democratic city, the outcome is not in doubt. Voters will, for the most art, take a pass. But it won't be a free pass. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments.

Sparse Turnout For Baltimore City's General Election (2007-11-06)
In local news, Baltimore City election officials say that today's general election turnout may end up at less than 20-percent. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith talks with our Donna Marie Owens, who spent most of the day talking with the few people who showed up at the polls.

Reunion Too Late For NBA Father-Son Duo (2007-11-05)
It's the opening month of the NBA season. And for the moment, free agent guard Jalen Rose is testing the world of broadcasting while he awaits interest from an NBA team. The season offers Rose a respite from what's been a tumultuous summer. Here's W-Y-P-R's Jerry Bembry with the story of Jalen Rose and his famous father, former N-B-A star Jimmy Walker.

Greens Facing Long Odds In Tuesday's City Election (2007-11-05)
Tomorrow, Baltimore voters will go to the polls for the actual election of mayor and city council seats. No, the heated contests of the September primaries did not settle the results, though many voters might look at it that way. WYPR's Bob Costantini looks at the race where the Green Party is hoping to make some kind of inroad into the Democrats' control of city government:

Explosion, Fires Rock Domino Sugar Plant (2007-11-02)
An explosion caused serious damage to the Domino's Sugar refining plant in south Baltimore today; and officials are assessing whether the structure is sound enough to resume any operations. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, it appears powdered sugar, much like grain dust in a silo, may have been the source of the blast.

Ravens Try To Save Season Against Steelers (2007-11-02)
The struggling Baltimore Ravens play on national TV Monday night when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the rival Steelers. If the Ravens win, they could save their season. A Ravens loss could trigger major changes. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter Mike Lurie on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Regional Transit Study Lists Future Priorites (2007-11-02)
Last month, the Baltimore Metropolitan Council released a revised blueprint for transportation options in the region through the year 2035. It attempts to outline highway expansions and increased public transportation options during a time when experts say the area will grow to a population of nearly 3 million people. WYPR's Melody Simmons reports that the council's vision has stirred debate.

Budget Proposals Run Gauntlet At Special Session (2007-11-02)
An angry Senate President Mike Miller has thrown down the gauntlet to Republican lawmakers, demanding to know what they would cut to plug the $1.5 billion hole in the state's budget for the next fiscal year. Senate Republicans say they've already state their position. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Swann Park Residents Take Action To Decontaminate Playgrounds (2007-11-01)
A federal health report on Baltimore's Swann Park will be presented tonight (Thursday) to residents living in the area by city and state officials who've agreed the park should have some of its arsenic-contaminated soil removed and layers of dirt put on top to make it safe again for ballgames. But as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, the remediation plan is being met with some skepticism and legal backstops:

Supporters, Foes Line Up On Tax Proposals (2007-11-01)
In spring-like weather, opponents and advocates of Governor Martin O'Malley's tax plan have lined up to have their say this week in Annapolis. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Hike In Gas Tax Appears Unlikely (2007-11-01)
One of the pieces in Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to close a projected $1.7 billion hole in the next fiscal year's state budget, increasing the gas tax, appears to be in trouble. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Pigtown Residents Clean-Up Their Neighborhood, Literally (2007-10-31)
Each weekend for the past year, a group of volunteers have cleaned the streets in the Southwest Baltimore neighborhood of Pigtown. It's part of a grassroots effort to polish a part of the city plagued with blight, neglect and drug dealing. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

Spurs Favored To Repeat As NBA Season Tips Off (2007-10-30)
The San Antonio Spurs are favored by many experts to repeat as NBA Champions as the regular season opens tonight. But among the league's most interesting storylines revolves around the fate of one of its greatest stars. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discusses the start of the season with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Drug Dealing, Gangs Increasingly Cross Gender Lines (2007-10-30)
Baltimore's pervasive culture of drugs and violence is constantly changing the rules Increasingly, this includes the issue of gender, with more and more teenage girls and young women entering what were, until recently, exclusively male-dominated roles, on some of the city's meanest streets. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid takes a look at this disturbing new trend.

Special Session Begins In Annapolis; O'Malley Proposals At Stake (2007-10-30)
Maryland's General Assembly returned to Annapolis last night to take up Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to close the state's projected $1.7 billion budget hole next year. They were greeted by dueling demonstrators. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and has this report.

Environmentalists To Try Again For 'Green Fund' (2007-10-29)
Maryland's General Assembly convenes in a special session tonight to take up Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to close a projected 1.7 billion-dollar hole in the next fiscal year's budget. Added to the agenda is another attempt to establish a Green Fund for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

10,000 Men Volunteer To Help End Philly Violence (2007-10-26)
Baltimore is not the only city with a shocking murder rate. Philadelphia, twice as large as Baltimore, averages more than a-murder-a-day. Philly's police chief has called for unprecedented citizen participation - he wants to put 10-thousand black male volunteer peacekeepers on the streets, and his mayor supports it. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore, WYPR's Garland Thompson reports from Philadelphia.

O'Malley Proposals Face Tough Sledding In Special Session (2007-10-26)
Two days after he laid out hundreds of millions of dollars in potential budget cuts if lawmakers don't adopt his fiscal package, Governor Martin O'Malley unveiled a plan to provide some kind of health insurance to 100,000 uninsured Marylanders. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and joins Managing News Editor Sunni Khalid by phone.

Ravens Rest Up, Look Towards Steelers (2007-10-26)
The struggling Baltimore Ravens are enjoying a bye this weekend following last Sunday's 19-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills. All eyes are focused on the Ravens next game, a nationally-televised game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. WYPR's Andy Lurie discusses the Ravens disappointing season so far with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Court Of Appeals To Determine Fate Of Terrapin Run (2007-10-25)
The battle over a planned community on the edge of Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland has gone to the Court of Appeals, Maryland's highest court, where the ruling could have long-lasting effects on development statewide. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

NAACP Hosts Meeting On Slots (2007-10-24)
The issue of slots brought out strong feelings on both sides at a meeting last night hosted by the Baltimore branch of the NAACP. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports from Upton.

Guardian Angels Return To Baltimore (2007-10-22)
Baltimore's streets are once again seeing the red berets and jackets of the Guardian Angels - a move welcomed by community members and the police. W-Y-P-R's Heather Moyer reports.

Sen. Verna Jones Leads Weekend Anti-Gang Summit (2007-10-22)
Youth, parents, and community advocates came together this weekend for an anti-gang summit called Empowering Parents and Youth. We learn more in this latest installment of The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

State Delegation Divided Over S-CHIP Veto (2007-10-19)
It's back to negotiations between the White House and Congress over how much to spend on the State Children's Health Insurance Program across the U.S. WYPR's Bob Costantini has been following the story all week, culminating in the House failing to override the president's veto, and one targeted Maryland Congressman standing his ground:

New School Suspension Policy Being Crafted (2007-10-18)
Two years ago, 72,000 students were suspended in Maryland public schools, just about the enrollment of the entire Anne Arundel County school system. A group of advocates are working to scale back certain aspects of zero tolerance policies in schools as a way to cut down on suspension rates. It's an issue that's being debated by school boards and community leaders. WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this report.

Local Physicians On MissionTo East Africa (2007-10-18)
This Friday, a Johns Hopkins doctor is taking a group of physicians and nurses from Maryland and Virginia to East Africa. The group will spend two weeks providing free medical care and training physicians and nurses in Eritrea. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Garrison Keillor Entertains Baltimoreans (2007-10-18)
Sometimes you need an outsider to see tell you how good you are. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments on Baltimore, the talent of Garrison Keillor and the woebegone syndrome.

Bail Bonds Case Highlights Balance Of Justice (2007-10-17)
Last month, a Baltimore City Circuit Court jury listened to testimony about the Bail Bond industry, as the owners and operators of 4-Aces Bail Bonds were put on trial for allegedly using the same property to secure several bail bonds, then lying about it and obstructing justice. The City State's Attorney's Office thought it had a strong case; but all three defendants not guilty. WYPR's Art Buist reports as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore.

O'Malley Pushes For Special Session On Deficit (2007-10-16)
Four weeks after he began rolling out his plans to plug Maryland's looming $1.7 billion budget hole, Governor Martin O'Malley called a special session of the General Assembly to deal with his legislative package. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Breast Cancer Program Targets Local Minorities (2007-10-15)
October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. On Sunday, thousands participated in the Susan G. Komen run in Hunt Valley. And in Baltimore, a unique program is helping un-insured women battle this disease. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Repeat Offenders Beating The System (2007-10-15)
Officials say Baltimore's spike in killings has no single cause, but one group exacerbates the carnage: Repeat offenders. These career criminals, already booked for crimes such as car-jacking, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and attempted murder, resume their deadly ways as soon as they get back on the streets. WYPR's Garland Thompson filed this report, part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Drought Brings Mixed Results To Chesapeake (2007-10-12)
While Maryland's drought has created problems for farmers, its effects on the Chesapeake Bay have been mixed. But in the long run, they aren't so good. WYPR's Joel McCord explains.

Local Criminals Use "Error Corum Nobus" To Erase Sentences (2007-10-12)
One factor behind Baltimore's sky-high murder rate is the way criminals "game" the Penal Code. Not only are violent offenders getting out of jail early, some lawyers are even getting past convictions erased. WYPR's Garland Thompson filed this report on how criminals rewrite history, part of our year-long series, "The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence In Baltimore."

Once More, City Hall Takes On Problem Of Abandoned Houses (2007-10-11)
As the Baltimore struggles to redesign its public housing and re-establish itself as a major East Coast city, there's a glaring problem in many of the city's neighborhoods - rows of abandoned dwellings. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Mary Rose Madden looks into a quiet, but stark reminder that Baltimore is a city in need of mending .

Giving "Audacious Ideas" A Chance (2007-10-11)
Baltimore's Safe and Sound organization wants to make room for citizens and their ideas - even audacious ideas - when it comes to city budgeting. Shouldn't people have some say in how their money is spent? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith addresses that question in his weekly essay.

Gunstat Provides Snapshot Of Baltimore's Gun Violence (2007-10-10)
In response to Baltimore rising tide of violent crimes, Mayor Sheila Dixon's administration has instituted a new system to track the epidemic and those who use handguns to commit their offenses - dubbed Gunstat. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Teachers Union Demonstrates For New Contract (2007-10-10)
Wearing yellow Baltimore Teachers Union t-shirts, beating on drums and carrying signs, dozens of teachers took to the streets yesterday afternoon to protest working without a contract since July. It's the latest controversy in a school system that has undergone many fits and starts in an attempt to achieve stability. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this report.

State Farmers Suffering From Regional Drought (2007-10-09)
Maryland's summer long drought has continued into the beginning of autumn with little relief in sight. That means farmers who already took a beating on the corn they grew face even more problems getting their fall crops going. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ravens Hope To Rebound Against Struggling Niners (2007-10-05)
The Ravens try to get back on the winning track when they take on the 49ers this Sunday in San Francisco. But last week's disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns still lingers. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun joins our sports reporter Mike Lurie to discuss the black and purple on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Alonso Implements New Suspension Policy for Baltimore Schools (2007-10-05)
Last month, the Baltimore school board voted that all school suspensions for five days or more must be scrutinized by new C-E-O Andres Alonso. With more than 15-hundred long-term suspensions recorded last year, the action is designed to help reduce that number in the upcoming months with a more hands-on, central approach. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this report.

McGahee Looks To Hit Stride With Ravens (2007-10-05)
One of the more encouraging signs of the Ravens season so far is the running game. The primary focus is former Buffalo running back Willis McGahee, who was acquired in March to give the offense more flexibility. McGahee had his first 100-yard game last week, but the running game is still a work in progress. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun filed this report for WYPR.

Congressman Gilchrist Attempts To Save S-Chip (2007-10-04)
Representative Wayne Gilchrest's has been a good fit for the Eastern Shore where independent thinking is a prized commodity. His support of the popular s-chip program is a reflection of his approach. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Baltimore City Jury Acquits Major Bail Bondsman (2007-10-03)
A convicted felon, who controls a substantial majority of the bail bonds business in Baltimore City, was found not guilty today on seven charges of conspiracy, perjury, bribery and obstruction of justice by a Circuit Court jury. WYPR's Korva Coleman filed this report as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Green Party Facing UpHill Fight In Baltimore Elections (2007-10-03)
Baltimore City voters must still go to the polls in November to formalize the elections of Mayor and City Council members. WYPR's Bob Costantini spotlights the two Green Party candidates looking to break into city government and establish an alternative to the alternative Republican Party, which tends to have few candidates and zero chance of success:

"Martha's Place" Safe Harbor For Addicted Women (2007-10-02)
A drug recovery house for women is changing lives in one drug-infested Baltimore community. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports in our latest installment of The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Cyber, Electronic Bullying Plagues Teen Dating (2007-10-01)
Health experts say unstable romantic relationships reverberate throughout teens' lives making them vulnerable to depression, alcohol use and other adolescent pitfalls. WYPR's Taunya English reports.

Six Presidential Hopefuls Debate At Morgan State (2007-09-28)
Six of ten Republican candidates seeking their party's nomination addressed a capacity crowd last night at Morgan State University. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there and filed this report.

O'Malley Winds Up Budget Proposals (2007-09-28)
Governor Martin O'Malley rolled out his plan to bridge Maryland's built in $1.7 billion budget deficit expected in the next fiscal year one piece at a time over the last week. WYPR's Annapolis bureau chief, Joel McCord, joins senior news analyst Fraser Smith this morning to try to sort it out.

O'Malley, Lawmakers Propose Plan To Help Save The Chesapeake (2007-09-27)
Maryland lawmakers and Governor Martin O'Malley are urging Congress to come up with a national plan to fight the impact of global warming on the Chesapeake Bay. Sara Sciammacco (Sh-MAH-ko) of the Capital News Connection filed this report from Washington for WYPR.

Who Believes O'Malley's Tax Proposals? (2007-09-27)
Governor O'Malley has spent the last 10 days introducing his tax package, a bundle of adjustments he says won't cost us a thing. Who believes him? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith asks the question in his weekly essay.

Profile of Ravens Minority Owner Art Modell (2007-09-27)
The Ravens visit Cleveland this Sunday, but the man who moved the Browns to Charm City 12 years ago won't be traveling with them. Art Modell sold majority interest in the Ravens to Steve Bisciotti in 2000. But the 82-year-old Modell is still active communicating often with top Ravens officials and league owners. He may officially be retired, but he is anything but retired. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun recently visited the NFL trendsetter and filed this report for WYPR.

O'Malley Announces Plans For Slots (2007-09-26)
In the past week, Governor Martin O'Malley has used kitchen tables, a park and ride lot and the roof of a downtown dance club as backdrops to roll out his plans to close Maryland's built in 1 point seven billion dollar budget deficit. Yesterday, he used a horse farm in the picturesque Worthington Valley to talk about slot machine gambling. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

State Child-Care Workers Edge Closer Towards Representation (2007-09-26)
Child care workers are moving forward with plans to be represented by a union in talks with the State. The representation was made possible by an executive order issued in August by Governor Martin O'Malley. The Service Employees International Union known as S-E-I-U, was chosen by Child Care workers, in a vote announced Tuesday. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

O's Woes Becoming An Annual Fall Event (2007-09-26)
A critical year for the Baltimore Orioles turned south in 2007. Fans were hopeful that the team could end its streak of nine losing seasons, but things have only gotten worse. WYPR's Mike Lurie files this report.

O'Malley Pitches Trust Fund Proposal (2007-09-25)
In a series of announcements last week, Governor Martin O'Malley began rolling out his plan to close Maryland's 1.7 billion-dollar budget hole. Yesterday, he talked about additional spending. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O'Malley Slots Plan Draws Response (2007-09-25)
INTRO: In yet another step toward solving the state's budget problems, Governor Martin O'Malley today announced another effort - his first - to make slot machine gambling legal in Maryland. The governor's proposal appears similar to one which passed in the House of Delegates before dying in the state Senate. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith discusses the governor's proposal with WYPR's State House correspondent Joel McCord.

O'Malley Tax Plan Draws Cautious Response (2007-09-21)
In addition to several tax increases, and a few cuts, Governor Martin O'Malley's attempt to close a gaping state budget hole also contains a plan for slot machine gambling. That means Mike Busch, the speaker of the House of Delegates, may have to ease his long standing opposition to slots in order for the plan to work. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O's Limp Toward End, Ravens Prepare For Cardinals (2007-09-21)
The Orioles are playing out a string - their 10th consecutive losing season, with little hope of turning that around next year. Meanwhile, the Ravens prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. WYPR's Sunni Khalid is joined by our sports reporter Mike Lurie discussed the fates of the local sporting birds on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

New States Taxes Need A Spoonful Of Sugar To Go Down With Taxpayers (2007-09-20)
Governor O'Malley announced the broad outlines of his budget balance package yesterday, offering it as a tax relief effort for most of us. Wonder how many of us will applaud? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

State Court Of Appeals Rejects Same-Sex Marriage (2007-09-19)
Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has made its decision on whether same-sex couples have the right under the Maryland Constitution to marry. The answer was no they don't. WYPR's Art Buist has more on the decision and what it means.

Conservationists Urge "Green Fund" To Help Save The Chesapeake Bay (2007-09-18)
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched its second attempt yesterday to convince state lawmakers to create a green fund for bay restoration programs and took a swipe at the Environmental Protection Agency in the process. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Court of Appeals Rules Against Gay Marriage (2007-09-18)
Nine months after oral arguments, Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has issued its opinion in the Gay Marriage case. WYPR's Art Buist reports on the decision and reaction to it.

"Altered Time" Keeps City's Violent Criminals At Large (2007-09-17)
Week after week, reports about Baltimore's out-of-control murder rate cause concern, and week after week, feelings of helplessness grow among those who call this city home. Behind the troubling numbers is an even more unpalatable fact: Many of the perpetrators are convicts who should be off the streets. Garland Thompson filed this report on why convicts can continue their depredations as part of WYPR's year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Historic Thomas Point Lighthouse Gets Makeover (2007-09-14)
Picturesque Thomas Point Lighthouse, that hexagonal house on stilts that has been used in countless Chesapeake Bay logos, is being rehabbed as a tourist attraction that will continue to warn mariners of a dangerous shoal. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ravens Look To Rebound Against Jets (2007-09-14)
The Ravens will try to rebound from their opening night loss to the Bengals when they host the New York Jets this Sunday at M & T Bank Stadium. Our sports reporter Mike Lurie discussed the aftermath of the loss in Cincinnati with Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Dixon Basks In Glow Of Primary Win, Vows Changes (2007-09-13)
Hours after Sheila Dixon won the Democratic primary for mayor, she was back at work at City Hall. But experts say her victory was not a mandate from the voters, because less than a third of all registered voters turned out to cast ballots. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story on some of the reaction the day after the election.

Low Primary Voter Turnout A Bust For Baltimore (2007-09-13)
Turnout for this week's primary election was abysmal: no more than 28-percent. In his weekly essay, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says voters lost a big opportunity.

Dixon Cruises To Victory in Mayoral Primary (2007-09-12)
Despite a record-breaking low voter turnout of 24-percent, interim Mayor Sheila Dixon won the city's Democratic primary, soundly defeating her opponents. The former school teacher, who later became president of the City Council, and then mayor after Martin O'Malley was elected governor last fall, triumphantly addressed supporters last night. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons was there and filed this story.

Rawlings-Blake Wins City Council President Primary (2007-09-12)
After a difficult campaign for City Council President, incumbent Stephanie Rawlings-Blake pulled out a Democratic primary victory yesterday over housing activist Michael Sarbanes. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

City Board Of Elections Readies For Primary (2007-09-11)
Last year's primary election had major glitches in Baltimore City. But as voters hit the polls today, city elections officials say they're confident the process will go smoothly even though there's already been a pre-election day incident, leading to an arrest. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Career Academy Helping Troubled High School Students (2007-09-10)
Baltimore is among eight cities profiled in a new report about helping young people between the ages of 16-and-25 earn their high school diplomas. The National League of Cities study recognizes several Charm City programs, including the Baltimore Career Academy. Baltimore's public school system currently boasts one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Congressional Delegation Weighs In On Petraeus Report (2007-09-10)
The long-awaited report from top U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, has been delivered to Congress, including an appearance by the general on Capitol Hill, along with the U.S. ambassador. As WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, the key figures in the Bush Administration's push for more support to keep the war effort going, were generally optimistic. Listening in were some local legislators:

Crowded Field Vies For 11th District Seat (2007-09-10)
Baltimore's 11th district seat is up for grabs! Its councilmember - Keiffer Mitchell - is running for Mayor - leaving NINE candidates - all Democrats - racing to the finish line for this open seat. As our coverage of the city council races continues, WYPR's Mary Rose Madden takes a snapshot of the race

Black Women Voters A Force To Be Reckoned With (2007-09-07)
African-American women have long played an important role in Baltimore politics. But this election season, many are expanding that influence. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Ravens Among Super Bowl Favorites (2007-09-07)
The NFL's regular season is already underway. The Ravens travel to Cincinnati for a Monday Night tilt against the Bengals. Will the Purple & Black make it to the Super Bowl? Our sports reporter Mike Lurie and Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston gaze into the crystal ball as they make their predictions for the coming season on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Profile of City Council President Candidate Ken Harris (2007-09-07)
The race for City Council President is among the most hotly-contested matches in Baltimore City's upcoming primary election. Candidate Kenneth Harris Sr. is one of four Democratic contenders vying for the job. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens filed this profile of Harris.

Bundley, Carter Confident Of Victory In Mayoral Bids (2007-09-07)
Most of the attention in the City's Mayoral Primary has been on incumbent Mayor Sheila Dixon, and Councilman Keiffer Mitchell. They have the money and the lead in the polls; but there is another group of candidates, with name recognition, and a proven history of getting votes, who hope to cut into the 28-percent the polls show are undecided. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Profile Of Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (2007-09-06)
The race for Baltimore City Council president appears to be a two-way affair, with incumbent Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and challenger Michael Sarbanes only points apart in recent polls. WYPR's Joel McCord spent an evening door-knocking with Rawlings-Blake recently and has this report.

Praying And Singing To End Baltimore's Bloody Toll (2007-09-06)
Important social movements often begin with one person's galvanic witness for change. Rosa Parks' decision to defy the Jim Crow era's back of the bus law is America's best example. Now Baltimore sees the anguish and anger of women praying and singing to stop the killing. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Profile Of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon (2007-09-06)
Since being sworn in as Baltimore's 48th mayor on January 17th, Sheila Dixon has been running for the job permanently. But it's not been an easy path. With the city's murder rate at 210 homicides to date, well above last year's figure of 181, Dixon has been criticized for being ineffective on fighting crime - the top issue in the mayoral race this year. Can the city's first female mayor win over voters in the Sept. 11 primary? WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this profile.

Implementing Park Heights Revitalization A Tall Order (2007-09-06)
Certain parts of Baltimore's Park Heights community have been gripped by poverty and crime for decades. In the latest installment of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports on bold plans that are underway to revitalize this community.

4th District Baltimore City Council Race (2007-09-05)
Tuesday's Democratic primary will decide who the new city council representative from the Fourth District will be. WYPR's Bob Costantini has a profile of some of the candidates, with voters having to choose from nine total:

Council President Candidates Square Off At Forum (2007-09-05)
One week before Baltimore City voters go to the polls, citywide candidates are vying for attention and have been attending forums non-stop. Last night, after one-on-one sessions with voters at Morgan State University, those seeking to be City Council President gathered in South Baltimore, where WYPR's Bob Costantini picks up their story:

1st District Baltimore City Council Race (2007-09-05)
The southeastern part of Baltimore is eclectic and rich with history. Four candidates are vying for the First District City Council seat there. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story on the race.

Patapsco, Back Rivers Get Poor Environmental Marks (2007-09-04)
Chesapeake Bay report cards usually discuss the overall health of the nation's largest estuary. But the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has issued one that graded the tributaries. And none of them made the honor roll. WYPR's Joel McCord used that report card as the basis for a series of reports and concludes today with the rivers that got the worst grades, the Patapsco and Back rivers.

Profile On Democratic Mayoral Candidate Keiffer Mitchell (2007-09-04)
Councilman Keiffer Mitchell steps forward this year to claim a role many believe he was destined to fill. He's running for mayor of Baltimore. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith filed this report on the Mitchell campaign.

6th District Baltimore City Council Race (2007-09-04)
As part of our continuing coverage of the Baltimore City elections, WYPR's news department is profiling some of the more hotly-contested races. In this segment, Sunni Khalid filed a report on the City Council race in the 6th District.

Baltimore City Council 13th District Race (2007-08-31)
As part of our coverage of this year's Baltimore City elections, WYPR's news department will be broadcasting profiles of some of the more hotly-contested races. In the first installment, WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports on the race for the 13th District seat on the Baltimore City Council.

O's Can't Wait For Season To End; Ravens Can't Wait For Their Season To Begin (2007-08-31)
It's been downhill for the Orioles ever since they announced they were giving a one-year contract to Manager Dave Tremblay. Meanwhile, the Ravens get ready for their last preseason game against the Falcons in Atlanta. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other issues with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Baltimore City Council 10th District Race (2007-08-31)
As part of our coverage of this year's Baltimore City elections, WYPR's news department will be broadcasting profiles of some of the more hotly-contested races. In this segment, WYPR's Melody Simmons updates us on the 10th District race for the Baltimore City Council.

Residents, Activists, Police Help Lower Violent Crime In Cherry Hill Rebound (2007-08-30)
While Baltimore grapples with near-daily shootings and killings, one neighborhood has seen its violent crime, decline. Following-up a story we reported in a few months ago,WYPR's Donna Marie Owens re-visits Cherry Hill. It's the latest installment in our ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Environmental Reports Grade Severn, Patuxent Rivers (2007-08-28)
Chesapeake Bay report cards usually discuss the overall health of the nation's largest estuary. But the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has issued one that graded the tributaries. And none of them made the honor roll. WYPR's Joel McCord used that as the basis for a series of reports that continues today with the Severn and Patuxent rivers on the Western Shore.

Crime Anxiety Grips Three Baltimore Neighborhoods (2007-08-27)
With a lot of focus on crime, through the media, and as part of Citywide election campaigns, neighborhood residents are getting nervous. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Art Buist reports on anxiety about crime in three neighborhoods and what residents are doing about it.

Rising Teen Homicides Spur New Mourning Rituals (2007-08-27)
As murders soar in Baltimore, the most devastating stories belong to the youngest victims --- to children lost to gunfire on city streets. Over the years, the city's funeral homes, both large and small, have become painfully used to dealing with such tragedies. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence, WYPR's Linell Smith filed this report.

Vick, O's and Ravens Take Their Lumps (2007-08-24)
Thirty-to-three, that's the score on everyone's lips, not for a Ravens football win, but an Orioles' home loss to the Texas Rangers. Mike Preston, columnist for The Baltimore Sun, is the guest on today's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Candidates Should Address Rising Homicide Rate (2007-08-23)
With the arrival of television commercials, the campaign season begins to unfold in a rush, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Michael Sarbanes Campaigning Hard In Council Bid (2007-08-22)
Taking his first shot at elective office, Michael Sarbanes, with a pedigree making his a household name, is running for Baltimore City Council President. A recent Baltimore Sun poll showed the race for the Democratic nomination in the September 11 primary as extremely close. WYPR's Bob Costantini has a profile of Sarbanes, part of a series of reports on the city election.

Environmental Report Cards for Corsica and Chester Rivers (2007-08-21)
Chesapeake Bay report cards usually discuss the overall health of the nation's largest estuary. But the University Of Maryland Center for Environmental Science issued one recently that went river by river. And none of them are making the honor roll. WYPR's Joel McCord used that assessment as the basis for a series of reports that begins today with the Corsica and Chester rivers on the Eastern Shore.

The Reasons Behind "Jury Nullification" (2007-08-20)
Jury Nullification is the term sometimes used to describe what happens when a Jury renders a verdict that seems to run counter to the facts and law of a case. Some commentators believe this is just the jury system functioning as it should, while others believe it shows the system is broken. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Art Buist reports the truth may be somewhere in between.

Surging O's Upbeat, Ravens Impressive (2007-08-17)
Fresh off winning series against the powerful Red Sox and the Yankees, the Baltimore Orioles take on Toronto in their quest to finish at .500. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are on national TV for their second pre-season game against the New York Giants. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discusses these and other topics with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on "Sports With Mike Lurie."

A Letter From Camp (2007-08-16)
It's Summertime and the livin' is easy, more less. And it leads toward the contemplative. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith joins the fun.

Baltimore Recruiting More Spanish-Speaking Police (2007-08-15)
Baltimore's growing Latino population has forced the police department to fill positions with bilingual and Spanish-speakers. This effort led to successful recruitments in Puerto Rico. Last year, the department tested a thousand applicants in the U.S. territory and hired 230. And more are expected. W-Y-P-R's Wilma Consul met with some Puerto Rican recruits to find out how they're adjusting to their new lives in Charm City.

Latino Immigrants Targets Of Local Crime Wave (2007-08-14)
While a recent rash of muggings in affluent Bolton Hill neighborhood captured headlines, there has also been an epidemic of robberies of day laborers in Fells Point and Highlandtown. WYPR's Wilma Consul reports on efforts within the local Latino community to stem assault against immigrant workers in southeast Baltimore.

Regional Leaders Embrace BRAC process (2007-08-13)
The expected influx of nearly 60-thousand jobs from the base realignment process known as BRAC, with most of the work going to Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Meade, has put regionalism on the map. WYPR's Bob Costantini has an update starting with the state's BRAC sub-cabinet and ending with the feeling that we're all in this together:

Ravens' Ryan May Get Head Coaching Nod Elsewhere (2007-08-13)
The Ravens host the Philadelphia Eagles tonight in their preseason opener, with a veteran roster and coaching staff. Three former Ravens assistant coaches have been plucked off Head Coach Brian Billick's staff in recent years to lead their own teams. And next year, there could be a fourth - defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. But before he leaves, Ryan would like another Super Bowl ring. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun filed this report for WYPR.

Ravens Rounding Into Form In Traing Camp (2007-08-10)
The Ravens open up the exhibition season against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday night at M & T Bank Stadium. It will also mark the debut of first-round pick Ben Grubbs and the supplemental draft pick, massive tackle Jared Gaither. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter Mike Lurie to discuss the latest about the Ravens on this week's edition on "Sports With Mike Lurie."

"National Night Out" Focuses On Local Crime (2007-08-10)
Baltimore City's Northeast Police District is the largest in the city. It borders the Baltimore County line to the east and north, and Pulaski Highway to the South. Traditionally, most crime committed in the area has been nuisance or property-related. But police are starting to see a spread of violent crime throughout the district. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Stephanie Marudas filed this report.

Community Schools May Reduce City's Spiral Of Violence (2007-08-09)
A political campaign season should produce a cornucopia of ideas for improving life in the city. Some proposals have come forward, but something major is needed. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith offers some thoughts.

African-American Muslims Form A Diverse Community (2007-08-08)
Some experts call Islam the fastest-growing religion in America, with an estimated 2.3 to 7 million followers. It's believed 25-to-30 percent of these Muslims are African-American. Part one of this series featured the Nation of Islam; this final installment examines other distinct, communities of African American Muslims in the Baltimore area. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens.

Local African-American Muslim Community Has Deep Roots (2007-08-07)
A new study by the Pew Research Center estimates that 2.3 million Muslims live in the U.S; other experts say seven million. About 25-to30 percent of the country's Muslims are believed to be African-American. The Nation of Islam is among the many distinct Muslim communities in the Baltimore area. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens has part one of a special report.

Ravens' Top Pick Grubbs Adjusting To Pro Game (2007-08-03)
The Ravens wind-up their first week of training camp at McDaniel College in Westminster. Much of the focus is on some of the new faces is first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs, an offensive lineman from Auburn. WYPR's Sunni Khalid spoke to our sports reporter Mike Lurie about the 2007 Ravens on this week's edition on "Sports With Mike Lurie."

State Bridge Integrity A Concern After Minnesota Collapse (2007-08-03)
Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday offered condolences to the people of Minnesota about the rush-hour collapse of a bridge over the Mississippi River. Maryland has 10 steel bridges similar in design to the failed Minnesota bridge, including one spanning the Chesapeake Bay and another spanning the Susquehanna river. WYPR's Garland Thompson reports from one of them:

Fairness On The Minds Of State Taxpayers (2007-08-02)
Maryland's political leaders are talking a lot lately about tax fairness. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Maryland Hard-Pressed To Provide For Growing Numbers Of Foster Care Youth (2007-08-01)
Each year, some 20-thousand children nationwide, age out of the foster care system. Here in Maryland, where some 10,000 youth are in foster care, a growing percentage of this population is aged 14 to 21. These youth have unique needs that local government agencies, and non-profits, are trying to address. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Alonso, Leaf Join Forces To Help Baltimore City Schools (2007-07-31)
A federal grant to reduce youth gangs and violent crime in city schools will start up this month. As part of WYPR's ongoing series The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, reporter Melody Simmons met with new Baltimore Public School CEO Andres Alonso and local youth violence expert Phil Leaf to discuss the plan at a time when thousands of city teens are at a crossroads

Bealefeld Following Hamm's Policing Policies (2007-07-31)
Weeks of public speculation over the future of Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm ended two weeks ago, when Mayor Sheila Dixon asked for his resignation. Then-deputy commissioner Fred Bealefeld has been named to succeed Hamm on an interim basis while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement. WYPR's Sunni Khalid recently sat down with Baltimore's new top cop as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime & Violence In Baltimore.

Cooperstown Economy Buoyed By Hall Of Fame Week (2007-07-30)
For the village of Cooperstown, New York, Hall of Fame induction weekend is always a big deal, but this weekend was a bigger deal than others. WYPR's Joel McCord reports

Ripken, Gwynn Inducted Into Baseball's Hall Of Fame (2007-07-30)
Cal Ripken Jr., baseball's iron man and Baltimore's home town hero, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday along with Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and has this report.

Vick's Future Cloudy As NFL Training Camps Open (2007-07-27)
The NFL's highest-paid player, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, was in a Richmond federal courtroom yesterday, facing charges for his alleged involvement in dog-fighting - instead of beginning training camp. What's ahead for Vick? And what about the Ravens. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter Mike Lurie to discuss these topics on this week's edition on "Sports With Mike Lurie."

O's Give Ripken Pre-Hall Send-Off (2007-07-25)
The Baltimore Orioles sent Cal Ripken, Jr., off to the Baseball Hall of Fame last night with a celebration at Camden Yards. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and has this report.

NBA Rocked By Referee Gambling Scandal (2007-07-25)
NBA Commissioner David Stern met with reporters Tuesday to discuss allegations of game-fixing by referee Tom Donaghy, who was forced to resign amid an FBI investigation. How much will the brewing scandal have on the league's credibility? WYPR's Andy Bienstock raised this and other issues with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Bundley, Mitchell Offer Crime-Fighting Strategies (2007-07-24)
Baltimore's murder rate continues on pace to reach 300 this year. But just how much is that sad benchmark affecting the outlook of the city's electorate, less than two months before the primary. As part of our year-long series of reports, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Bob Costantini hit the streets with Mayoral Candidate Andrey Bundley.

Service Workers Union Backs Mayor Dixon (2007-07-24)
INTRO:
Saying the Baltimore City Police Department has lost a working relationship with Mayor Sheila Dixon, the local Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Councilman Keiffer Mitchell for mayor. WYPR's Bob Costantini has more from the union's lodge, where rank and file voted unanimously to back the challenger:<

Fraternal Order Of Police Backs Mitchell Over Dixon (2007-07-24)
Citing rising crime and arguing the current mayor is just grasping at answers to it, Baltimore's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, today, endorsed city Councilman Keiffer Mitchell for mayor. WYPR's Bob Costantini has details from the union's Hampden headquarters where the announcement was made:

Artscape A Welcome Respite From Hard Realities (2007-07-23)
Baltimore's rising wave of murders is a vexing concern, but it put no noticeable damper on last weekend's annual Artscape. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports.

City Homicide Rate Climbs Higher, Age Of Killers Grows Younger (2007-07-23)
Baltimore's homicide rate is rising and the age of the killers is falling. Instead of adult underworld thugs settling disputes by the Code of the Streets, or even over-the-top domestic disorders causing the anguish, today juveniles as young as 13 are looking to get a body. WYPR's Garland Thompson filed this report as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore.

McNair, Ravens Set To Open Training Camp (2007-07-20)
The Baltimore Ravens open their annual summer training camp next week, bringing back a lot of familiar faces as well as introducing a few new ones. Can the Ravens repeat as champs of the A-F-C North? And do they have a realistic chance of reaching the Super Bowl. WYPR's Sunni Khalid asks these and other questions to our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Dixon Primary Foes React To Hamm Resignation (2007-07-20)
Baltimore's mayoral candidates jumped on the resignation yesterday of Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm as a political maneuver by incumbent Sheila Dixon that should have happened a long time ago. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Hamm Resigns As Police Commissioner; Dixon Names Bealefeld Interim Successor (2007-07-19)
Three months ago, Baltimore police commissioner Leonard Hamm stood next to new mayor Sheila Dixon and unveiled a new strategy to fight crime. But with a homicide rate spiraling out of control and police morale low, Dixon demanded Hamm's resignation on Tuesday night. The fallout began today. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

The Plea FromThe Mother Of A Dead Soldier (2007-07-19)
Democrats in the U. S. Senate - and some Republicans - are looking for a way out of Iraq. Rank-and-file Americans try to help. Among them are several Marylanders, including Tracy Miller, whose son was killed in the battle of Fallujah. In his essay this week, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith, offers her thoughts.

Jessamy, Cummings Push For Federal Help In Curbing Witness Intimidation (2007-07-18)
Federal help is being sought in combating Baltimore's witness intimidation problem. And, to avoid the appearance of preferential treatment for the city, the effort would be nationwide, if local leaders have their way. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore:

Mayor Dixon Pushes Police Recruitment Plan (2007-07-17)
Last week, Mayor Sheila Dixon announced an initiative to recruit more city police officers. The plan not only calls for increasing the size of the force by as many as 300 officers, but it also lays out steps towards grooming more quality recruits. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report.

Aspiring Lawyer Excels In School, Community (2007-07-16)
Among Maryland's new superstar law school graduates entering the workforce this fall is Baltimore City resident Alicia Wilson. Wilson graduated from the University of Maryland Law School-- where she earned scholarships, top honors and served as co-captain of the university's Number One national trial team. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Adventurers Re-Trace John Smith Voyage (2007-07-13)
Nearly 400 years ago Captain John Smith and his crew set out from Jamestown, Virginia, in search of treasure and found the Chesapeake Bay. This summer, a crew of school teachers and traditional boat enthusiasts are retracing that voyage in a replica of the captain's boat. WYPR's Joel McCord joined them for part of that voyage.

O's Hope Woes End In Second Half (2007-07-13)
The American League defeated the National League once more in the All-Star game in San Francisco, with the Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts helping the winning side with his play in the field. As the season resumes, WYPR's Sunni Khalid queries our sports reporter Mike Lurie about O's hopes for the second half on "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Jessamy Unfazed By Baltimore's Ranking As Nation's Second Most-Violent City (2007-07-12)
Some critics of Baltimore's crime-fighting strategy charge that the biggest problem isn't arresting those responsible for the city's epidemic of violent crimes, it's convicting them in court and keeping them in prison and off the streets. Are city prosecutors being scapegoated? WYPR's Sunni Khalid recently interviewed Baltimore City State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore.

Jessamy's Optimism Not Reassuring Amid Wave Of Violent Crimes (2007-07-12)
It's campaign season, so we shouldn't be surprised to hear State's Attorney Patrician Jessamy waxing optimistic about the effort to combat crime in the streets. Not surprising, but just a bit curious since death by homicide is moving up at an alarming pace. WYPR's senior news analyst comments in his weekly essay.

Camp For Children Of Incarcerated Parents Brings Hope, Joy (2007-07-11)
Children whose parents are incarcerated in state penal facilities, are spending a week at a rural summer camp, thanks to the generosity of the Maryland Episcopal church and its members. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

O'Malley Proposes Budget Cuts To Reduce Looming Deficit (2007-07-10)
As expected Governor Martin O'Malley announced today two hundred thirteen million dollars in proposed cuts to the state budget. It's part of an effort to close an expected one point four billion dollar hole in the coming budget year. WYPR's Joel McCord reports

Local Reserve Unit Deploys To Iraq (2007-07-09)
A sense of duty flooded a deployment ceremony last Friday for an Army reserve unit based in Baltimore. With 50 men and women bound for Iraq, the send-off was a combination of pride and nerves, as we hear from WYPR's Bob Costantini:

O's Roberts Represents Baltimore In The All-Star Game (2007-07-06)
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be Baltimore's lone representative for next week's annual All-Star Game in San Francisco. As the season hits the midway point, WYPR's Andy Bienstock takes stock of the O's fortunes with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on a special edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Supreme Court Decision May Roll Back Brown Gains (2007-07-06)
Some commentators say a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could undermine the famous Brown v. Board of Education desegregation ruling of 1954. Several University of Maryland School of Law students say an erosion of Brown will be lamentable. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith recently visited the school and filed this report.

London, Glasgow Impact on Maryland (2007-07-06)
The foiled car bomb plots in London and Glasgow, apparently designed as part of a simultaneous attack plan, have officials here in the U.S. and Maryland refocusing on anti-terrorism efforts and, as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, concerned over what's not being done:

Bush Decision To Commute Libby Sentence Ignites Pre-Holiday Fireworks (2007-07-05)
President Bush commuted Scooter Libby's two and a half year jail sentence this week, detonating a fusillade of pre-July 4th fireworks. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Community Rallies To End Epidemic Of Street Violence (2007-07-03)
A rally was held in Edmondson Village over the weekend to call attention to the city's epidemic of violence that is now claiming younger and younger victims. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and filed this report as part of WYPR's year-long series The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore.

Blazers, Knicks Improve With Draft, Trades (2007-07-03)
The NBA playoffs and draft are over, but several non-playoff teams are already looking forward to next season because of high draft picks and veterans acquired in trades. And a former top draft pick slams fellow players. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these issues with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

X-Ray Machine Saves Shock-Trauma Precious Time (2007-07-02)
Emergency medical workers call it the golden hour: The care that victims receive in the first 60 minutes after sustaining life-threatening injuries, which determines not only if they survive, but how well they recover. At the University of Maryland Medical Center's Shock Trauma Unit, new X-ray equipment is helping doctors and nurses do their jobs even better. WYPR's Linell Smith visited Shock-Trauma and filed this report.

"Lodox" Saves Shock-Trauma Precious Time (2007-06-29)
Emergency medical workers call it the golden hour: The care that victims receive in the first 60 minutes after sustaining life-threatening injuries, which determines not only if they survive, but how well they recover. At the University of Maryland Medical Center's Shock Trauma Unit, new X-ray equipment is helping doctors and nurses do their jobs even better. WYPR's Linell Smith visited Shock-Trauma and filed this report.

GOP Support For Iraq War May Have Reached Turning Point (2007-06-28)
A speech by Republican Senator Richard Lugar (Luger) on the floor of the U. S. Senate this week may bring more focus to the calamity of Iraq than anything since the 2006 election. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith wonders in his weekly essay if anyone is listening.

Oden, Durant Ready For NBA Stardom (2007-06-27)
The NBA will hold it's annual draft on Thursday, and many predict this could be the deepest and most talented group of players in NBA history. The big question going in: Will the Portland Trailblazers use the first pick to select the best center in the draft - Greg Oden -- or the best swing player, Kevin Durant. Our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine recently spent time with both Oden and Durant leading up to their big day.

Drug Court An Alternative For Local Addicts (2007-06-27)
An important innovation in the effort to deal with addicts in the criminal justice system uses a combination of carrot and sticks. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports on how the court relies on Good Will Industries to provide critical support for people determined to escape the world of drugs and the streets.

Family, Community, Ready Home For Wounded Iraq War Vet (2007-06-26)
Over 35-hundred U.S. troops have died, and nearly 26-thousand have been wounded, to date in the war in Iraq. Among the injured is a Maryland veteran, who's the first beneficiary of a new housing initiative for military members and their families. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Barclay Redevelopment Draws Lukewarm Support (2007-06-25)
As decisions for redevelopment in East Baltimore's Barclay-Midway community move towards a conclusion, discussions about the future of the community bring a mix of nostalgia, hope and fear. WYPR's Kelly Simpson reports.

Bloggers Rail Against BGE Rate Hike (2007-06-22)
The Orioles front office makeover continues, with longtime Major League executive Andy MacPhail taking over as the team's Chief Operating Officer. Dave Trembley continues, for the moment, as the O's interim manager, as speculation continues on who will be named as the team's permanent skipper. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed the Orioles' shake-up with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on a special edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

MacPhail Takes Charge Of O's, Tremblay Remains As Interim Manager (2007-06-22)
The Orioles front office makeover continues, with longtime Major League executive Andy MacPhail taking over as the team's Chief Operating Officer. Dave Trembley continues, for the moment, as the O's interim manager, as speculation continues on who will be named as the team's permanent skipper. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed the Orioles' shake-up with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on a special edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Land Dispute Holds Up West Side Re-Development (2007-06-22)
It's considered the last retail holdout in Baltimore's major West Side redevelopment. And the city is trying to figure out what to do with New York Fashions, which WYPR's Bob Costantini reports isn't just a store, but an extensive clothing distribution business a warehouse redevelopment leaders say belongs someplace else:

No End To O's Woes (2007-06-21)
The Baltimore Orioles are about to unveil their latest new look. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says change is welcome and overdue and part of the drama.

Spurs Cap NBA Season, League Awaits Draft (2007-06-20)
The NBA's long regular season and playoffs are over, but there's still a lot of news over next week's college draft and the continuing saga of one of the league's top stars. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these issues with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Younger Homicide Suspects Latest Street Scourge (2007-06-20)
Baltimore's homicide rate already 19 ahead of last year's pace and some city officials fear that the city could top 300 this year. One long-time city homicide detective says a new attitude among younger criminals is making Baltimore's streets more dangerous than ever. WYPR's Sunni Khalid filed this report as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore.

Dixon Meets Police At Downtown Headquarters (2007-06-20)
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon met with about 200 police officers yesterday at downtown police headquarters. She was looking to get out the message to the officers and the public that she's serious about cutting down violent crime in the city, which is on a significant upswing. WYPR's Bob Costantini waited outside the meeting:

Emergency Room Overcrowding On The Rise (2007-06-19)
Emergency room overcrowding is worsening around the state, and now Maryland is looking for new solutions to an old problem. Some people fear that patient care is at risk, so this month the University of Maryland, Baltimore County convened a public policy forum where experts said fixes outside the hospital could shrink the bottleneck inside emergency rooms. WYPR's Taunya English filed this report.

Mayoral Candidates Duel Over Plans To Reduce Crime (2007-06-19)
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon will meet with scores of officers and police commanders today at the main headquarters, in an effort to prod them to help cut the homicide rate, which, if unchecked could put the city around 300 for 2007. As part of our continuing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Bob Costantini looks at the differing philosophies of Dixon and her main political competitor:

Local Leaders Discuss The Other Side Of BRAC (2007-06-18)
Environmentalists are cautiously optimistic that the Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, process that stands to bring thousands of new workers and their families to Maryland in coming years, can be done in a way that protects open spaces. As part of an occasional series of reports on BRAC, WYPR's Bob Costantini takes a look at the changed view, through the eyes of the Greens:

Swooning O's Oust Perlozzo; Trembley Named Interim Skipper (2007-06-18)
Unfortunately, nice guys sometimes finish last. And earlier today, the last-place Orioles fired their well-liked manager Sam Perlozzo and replaced him, on an interim basis, with bullpen coach Dave Trembley. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed Perlozzo's sudden ouster with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on a special edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Police Athletic League Steps Us To Tackle Gang Problem (2007-06-18)
Amid rising gang activity in Baltimore, a local Police Athletic League hosts an anti-gang event for young people. We learn more in this installment of The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Antique And Classic Boat Owners Open Festival (2007-06-15)
The 20th annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival opened today at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and runs through this weekend. WYPR's Joel McCord, who will find any excuse to get on a boat, was there Thursday to watch the set-up.

Interfaith Clergy Holds Meeting on Gangs (2007-06-15)
A new interfaith coalition of pastors and clergy in Baltimore City are officially mobilizing to fight gang violence in the city. The group met for the first time yesterday. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore.

Guild Membership Ratifies Agreement With Sun (2007-06-15)
The Baltimore Sun and the Newspaper Guild have reached agreement on a new contract. The Guild represents about 480 employees including reporters, photographers, circulation, advertising and maintenance workers. WYPR's Art Buist reports that even though the contract passed by a wide margin some Guild members have reservations about the contract.

O's Slide Continues In Inter-League Play (2007-06-15)
The struggling Baltimore Orioles haven't fared too well in inter-league play, dropping a home series with the Washington Nationals. Meanwhile, a local sportcasting icon was honored. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the Birds and Vince Bagli with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Mayor Dixon Kicks Off Campaign Bid To Remain In City Hall (2007-06-13)
With a band playing and about 200 supporters cheering her on, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon this morning announced her candidacy for a full four-year term. She listed education and crime as her two top issues and said she hopes to be a mayor to all people in Baltimore. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons was there and filed this story.

New York's Alonso Named CEO Of Baltimore City Public Schools (2007-06-13)
Baltimore got a new school CEO today. He is Dr. Andres Alonso, the second in command of the New York City Department of Education. Dr. Alonso was introduced at an afternoon press conference at the North Avenue headquarters. WYPR's Melody Simmons was there and she talks about his career and plans for the public schools here with our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith.

Sun-Guild Negotiations Near Deadline (2007-06-13)
The Baltimore Sun, and employees represented by the Newspaper Guild have been negotiating for a new contract for four weeks. The old contract covering about 500 reporters photographers, circulation, advertising, and maintenance personnel, expires June 24th WYPR's Art Buist reports that talks have entered a critical phase.

New York BookExpo Proclaims Staying Power Of Print (2007-06-12)
Thirty-five thousand or so book devotees - sellers, buyers, readers, librarians and others - made off with seemingly tons of books last weekend. They behaved as if the book was an endangered species. And some say it is. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith attended last month's mammoth BookExpo in New York City and filed this report.

Spurs Battle Cavs, Boredom In NBA Finals (2007-06-12)
The San Antonio Spurs appear to be battling boredom as much as LeBron James and the underdog Cavaliers, taking a 2-0 lead as the NBA Finals move to Cleveland. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the Finals and the upcoming rookie draft with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Uncertainty Clouds Future Of Immigration Bill (2007-06-08)
The future of immigration reform is in doubt this morning, as the Senate has voted to continue lengthy debate, leaving Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill frustrated that the delicate agreement with the White House could fall apart. WYPR's Bob Costantini has the story of ongoing debate and endless contention:

Ocean City Amusement Park May Disappear From Boardwalk (2007-06-08)
Trimper's Amusement Park has been a fixture at the south end of Ocean City's Boardwalk for 117 years. But its days may be numbered thanks to the financial realities of operating a 19TH Century business in the twenty first century. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ogden, Suggs Back In Ravens Fold For '07 (2007-06-08)
The Baltimore Ravens held another off-season training camp this week, with the veterans joining rookies and free agents for the first time. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed two of the Ravens key vets with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Professionals Train To Help Crime Victims (2007-06-07)
The field for training professionals who assist crime victims in Maryland is growing. This week, a group of victim service providers from across the state are meeting in Carroll County. They're attending lectures, taking notes, and learning from each other in an effort to do their jobs better. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

Parren Mitchell's Life, Legacy Remembered (2007-06-07)
The late Parren Mitchell urged family and friends to understand that the civil and human rights struggles would be never-ending. His death led many to repeat this admonition - as a guide for themeslves. WYPR's Senior News Analyst, Fraser Smith, comments in his weekly essay.

Baltimore, Nation Bids Farewell To Parren Mitchell (2007-06-06)
The ashes of former Maryland Congressman Parren Mitchell will be interred later this month at Arlington National Cemetery. Yesterday, funeral services for the longtime civil rights leader were held in West Baltimore and WYPR's Donna Marie Owens was there.

FBI Report Ranks Baltimore Second In Homicides (2007-06-06)
Even though statistics show violent crime as a whole is down in Baltimore, homicides here topped every U.S. city last year - except Detroit. That's the latest news from the FBI, which revealed its annual national snapshot of violent crime earlier this week. What does the dismal news mean for Baltimore? As part of our year-long series The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this story.

Spurs Favored Over Upstart Cavs In NBA Finals (2007-06-06)
Not many basketball experts are picking the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals against the favored San Antonio Spurs, but they have a chance. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the NBA championship series with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Black Male Mentors Take Documentary Public (2007-06-05)
African-American men in Baltimore come together to view a documentary that speaks to issues facing them in society. It's the second of a two-part report on the efforts of professional black men to mentor others in the community. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens

Ex-Raven Jamal Lewis Looks Back On Career In Baltimore (2007-06-04)
The Ravens hold another off-season mini-camp this week, bringing in a lot of new faces. But one old face will be conspicuous by his absence - Jamal Lewis. The next time Ravens fans see him, he'll be lined up in the backfield of the Cleveland Browns. Recently, Number 31 spoke with Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston about his time in Baltimore, especially the last two seasons.

Black Professional Men Reach Out To Local Youths (2007-06-04)
A group specifically formed to uplift African-American males is trying to help youth build positive futures. This is the first of a two-part report on the efforts of professional black men to mentor others in the community. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Carter Urges O'Malley To Convene Special Session On BGE Rate Hike (2007-06-01)
The BGE power rates go to market rates today -- a steep 50-percent increase in price. Several critics, including Delegate Jill Carter of the 41st district, are calling on BGE and the O'Malley administration to convene a special emergency session of the General Assembly. WYPR's Rasheim Freeman was at Carter's press conference and filed this report.

Duke Lacrosse Still Stirring Controversy (2007-06-01)
The Johns Hopkins Bluejays claimed the N-C-A-A championship last weekend in a thrilling game against Duke, but the controversy over the season still lingers. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles are flirting with the .500 mark. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed these topics with our sports reporter Mike Lurie on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Michael Sarbanes Joins Race For City Council President (2007-05-31)
There are now three major candidates running for City Council President in Baltimore. Michael Sarbanes, with a last name well known in these parts, announced his bid yesterday. WYPR's Bob Costantini sought out the candidates, including their feelings about what could be the most important issue facing Baltimore:

Parren Mitchell Served With Dignity, Elegance (2007-05-31)
The death of Parren J. Mitchell this week leaves Baltimore with one less veteran of the nation's long struggle against racism and injustice.. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith remembers Congressman Mitchell in his weekly essay.

Private Program Serving City Truants (2007-05-30)
While truancy continues to plague thousands of city school students each year, there are some glimpses of hope. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this profile of a group of dedicated volunteers and staff at the small non-profit, Learning Incorporated.

Civil Rights Hero Parren Mitchell Dead at 85 (2007-05-30)
He spent his last years in a nursing home, but Parren Mitchell is being remembered for his boundless activism. The former Congressman and civil rights leader died on Memorial Day, harkening back to a time when Maryland was quite different, and the thought of an African American going to the House of Representatives seemed nearly impossible. Here's some of the tributes, as gathered by WYPR's Bob Costantini:

City's Anti-Truancy Program Reaches Out To Baltimore Youth (2007-05-29)
So far this year, more than 15-thousand city public school students have missed more than 20 days of school. The truancy rate here is the highest in the state and officials blame it for a majority of juvenile crime. What's being done to curb the problem? Reporter Melody Simmons set out to find out. In another installment of WYPR's ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore she filed this story.

Drug Economy 'Underground' But Not Undetected (2007-05-29)
City police estimated that 80-percent of all violent crime is drug-related, a by-product of the pervasive underground economy. But what is the size of this economy? And what impact does it have on the rest of the city. As part of WYPR's year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore. Garland Thompson, a former commentator for the Baltimore Sun, offers this essay.

Spurs Inch Closer To NBA Finals (2007-05-29)
The San Antonio Spurs are one game away from earning second NBA Finals berth in three years, following took the hard-fought win over the Utah Jazz yesterday. Tonight, the Detroit Pistons hope to do the same when they visit LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed the conference finals with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Temporary Workers, Union Join Forces To Protest Camden Yards Conditions (2007-05-25)
This time of year, Camden Yards produces an extra large amount of trash and dirt. Hundreds of cleaning crew workers ensure the stadium gets a thorough cleaning and withstands the season's filth. In the past week, temporary workers and United Workers joined forces to protest working conditions at Camden Yards. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden met with a few of the workers and their employer.

Congress Approves Iraq War Funding Bill (2007-05-25)
Anti-war groups have denounced it; but Democrats say they had little choice but to help approve the 120-billion dollar Iraq war funding measure in both the House and Senate last night, even though it did not contain withdrawal timeframes. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports from Washington on the give-and-take political battle that Democrats insist is far from over:

Several Perish In East Baltimore Blaze (2007-05-23)
Six _____ people are dead, and ____ others hospitalized with injuries in the wake of yesterday morning's fire on Cecil Avenue. The blaze occurred just north of North Avenue, near Baltimore's Greemount Cemetery. WYPR's Art Buist visited the scene and filed this report.

Board Of Public Works Rejects Permit For Critical Areas Development (2007-05-23)
After nearly five hours of hearings, the State Board of Public Works rejected a permit that could have paved the way to the largest development ever to be built in one of the state's critical areas. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith checks in with our State House Correspondent Joel McCord in Annapolis.

Queen Anne's County Development Draws Public Ire (2007-05-23)
The state Board of Public Works is to vote today on a permit that would allow a development on Kent Island. The issue is so controversial that all three board members paid a visit to the site last week. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Curran Withdraws Controversial Crime Bill (2007-05-22)
Count one murder reduction plan out! Baltimore's city council last night forced one of its members, Robert Curran to withdraw a proposal that some likened to martial law, in an effort to reduce the homicide rate. Part of our continuing series, The Toll, WYPR's Bob Costantini reports the idea was politically unpalatable:

Suns' 'Eclipse' Still Looms Over NBA Playoffs (2007-05-22)
The NBA conference finals are underway, with the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs took the opening games of their respective series. However, the controversy over the league's suspensions of two Phoenix Suns players persists. WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked about the playoffs with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Daily Bread Opens New Soup Kitchen (2007-05-22)
On June 4th, the first meal will be served at the new headquarters for one of Baltimore's best-known downtown soup kitchens, Our Daily Bread. At the heart of the organization is a group of volunteers. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons spoke with one who has served many from all walks of life.

World Campaign Gathers Against Pneumococcal Disease (2007-05-21)
While American kids are largely protected, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and meningitis is stalking children in poorer countries. A new council of global experts wants to speed a vaccine to low-resource countries, and a Johns Hopkins researcher in Baltimore is leading the group.W-Y-P-R's Taunya English reports.

O's Woes Continue, Perlazzo On The Hot Seat (2007-05-18)
The Orioles early season woes have gone from bad to worse, with their most recent losing skein starting in Boston and continuing in Toronto. Is Manager Sam Perlazzo's job in jeopardy already? WYPR's Andy Bienstock raises the question with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, in this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Plebes Launch Annual Event To Scale Herndon Monument (2007-05-18)
The freshmen, or plebes, at the United States Naval Academy are celebrating the end of the year. But yesterday the plebes had to face one more challenge. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas has more.

Queen's Visit Evokes Writer's Nostalgia (2007-05-17)
There's been a royal buzz recently in these parts. The Queen of Elizabeth has been touring these parts. In his weekly essay, WYPR's senior news analyst remembers an earlier visit by the British monarch.

Speculation About Future Looms Over This Year's Preakness (2007-05-17)
The 132nd running of the Preakness Stakes is set for Saturday at Pimlico, amid questions about the future of the second jewel of the Triple Crown and horse racing in Maryland. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Suspensions Cast Pall Over Spurs-Suns Series (2007-05-16)
The NBA league office has suspended San Antonio Spurs forward Robert Horry and Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudermire and Boris Diaw (Dee-Ouw) for tonight's pivotal Game 5 in the Western conference semifinals. WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked about the playoffs with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Canine Geese Police A Humane Alternative (2007-05-15)
By now, most of the Canada geese that flocked to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries last fall have gone back to the sub arctic latitudes they inhabit in the summer. But a huge resident flock remains, creating health hazards in parks and playgrounds. WYPR's Joel McCord reports on one way to control them.

Arena Obsolete; City Urged To Build New Facility (2007-05-15)
After more than a half-year delay, a feasibility study on a Baltimore arena was released yesterday at the headquarters of the Maryland Stadium Authority at the warehouse looming over Oriole Park at Camden Yards. WYPR's Sunni Khalid reports that the conclusion contained few surprises.

Negotiations Begin Between Sun Management, Union (2007-05-15)
Later this morning the Baltimore Sun will begin negotiations with its employees for a new contract. The Newspaper Guild, which represents Sun employees, will be staging a rally at noon today, in front of the Sun Building on Calvert Street to build enthusiasm. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Arrest Of Ravens' McNair Leads Off-Field Headlines (2007-05-11)
The Ravens made big news off the field this week, with the arrest of starting quarterback Steve McNair on charges of driving while under the influence in Nashville, as well as the team's rookie mini-camp Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins host Mike Lurie to discuss pro football and college lacrosse on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Ruppersburger Weighs In On Iraq Funding Bill (2007-05-11)
The U.S. House voted 221 to 205 last night on a new Iraq war funding bill, which holds back most funding until President Bush reports on the war's progress in July. This time around Democratic leaders proposed sending enough money to keep the war going through July and then taking time to weigh whether sending more would effectively aid the effort, or perhaps setting a withdrawal timeframe. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports from Capitol Hill.

Losing O's Find Solace In Humor (2007-05-11)
More than ever, the Baltimore Orioles continue to value an institution that is cherished by all major-league baseball teams: humor. Orioles players say that being light-hearted can translate to on-the-field success. WYPR's Mike Lurie files this report.

Baltimore's Last Murder 101 Too Many (2007-05-10)
Homicide number 101 occurred this week near a Head Start center and an elementary school. The victim tried to escape by shouting, it wasn't me, as the shooters approached. WYPR's Senior News Analyst, Fraser Smith, comments in his weekly essay.

O'Malley Endorses Hilary Rodham Clinton For President (2007-05-10)
Governor Martin O'Malley's endorsement today of Hilary Rodham Clinton's bid for the presidency wasn't much of a surprise he has said previously he was inclined to support her. But will it have an effect on the campaign? WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Second Round Of NBA Playoffs (2007-05-09)
The second-round of the NBA Playoffs is underway. And, so far, the favorites in both conferences have held serve at home. But with one major upset having occurred in the first-round, could another be in store in the second? WYPR's Sunni Khalid talked about the playoffs with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Counties Cooperate On BRAC Efforts (2007-05-09)
Bracing for BRAC and welcoming it at the same time, leaders of the major jurisdictions around Aberdeen Proving Ground have joined forces. WYPR's Bob Costantini says the goal is to market the area to prospective employers and employees coming via the base realignment process:

Closed Public Meetings Debate Flares In Frederick (2007-05-08)
By law, government in Maryland must do business in full public view. A public body may meet in private, but only in rare circumstances. WYPR's Art Buist went to Frederick last week to report on a closed meeting of Frederick's City government.

Ravens Pleased With Draft, O's Season Unraveling (2007-05-04)
The Ravens top brass has declared last weekend's college draft a success and showed off their top picks to the local media. Meanwhile, the Orioles have cooled off considerably after their hot start. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discusses both species of local sporting birds with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Mayweather Confident Ahead Of Title Bout With De La Hoya (2007-05-04)
The public perception is that boxing is a dying sport. But when Oscar De La Hoya on Saturday steps into the ring against Floyd Mayweather, it just may result in the biggest-grossing fight in boxing history. Recently, WYPR's Jerry Bembry spent a day in the Las Vegas training camp of the undefeated Mayweather, who on will be fighting for De La Hoya's super welterweight belt.

Illegal Guns The Focus Of New City Police Strategy (2007-05-04)
This week, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon unveiled a comprehensive new crime fighting strategy. She's moving away from the zero-tolerance policy of Martin O'Malley and is adopting a community-based policing plan with foot patrols and a new system to track illegal guns. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story as part of WYPR's ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Congress In Search Of Compromise On Iraq (2007-05-03)
Congress and the president will try now to accomplish something that has eluded them over the last few years: compromise. In his weekly essay, WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith says a little practice might have made things easier.

Ravens Draft A Mixed Bag (2007-05-02)
The NFL's college draft is over, but many experts are already picking the winners and the losers five months before the start of the regular season. WYPR's Sport Reporter Mike Lurie is joined by contributor Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun to assess how well the Ravens did in addressing some of their needs, like the offensive line.

Mavericks Stave Off Elimination In NBA Playoffs (2007-05-02)
The Dallas Mavericks, who had the NBA's best regular season record, are one loss away from elimination in their Western Conference playoff series with the upstart Golden State Warriors. And in the East, the New Jersey Nets are making quick work of the Atlantic Division champion New Jersey Nets. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

City Builds First Library In 35 Years (2007-05-01)
In a couple of weeks, the first newly built library in Baltimore in 35 years will open in Highlandtown. It is truly a page-turning moment, as WYPR's Bob Costantini reports, for the Pratt Library system which had to close seven branches in the past decade; and also a hoped-for page turning moment for the surrounding area:

Maryland Law School Students Lend Hand In Cherry Hill (2007-04-30)
Community-based justice initiatives are gaining favor nationwide. In our ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, we meet law school students, police and others, who are helping one local community battle crime. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

UM Law School Working With Local Schools (2007-04-28)
Fighting in school may foreshadow future crimes, say experts. In our ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, we explore an innovative law school program, aimed at preventing conflict and violence. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Orioles Stumbles, Ravens Prepare For NFL Draft (2007-04-28)
The NFL's college draft is this weekend, with the Ravens hoping to pick a late-round gem. Orioles dropped two games this week to the Boston Red Sox, breaking a string of early season success. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discusses the Birds' early season success with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Restoring Felon Voting Rights A Step Forward (2007-04-26)
Voting rights for felons in Maryland were restored this year by the General Assembly in a bill signed this week by Governor O'Malley. The restoration of those rights could have great significance. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Program Compels Physicians Make More Of A Difference In Preventive Care (2007-04-25)
Johns Hopkins Medicine is launching a study to see if patient health improves when doctors are more involved in encouraging behavior and lifestyle change. The new study will test a three-way, health-promotion partnership between patients, health counselors and physicians. W-Y-P-R's Taunya English reports.

Upsets Galore In First Round of NBA Playoffs (2007-04-25)
The NBA Playoffs have gotten off to a surprising start, with two of the league's top-rated teams suffering upsets at home. Could more upsets be in the future, or will the underdogs bite the dust in the end? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Dundalk LNG Plant The Focus Of Congressional Hearing (2007-04-24)
INTRO: Local politicians put a united front on their opposition to AES Corporation's plans for a liquefied natural gas shipping terminal in Dundalk, arguing it would be dangerous and a possible target of extremists, at a congressional hearing that took place in Baltimore Monday. As WYPR's Bob Costantini tells us, federal regulators involved in deciding if the project goes forward were on hand to hear hardened positions on the record:

Harford County Grapples With BRAC process (2007-04-23)
Harford County officials have held a series of public meetings to inform residents about the impact of the Base Relocation and Closing process. WYPR's Bob Costantini reports from Aberdeen.

O's Flying In Early Going, Ravens Prepare For Draft (2007-04-20)
So far, so good. The Baltimore Orioles are holding their own in the regular season and have a chance to go over .500 if they take this weekend's home series against the Toronto Blue Jays. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discusses the Birds' early season success with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

Cardin Grills Gonzalez At Senate Hearing (2007-04-20)
The fate of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales may now be in the hands of public opinion and President Bush. Gonzales enduring hours of questioning yesterday on Capitol Hill, as the Senate Judiciary Committee, with new member Ben Cardin, delved into the U.S. attorney firings. Bob Costantini has the story from the hearing room:

Imus Controversy Renews Debate Over Fairness Doctrine (2007-04-19)
INTRO: Broadcaster Don Imus created a furor recently when he referred to a women's basketball team in terms usually confined to the world of rappers. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith considers the issues raised by Imus gate.

NBA Suspends Top Referee As Playoffs Near (2007-04-19)
NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended one of the league's best referees, Joey Crawford, for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs for his altercation with San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan. And The Washington Wizards may have done little more than secure the last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

State Board of Public Works Approves Blackwater Land Purchase (2007-04-19)
The state Board of Public Works approved this morning the purchase of 728 acres south of Cambridge that was to be part of a controversial residential and resort development near the Little Blackwater River. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Bio-Tech Park (2007-04-18)
Drive through the Middle East community near Johns Hopkins Hospital these days and you'll see wide swaths of cleared land. Months of demolition has leveled most of the 80 acres needed for a revitalization that will include an 800-million dollar bio-tech park and 12-hundred new, upscale residences. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story about the changing face of the community in another part of an ongoing series on Middle East.

East Baltimore Residents Ponder Future As Bio-Medical Park Takes Form (2007-04-17)
With much of the land for a new 80-acre urban biotech park already cleared in east Baltimore, the remaining 200 or so residents are wondering about their future as Phase 2 of the project gets underway. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons recently attended a community meeting and filed this story, the first in a series on updates on the development.

Canton High-Rise Apartment Building Draws Community Ire (2007-04-17)
This week a City Council Committee will hear from those - for and against - a proposal to build a 23-story parking garage and residential tower along the waterfront in Canton. Proponents say the Icon project will improve the Canton waterfront. The City's Planning Department agrees; and has approved the project; but opponents say it will look like a big sore thumb on the waterfront. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

Possible Closing of Prince George's County Hospital Raises Alarm (2007-04-16)
Staff and patients at Prince George's Hospital Center can't quite believe it --- the hospital, and three other facilities owned by the county.....may have to close because funding negotiations between state and county officials have collapsed. As government officials argue about who's to blame.....patients worry about whether other hospitals will take them in. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports for WYPR.

O's Opener Buoys Hopes Of Ending Losing Skein (2007-04-13)
The Baltimore Orioles won their home opener for the seventh straight year when they beat the Detroit Tigers on Monday, April 9th. But judging by the empty seats in the upper deck and the candor of the Orioles themselves, it will take a good bit of winning this year for fans to believe that the team has turned the corner. WYPR's Mike Lurie files this report.

Local Business Leaders Bullish On State's Economic Future (2007-04-13)
Maryland business leaders are more optimistic about the economy than their peers nationwide. That's the bottom line of a recent survey unveiled at a breakfast where the business community applauded the lack of legislation in the just completed General Assembly session. WYPR's Bob Costantini has the story of why:

NFL's Goodell Moves On League 'Bad Boys,' But Is It Too Far? (2007-04-13)
This week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended two of the league's troubled young stars, Adam Pacman Jones of the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnato Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry for their off-field behavior. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston applauds the move by the commissioner, but says in this commentary that the move could lead to even more problems in the future.

NFL Regular Season Schedule A Challenge For Ravens (2007-04-13)
The National Football League released its regular season schedule this week. The Baltimore Ravens will open their season in Cincinnati. And their home slate includes late season games against the New England Patriots and the world champion Indianapolis Colts. Our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, joins WYPR's Andy Bienstock to discuss all things pigskin on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Technology Making Greater Inroads Into Political Campaigns (2007-04-12)
The next new thing in American politics almost certainly will involve computers. Already does, of course. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith conjures with the new reality in his weekly essay.

Lt. Governor Brown Assesses BRAC Impact (2007-04-12)
With the goal of making broad recommendations to state officials in the fall, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony has taken the reins of a sub-cabinet in the state to deal with growth needs associated with the Base Realignment and Closure process known as BRAC. WYPR's Bob Costantini sat down with Brown recently to discuss the good and bad of it all:

City's Station North District Part Of Urban Transformation (2007-04-11)
Supporters of the Station North Arts District, above Penn Station, hope development in the neighborhood can be sustained, which might in turn draw more residents. WYPRs Bob Costantini reports something so simple as a cafe opening is viewed as a major event:

Wizards Face Early Exit From Playoffs (2007-04-11)
The NBA's regular season is drawing to a close, with just a few playoff berths still up for grabs. The injury-depleted Washington Wizards have backed into a post-season spot, but how long will they stay around? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

O'Malley Bill Signing Caps General Assembly Session (2007-04-11)
Governor Martin O'Malley praised a new spirit of cooperation in Annapolis yesterday at his first day after adjournment bill signing ceremony. But not everyone agreed entirely. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Orioles Hope Humor An Asset During Season (2007-04-10)
As the Baltimore Orioles faced both their home opener on April 9th and widespread predictions for another fourth-place finish, they continued to value an institution that is true to all major-league baseball teams: humor. Players say that being light-hearted can translate to on-the-field success. WYPR's Mike Lurie files this report.

Winners & Losers In This Year's General Assembly (2007-04-10)
In every General Assembly, there are some who come away happy and some that are disappointed. WYPR's Joel McCord takes a look at some of those.

Sine Die For This Year's General Assembly (2007-04-10)
With most of the contentious issues resolved, Maryland's General Assembly took a comparatively leisurely stroll to adjournment last night. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Home Opener Arrives For Orioles (2007-04-09)
Ask any baseball fan and they'll tell you hope springs eternal at this time of year. When the record books offer a new leaf. Uniforms are sparkling clean and the beer is just about as cold as the early spring chill in the air. Despite nine straight losing seasons when the Orioles host Detroit at 3:05 p.m. today for their home opener at Camden Yards, all that will be forgotten. Fans are gearing up to greet the team with optimism. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story

O's Swept By Twins, Could Face Another Long Season (2007-04-06)
The Baltimore Orioles opened the regular season by dropping three straight to the Twins in Minnesota. This weekend, the travel to New York to meet the Yankees before opening their home schedule against Detroit. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discusses the Birds' early seasons woes with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of "Sports With Mike Lurie."

New Program Aims To Assist Harford County Homeless (2007-04-06)
More than one thousand homeless people sought out help in Harford County last year - about half of that number includes families with children, but emergency shelters often can't house men and women in the same space. WYPR's Taunya English has our report on a group that keeps families together when they have no place else to go.

General Assembly Moves To Save Prince George's County Hospital (2007-04-06)
Governor Martin O'Malley announced yesterday a plan to try to save financially struggling Prince George's Hospital. But he said he needs the help of the General Assembly to hustle it through in the closing days of this year's session. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

General Assembly Nears End (2007-04-06)
The House of Delegates approved today a bill to require state contractors to pay a living wage to their employees, setting Maryland on a course to become the first state in the nation to do so. Joel McCord, our Annapolis bureau chief, joins us now by phone to talk about that.

Arenas Injury May Be Fatal To Wizards Post-Season Hopes (2007-04-05)
Wizards star Gilbert Arenas is out for the rest of the season and the playoffs after suffering a knee injury last night against Charlotte. WYPR's Andy Bienstock talked about the loss of the All-Star guard with our NBA analyst Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

General Assembly Debates CollegeTuition For Illegal Immigrants (2007-04-05)
A bill to grant undocumented immigrants in-state tuition at Maryland's colleges and universities stirred passions in the House of Delegates last month before it passed with a 24-vote margin. Yesterday, those passions spilled over in a Senate hearing room. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Billboards Promote Project Exile (2007-04-05)
Commercials and billboards are one approach to getting out the word on Project Exile, but Baltimore City police also do it the old fashioned way - pounding the pavements, talking to residents of some drug- and violence-plagued communities and handing out flyers. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid recently joined two city police officers as they made the rounds in Park Heights.

Ripken A Reminder Of O's Past Glory (2007-04-05)
This week saw the opening of baseball season, 2007. We've been waiting. WYPR's senior news analyst conjures with the deep significance of baseball in his weekly essay.

General Assembly Bans Mechanical Dredging (2007-04-04)
The General Assembly also banned mechanical dredging for clams in the bays behind Ocean City yesterday, effectively putting three watermen out of business. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

General Assembly Votes To Expunge Arrest Records Of Those Not Charged (2007-04-04)
The criminal records of some 21-thousand Marylanders arrested annually and released without charges will be automatically expunged under a bill that cleared the Senate yesterday. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Federal Prosecutor Says Project Exile Already Paying Dividends (2007-04-04)
One of the aims of Project Exile is to remove some of Baltimore's most violent career criminals off the streets, thereby helping reduce the number of homicides and the general level of violence in many neighborhoods. Fourteen months in, how effective is the program? As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid takes a closer look at the initiative in the second of three segments.

Wizards Hopes For Long Playoff Run Fading (2007-04-04)
The Washington Wizards' loss last night to the lowly Charlotte Bobcats dropped them from first-place in the NBA's Southeast Division, behind the surging Miami Heat. With injuries to key players, the Wizards hopes for a long playoff run look dim. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Project Exile Targets Baltimore's Most Violent Criminals (2007-04-03)
A 14-month-old program, called Project Exile, is targeting the city's most violent criminals, sending their cases to federal court system, where defendants face mandatory sentences without parole at institutions often thousands of miles away from family and friends. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid takes a three-part look at Project Exile. Portions of the following report contain graphic language.

General Assemby Winds Down, But A Few Issues Remain (2007-04-02)
Maryland's General Assembly starts the last full week of its annual session today with most of the controversial issues settled. Or close to it, anyway. But that doesn't mean it won't be a furious finish on April 9. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Last Female World War I Vet Dies (2007-03-31)
The last known American female veteran of World War One was laid to rest today, with full military honors, at Mount Olivet Cemetery near Frederick - The same cemetery where Francis Scott Key is buried.WYPR's Art Buist reports that 109-year-old Navy Yeoman - Charlotte Barry Winters was a pioneer in may ways for women who wanted to serve in the military.

Legislators Run Lawyer's Mall "Gauntlet" (2007-03-30)
Demonstrators for just about every cause you can think of take over Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis on Monday nights during the General Assembly session. But in the mornings, the lobbyists move in, laying in wait for lawmakers on their way to session. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

O's Start Season In Minnesota, Wildcard Hopes High (2007-03-30)
The Baltimore Orioles begin the regular season on Monday in Minnesota against the Twins, with hopes for a .500 season and, hopefully, a run at a wildcard. Our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, who returned from spring training Florida this week and joins WYPR's Sunni Khalid on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Frederick Mosque Deals With Recent Vandalism (2007-03-30)
A mosque in Frederick has been vandalized three times since late February. At least six windows have been broken. Police don't have any suspects. Members of Frederick's Muslim community are afraid, and confused. They didn't think vandalism would be a problem when they opened their mosque, in October of 2005. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports for WYPR.

Bush Losing More Support Over Iraq, Prosecutor Firings (2007-03-29)
President Bush says the push for explanations on the firing of 8 U. S. Attorneys is a political fishing expedition. WYPR's senior news analyst says inquiries of this sort are unavoidably political - and usual involve some fishing.

Study Says Race A Factor In Emergency Room Treatment (2007-03-29)
A new study of emergency room care highlights another area of medicine where African-Americans experience unequal treatment. It's fresh evidence that health care disparities exist, but the study may be most valuable because it suggests just how entrenched and persistent health care gaps remain many years after they were first reported. W-Y-P-R's Taunya English has the story.

Senate Unlikely To Consider Green Fund, Tobacco Tax (2007-03-28)
The House of Delegates has passed by wide margins measures to create a green fund for Chesapeake Bay restoration and to increase the cigarette tax to finance expanded health care programs. But the bills have been met with indifference in the Senate. Now, advocates are turning up pressure on Senate leaders. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

East Baltimore Mother Angered After Son's Arrest, Her Own (2007-03-28)
Hours after a rally sponsored by the NAACP to support her 7-year-old son, who was arrested for riding a dirt bike on a city sidewalk, the mother of the child was arrested, too. Police say she hindered a drug investigation. But the mother, Lakisa Dinkins, says she was visiting her sister in East Baltimore, when the house was raided by officers. The incidents have left raw feelings and fingers pointing. WYPR reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

Kobe Scoring Spree Lifts Lakers, Not MVP Hopes (2007-03-28)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant went on an historic scoring tear last week, hitting the 50-point mark in four consecutive games. But is that enough to get him votes for the league's Most Valuable Player? WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed this and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Howard County Braces For BRAC (2007-03-27)
Officials in Howard County are planning for big things in Anne Arundel County! It's all part of the long-running Base Realignment and Closure process known as BRAC which will shift thousands of jobs to Fort Meade. And like other counties, Howard has a specific BRAC coordinator in a full-time job. WYPR's Bob Costantini has his story:

General Assembly Considers Anti-Gang Legislation (2007-03-26)
Armed with statistics that show the number of gangs is steadily growing in Maryland, lawmakers are debating how to better prosecute members. In another installment of WYPR's ongoing series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore, reporter Melody Simmons examined the issue.

VA Struggling To Provide Iraq Vets With Mental Health Care (2007-03-23)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - or PTSD - became a clinical term in the past twenty years. The VA Maryland Healthcare System has forty different programs - acute, residential, and outpatient - to help treat soldiers experiencing this mental affliction even though many criticize the federal government's lack of funding for the system. In the last of three parts, WYPR's Mary Rose Madden files this report.

Orioles Optimistic As Season Draws Near (2007-03-23)
The Baltimore Orioles may few off-season changes to their roster, but the club has a decidedly positive attitude this Spring. Our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, is on assignment in Florida this week and he joins Sunni Khalid by phone for this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Losing Games May Help Some Teams Win Chance For No.1 Draft Pick (2007-03-23)
The NCAA Basketball tournament has been a showcase for two players likely to be the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA Draft, freshman sensations Kevin Durant of Texas and Ohio State's Greg Oden. And there's speculation than some non-playoff teams may be intentionally piling on loses be to improve their chances of getting the top pick. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed this and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Ground Rent Bill Passes General Assembly (2007-03-23)
On the same day Governor Martin O'Malley signed a bill to prohibit the creation of new ground rents in Maryland, six more bills aimed at reforming the system sailed out of the General Assembly and headed for his desk. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

House, Senate Gaps Could Doom Smoking Ban (2007-03-22)
A state-wide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants has moved out of committees in both houses, but there are sharp differences in each version. And that could spell trouble. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Vets Face Bureaucratic Minefield With Local VA Bureaucracy (2007-03-22)
Right now, a little more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are seeking treatment at the local VA Healthcare System. But there are many service men and women who are not even looking to the VA for help. Many site the confusing process often associated with the system. In the second part of a three-part series, WYPR's Mary Rose Madden looks at how Maryland soldiers view the process and what leaders at the local VA are seeing.

Closing Prison At Jessup Bold But Long Overdue (2007-03-21)
Governor O'Malley and his new prisons boss announced earlier this week that they would close the maximum security prison at Jessup. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith ponders the significance of that bold move in his weekly essay.

Returning Iraq War Vets Face Health Challenges (2007-03-21)
As more and more concerns are raised about the quality of health care available to U.S. soldiers, WYPR's Mary Rose Madden takes a look at the VA Maryland Healthcare System -- its successes and its challenges.

Mayor Dixons Hold Crime Emergency Meeting (2007-03-21)
Concerned over recent crimes in Baltimore - including the arrest last week of a seven year old child for riding a motorized dirt bike -- Mayor Sheila Dixon opened a series of emergency meetings last night. She sought solutions from community activists who are fed up with ongoing crime. In another installment of our ongoing series The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence In Baltimore, WYPR's Melody Simmons filed this story.

Tougher Witness Intimidation Bill Faces Uphill Battle (2007-03-21)
With less than three weeks left in this years legislative session interest groups, legislators, and public officials are scrambling to try to keep their favorite proposals alive. WYPR's Art Buist reports that Baltimore City State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy is still pressing to strengthen witness intimidation legislation.

New Approach Aimed At Reducing Growth Of Gangs (2007-03-20)
Late last year, a state task force created a plan to solve the growing problem of gang violence in the Baltimore metro area. It's an ambitious plan that aims to put a dent in operations and recruitment of local gang members for the infamous Bloods and the Crips by merging aggressive crime fighting strategies with public health ideals. In another part in WYPR's ongoing series, The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore, reporter Melody Simmons filed this story.

Local Gas Prices On The Rise (2007-03-20)
As legislators in Annapolis consider a nearly 50-percent boost in Maryland's gasoline tax, the price at the pump has gone up significantly for other reasons in the past month. WYPR's Bob Costantini takes us to a place where competition benefits drivers feeling the pinch.

Marylanders Join Weekend Anti-War Protests (2007-03-19)
Today is the fourth anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. Over the weekend, demonstrators from Baltimore and elsewhere marched, sang and prayed, while demanding U.S. troops be brought home quickly. WYPR's Bob Costantini has their story:

Death Penalty Repeal All But Dead In General Assembly (2007-03-16)
The latest attempt to repeal Maryland's death penalty failed yesterday when it failed to get enough votes to get out of a Senate committee. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Reservists Complain To Congress About Lack Of Medical Care (2007-03-16)
Despite orders to keep their complaints within the chain of command, some U.S. servicemen are speaking out about how Reserve and National Guard soldiers have received substandard medical care compared to their regular military counterparts. Ben Shaw reports from Capitol Hill.

Death Penalty Repeal A Tough Vote For State Legislators (2007-03-15)
An important vote comes up soon on the issue of the death penalty: whether or not to ban it. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith contemplates the demand for conscience-driven vote.

Anti-War Activists Stage Sit-In At Senator Mikulski's Office (2007-03-15)
Peace activists staged another sit-in at the Washington office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski this week, part of a national movement targeting Democrats. The anti-war groups want a cut-off of funding for the Iraq war, just as President Bush seeks more funding. WYPR's Bob Costantini has the story:

Green Fund Top Priority Of State Environmentalists In Annapolis (2007-03-15)
The Green Fund that is at the center of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's legislative efforts this year is to help pay for bay clean-up efforts. But questions about the MONEY have one House of Delegates committee struggling. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Mavs Still Pacing NBA West, Heat Surges In East (2007-03-14)
The Dallas Mavericks' latest winning streak ended Monday night at 17 games, but San Antonio and Phoenix remain close behind in the West. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, who appeared head for disaster a couple of weeks ago, are playing their best ball of the season. Can the Heat make a serious playoff run without Dwyane Wade? WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed this and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

State Clergy Lend Support To Tobacco Tax (2007-03-14)
A health care expansion package that would be financed by an increase in the tobacco tax is likely to pass the House of Delegates this week. Yesterday, representatives of some two dozen faith communities turned to the Senate. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Former NFL Greats Face Retirement Woes (2007-03-14)
The NFL has come under renewed criticism for its treatment of former players, as well as legal challenges from some of its former stars, who allege that the league and the players association are cheating them out of benefits and royalties. Several former Colts and Ravens, facing uncertain futures because of injuries, have joined the fight. Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston filed this report for WYPR.

Darfur Genocide Resonates Stateside (2007-03-13)
According to United Nations estimates, some 400,000 people have died and nearly 3 million have been displaced by a deadly crisis in the Darfur region of theWestern Sudan. In Baltimore and nationwide, advocacy groups and the Sudanese community, are lending support to the war-torn African nation. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

"Bloods," Other Gangs Carving Out Territory In Baltimore (2007-03-13)
There are as many as 2,600 gang members on the streets of Maryland. Many are affiliated with national groups like the Bloods, Crips and M-13. In another of WYPR's ongoing series The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, reporter Melody Simmons interviewed a member of the Bloods.

Al-Qaida Regrouping A Major Concern For Many, Including Ruppersberger (2007-03-12)
The specter of another al-Qaida terrorist attack on the United States is growing amid reports the extremist organization is reconstituting itself, even as its spiritual leader Osama bin Laden remains in hiding. WYPR's Bob Costantini examines this concern:

Ravens Lose Jamal Lewis, Adalius Thomas To Free Agency (2007-03-09)
Baltimore is still reeling from the loss this week of two of the Ravens most valuable and most popular players, linebacker Adalius (uh-DALE-us) Thomas and running back Jamal Lewis. Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston joins our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, to talk about all things purple and black on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Clean Car Bills Pass Both Houses In General Assembly (2007-03-09)
Both houses of Maryland's General Assembly have passed clean car bills as part of a campaign to reduce the greenhouse gases related to global warming. Now they are taking up measures aimed at industrial emissions. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Mavericks Cruising in NBA West, Knicks Contending in East (2007-03-07)
The Dallas Mavericks are riding a 16-game winning streak and appear to be not only the best team in the NBA's powerful Western Conference, but the entire league. And league bad boy Ron Artest makes more news off the court. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed this and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Death Penalty Repeal Unlikely To Pass General Assembly (2007-03-07)
Efforts to repeal Maryland's death penalty law appear to have stalled in a Senate committee, where one Senator holds the key. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Proposed Smoking Ban Debate Grows (2007-03-07)
One week after Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon signed into law a citywide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, a House of Delegates committee took up a statewide ban and found some support in an unlikely place. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Drugs Economic Base For Some Baltimore Communities (2007-03-06)
It may not seem like it, if you watch a lot of television news, but random murders in Baltimore are very rare. Police estimate at least three-fourths of the city's homicides are tied to the illegal drug trade. And as we hear in a report from Bob Costantini, part of our continuing series, The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore, there are places in the city where that trade thrives as nothing else.

Former Prisoners Try To Re-Unite With Families (2007-03-05)
Of the more than 100-thousand women in America who are incarcerated, experts say that a significant number are mothers. Life behind bars not only impacts the women themselves, but also their children. As part of WYPR's year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime & Violence in Baltimore, Donna Marie Owens filed this report.

O'Malley Urges Fiscal Caution For State's Budget Gap (2007-03-02)
In one of his first one-on-one interviews with a reporter since his inauguration, Governor O'Malley explained in more detail why he opposes an immediate effort to close the looming budget gap. WYPR's senior news analyst has this report.

General Assembly Bills Would Curb Personnel Abuses (2007-03-02)
The Senate adopted yesterday two bills that stemmed from the long running controversy over the Ehrlich administration's hiring and firing practices. One curbs the power of the governor's appointments secretary and the other is aimed at getting more control over state personnel policies. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Deep Pockets Support BSO, Alsop (2007-03-01)
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra re-introduced its new conductor Marin Alsop with an unusual fanfare. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Bush Iran Stance Draws Critiicism From Maryland Hill Delegation (2007-03-01)
Four years after the US launched a preemptive war against Iraq, a bi-partisan group of Maryland lawmakers has initiated a preemptive strike against President Bush. They have introduced a resolution stating that the President can't take military action against Iran unless Congress approves. Benjamin Shaw of the Capitol News Connection filed this report for WYPR from Capitol Hill.

Formal State Apology For Slavery Moves Through General Assembly (2007-03-01)
Nearly four centuries after the first African slaves arrived in Maryland, the state may be ready to issue an official apology. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Buprenorphine Program Aimed at Reducing Heroin Addiction, Drug-Related Violence (2007-02-28)
Most of Baltimore's violent crimes are linked to the drug trade. That's why city officials hope a unique drug treatment program will save lives by getting heroine users out of the drug trade for good. WYPR'S Sarah Richards files this report as part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore.

Pistons, Mavs Pulling Away In NBA (2007-02-28)
The runner-ups for the last two NBA Championships have pulled away from the other contenders in the Eastern and Western conferences since the All-Star break. Will the Pistons and the Mavericks battle in the Finals in June? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed this and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Baltimore County delegation Fights Proposed Sparrows Point LNG plant (2007-02-28)
The Baltimore County Council has tried, without much success, to block a liquefied natural gas terminal. Now, the county's state house delegation is getting into the act. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Uncertainty Over Future Of Sparrows Point Steel Plant (2007-02-27)
They've been through it before; and now must go through it again. Workers at the Sparrows Point steel mill face the prospect of new ownership, after the Justice Department ordered the present owner to sell-off the Point as a condition of a merger agreement. WYPR's Bob Costantini has the story of the plant's present, past, and uncertain future:

Clean Cars Bill Moves Closer To Passage (2007-02-27)
Maryland's Senate adopted a clean car bill last night, making it all but certain that cars sold here in two thousand eleven will have to meet the same tough tailpipe emission standards as those sold in California. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ground Rent Reform Effort Moving Forward (2007-02-23)
Efforts to reform Maryland's system of ground rents got some support yesterday from ground rent owners, but not without a lot of qualifications. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Ravens Allow Adalius Thomas To Pursue Free Agency (2007-02-23)
The Baltimore Ravens declined to put the franchise tag on their All-Pro outside linebacker Adalius (uh-DALE-us) Thomas, making him one of the most sought after free agents. Will the Ravens lose perhaps the NFL's most versatile defensive player? WYPR's sports reporter Mike Lurie talks with Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun about this week's Ravens development this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Coppin Women Vie For 3rd Straight NCAA Hoops Tourney (2007-02-23)
With a win at South Carolina State on Monday, the Coppin State University women's basketball won its third straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season title and extended its conference winning streak to 37 games. With homecoming this Saturday at the Coppin -- and a possible third straight conference championship on the horizon -- WYPR's Jerry Bembry looks at the Baltimore area's most successful college basketball team

NBA Quiet As Trade Deadline Approaches (2007-02-22)
The NBA's trading deadline passed earlier this afternoon without word of one of the blockbuster trades that have been rumored about the last few days. And the Most Valuable Player from last year's Finals is injured, possibly ending the chances for Miami Heat to repeat as champions WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed these and other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Smoking Ban Draws Unlikely Allies (2007-02-22)
The move toward a smoking ban in Baltimore has developed some strong allies - bar and restaurant owners who in the past have opposed it. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith comments in his week essay.

O'Malley Backs Death Penalty Ban (2007-02-22)
A move to repeal Maryland's death penalty got the support yesterday of Governor Martin O'Malley. But that doesn't guarantee its success. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Maryland Educators Testify Before Congress On "No Child Left Behind" Act (2007-02-22)
In Washington, Congress is now considering reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. The landmark Federal education program set tough new standards for states and local schools in an effort to improve student performance in key areas like reading, math and science. But some say the act has imposed costly unfunded mandates on local school systems. Max Cacas of the Capital News Connection attended a Senate hearing where several Maryland educators testifed and filed this report for WYPR.

State Senate Votes To Allow Early Voting (2007-02-21)
The Maryland Senate easily adopted yesterday a Constitutional amendment to allow early voting in time for the 2010 elections. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Large Gap Between Perceptions and Reality In Battle Against Crime & Violence (2007-02-21)
In the minds of many, the Baltimore depicted in the series, The Wire, or the city seen on local newscasts, is a stark, drug-plagued and violent city. Yet, some optimistic city officials point to lower annual crime statistics and the re-development of trendy neighborhoods as signs of progress. In this installment of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Sunni Khalid reports on some of the local perceptions of Charm City.

VA Copes With Influx of Younger Veterans (2007-02-20)
For decades, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been associated with mostly elderly veterans. But with wars raging in Afghanistan and Iraq, the V-A is coping with a significant influx of younger vets returning from those conflicts. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Local Women Make Re-Entry From Prison (2007-02-19)
Nationwide, female prison populations are burgeoning. And in Maryland, more than 1,200 women are imprisoned in state penal facilities, according to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. As part of our year-long series, The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore, WYPR's Donna Marie Owens met several women who are the faces behind the statistics.

O'Malley Moves Quickly on "Green Bag" Day (2007-02-16)
PSC TWO-WAY SMITH & MCCORD AIR: 2/16/07 TRT: INTRO: Governor Martin O'Malley delivered his green bag of 145 appointments to state boards and commissions today, chief among them three members of the public service commission, including a new chairman. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and joins our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith in studio.

Hope Springs Eternal As O's Open Spring Training (2007-02-16)
SPORTS W/MIKE LURIE, 2-16 LURIE AIR: 2/16/07 TRT: 3:39 (w/o deadroll) INTRO: Earlier this week, major league baseball training camps opened in Florida and Arizona and opening day for the Orioles is a month-and-a-half away. Meanwhile, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan interviewed for the San Diego Chargers head coach vacancy. WYPR's Andy Bienstock discussed these topics with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Civic Leader Walter Sondheim Dies at 98 (2007-02-15)
Walter Sondheim, the peerless civic leader died today at the age of 98. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith, who knew Sondheim for more than 30 years, offers this tribute.

Is Selling Off the Lottery Good or Bad? (2007-02-15)
Members of the General Assembly are thinking of selling the lottery, It's probably a bad bet - selling it or betting that a sale will happen. WYPR's senior news analyst Fraser Smith reports in his weekly essay.

Identity Theft Bill Debated by State Lawmakers (2007-02-15)
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. While federal legislation to deal with the problem has been bottled up, states have moved to pass their own laws. Now, Maryland lawmakers are considering measures they say will give consumers some protection. WYPR's Joel McCord is in Annapolis and joins our Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith now by phone.

General Assembly Debates Oyster Bill (2007-02-14)
In his State of the State speech, Governor Martin O'Malley touted an oyster restoration act, but advocates, as well as some of the sponsors say the program is only a first step. WYPR's Joel McCord reports

Baltimore Digs Out From Ice and Snowfall (2007-02-14)
The first big snow and ice storm of the winter hit last night, closing schools and many work places in every jurisdiction in Maryland. With temperatures expected to dip into the freezing zone again tonight, more ice is expected. WYPR reporters Art Buist and Melody Simmons surveyed the scene today and filed this story.

General Assembly Moves Towards New Early Voting Law (2007-02-09)
Last summer, the Court of Appeals struck down as unconstitutional a law that would have established early voting in Maryland. This week, the General Assembly moved toward changing the state constitution to satisfy the high court's objections. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Program Aims To Provide Parenting Training (2007-02-09)
A local education group will host classes for parents of Baltimore City public school children. The goal is to empower parents, and improve the school system in the process. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Colts Super Bowl Win Starts NFL Off-season (2007-02-09)
The NFL's off-season has begun following last week's Super Bowl 41 victory by the Indianapolis Colts over the Chicago Bears? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the game with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Gay Declaration By Ex-NBA Player Amaechi Sends Shockwaves (2007-02-08)
The NBA continues to make almost as much off-court as it does on-court this season, with a startling public revelation of a former NBA player about his sexual orientation. WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the breaking story with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

House of Delegates Ponders Health Care Reform (2007-02-08)
Leaders in the House of Delegates unveiled a health care reform package Wednesday they said would provide health insurance for all of Maryland's children and cut the number uninsured adults by nearly a third. WYPR's Joel McCord was there and has this report.

Time For Frank Debate In Congressional Debate on Iraq (2007-02-08)
Is a new language needed for senators and representatives when they speak of the war? WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith poses that question in his weekly essay.

City Enacts "Code Blue" For Local Homeless (2007-02-07)
With nighttime temperatures expected to dip below freezing, the City's Code Blue program will be in effect. With Code Blue the City provides extra services for the homeless, hoping to save lives. WYPR's Art Buist reports.

The Toll: Coping With Crime And Violence in Baltimore (2007-02-07)
There is perhaps no greater barometer of a city's health than its crime rate, specifically in Baltimore, the homicide rate. While violent crime has been reduced statistically, recurring murders continue unabated, running through neighborhoods like a plague. The resulting perception: Baltimore is one violent place.

Former Terrorism Advisor Weighs In On Proposed LNG plant (2007-02-06)
The Baltimore County Council has passed a new zoning regulation aimed at halting a proposed liquefied natural gas ship terminal, storage tanks and transmission line in the eastern part of the county. The new law is likely to face a court challenge,,,and as we hear in this report from WYPR's Bob Costantini, the Virginia company wanting to build the terminal, is using a terrorism expert to fight objections.

Ground Rent Reform Campaign Gains Momentum (2007-02-06)
Governor Martin O'Malley, along with Baltimore City officials and members of the city's State House delegation unveiled yesterday a package of legislation to rein in the state's system of ground rents. WYPR's Joel McCord has this report.

Democratic 2008 Presidential Contenders Meet at Washington Forum (2007-02-05)
Twenty-two months before the 2008 election, the race for the nomination of the Democratic Party is going gangbusters. WYPR's Bob Costantini was there over the weekend, when the party's candidates for the top job spoke to the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting, and each tried to stake out positions on Iraq:

Colts Favored To Beat Bears in Super Bowl XLI (2007-02-02)
The Indianapolis Colts are listed as seven-point favorites in Sunday's Super Bowl Forty-one clash with the Chicago Bears in Miami, but could the Monsters of the Midway pull an upset? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the Big Game with our sports reporter, Mike Lurie, on this week's edition of Sports With Mike Lurie.

Harford County Prepares for BRAC Impact (2007-02-02)
Harford County Executive David Craig has received a planning outline from a special commission set up to handle the influx of workers and residents tied to the Base Realignment and Closure process, known as BRAC. The most recent estimates show more than eight thousand jobs tied to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and other installations will land at Aberdeen Proving Ground over the next eight years. WYPR's Bob Costantini has more:

Shuttle Astronaut Talks About Baltimore Roots (2007-02-02)
NASA has marked several somber milestones in recent days, among them, the 4th anniversary on Thursday (Feb.1) of the space shuttle Columbia disaster. But there's good news about the space program, too, including a Baltimore astronaut recently back from a journey that was literally out of this world. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Governor O'Malley Sets Tone In Annapolis (2007-02-01)
In his State of the State address yesterday, Governor O'Malley addressed a range of problems he and Marylanders must face and soon. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

General Assembly Ponders Bill To Reform State Worker Protections (2007-02-01)
Democratic legislators in Annapolis clashed frequently with Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich. A particular sore point had to do with the hiring and firing practices of the administration. WYPR's Art Buist reports on yesterday's hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on bills aimed at protecting state workers from political firings.

Ravens' Scott Not Rooting For Colts In Super Bowl (2007-02-01)
Baltimore football fans will watch this weekend's Super Bowl with thoughts of what might have been. Three weeks ago, the Ravens vaunted defense didn't allow a touchdown to Peyton Manning and the Colts, but lost their playoff game. The Ravens Pro Bowl Inside linebacker Bart Scott, spoke this week to Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston about the Colts and the lingering bitterness of that playoff loss.

O'Malley Delivers First "State of the State" Address (2007-02-01)
In his first state of the state address, Governor Martin O'Malley reprised many of the themes from his campaign, help for middle class families, expanding health care and Chesapeake Bay restoration. And he even made a glancing reference to potential tax increases. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

General Assembly Considers Ground Rents Ban (2007-01-31)
Ground rent, a Colonial era invention, has turned into a twenty first century tool to allow holders of those rents to take homes from people who owe as little as twenty four dollars in back rent. Now, Maryland lawmakers are moving to rein in the practice. WYPR's Joel McCord reports.

Wizards' Success Biggest Surprise in NBA East (2007-01-31)
NBA BEAT, 1-31 BEMBRY AIR: 1/31/07 TRT: 3:47 (w/o deadroll) INTRO: The Washington Wizards are the surprise of the NBA's Eastern Conference so far this year, sporting the best record and stirring hopes of a run deep into the playoffs. But are they a genuine contender for the championship? WYPR's Sunni Khalid discussed the Wizards' title hopes other topics with our NBA expert, Jerry Bembry of ESPN the magazine.

Eastern Shore Mourns Fallen Soldier (2007-01-31)
Twenty-two-year-old Salisbury native Eric Caldwell was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery last week. The Army Specialist was killed in Baghdad on January 7th while riding in a Humvee that was ambushed by small arms fire. Before going to Iraq, Caldwell was a cook in a number of restaurants on the lower Eastern Shore. WYPR's Melody Simmons, filed this remembrance.

Prison Boot Camp An Alternative For Young Offenders (2007-01-30)
A group of prisoners reached a milestone at Maryland's Herman L. Toulson correctional boot camp last week they graduated. Many hope it will be the first step towards beginning new lives. WYPR's Donna Marie Owens reports.

Local Activists Join D.C. Anti-War Demonstration (2007-01-29)
Scores of people from Baltimore joined the mass anti-war protest in Washington Saturday; and the effort continues today as organizers lobby members of Congress to cut off funding for the Iraq war. WYPR's Bob Costantini was there for the protest, which brought out politicians and Hollywood stars:

Mixed Emotions Over Colts Super Bowl Run (2007-01-26)
Local football fans battle with mixed emotions over the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI berth.

Pediatrics Program Encourages Young Children To Read (2007-01-26)
Baltimore was once officially known as the city that reads. But the challenge has been making that more than just a motto. WYPR's Sarah Richards takes a look at an unusual program that is once again putting Baltimore at the cutting edge of social welfare.

Annapolis Debates Clean Cars Legislation (2007-01-26)
California adopted the toughest tail pipe emissions standards in the world in two thousand two, and ten other states have followed suit. Now, Maryland lawmakers may join the crowd.

Hopkins Scientists Bestowing Sense of Touch To Medical Robots (2007-01-26)
Hopkins University scientists work to give the sense of touch to medical robots.

Does Baltimore Need A Political "Gatekeeper?" (2007-01-25)
Do Baltimore's African-American mayoral hopefuls need a gatekeeper?

Dungy, Smith Destroy Racial, Coaching Myths (2007-01-24)
The success of Super Bowl head coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith has disspelled many racial myths in the NFL.

Maryland Congressional Delegation Reacts To State of the Union Address (2007-01-24)
The state's Congressional delegation gives mixed reviews to President Bush's annual State of the Union address.

Dems Propose State Cigarette Tax (2007-01-24)
Democrats in the General Assembly propose a new dollar-a-pack cigarette tax, which draws a cautious response from Governor O'Malley.

Mehlman Steps Down As GOP Chairman (2007-01-23)
Pikesville native Ken Mehlman resigns as national chairman of the GOP after two tumultuous years at the helm.

Nugget's Carmelo Anthony Returns From Suspension (2007-01-23)
Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony returns to the Denver Nuggets after being suspended for fighting, but must adjust to newly-acquired Allen Iverson.

Physicians Advice To Help Beat High Blood Pressure (2007-01-23)
Local woman takes medical advice and steps to reduce her high blood pressure.

Late Night Crowd Seeks To Unravel Poe Mystery (2007-01-22)
An eclectic crowd of literary fans gathers at the Westminster Cemetery in an attempt to learn the identity of a mysterious figure whose been visiting the grave of author Edgar Allan Poe for the past 57 years.

Large Crowd Attends Towson fundraiser for Wounded Iraq War Veteran (2007-01-22)
Successful fundraiser for wounded Iraq war veteran.

Ravens Face An Uncertain Off-Season (2007-01-19)
Questions over status of several key players hover over the Ravens' off-season.

O'Malley Submits Budget To General Assembly (2007-01-19)
Governor Martin O'Malley presents his first budget to the General Assembly.

Dixon Sworn-In As Baltimore's Mayor (2007-01-19)
City Council President Sheila Dixon is sworn-in as Baltimore's mayor, succeeding Mayor Martin O'Malley.

O'Malley, Brown Formally Take The Helm In Annapolis (2007-01-18)
Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown take the oath of office for governor and lieutenant-governer, respectively, during inaugural ceremonies in Annapolis.

State Democrats Celebrate Annapolis Takeover (2007-01-18)
Maryland Democrats celebrate re-taking the State House from the GOP, but budget concerns loom as the General Assembly session begins.

Congressional Democrats Weigh In On Iraq War Spending (2007-01-17)
Congressional Democrats warn the White House that they will closely examine funding requests for the war in Iraq.

Baltimore Mourns Slain Police Detective (2007-01-17)
Hundreds of police from around the region, city dignitaries and ordinary citizens gather to honor the memory of slain city police Detective Troy Chesley, Sr.

Webber Homecoming Buoys Pistons (2007-01-17)
Detroit's Chris Webber signs with hometown Pistons after agreeing to a buy-out with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Washington SEED School A Model for Baltimore (2007-01-17)
Washington, D.C. school is a model for a similar school being planned for Baltimore.

O'Malley Inaugurated as Maryland's 61st Governor (2007-01-17)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith talks with Annapolis bureau chief Joel McCord about Wednesday's inaugural of Martin O'Malley.

Complaints By Some Over State's Sex Offenders Registry (2007-01-16)
Complaints that the state's sex offenders registry unfairly punishes some former offenders.

Volunteers Leading Effort To Rebuild New Orleans (2007-01-16)
Armies of volunteers are carrying much of the overwhelming burden to reclaim New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Rebuilding New Orleans a Herculean Task (2007-01-15)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith writes from New Orleans that rebuilding the Crescent City after Hurricane Katrina will take several years and is a much larger task than can be imagined.

Loss To Colts Ends Ravens Season (2007-01-15)
The Ravens lose their second-round playoff game to the Indianapolis Colts, ending the team's Super Bowl run.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembered (2007-01-15)
On his birthday, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered by some of those who knew him personally.

Congress mulls increasing the minimum wage (2007-01-15)
Democrats and Republicans debate increasing the minimum wage.

Ehrlich Bids Goodbye To Supporters and Volunteers (2007-01-15)
Soon-to-be ex-Governor Bob Ehrlich spoke to a gathering of campaign volunteers and supporters.

Family, Community Rallies Around Wounded Iraq War Veteran (2007-01-12)
The family and friends of a badly-wounded veteran of the war in Iraq organizes a local fundraiser.

Fans Energized by Ripken's Election to Hall of Fame, Ravens-Colts tilt (2007-01-12)
Sports reporter Mike Lurie discusses the election of Orioles star Cal Ripken to baseball's Hall of Fame, as well as the Ravens-Colts playoff game with WYPR's Sunni Khalid.

Ravens Fullback Mughelli Making Big Impression (2007-01-12)
Ravens fullback Ovie Mughelli is earning praise among teammates and opponents with impressive play.

Cardin Leads Senate Debate Against Iraq "Surge" (2007-01-11)
Maryland Senator Ben Cardin begins debate on the Bush administration's proposed "surge" of 20,000 more troops to Iraq.

Passions Run High As Ravens-Colts Playoff Game Draws Near (2007-01-11)
Local football fans have mixed emotions as the transplanted Colts return to the town that loved them to take on the Baltimore Ravens, with a Super Bowl berth at stake.

General Assembly Meets, Budget Concerns High (2007-01-10)
The new General Assembly convenes in Annapolis, with major concerns over the state's budget.

Maryland Law Students Help Reduce New Orleans Court Backlog (2007-01-10)
A group of University of Maryland law school students help clear up the Post-Katrina backlog in New Orleans courts.

Ravens Newsome Driving Force To Team's Success (2007-01-10)
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome savors key role in building a successful team through wise draft and free agent moves.

PCP Abuse Becoming A Growing Concern, Part Two (2007-01-09)
PCP abuse a growing threat, nationally and locally.

New Orleans Post-Katrina Clean-up Remains A Massive Task (2007-01-09)
University of Maryland students help in massive post-Katrina clean-up of New Orleans.

Pelosi Makes Triumphant Return to "Little Italy" (2007-01-08)
New House Speaker Nancy Pelosi returns to Baltimore's "Little Italy" for celebrations and the naming of a street in her honor.

PCP Abuse Becoming A Growing Concern (2007-01-08)
Evidence of growing PCP or "angel dust" abuse is becoming a growing concern for local health and drug treatment officials.

Maryland Democrats Flex Muscle In New Congress (2007-01-05)
Maryland-born Democrats dominate leadership positions in the new 110th Congress

First-Round Bye Suits Playoff-Bound Ravens (2007-01-05)
WYPR's Sunni Khalid speaks with our sports reporter Mike Lurie about the NFL Playoffs and the Ravens' possible second-round opponents.

Maryland Law School Students Aim To Reduce Post-Katrina Legal Woes (2007-01-04)
A group of University of Maryland Law School students heads to New Orleans to help people trapped in post-Katrina legal limbo.

D'Alessandro-Pelosi -- A Reporter's Notebook (2007-01-04)
A look back at former Baltimore Mayor Thomas D'Alessandro, Sr., his wife, Nancy, and their daughter, new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

City Must Collaborate To Reduce Homicides (2007-01-04)
WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith urges city officials to collaborate on finding a way to reduce Baltimore's high homicide rate.

An Interview with Senator Paul Sarbanes (2007-01-03)
Retiring Senator Paul Sarbanes looks back on his life in politics with WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith.

Wizards' Arenas Leads NBA in Scoring (2007-01-03)
Washington Wizards' star Gilbert Arenas is one a scoring tear, leading the league in scoring.

Health Officials Guard Against Heart Disease over the Holidays (2007-01-03)
Heart Holidays is a concern over for local health officials

Bay Islands Benefit From Dredging (2007-01-03)
State officials attempt to rebuild Chesapeake Bay islands through dredging operations

Denver Shooting Has NBA and other leagues worried (2007-01-03)
The recent fatal shooting of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams has officials in professional sports leagues worried about security.

Mondawmin Mall Undergoes Facelift (2007-01-02)
Long-neglected Mondawmin Mall spruces up in a bid to attract more shoppers