WYPR

29/08/2025

There are lots of things to worry about in this world: Too much wealth and power in the hands of too few people, too many of them self-absorbed and thoughtless. Bad decisions that threaten the delicate balance of land and water. Not to mention tensions that keep people from appreciating the ones closest to them.

If you can weave all that into an absorbing on-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery set near the ocean — that’s a win, right? That’s just what Annapolis author Kate Myers has done in her second novel, "Salty." She joined On The Record to talk about it.

Maryland author Kate Myers' latest turns ecological collapse amid family and class tension into a fun mystery!

28/08/2025

Behind the headlines we remember from the Civil Rights Movement was an organized effort to teach African-Americans the literacy and civic skills they needed to register to vote.

Author Elaine Weiss details this in her new book, "Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools that Built the Civil Rights Movement." She joined On The Record to discuss.

Author Elaine Weiss talks about her new book, 'Spell Freedom.'

27/08/2025

ICYMI: some recent stories from the WYPR newsroom.

Some farmers in Baltimore County believe they are being neglected, an update on the struggle between Johns Hopkins and UHC, and a new museum in Frederick County.

Swipe to read more. Link in bio for full stories.

27/08/2025

Best-selling author Ann Patchett joined Midday to talk about her most recent book: an annotated edition of her most popular novel, "Bel Canto," which was published to great acclaim in 2001.

In the latest version, she walks us through what she wrote, page by page, and comments on what she thinks could be improved. She shares insights into her creative process with the same kind of grace, humor and gifts of perception that draw us all to her novels and essays.

Midday revisits a 2025 interview with Ann Patchett, who released an annotated version of her 2001 novel, "Bel Canto."

26/08/2025

Last fall, voters approved a ballot question that would add two seats in the chamber. But getting from seven council members to nine is a complicated political process, so to hear how it’s going, On The Record turned to WYPR reporter John Lee, whose focus is on Baltimore County.

WYPR reporter John Lee on the latest in Baltimore County.

25/08/2025

Many of the changes generated by the Trump administration are affecting rural areas in different ways than the cities and suburbs.

Democratic Rep. April McClain Delaney of Maryland's sixth district joined On The Record to talk about what’s going on.

What do cuts in food stamps and Medicaid, the denial of emergency aid to flood victims, the end of public-broadcasting funds mean for western Maryland? We ask Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

24/08/2025

Many young people report experiencing depression and anxiety and struggling with identity and purpose. Midday talked with Dr. Charissa Cheah, a professor of psychology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

She directs the Culture, Child and Adolescent Development Lab at UMBC and she serves as the President of the Society for Research on Adolescents, an international organization of scholars who support study in the field.

Dr. Charissa Cheah is a professor of psychology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

23/08/2025

Midday talked with Betsy Fox Tolentino, the new acting secretary of DJS. Gov. Wes Moore appointed her to replace Vincent Schiraldi.

Tolentino is no stranger to the agency, or to the work of youth justice. She is a former DJS Deputy Secretary, a Baltimore based public defender and most recently, the director of the Roca Impact Institute.

Betsy Tolentino became Acting Secretary of Juvenile Services in June 2025, following the departure of Vincent Schiraldi.

22/08/2025

Amtrak’s multi-year Frederick Douglass Tunnel project moves forward, but folks in affected neighborhoods feel frustrated from unanswered questions, like relocation plans and appraisals for their homes.

On The Record talked with Amy Petkovsek, director of the nonprofit Community Law Center. Her organization represents ten neighborhoods affected by the construction. Then we visit Tahera Arrington, who had to move out of her West Baltimore home due to water and foundation damage she says was caused by construction happening out her front door.

The Community Law Center represents complaints from ten neighborhoods affected by Amtrak construction. We zero in on West Baltimore.

21/08/2025

This is not a drill! New/Next Film Fest all-access passes are now on sale. And they will def sell out, so don’t wait and risk getting stuck sitting with such a sadness!

Secure your passes and find more info at newnextfilmfest.com.

Lineup announcements will begin in early September. Fix your hearts and come live inside these dreams with us.

21/08/2025

Frederick County’s seven member council found its vote split on Tuesday as it accepted only four out of the 11 amendments for a bill meant to limit data centers.

The bill, which was brought before the council in May, would limit data center construction to less than 1% of the county’s total landmass, no more than 4,200 acres.

The seven member council accepted only four of eleven amendments to a bill meant to limit the growth of data centers.

21/08/2025

The Baltimore County Police Wednesday released video of a June 2024 altercation involving officers and Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell.

County Executive says Crandell and the council need to make “difficult decisions” moving forward.