WYPR

01/07/2026

Rats and rodent f***s, tattered shoes and extreme heat and cold were just some of the conditions an independent watchdog found during unannounced inspections of the Maryland juvenile corrections facilities.

Youth advocates are railing against the conditions, calling them unsafe and unsanitary for children and demanding action from the state.

The report details rats, broken facilities and staff working mandatory overtime.

01/07/2026

A bill passed last night by the Frederick County Council aims to grow childcare facilities in the fastest growing county in the state.

As Frederick remains the fastest growing county in the state, it’s falling behind in the number of child care providers.

01/07/2026

Live from the Ed Sullivan theater in NYC on Thursday, January 8, Stephen Colbert will interview Terry Gross on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in celebration of Terry Gross’ 50th anniversary hosting Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

In a 2021 interview, Stephen said that Terry is “the greatest interviewer working today.”

Thursday’s interview will be a unique in-person reunion for the two. Watch it at 11:35pm ET / 8:35pm PT on CBS.

01/07/2026

What would you like to see from your next County Executive?

Coming up Friday on WYPR’s Midday: The County Executive is the highest seat in local government. They manage budgets, plan services and meet the day-to-day needs of their county. And this year, several of these key seats are up for grabs.

We’ll round-up the County Executive races in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard Counties – and get an inside look at who is running and what issues are at play.

But we want to hear from you. What issues do you care about in your county?

Comment below or leave us a message at 410-735-1616. You can also leave us a message on the WYPR app by clicking the microphone to send a voice note or the text bubble to send us an email, both found at the bottom of the app.

01/07/2026

Maryland’s 2026 legislative session starts next week, and redistricting, energy and affordability are all top of mind for Governor Wes Moore.

WYPR’s Sarah Petrowich discussed with the governor his priorities over the next 90 days.

Gov. Wes Moore spoke with WYPR about his legislative priorities as state lawmakers prepare to return to Annapolis next week.

01/06/2026

The Baltimore Archdiocese and survivors of sexual abuse still have a wide gap in what each expects from the church’s bankruptcy mediations. However, after a hearing this week, it seems both parties are still willing to come to the table.

The two parties are set to meet seven times in the coming months.

01/06/2026

Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young is proposing a temporary freeze on building data centers in the county. It comes as there is an effort to build a 42-acre, 150-megawatt data center in Woodlawn.

Councilman Pat Young says his legislation would give the county time to study the impact of data centers.

01/06/2026

Baltimore recorded its lowest number of homicides in nearly 50 years. The city ended 2025 with 133 homicides, marking a significant decline since Mayor Brandon Scott took office.

At a news conference Monday, Scott outlined how the city will work to keep its violent crime rate falling.

Mayor Scott stressed a historical drop in gun violence isn’t about celebrating, but about pushing forward.

01/06/2026

Maryland officials are reminding residents they can check a box on their annual state income tax return to find out how they can get free or discounted health insurance through the state.

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center

The program helps people sign up for insurance plans outside of open season.

01/05/2026

Kelly Madigan dealt with hostile members of the Baltimore County Council and county executives during her six years as the county’s first inspector general. Madigan resigned last month and today begins her work as Howard County’s first IG.

WYPR’s John Lee sat down with Madigan to talk about why she resigned, her future in Howard County and her legacy in Baltimore County.

Kelly Madigan says Baltimore County residents have no faith in their government.

01/05/2026

Starting in 2026, Baltimore will begin spending in earnest the hundreds of millions of dollars it won in settlements with opioid companies.

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center

The city won hundreds of millions in settlement money, now it's trying to spur change.

01/05/2026

The national debate over the treatment of immigrants could reverberate within the Baltimore County Council’s chambers in January, when legislation designed to protect the county’s immigrants will be debated.

Public hearings are scheduled for January, with a final council vote expected in February.