WYPR

12/23/2025

A southwest Baltimore neighborhood is seeing a rapid reduction in vacant buildings, as a nonprofit completes the first phase of a major redevelopment effort.

Bon Secours Community Works has renovated 11 houses along Fulton Avenue, with plans to complete nine more by July 2026. Two of the 20 homes have already been sold.

“I'm very happy that we're the first organization to sell a Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Initiative home,” said Ruben Chandrasekhar, executive director of Bon Secours Community Works. He added that they plan to continue renovating in the 21223 zip code.

Read and listen to the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/m88snb54

12/23/2025

John Hopkins 21st Century Cities Initiative released its third Baltimore Area Survey report, and while Baltimore area residents feel physically safer, they worry about the local economy.

The latest Baltimore Area Survey reports residents feel safer in their neighborhoods but economic concerns, job instability and food insecurity are on the rise.

12/23/2025

For the first time, a candidate running for Baltimore County Executive can use public money to help pay for their campaign.

Councilman Pat Young says he’s getting close to qualifying for matching funds.

12/22/2025

Helicon & Friends joined 'Midday' in Studio A for the annual 'Midday Holiday Concert'!

Helicon & Friends join Midday in Studio A for a preview of their live Winter Solstice Concerts Saturday at Goucher College's Kraushaar Auditorium.

12/21/2025

Baltimore club music featured fast-paced, repetitive beats, low-fidelity vocals, a dizzying array of samples and raunchy humor. Music journalist Al Shipley's new book, 'Tough Breaks: The Story of Baltimore Club Music', follows the genre from hometown sound to beyond the bounds of Charm City. He joined Midday to talk about the past, present and future of Baltimore's club music scene.

Author Al Shipley conducted interviews with artists, club promoters and music producers over 18 years.

12/21/2025

The holiday season is upon us! 'The Weekly Reader' truly believes that books make great gifts, and they have some suggestions for the non-fiction lovers on your list, or maybe as a treat for yourself: 'A Marriage at Sea' by Sophie Elmhirst, 'Wings' by Paul McCartney, 'The Uncool' by Cameron Crowe and 'Writing Creativity and Soul' by Sue Monk Kidd.

Some of the very best non-fiction suggestions for holiday gift giving or a little treat for yourself.

12/21/2025

Maryland’s legislative Spending and Affordability Committee adopted recommendations Thursday to cut state spending next fiscal year and pad its reserve accounts to protect the state from Trump administration policies.

The recommendations come as fiscal leaders project Maryland will face an estimated structural deficit of $1.2 billion next fiscal year and an overall cash shortfall of just over $1.5 billion.

While new budget forecasts keep recent fiscal projections steady, student enrollment drops could provide Maryland some financial relief.

12/20/2025

Gov. Wes Moore’s redistricting advisory commission is recommending Maryland move forward with redrawing its congressional map before the 2026 election.

The announcement comes amid low public approval for mid-cycle redistricting and strong opposition from Senate President Bill Ferguson.

12/19/2025

A landfill located in Gunpowder Falls State Park will not be doubling what it discharges into the Bird River. That’s according to State Sen. J.B. Jennings, who said the operator is withdrawing that request.

Landfill to be closed in five years.

12/19/2025

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $26.5 million in grant funding for 130 community-led revitalization and redevelopment projects.

The grants — totaling anywhere from $25,000 to $1 million — will help with business expansion, community facilities, affordable housing — including acquiring vacant properties for conversion — and housing repair programs.

Maryland’s chief financial officers approved millions in funding for 130 statewide community-led revitalization and redevelopment projects Wednesday.

12/18/2025

The Maryland Public Service Commission — in charge of regulating the states’ utility companies — called BGE to testify Wednesday on its long customer service wait times and suggested the utility may have a deeper problem on its hands.

BGE’s customer service call wait time in recent weeks has averaged over 50 minutes, while billing question wait times are averaging over 100 minutes.

The Public Service Commission points out other local utility companies are not facing the same customer complaints under the same conditions.

12/18/2025

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