WYPR Podcast

Gov. Hogan, joined by House and Senate leaders, announced a more than $1 billion tax relief plan to help small businesses and keep retirees from leaving the state. Maryland’s House and Senate leaders say they’ve come up with a revised congressional redistricting map after a judge threw out the one presented Friday, ruling it unconstitutional. Baltimore County will spend an extra $70 million to fix and replace dated schools. A Johns Hopkins project is using social media to gather global data on changing attitudes about health and well being during the pandemic. And experts at the Bloomberg School of Public Health tell us where we are in the fight against COVID and what we can expect in the near future.

How a German Jewish immigrant invented the best thing to ever happen to shellfish

A Maryland judge has sent lawmakers back to the drawing board over a contested congressional map as partisan debate over how elections maps are drawn on the state and local levels remains fraught. With weeks left to go in this General Assembly session, Governor Hogan announces more state funding for crime fighting initiatives and chides lawmakers to take action. And there’s a plan afoot to infuse new economic life into a historically Black community in Baltimore County using its “opportunity zone status.”

Moderna seeks emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. The Maryland General Assembly has cleared crossover day and now has the final weeks to get unfinished legislation done before sine die. Medically necessary gender-affirming care for those who can’t afford it would be covered by medicaid under a bill that cleared the Maryland Senate.

The court battle over redrawn council districts in Baltimore County is creating a headache for at least one candidate. A package of bills in the Baltimore City Council aim to crack down on vacant housing. The COVID-19 positivity rate remains low in Maryland, but public health officials say we’re not in the clear yet. And Senate hearings are underway for the first Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court.

Through friendships, we enrich each other, and we try to grow together.

Maryland residents will get a short holiday to help ease the pain from high gas prices. A new study shows harassment against local health officials was widespread during the early months of the pandemic. A bill that would ban ghost guns passes the Senate. Baltimore County’s State’s Attorney has a Republican challenger. And Baltimore’s Penn North Library becomes a haven for those struggling with substance abuse.

Relief from high fuel prices could be on the way as a gas tax holiday moves a step closer to reality. A new state program would allow Maryland job seekers without college diplomas to fill more vacant jobs. State lawmakers want to pull pension fund investments from Russia. Maryland must work toward being “carbon-neutral” by 2045 under a bill passed along party lines this week. And Baltimore’s Office of Homeless Services looks to keep hotels available as non-congregate shelters.

Masks are now optional in Baltimore City Public Schools. The state’s COVID positivity rate continues to go down. The latest Goucher poll shows Marylanders are feeling more than a pinch from recent price increases. Baltimore County’s executive promises no tax increases in the coming year. And a doctor gives advice on how to treat back pain without opioids.

A street artist reflects on his quasi-illegal contributions to Baltimore’s art scene.