On The Record

More than 20 million Americans are behind on their medical bills. And a survey conducted last year by the group Economic Action Maryland found that 14 percent of Marylanders have medical debt they cannot repay. That existing debt, and fears of accruing new debt, cause some folks to avoid seeking hospital treatment.  But Maryland has laws designed to protect patients and Economic Action Maryland ha...

A reality television show where “Ghost Hunters” meets “Dream Home Makeover” is the setting of Sarah Pinsker’s new book, “Haunt Sweet Home.” The title of the book is also the name of the fictional TV show at its center… where the book’s main character, Mara gets a job as an overnight production assistant, making eerie things happen to get reactions from the new homeowners on-camera. And amid all th...

Here's a Stoop Story from Sean MacDonald about paranormal encounters … and the power of believing in things that you cannot see.  The next live stoop event is: ‘Creating Art, Creating Change: Art as a Tool for Healing Communities.’ It happens on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7pm at the American Visionary Art Museum. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Rec...

The cost of prescription drugs…eligibility for Maryland’s health insurance marketplace…coping with consequences of hurricanes. Headlines about health abound. We talk recent health news with WYPR reporter Scott Maucione .  Links: Abuse survivors just settled for $880 million in LA, what does that mean for Baltimore Archdiocese victims? | WYPR Maryland DACA recipients eligible for state health cover...

A Washington Post investigation revealed understaffing, violence, bullying, and neglect at Maryland’s maximum security psychiatric hospital. Why did problems persist so long? What now? We speak with reporter Katie Mettler .  Links: After Post report, Md. health secretary says changes coming to mental hospital How a ‘climate of chaos’ went unchecked at Maryland’s max-security psych hospital Marylan...

Gov. Moore claims a strong Baltimore leads to a strong Maryland. Now transportation advocates want him to commit to his word. Nearly 700 million dollars in transit maintenance and repair hangs in the balance … will MTA get what it needs?  Brian O'Malley , president and CEO of Central Maryland Transportation Alliance sifts through the details of this complicated, ongoing challenge for Baltimore. Li...

Baltimore is a city full of neighborhoods with distinct personalities -- from quirky to conventional, from historic to … not so historic. Architecturally speaking, there are absolute gems … as well as diamonds in the rough. Doors Open Baltimore offers a daylong opportunity to explore a few of the city’s most interesting buildings. Lauren Bostic Hill , Executive Director for The American Institute...

It’s October -- Fall colors are transforming Maryland's landscape! What makes the lush summer greens transform to vibrant yellows, reds and oranges? Dan Coy , who heads urban and community forestry at the Maryland DNR breaks down the science … and offers tips for leaf peepers this weekend. Links: Maryland DNR fall foliage map ,  Maryland Fall Foliage Trips , Explore Fall  foliage Maryland map. Do...

Here's a Stoop Story from Deborah Keene , about a memorable dip in the reservoir. For more information about Stoop Storytelling, including live events and the Stoop Podcast, visit Stoopstorytelling.com .   Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior P...

Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered Florida, North Carolina, and surrounding states this fall. Helene is one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history - it killed more than 200 people in the Southeast.  What should Marylanders know about staying ready for severe storms? We speak with  J orge Castillo, chief spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management .  Links: MD Ready...

A new book profiles people  rejecting pessimism even though they face a progressive, terminal disease: younger-onset, also known as early-onset, Alzheimer’s disease.  The book is inspired by three men: Dennis Myers, Jim Hursey, and Mike Razzi. They met at a support group in Hunt Valley. After forming a deep friendship, they dubbed themselves, “The Optimistics.”   Writer  Richie Frieman was inspire...

Wyoming’s Liz Cheney was the highest-ranking Republican woman in the history of the House of Representatives. Now, she’s endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for president. Why? Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/her...

Baltimore County’s population has tripled since the 1950s. Will voters decide to add seats to the county council? WYPR's John Lee gives us the run-down on Baltimore County ballot questions .  Links: Baltimore County: What’s on the ballot? Baltimore City ballot questions: A breakdown Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervisin...

Zoe Bell shares a Stoop story about a tumultuous relationship with a Volkswagen Beetle. The next Stoop show is Tuesday, October 15th at Checkerspot Brewing Company in South Baltimore. The theme is, " See Beyond: Stories about disrupting prejudices and preconceived notions. ” Proceeds will be donated to the Maryland School for the Blind. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story ide...

Wood turtles are native to much of our state, but like many species, their survival is facing multiple challenges.  Susquehannock Wildlife Society in Harford County is working with the Maryland Zoo and the state Department of Natural Resources to protect the future of the wood turtle. Scott McDaniel,  president of the Susquehannock Wildlife Society, and John Garrison, conservation director, explai...

For 140 years Baltimore’s Franciscan Center has responded to community needs -- from food and clothing to counseling and dental care. Now they offer Dignity Plates Culinary Training Academy , which gives people skills and confidence that leads to employment and can transform lives. We talk with instructor  Chef April Dubose , and with cohort 11 students Detrich Jordan, Shakera Murphy, Harry Lowe,...

A year after the Hamas attack and hostage-taking in Israel, we check in with  Sumayyah Bilal and Rebekka Paisner , two friends who create space and dialogue for people of all faiths, especially Muslim and Jewish, to deal with the pain of the war.  Their upcoming event, Visions of Peace, happens on Oct. 22 at 7pm, location TBD. Check here for updated information. Do you have a question or comment a...

Maryland voters will weigh in on a handful of ballot questions next month, some carrying major implications for the Free State’s future. WYPR reporter Emily Hofstaedter gives an overview on several that will be of concern especially for Baltimore City residents. Links: Baltimore City, County and State Ballot Questions . Editor's note:  The original airing of this episode had an incorrect reference...

Here’s a Stoop Story from  Brian Jolles about a memorable dinner, a thoughtful waiter, and a run-away date. The next Stoop show is Tuesday, October 15th at Checkerspot Brewing Company in Baltimore. The theme is: See Beyond: Stories about disrupting prejudices and preconceived notions .” Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Maryland School for the Blind. Do you have a question or comment about a...

Last night, the International Longshoremen’s Association reached an agreement that extends the union contract until Jan.15 -- raising salaries and giving the two sides 90 days to work out other issues.  The deal was struck after three days of a strike that affected getting cargo on and off ships at 14 East Coast and Gulf Coast ports from Maine to Texas. The strike threatened to cause shortages and...

Images and video of the January 6th insurrection reveal the role Christian nationalism played in motivating rioters. The crowd storming the U.S. Capitol carried crosses, as well as signs and flags with Christian iconography.  A new book takes a deep look at a lesser-known evangelical Christian movement deeply connected to the events of January 6th - the New Apostolic Reformation.  Matthew Taylor i...

For two decades, Centro Hispano de Frederick has welcomed the immigrant community in Frederick County. Centro Hispano de Frederick is primarily led by volunteers, and provides services ranging from English classes to legal clinics. It also serves as a friendly space where people from other countries can learn and prosper.  We speak with Executive Director Suzanne Salichs , and hear from  Evelyn Ro...

Here’s a Stoop Story from K.C. about the transformation that can come from learning a family secret. More information about live Stoop events and the Stoop podcast at Stoopstorytelling.com Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa...

We celebrate this weekend’s return of the Baltimore Book Festival with a talk featuring journalist Nico Lang whose book  “American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era" chronicles the lives of trans kids around the country. The author spent nine months following the lives of eight trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid teens - and their families. The book exp...

We speak with Nicole Chi , a Costa Rican-Chinese writer, director, and producer. Chi is the creative force behind the documentary, “ Guián ,” and the short film, “ Los Mosquitos .”  Both films will be shown next week at the New/Next Film Festival , produced by Baltimore Public Media. More than 80 titles from around the world will be screened at the Charles Theater. Do you have a question or commen...