Explore every episode of the podcast WYPR News Roundup

Early voting ended this week and Election Day approaches on Tuesday.

We have the latest with Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis on what you should be aware of as you cast your ballot.

And this is being dubbed the first prediction market election. How could one person’s wager affect your vote? Tim Harper, project lead on Elections and Democracy for the Center for Democracy and Technology, joins us.

Later, a study Johns Hopkins is carrying out with the Pentagon on women in combat. Ellie Wolfe, a higher education reporter for our news partner The Baltimore Banner, co-authored an investigation into the Pentagon's decision. She joins us to discuss.

And, are you headed to Hampden for Halloween? Susannah Siger, a longtime Hampden business owner who's been involved with the event for over 20 years, joins us to preview.

Guests:

• Jared DeMarinis is Maryland’s state administrator of elections.
• Tim Harper is a project lead on elections and democracy for the Center for Democracy and Technology.
• Ellie Wolfe is a higher education reporter for our news partner The Baltimore Banner.
• Susannah Siger is owner of Ma Petite Shoe and has been involved with Hampden Halloween Fest.

Related links:

• Website for Maryland State Board of Elections
• Center for Democracy and Technology - Betting on the Ballot? How Prediction Markets Can Reshape the Election Environment
• Banner - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab conducting Pentagon study on women in combat roles

Credit:

The Engagement had help from Isaac Moss, Sam Bermas-Dawes, Elizabeth Nonemaker and Malarie Pinkard-Pierre. Gabe Ortis and Shawn Murphy are our studio engineers. Khaleel Rahman is our producer and Amy Walters is WYPR’s executive producer.

Join us:

Want to have your voice heard on The Engagement? What should we be talking about? There are several ways to reach us:

• Leave us a voicemail at 410-735-1616.
• Leave us a voice message or a text on the Baltimore Public Media app.
• You can also message us on Instagram or Facebook.

Earlier this week, President Trump signed an executive order to give women’s health research more attention. The order establishes a Women’s Health Division at the National Institutes of Health.

Host Wambui Kamau shares her personal journey with uterine fibroids interviewing Dr. Anne Peters, the gynecologist and surgeon at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center who helped treat her.

Kamau also speaks with U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks about her efforts to pass the UFIGHT Act, aimed at advancing research, screening, and treatment for uterine fibroids, a bill she introduced.

Then, a look at one of the fastest-growing segments of Maryland's electorate: Asian American voters. Like many voting blocks, Asian Americans are far from a monolith. Dr. Janelle Wong, the Director of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland and Senior Researcher on AAPI Data, discussed how this demographic is being courted by politicians in both parties.

Plus, at the beginning of this month a new Maryland law went into effect that could make passing property down a little easier. The law is called the Transfer on Death Deed law. N'neka Nnamdi, director with the Stop Oppressive Seizures Fund, broke it down.

And as Halloween approaches, it is time for the Great Baltimore Lantern Parade. Rachel Rush, Education Director at Creative Alliance, along with a Creative Alliance manager, discusses the parade and Dia de los Muertos celebrations. For her safety, we did not use the manager's name during the interview. Maritza Solano provided Spanish interpretation during the segment.

We hear how Maryland’s lone Republican representative called police on a student journalist. WYPR reporter Sarah Petrowich was standing by. The Executive Director of Rock the Vote tells us what young voters are thinking about this election season. The University of Maryland’s suspends its tennis club after they sent out racist imagery. And what it means that Susquehanna River water is now flowing through Baltimore pipes in hopes of fighting a drought. Plus, WYPR’S brand new show, The Engagement, starts Monday.

Polls ahead of the midterms show how voters feel about the economy, the governor’s race and AI. We discuss the concerns of Black and Latino voters in Maryland and how politicians can genuinely engage with them. A former State Department official and a Maryland student activist share their reflections three years after the Oct. 7 attacks and what a U.N. commission calls a genocide in Gaza. Finally, we talk with the director of a new documentary about the Harlem Park Three, who spent 36 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder as teenagers.

Mayor Brandon Scott joins us to answer questions about his dispute with Inspector General Cumming, and his role as mayor ahead of the midterms. We learn more about the latest updates on the Cornell sexual assault case and hear about Maryland’s own laws on accountability for assault. And Rage Against the Machine guitarist, Tom Morello, joins us to talk about his upcoming Power to the People festival this weekend. Our partner station, WTMD, will be covering the festival and they share what attendees can expect.

This week, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a sweeping set of proposed AI regulations. A reporter from our news partner, the Baltimore Banner, breaks down how practical these proposals are. We talk about the governor's new executive order to regulate data center development. A reporter from Inside Climate News breaks down President Donald Trump's executive order revoking Obama-era protections for the Chesapeake Bay. And a Baltimore filmmaker unveils her new documentary, "Eternity One." She tells the story of one girl growing upon Tangier Island while facing an imminent risk of being wiped out by rising sea levels. Finally, we talk the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil. We're joined by the team's announcer and a Ravens fan in Rio de Janeiro ahead of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

After a major shakeup, the Baltimore City Council attempts to realign on safety. We talk with City Council President Zeke Cohen about the recent ousting of Public Safety Chair Mark Conway, a new response system to 911 calls, the fight against data centers, and more. State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis discusses what the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on mail-in voting means for Marylanders. And, the 27th Baltimore Book Festival is taking place this weekend. Artist Derrick Adams and D. Watkins, host of the upcoming WYPR show The Engagement, join us to talk about the power of reading. Adams also shares how his festival event “Reading Is Freedom” supports child literacy. Stay tuned for The Engagement, premiering on Oct 19 and airing Monday-Thursday on WYPR at 11 a.m.

25 years ago today many of us woke up to a clear blue sky and what looked to be a picture-perfect day. By 9 a.m., the only thing clear was it was anything but that. Two planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York City — the two buildings collapsed — and thousands of people were killed. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon killing close to 200. And a fourth plane crashed into the ground in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. We speak with WYPR staff who were working in our offices at that time. Gov. Wes Moore comes on to tell us what he remembers and how he thinks back on it now, after helping to fight in the U.S. war on Afghanistan. We hear from a videographer who spent September 11 and the following days at the Pentagon. 25 years later, the footage she held onto has been released. We also talk to an Imam in Baltimore County who was only 10 years old in 2001. He says the events of that day - still - make a mark on his life today and we end the show with the greatest rivalry in sports – rugby. The New Zealand All Blacks take on South Africa’s Springboks in Baltimore.

School is back in session, and we’re looking at the mayor’s report card. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott discusses his approach to reducing violent crime, his efforts to get kids to school on time, and the fight to keep measles at bay. A recent surge in ICE raids has students and teachers on edge. One Maryland professor, Berhanu Kibret, has been detained for more than a monthand was recently denied bond. We hear from his attorneys about the status of his case. And we pass the mic to actor Lance Coadie Williams to hear about his role in the new “Bocking” production, just extended at Baltimore's Center Stage.

As the battles between Maryland and the Trump administration continue in federal court, Maryland’s Attorney General declares victory in the fight to bring the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt. We explore what that means for the shifting relationship between Maryland and the federal government. Then, a representative from the Maryland ACLU breaks down a new report analyzing police killings in the state. We discuss what Baltimore TV station WMAR’s transition to an anchorless broadcast means for the future of journalism. And Baltimore Banner reporter Hayes Gardener shares his coverage on the series of rabid beaver attacks in the state. Finally, Marcus John, an actor from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, talks about taking on the role of Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, and his own family history in the state.

As summer nears its end, Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins the News Roundup to talk about Maryland's shore communities, and his fight to lower prescription drug costs and hold U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable. In the wake of progressive primary wins across the country, Van Hollen also lists the reasons the Democratic Party should part ways with AIPAC. He addresses the dire situation in Sudan, one he’s passionate about, and his effort to halt U.S. weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates funding the Rapid Support Forces.

The future of Maryland’s congressional map is now in the hands of voters. After a heated debate over congressional redistricting, a new amendment has passed putting the issue on November's ballot. We speak with WYPR's Sarah Petrowich who's covering the new legislation from the State House. Then, off to the races! There is a shakeup in the world of Thoroughbred racing and the new schedule for Maryland's Preakness. Childs Walker wrote about it for our news partners at the Baltimore Banner and helps us truth squad the latest. And a favorite election issue - data centers – has taken hold of Frederick County Council. WYPR’s Nathanael Miller briefs us on the ongoing fight over construction. We Pass the Mic to Bry Reed, a Baltimore writer and City College graduate who discusses the power of reading. And BTS, the K-pop giants, are headed to Baltimore. We preview their upcoming performance and dive into some hard questions about cultural appropriation in K-pop.

Summer is typically a season for taking a break, but work has dominated the news this week. We begin with the latest on Maryland’s rise in cyclosporiasis cases and the wildfire smoke lingering over the state. Then, we examine why Maryland’s prisons rank among the nation’s deadliest. Correctional officers say a staffing shortage is contributing to the violence. We also check in with former federal workers at USAID and NIH who are still reeling from last year’s DOGE cuts. Protests and layoffs have rippled through Maryland industry, from universities to video game studios. Even Major League Baseball may be heading toward a lockout.

Baltimore’s beating many East Coast cities at a game no one wants to win — higher gas prices. With the U.S. war on Iran continuing, there are few signs of letting up. We offer some advice to get a better deal at the pump. And two transportation projects that haven’t seen the light of day — a tunnel to the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium and the Red Line, which has yet to be built. A simmering standoff between Sinclair chairman David Smith — who also owns The Baltimore Sun — and Maryland Governor Wes Moore heats up again, and for some real American drama we head to the Contemporary American Theater Festival in West Virginia.

Baltimore County's primary results are official, and reporter John Lee has the winners heading into November. The Baltimore Banner's Sapna Bansil breaks down the county's first year of public campaign funding. Plus, Erick Oribio, the founder of Latin Opinion, a Baltimore-based Spanish language media network talks about the recovery efforts after two deadly earthquakes struck Venezuela. A new documentary traces Maryland's fight to repeal the Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights and the women who fought for it hoping to protect others from police violence. And we end with a few scoops of ice cream—along with details on where to find it, who's making it, and how to work off the calories while checking out the dairy farms of Maryland.

Between executive orders and Supreme Court decisions, how does America define itself 250 years after signing the Declaration of Independence? We hear about a Maryland woman who put her name on the revolutionary document. And there are new details on 400 Maryland soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, including Black Marylanders, some who served in the Continental Army and others aligned with British forces. Finally, we celebrate with a drone show, and a party, in Baltimore's historic Cherry Hill neighborhood!

What did we learn from Maryland’s primary election? We take a look at results in Baltimore and beyond. Then we set sail. As Sail250 Maryland takes over the Inner Harbor. And we close out Pride month with a trip to Butch Garden, a family-friendly Baltimore party that started years before this Pride month and pledges to continue long after.

It's Juneteenth, a holiday in Maryland and across the country. We hear what changes to the Voting Rights Act mean for Black voters in Maryland and dig into the history of Juneteenth. June is also Black Music Month. We're also passing the mic to a Baltimore rapper, and we close with a celebration: AFRAM turns 50. Baltimore's signature summer festival steps into its golden decade, and we've got the music and the memories to mark the occasion.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen is not on the ballot this month, but that's not stopping his political influence. We talk to a reporter in Maryland and another in Washington, D.C., about how he's wielding his power. Then, hours after an ICE detention on school grounds had parents reeling, Bria Overs, with our news partner, the Baltimore Banner, shares her reporting on how ICE has changed the economy and the neighborhood of Highlandtown in Baltimore. We also hear from one of Baltimore's longest-serving principals. Cindy Harcum leaves Baltimore City College this year after 15 years of service. Her former student, Bry Reed, asks what makes "The Castle" so unique. And finally, Pride marches through Baltimore on Saturday, but recent changes to the festival have some members of the LGBTQ+ community asking if the city is on their side.

Differences on how to handle evidence from decades-old sexual assault cases are keeping Baltimore County from accessing more than five million dollars in state funds. That’s happening as Baltimore County’s states’ attorney election hits a fever pitch. Céilí Doyle, with our news partner The Baltimore Banner, tells us about how that’s being handled, and WYPR’s award-winning reporter, John Lee, takes us through the county ballot races from states’ attorney to county council to county executive. We pass the mic to a career counselor who helps women navigate careers that sometimes pivot, and one Baltimore documentarian takes a hard look at The Wire and reclaims Baltimore’s past, present, and future in her new film, Beyond the Wire.

Hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots were re-sent to Maryland voters after a vendor error. Has that error been rectified? Matt Bush talks with Maryland State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis. WYPR statehouse reporter Sarah Petrowich talks about Senate President Bill Ferguson’s recent movement on redistricting and the challenge to his Senate seat from newcomer Bobby LaPin. Matt also speaks with WYPR’s Nathanael Miller about Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which stretches from Montgomery County to the edge of the state. Incumbent Rep. April McClain Delaney is being challenged by the former incumbent, David Trone, who helped put her in office. Osita Nwanevu, a political reporter for The Guardian, discusses the challenges of reporting during trying times. Finally, we head to Bowie State University to find out more about faculty layoffs there.

The price of GLP-1s may be going down in Maryland, but not in time for this summer season. We check in on the status of 911 caller response in Baltimore County. And festival season is upon us — what to do at Artscape, how to dress for this and every summer fest - then, an escape to the Eastern Shore.

We've got questions for Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani about protecting yourself and your family from hantavirus and ticks. She also tells us about vaccine changes, health insurance, and more! Plus, the backstory of the big fuel leak from Joint Base Andrews, its impact on Piscataway Creek and the Potomac River … a Baltimore food blogger's inside look at the city's restaurant scene … and the first Preakness to be run outside of Charm City in more than a century!

Just over two years ago, Maryland woke up to the shocking news that the Francis Scott Key Bridge had collapsed into the Patapsco River after being hit by the cargo ship Dali. The tragedy claimed the lives of six men who were working on the half-century-old bridge, taking with it one of the state’s busiest interstate connectors and a vital beltway link for the East Baltimore community. As crews sifted through the wreckage, conversation soon turned to the murkier questions of how the bridge will be replaced, the cost, and who will pay for it. The economic and human impact of the collapse presents an opportunity to think broadly about other forms of regional transit and how we balance competing interests while still delivering the project efficiently. Ian Coss, host of the acclaimed podcast, The Big Dig, hosted a special live taping on Tuesday, March 31st at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, covering these questions and more.

We hear from a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of Baltimore’s Catholic clergy. Many more may see their day in court after three years. Why has it taken so long? We also talk to the reporter who broke the story of abuse in Maryland’s juvenile justice system. More than 12 thousand are filing legal claims. We pass the mic to Ashley Minner Jones. Jones has made it her artistic mission to make art about the lives of Baltimore Lumbee. And we mark May Day as workers of the world unite, we check on what they’re doing here in Baltimore. Guests • Scott Maucione, WYPR Health Reporter • Madeline O’Neill, Freelance Justice Reporter reporting for the Baltimore Banner • Ashley Minner Jones, archivist of the Lumbee community • Rachel Viqueira, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation Related Links • Maryland Supreme Court orders people accused of complicity in Archdiocese abuse remain unnamed • Baltimore has more than $120 million allocated from opioid restitution fund • Thousands of people say they were sexually abused in Maryland juvenile detention centers. Is anyone investigating? Credits: Matt Bush is the host of WYPR's News Roundup. We had help from Sheilah Kast, Elizabeth Nonemaker, and Rob Timm. Shawn Murphy and Shanya Mapson were our studio engineers. Amy Walters is WYPR's Executive Producer.

Maryland’s primary election is June 23, less than two months away. Excited? Apprehensive? Confused? We’ve got you covered. Early voting starts June 11. If you want to vote by mail, the deadline to request a ballot is June 2, and if you’ve already requested a mail-in ballot, those will start going out in two weeks. To answer your questions and maybe calm your nerves, we hear from Jared DeMarinis, the state administrator at the Maryland State Board of Elections. He helps WYPR news director Matt Bush dispel voting myths. WYPR’s Baltimore County reporter John Lee talks about the county executive race and the multibillion-dollar budget the winner will oversee. Baltimore City Schools new CEO talks about how being unhoused during his childhood informs his perspective on how to help Baltimore’s 6,000+ school children without homes And we end the show at Camden Yards, passing the mic to Brett Hollander, the Orioles broadcaster. Then, taking a bite out of the value dog at Orioles’ park - Is it a real value? Listen and find out. Guests • Jared DeMarinis, state administrator at the Maryland State Board of Elections • John Lee, WYPR reporter Baltimore County • Dr. Jermaine Dawson, incoming CEO of Baltimore City Schools • Brett Hollander, Orioles Broadcaster • Allan James Vestal, senior data visualization reporter, Baltimore Banner Related Links • Baltimore County’s $5B budget holds tax rate steady as property bills keep rising • Republican candidates call for change in the Baltimore County Executive’s race • Baltimore City Public Schools names Philadelphia leader as new CEO • Grading the glizzies: How each hot dog at Camden Yards measures up Credits: Matt Bush is the host of WYPR's News Roundup. We had help from Elizabeth Nonemaker, Sheilah Kast, and Shanya Mapson. Shawn Murphy was our studio engineer. Amy Walters is WYPR's Executive Producer.

This week on the WYPR News Roundup -- energy. Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland legislature took aim at soaring electricity bills. Host Matt Bush and WYPR statehouse reporter Sarah Petrowich dig into Moore’s Utility RELIEF Act. Then, Bria Overs, business and consumer-trends reporter with our news partner, the Baltimore Banner, joins Matt to talk about how consumers are coping – and those who can’t cope – with surging electricity and natural gas charges. This week, we 'pass the mic' to Savannah Wood, whose family founded the AFRO newspaper. She’s keeping her family’s history by preserving the archives. To wrap up, the exodus of Forged. The Charles Street hyper-seasonal eatery has left Baltimore for Northern Virginia.

This Friday, WYPR launches our News Roundup. We hear from WYPR's own reporters, reporting from our news partner, the Baltimore Banner, and others as they drill down on a topic affecting Maryland. This week, we ask which way Baltimore should turn when it comes to housing. Revitalize vacant homes or build something new? WYPR's Wambui Kamau reports on new development along the city’s expanding light rail system, and Giacomo Bologna, a reporter with our partner, the Baltimore Banner, examines the foreclosure “hustle” complicating efforts to revitalize Baltimore's housing stock. And as the weekend begins under the shadow of war, we speak with an artist who has transformed protest into a festival.