General Assembly

Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly convened for a special session to take up legislation about gambling.

How are Maryland’s counties preparing their budgets with state funds in limbo?

Facebook is now allowing users to list their status as an organ donor on their timelines. Johns Hopkins transplant surgeon Andrew Cameron played a role in that decision. We talk with him about possible outcomes.

Theater Critic J. Wynn Rousuck reviews the Vagabond Players production of Frost/Nixon.

Exploring the roots of the War of 1812 with author John Stagg.

We take a look at the what the General Assembly did and what they didn’t do.

ProPublica reporter Michael Grabell on his new book, “Money Well Spent?: The Truth Behind the Trillion-Dollar Stimulus, the Biggest Economic Recovery Plan in History.”

A century after the Titanic left on its maiden voyage, Tom Hall talks with Baltimore Sun journalist Fred Rasmussen about why we’re still so fascinated by it.

The General Assembly has less than two weeks to pass a budget bill. There are a few new tax plans out there; one would raise tax rates on just about everyone, with an extra bump for those making over $500,000. Another would just roll back some exemptions and deductions for those making over $100,000. Sheilah gets a conservative and a liberal take on the discussions from two budget analysts.

The General Assembly has less than two weeks to pass a budget bill. There are a few new tax plans out there; one would raise tax rates on just about everyone, with an extra bump for those making over $500,000. Another would just roll back some exemptions and deductions for those making over $100,000. Sheilah gets a conservative and a liberal take on the discussions from two budget analysts.

Yesterday was the deadline for initial recommendations from a special state Senate committee on ethics reform. We’ll talk to the chair of that committee, Democratic State Senator Jamie Raskin, about potential changes in how Maryland’s legislators police themselves.

Not sure how to celebrate National Grammar Day? Let John McIntyre of the Baltimore Sun show you the way.

Post-Oscars punditry from Jed Dietz and Mike Sragow.

Wind energy is on the agenda for the General Assembly session. But what happens to birds and bats when wind farms pop up in their natural habitat?  Also, sustainable food activist and author Michael Pollan appears at the Baltimore Speakers Series, presented by Stevenson University. This morning, Sheilah talks to him about the future of food. And, thinking about going to a sports bar tonight? Mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen wonders whether you’d rather enjoy some lieder.