On The Record

Here's a Stoop Story from Jonathan Jenssen about accidentally-almost-missing his future wife! You can hear his story and many others at stoopstorytelling.com, as well as the Stoop podcast.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

While about one-quarter of Maryland’s eligible active voters already have returned their ballots by mail, tens of thousands are showing up each day to make this decision in person. WYPR reporter John Lee relays what he is hearing from voters about this choice. <br><br>Find an early voting center or ballot drop box near you. Check out more WYPR election coverage here.<br><br>Then, University of Maryland political scientist Michael Hanmer describes how the practice of voting by mail became a partisan issue, and what repercussions this year’s vote will have on future elections. Read more about the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement's survey of UMD students.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Even before the pandemic, Zion Church of the City of Baltimore had to learn to adapt. Founded in 1755 by German immigrants, they’ve offered worship in German and English and hosted cultural events. But like many religious institutions, Zion is figuring out how to remain relevant as it honors the past. We hear from several congregants, as well as clergy about Zion’s future. Plus, we take you behind the scenes we learn how four thousand dumplings are made for Zion’s Sour Beef event. It's paused this year due to the pandemic, but we were feeling nostalgic ...<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The migrant women who pick crabmeat on the Eastern Shore are essential workers. They are not immune to discrimination or hazardous work conditions. A new report, titled “Breaking The Shell,” shines light on the conditions these workers face.<br><br>Sulma Guzman, policy director and legislative counsel for the nonprofit Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, describes what they are hearing from workers. Read "Breaking the Shell" here.<br><br>And Jack Brooks, president of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association, defends the field’s practices.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Rising statistics about coronavirus infections and the number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 point to a sobering conclusion: We will be living with this for months to come. A vaccine is the ultimate weapon -- but is there something effective for use now? Two Johns Hopkins doctors think there is. Doctors David Sullivan and Shmuel Shoham explain how antibodies work, how they can be transferred safely from one person to another and what it will take to complete their clinical trials.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Adam Schwartz has observed hundreds of kids in 22 years teaching in Baltimore public schools. He’s watched them fall in love, make crazy decisions, grapple with moral dilemmas, worry about where they fit in life. Schwartz distilled some of what he’s seen into eight short stories for his new book "The Rest of the World." We also discuss whether Schwartz, a white man, is the right one to tell the stories of black and brown teen-agers and young adults.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here's a Stoop Story from Shawna Potter about the empowerment that comes with being done with being fed up. You can hear her story and many others at stoopstorytelling.com, as well as the Stoop podcast.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

A small piece of cloth has sparked a big debate in the U.S. -- some Americans believe mandates to wear a mask infringe on their personal freedoms. Turns out, this has happened before.<br><br>Marian Moser Jones, associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Public Health, tells us about the Anti-mask League of 1918. Jones admits that today’s social distancing and mask-wearing mandates can feel inconvenient, but says we can learn from the Spanish Flu pandemic. Plus, how did that deadly flu play out in Baltimore?<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Many of us regard bugs and insects simply as pests -- to be rid of. Our guests today know that, and hope to change the hearts and minds of the insect-averse. Sarah Stellwagen waxes poetic about the mysteries and science of spider webs. And entomologist Mike Raupp, also known as ‘The Bug Guy,’ is on a mission to help people understand our connection to the creepy crawly critters, starting with the fascinating life cycle of what he claims as his ‘spirit bug’ -- the stupendous cicada.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

One thousand Baltimore City students will be able to return to the classroom next month. The district will offer this option to pupils it says are struggling with virtual learning - like students with disabilities. Alison Perkins-Cohen, chief of staff to the city schools’ CEO, lays out the preparation needed.<br><br>Returning to classrooms would be voluntary for pupils, but might not be for some teachers. Diamonté Brown of the Baltimore Teachers Union describes its concerns about keeping students and staff safe.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Sixty years ago so many members of the Lumbee Indian Tribe migrated from North Carolina to East Baltimore, that the area was known as “the reservation.” Today folklorist Ashley Minner is working to preserve this history and the memories of Lumbee elders. She guides us through the walking tour she’s created, which includes the Baltimore American Indian Center and Heritage Museum and Rose's Bakery.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings died a year ago tomorrow. He invested time in his final months, amid painful health challenges and tough confrontations between Congress and President Trump … to write a memoir called, “We’re Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of our Democracy” It weaves his personal story with accounts of some public battles. His widow and partner, Maya Rockeymore Cummings, says we can hear in the memoir what her late husband would be telling America in anticipation of this year's election.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here’s a Stoop Story from Marshai Allen being a pioneer and the power of poetry. You can hear his story and others at Stoopstorytelling.com or on the Stoop podcast.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

For 14 years after she was raped by her best friend Jeannie Vanasco lived with it, lived with recurring nightmares and with an aching sense of confusion about whether she was making too much or too little of it. Eventually, she reached out to ask him to speak with her, and recorded a series of phone conversations that are the core of her new memoir, "Things We Didn’t Talk About When I Was a Girl."<br><br>You can catch Jeannie Vanasco, a week from today, in conversation with author Kate Wyer to discuss Wyer’s new book “Girl, Cow, & Monk,” at a virtual event hosted by the Ivy Bookshop. And week from tomorrow, on October 23rd, Vanasco will moderate a virtual panel with four authors from different genres to discuss how they approach writing about trauma.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The Lloyd Street Synagogue, an anchor for the Jewish Museum of Maryland, turned one hundred seventy five this year. To celebrate, JMM shot for the moon! Executive director Marvin Pinkert tells us about their exhibit "Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit." Plus, psychologist Harriette Wimms and Tracie Guy-Decker, JMM deputy director, discuss the series: “Jews of Color, Jewish Institutions and Jewish Community in the Age of #Black Lives Matter.”<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The new Goucher Poll asks Marylanders whether the state is on the right track, what they see as its most pressing issue, whether they’ll take a Covid vaccine … and what financial and emotional tolls the pandemic is taking. It also looks at the reform ideas growing out of Black Lives Matter protests of police brutality: how do Marylanders assess proposals .. for independently investigating complaints of police misconduct? Making such investigations public? Banning chokeholds? De-funding the police? All that in our conversation with Goucher assistant politics Professor Mileah Kromer, who directs The Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Imagine an election jammed with tension … voter intimidation … threats of violence … and then after the vote, months of bitter dispute over the electoral votes of four divided states. The election of 1876 almost plunged the country back into civil war. Part of the stakes, says University of Maryland historian Michael Ross, was the course of Reconstruction, the Republican regime that posted federal troops in the old Confederacy to protect former slaves. <br><br>Learn more about this election in Ross' book, "The Justice of Shattered Dreams: Samuel Freeman Miller and the Supreme Court during the Civil War Era."<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Think your car gets good mileage? Blackpoll warblers, birds that weigh about one ounce, achieve the equivalent of 720 thousand miles per gallon each year when they migrate to warmer weather. We learn these facts and more with Chris Eberly, director of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership. Later this month he’ll be presenting, through the Natural History Society of Maryland: ‘Unlocking the Mysteries and Marvels of Bird Migration.”<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here's a Stoop Story from Terri Diener about what our pets want us to know. ...Whether we like it or not! You can hear her story and others at stoopstorytelling dot com or on the stoop podcast.<br><br>The next virtually live Stoop show is Invisible Labor: Stories About Hidden Work, Unseen Efforts and Toiling Far From the Limelight. It happens on Thursday Oct. 15 at 7pm via zoom.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Many Americans are finding the pandemic has reshaped their sleep schedule, for better or worse. Dr. Stephanie Wappel is a physician at GBMC Health Partners –Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. She details the side effects of both too little or too much sleep. One habit to avoid-- screen time before bed.<br><br>And then, artist Landis Expandis is making music videos on everything from an out-of-whack sleep schedule to social distancing. How do you harness creativity during quarantine? You can check out his music here, as well as in the new exhibit at the American Visionary Art Museum, opening this Saturday: “The Science and Mystery of Sleep."<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The COVID-19 pandemic may not be a hurricane, a terrorist attack or a war, but it is a disaster. As a disaster psychologist Dr. George Everly has spent four decades responding to the mental-health needs of victims of calamities around the world.<br><br>One of his conclusions is that the psychological casualties of a disaster--people so badly hurt mentally or emotionally that they can’t do what they need to do in life--always outnumber the physical casualties. What should we be doing now to address the pandemic’s psychological cost?<br><br>Dr. Everly has written more than 20 books including, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid, and, with Dr. Douglas Strouse, and Dennis McCormack, Stronger: Develop the Resilience You Need to Succeed.<br><br>His blog in Psychology Today is “When Disaster Strikes: Inside Disaster Psychology.” In this commentary for the the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, which he co-founded, Dr. Everly describes steps in moving past the pandemic.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

In the midst of the off-the-charts unpredictability of this year, we turn to Amy Webb, founder of the Future Today Institute.She doesn't predict the future. But she’s spent decades analyzing trends and intuiting signals that help governments and global companies plan for the long range. How is the pandemic opening a market for clothing that doesn’t physically exist? Which huge corporations will emerge stronger? How could Baltimore capitalize on the work-at-home trend?<br>And Webb has advice for the average person looking to ease the panicky feelings 2020 has wrought:<br> “The best that we can do is be more flexible and adaptable everyday. And to keep our eyes on the future, and the future we want to inhabit, and try to get there.”<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg may have been a petite woman, but she was a judicial giant. Karen Rothenberg, former dean of the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, shares her memories of the late justice and her legacy. Rothenberg is a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Marjorie Cook Professor Emeritus of Law at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law. <br><br>Then, a cloud of uncertainty as the Supreme Court’s new term begins today. Will President Trump’s conservative nominee Judge Amy Coney Barret be confirmed? How quickly could it happen? University of Baltimore law professor Michael Meyerson discusses the shifting ideological shape of the court, and its imminent docket.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Doors Open Baltimore is a chance to explore the city and appreciate its architecture and unique neighborhoods. <br><br>Organizer Margaret De Arcangelis describes the positive aspects of planning socially distanced tours: a month of events instead of one weekend, and the addition of sites not typically open to the public.<br><br>… Such as--the Eastern Avenue Pumping Station, which opened in 1912 and processes millions of gallons of wastewater each day...<br><br>And urban ranger Bradley Alston previews his tour of the landmarks of Historic West Baltimore.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here's a Stoop Story from Sean McDonald about his possible paranormal visitor and his wise aunties.<br><br>We have more information about the Stoop Storytelling Series - including upcoming live events and the Stoop podcast - at the OTR page at wypr.org.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

There can be a lot of stress in giving long-term care to someone you love. For many caregivers, the complications of the pandemic are escalating that stress. Compromised immune systems, exhaustion and short tempers can result. Mary Chaput, Program Director of Caregiver Support in Anne Arundel County., talks about ways to access respite care and how to identify when it’s needed. She says it starts with the caregiver. Plus, Sinead Hawkins describes the delicate balance of working from home and caring for her sister with special needs.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Less than five weeks before the election deadline--some state and local politics this morning! WYPR state government and politics reporter Rachel Baye updates us on what proposed changes in police powers and prerogatives state senators started examining in hearings last week. <br><br>Then, Ian Round, who covers politics and accountability for Baltimore Brew, discusses the race for mayor of Baltimore, proposals that could shift power between the mayor and council, and a challenge to the District 12 council incumbent.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

A century from now, what will people remember about life during COVID-19? Allison Tolman of the Maryland Historical Society talks about the new project, ‘Collecting In Quarantine.’ She says it’s important to collect stories ‘in the moment’ to capture the nuances of daily life. Plus, UMBC professor Rebecca Adelman tells why she launched the website ‘Coronavirus Lost and Found: A Pandemic Archive' -- a repository of pandemic experiences from around the world.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

With many bus and train riders staying home during the pandemic, transit agencies across the country are being hit with huge losses in revenue and facing tough decisions. Councilman Ryan Dorsey, chair of the city council’s transportation committee, joins us to discuss the effects of the cuts in service put forth by the Maryland Transit Administration. Brian O’Malley, head of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, argues for alternative ways the state transportation department could shore up its losses. And Dr. Celeste Chavis, who teaches at the Urban Mobility and Equity Center at Morgan State University share her concerns about the long term.<br><br>To read more about MTA proposed cuts, visit this link. For Dr. Celeste Chavis's op ed, visit this link.<br><br>For information about MTA public comment meetings visit this link and scroll to the bottom. You may also send comments to: [email protected]<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Trumpeter Brandon Woody is a young artist with big dreams, and the work ethic to achieve them. We hear about his band, UPENDO, as well as how performing has changed during the pandemic.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The Maryland Episcopal diocese has made a powerful statement: delegates to the diocesean convention this month voted decisively to commit one million dollars in reparations -- funds that will go toward strengthening and expanding programs in African American communities in Baltimore and beyond.<br>The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of the Maryland Episcopal diocese, talks with us about forgiveness and reconciliation ... and the work this generation must do to dismantle structural racism and correct wrongs of the past.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Restoring a meadow habitat, protecting vernal pools, searching for the Eastern Hellbender--the Susquehannock Wildlife Society spans 20 acres in Harford County.<br><br>Executive director Scott McDaniel gives us an update on the construction of the Wildlife Center. He tells why education about the natural world is an essential part of conservation, and introduces us to the Eastern Copperhead snake. Is it menacing or misunderstood? Read more about the predatory instincts of copperheads here.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The word ‘Zoom’ takes on a whole new meaning in 2020. It’s no longer just a reference to speed … though it has accelerated the ease with which people connect, whether across town or around the globe. Cellist Amit Peled felt that boosted connection in his newly launched online cello academy--his response to being cut off from students by the pandemic’s lockdowns. Plus, we meet his student Elham Al Marzooqi, the first and only female cellist in Abu Dhabi.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here's a Stoop Story from Beth Frederick about practicing tolerance and experiencing grace. You can hear her story and many others at Stoopstorytelling.com, as well as the Stoop podcast.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The entire world awaits a Covid-19 vaccine. The Trump administration is pushing “Operation Warp Speed” in an effort to find one fast. Dr. Wilbur Chen, of the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, is conducting trials and explains the process. Plus, we hear why it’s imperative that vulnerable communities be involved in testing a vaccine. George Escobar of CASA’s Department of Health and Human Services works with doctors to ensure participation of the latinx community.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

School is back in session! As distance learning continues across Maryland, Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises joins us for an update. What’s the plan for reopening? How are city schools bridging the digital divide?<br><br>If you have technology or academic questions, you can reach City School’s Online Learning Support Line at 443-984-2001, from 10a-3p for assistance.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

You can learn about the history of slavery in Maryland from books, or you can experience by visiting--virtually or in person--the places where enslaved people lived, worshipped, were sold, and sought freedom.<br><br>Dennis Doster oversees the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s ‘Black History Program.’ To fully understand the Underground Railroad, he says, look further back, to the War of 1812 and the American Revolution.<br><br>Plus, campfire conversations and archeological digs. We preview this weekend's event, “Echoes of the Enslaved," with Joseph McGill, founder of The Slave Dwelling Project, and archeologist Stephanie Sperling. This is a virtual event to discuss the lives of the Native Americans and enslaved Africans who once lived in the area.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

The story of voting rights in the United States charts cycles of restriction and expansion. In her book, “Uncounted: The Crisis of Voter Suppression in America,” U-B Law associate professor Gilda Daniels traces a path from Reconstruction to Jim Crow to the Voting Rights Act to today, calling attention to barriers that block minority and marginalized groups from the ballot box. Daniels says these barriers erode confidence in our election system and chip away at democracy. Original airdate 2/19/20<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

When was the last time you sat shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers in the dark, waiting for a theater curtain to rise? Or, perhaps the bigger question … When might be the next time? <br><br>Acme Corporation co-artistic director Lola Pierson was paralyzed by that thought … so she created “The Institute for Counterfeit Memory,” a play contained in a box -- a way for patrons to experience live theater in their homes.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here’s a Stoop Story from Jay Herzog about the importance of impeccable timing and the difference five seconds can make. You can hear his stories and many others at Stoopstorytelling.com or on the Stoop podcast.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Suicide has been on the increase in the U.S. for two decades, long before the coronavirus showed up, although isolation and stress these days may be raising the risk. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 34. Dr. Carmen Lopez-Arvizu is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Kennedy Krieger Institute and describes warning signs that parents can watch for in children. And we talk to Dan Hale, director of Johns Hopkins Healthy Community Partnership, about how depression distorts our sense of self-worth, and how it led to his adult daughter’s suicide. He talks about it in his book, Depression: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light.<br><br>The National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 800-273-8255, in Spanish and English, available 24 hours/7 days a week.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Internet access allows us to work and learn at home. For some, it’s a luxury out of their reach. To dent that digital divide, Adam Bouhmad founded Project Waves, a nonprofit that provides free Internet access to families across Baltimore.<br><br>UMBC assistant professor Foad Hamidi describes how lack of internet makes disparities even worse for low-income families. And Jay Bennet tells how getting connected to the web has made life easier.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Thousands of Marylanders, behind on their rent, are at risk of eviction. The national moratorium on evictions the Trump administration just put in place could help.<br><br>Carol Ott, who heads tenant advocacy for the Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland, explains how to apply, and urges tenants to hang on to proof they filed with their landlords. Ott and Charisse Lue, a housing lawyer with the Public Justice Center, contend that unless government sets aside more money than it has for tenants to pay landlords, a wave of evictions could come early next year. <br><br>You can find the affidavit tenants can file with their landlords here. You can call 211 to find out what state and local assistance you must apply for.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Even as she was growing up in a posh Baltimore family a century ago, Virginia Hall defied convention. Still, no one--especially after a hunting accident forced amputation of her lower left leg-- could imagine she’d become one of the most intrepid spies of World War II.<br><br>Rejected as a junior diplomat by the U.S., Hall got a field job in a fledgling British spy operation. It sent her to France to support the resistance against the Nazis. She took alarming risks, adroitly dodging betrayal.<br><br>Author Sonia Purnell discusses her spell-binding book, "A Woman of No Importance." Original air date: November 5, 2019.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

As teachers across Maryland welcome students to the new school year, we talk about the continued challenges of distance learning.<br><br>Cristina Duncan Evans taught for more than a decade in Baltimore City and now serves as Teacher Chapter Chair for the Baltimore Teachers Union. She tells what she’s hearing from educators, what resources they need, and what they make of the long sessions of live learning scheduled for the fall.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Here’s a Stoop Story from Maggie Master about the ups and downs of parenting and distance learning. You can join the Stoop for a free virtual show later this month--on Tuesday, September 22nd. The theme is, “Of Substance: Real, personal stories about our complicated and contradictory relationships with drugs and alcohol”. Check out the Stoop Storytelling Series podcast too.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Data shows that Black and Brown communities are in the crosshairs of the Coronavirus pandemic. But history baked in racism has taught those communities not to trust doctors. Dr. Stephen Thomas, director of the University of Maryland Center for Health Equity, has created a network of barbers and stylists who disseminate accurate COVID-19 information in a trusted atmosphere. Plus, we hear from Mike Brown, a barber and manager of Shop Spa, who has served as a credible source of health and wellness information to his clients for more than a decade.<br><br>For more information on the University of Maryland Center for Health Equity, visit this link.<br><br>For more information on Health Advocates in Reach and Research H.A.I.R program visit this link.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

As Coppin State University starts its fall semester this week, fewer than a fifth of its students are back on campus in West Baltimore, but that is still hundreds more than at most other colleges in the region. President Anthony Jenkins--99 days into the job--contends the campus amenities and support are critical to some incoming students, thus making the decision to welcome students on campus. Plus, his thoughts on the unique value proposition of historically Black colleges and universities, and the challenges they face to remain competitive.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Why is it so hard to get a comprehensive count and description of the health care workers who have died from Covid-19? Are agencies … not keeping track, or hiding what they find? <br>ProPublica recently told of an anesthesiologist who was disturbed by that question … and made tracing the ‘lives lost’ her mission. Journalist Nina Martin’s article is: ‘Nobody Accurately Tracks Health Care Workers Lost to COVID-19. So She Stays Up At Night Cataloging the Dead.’ <br>Plus a healthcare workers union 1199 SEIU argues for equipment and crisis pay.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>

Scientists always saw the workings of the human mind as separate from the body. Whatever might keep neurons in the brain from sending electrical messages across synapses, experts thought, it had nothing to do with rampant inflammation in the body.<br><br>But then, science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa reports, new research found that microglia, tiny cells viewed as the brain’s janitors, sometimes go rogue. What could this mean for treating mental-health disorders? Original air date: January 16, 2020.<p>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 [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472</p>