Maryland Capital with Jayne Miller

Think of what's happened to play--kids' play. In some countries, it's enshrined in the culture. In the US, it's increasingly been commercialized--leading to 'pay to play' and leaving some kids behind. My conversation is with Mel Brennan, the creator of an interesting TEDx talk--How to Win the World Cup in 2026.

The Maryland legislature amended the Child Victim's Act to lower the amount of damages victims of sex abuse in institutions and churches can claim. It has caused a 'stampede' of new court filings to beat the the new limit. And has raised concerns about whether it is unconstitutional. My conversation is with attorney Jonathan Schochor, who represents sex abuse victims of the Catholic Church,

The "Abundance Agenda" is working its way into politics. My conversation is with Nick Stewart, a Democrat running for County Executive in Baltimore County, one of Maryland's most populous jurisdictions. "Government has overpromised and underdelivered"

Rising costs of electricity.

A renewed debate of fossil fuels vs clean energy.

A president who's going after climate change policies and even the popular Energy Star program.

My conversation is with Emily Scarr from Maryland PIRG.

Most people want government to address the lack of affordable housing and housing affordability. But how to get there--especially with less support from the federal government.

My conversation is with Jake Day, Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development

Public's view of the two party system is increasingly negative, according to polling. But why can't other parties gain traction? My conversation is with Andy Ellis, candidate for Maryland governor in 2026 from the Green Party. Conversation includes what Ellis refers to as a "dark decade" for Maryland with "defederalization."

The Baltimore Banner recently did a deep, investigative dive into the challenges Baltimore City students face with transportation to get to school. My conversation is with Liz Bowie, veteran education reporter and Greg Morton who created a database to track public transit buses literally every five seconds of the day. Their work is a great example of using data to reveal issues that need to be addressed.

Medicaid and SNAP provide a lifeline to millions of Americans. Who steps in if Trump and the GOP make cuts to the programs? My conversation is with Robin McKinney, co-founder and CEO of CASH Campaign of Maryland. Her organization may also have to scramble for funding.

The supply of affordable housing remains critically short of demand. And now federal cutbacks in funding and staff throw up new hurdles. My conversation is with Tom Coale, lawyer, lobbyist and advocate for affordable housing.

Maryland faces a budget deficit plus the potential loss of federal funding and cuts to the federal workforce. My conversation is with Eric Luedtke, Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Wes Moore. We talk about the tax proposals, how the state' economy can absorb the loss of federal jobs, and Medicaid--is it untouchable.

Conversation about how to avoid unscrupulous tax preparers, the impact of reductions to the IRS workforce, and the future of Direct File.

With John Hardt, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Recent progress in behavioral health and the opioid crisis face pressure from state budget issues and loss of federal funding. My conversation is with Adrienne Breidenstine and Dan Rabbit from Behavioral Health System Baltimore.

Conversation with Brandon Butler and Kirk Murray from the Maryland Workforce Association about the work going on in schools to better prepare students for the workforce. It is a pillar of the Blueprint for education in Maryland which is under scrutiny due to cost.

Maryland legislators are considering reducing the number of crimes that require youth to be charged as adults. There are 33 such crimes and Maryland's rate of automatic charging is among the highest in the nation. Advocates for youth say it is expensive and ineffective.

More info:

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/model-programs-guide/literature-reviews/youth-in-the-adult-criminal-justice-system

The Maryland legislature is considering several bills that address energy costs and the transition away from fossil fuels. It's not without a fight. My conversation is with Brittany Baker, Maryland director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

The Maryland Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act which lifts the time limit on lawsuits filed by victims of child sex abuse.

I talk about what happens now with attorneys Jonathan Schochor and Andrew Janet who represent people who have sued the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Washington.

Conversation with employment law attorney Elaine Fitch about the Trump Administration's effort to push federal employees out of their jobs. The legal options they may have .

A recent report by Maryland's Economic Council described Maryland's economic growth as "anemic" despite high median income and low unemployment. What factors explain it?

My conversation with Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman

Conversation with Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis, president of the Community College of Baltimore County about the emergence of the community college system in higher education and workforce development.