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Roughly Speaking

583 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratings

A conversational take on Maryland news and culture from The Baltimore Sun newsroom.

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Closing out 2019 at the movies

November 21, 2019 16:24 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

Local film critics Linda DeLibero and Christopher Llewellyn Reed join columnist Dan Rodricks to review the year's best movies. (PHOTO CREDIT: Lacey Terrell/TriStar Pictures).

A new take on the crab cake?

October 10, 2019 18:31 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Thirty years is a long, good run for any restaurant, and so attention must be paid: Saturday, Oct. 12 marks three full decades for Nancy Longo’s Pierpoint in Fells Point. It was early 1989 when Longo bought the Emma Giles Tavern, a rowhouse-barroom at 1822 Aliceanna Street, with an ambition to turn it into a restaurant serving “Maryland cuisine with a contemporary style.” As her 30th anniversary approached, Sun columnist Dan Rodricks paid a visit for the Roughly Speaking podcast and recorded ...

The Orioles' rebuild and the long road ahead

October 03, 2019 21:41 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

The Orioles have encouraged fans to have patience through he next few years of Baltimore baseball until the rebuild process shows results.

The Kirwan Commission and the fight over public school reform

September 26, 2019 19:57 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has voiced opposition to the ambitious Kirwan Commission proposals calling them “half baked” and “fiscally irresponsible.” With recommendations for how to pay for the plans slated to go public this month, lawmakers expect a clash between Hogan and his allies and supporters of education reform.

In Carroll County___ an emotional church-state issue divides residents

September 18, 2019 20:04 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

In Carroll County, Maryland, a years-old lawsuit that sought to bar the county\u8217\us commissioners from leading prayers at their meetings came to a dramatic close this month. But residents might not be content to let the fight end.

In Carroll County, an emotional church-state issue divides residents

September 18, 2019 20:04 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

In Carroll County, Maryland, a years-old lawsuit that sought to bar the county’s commissioners from leading prayers at their meetings came to a dramatic close this month. But residents might not be content to let the fight end.

Saving the symphonies: The BSO's familiar plight

September 12, 2019 19:40 - 15 minutes

After a summer-long work stoppage and public back-and-forths with management, the BSO’s future appears more uncertain than ever.

Cal Ripken's other streak: Being mentioned in dozens of rap songs

September 05, 2019 21:33 - 18 minutes

Nearly two decades after his retirement from the Orioles, Cal Ripken Jr. remains an icon sports world, especially in the Baltimore area. But as it turns out, Ripken’s legacy has inspired more than just baseball fans.

In Baltimore schools, disparities in and out of the classroom affect performance

August 29, 2019 15:31 - 15 minutes

Education advocates say that the difference between Baltimore County and Baltimore City test scores shouldn’t surprise anyone.

In Baltimore schools___ disparities in and out of the classroom affect performance

August 29, 2019 15:31 - 15 minutes

Education advocates say that the difference between Baltimore County and Baltimore City test scores shouldn\u8217\ut surprise anyone.

Cal Ripken references in rap lyrics

August 26, 2019 16:40 - 4 minutes - 4.04 MB

Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken has been honored in several rap songs.

A year after scooters first hit Baltimore's streets___ safety and equity concerns persist

August 22, 2019 17:56 - 10 minutes

On Baltimore streets for over a year, dockless scooters are no longer a novelty. And, with the city recently awarding permanent licenses to four vendors, they, along with dockless bikes now coming online, will be part of its transportation mix for the foreseeable future. So far, things have gone smoother than with their Baltimore Bike Share predecessor, but equity and safety issues raised during the pilot program remain. In this episode, Baltimore Sun interns Oyin Adedoyin and Christine Condo...

A year after scooters first hit Baltimore's streets, safety and equity concerns persist

August 22, 2019 17:56 - 10 minutes

On Baltimore streets for over a year, dockless scooters are no longer a novelty. And, with the city recently awarding permanent licenses to four vendors, they, along with dockless bikes now coming online, will be part of its transportation mix for the foreseeable future. So far, things have gone smoother than with their Baltimore Bike Share predecessor, but equity and safety issues raised during the pilot program remain. In this episode, Baltimore Sun interns Oyin Adedoyin and Christine Condo...

For Maryland football and new coach Mike Locksley, low on-field expectations belie high stakes after scandal

August 15, 2019 14:58 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Did the University of Maryland unnecessarily roll the dice by hiring Mike Locksley in the wake of a nationally-reaching scandal that involved the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair and allegations of a “toxic” football culture fueled by the coaching staff and administration, or has the Washington, D.C. native demonstrated enough growth and potential to lead a Big Ten football team to a brighter future?

For Maryland football and new coach Mike Locksley___ low on-field expectations belie high stakes after scandal

August 15, 2019 14:58 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Did the University of Maryland unnecessarily roll the dice by hiring Mike Locksley in the wake of a nationally-reaching scandal that involved the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair and allegations of a \u8220\utoxic\u8221\u football culture fueled by the coaching staff and administration, or has the Washington, D.C. native demonstrated enough growth and potential to lead a Big Ten football team to a brighter future?

The two sides of the Maryland gun debate

August 08, 2019 21:50 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

While Maryland gun rights advocates argue that the state’s attempts at curbing shootings have backfired, gun control supporters counter that the state hasn’t done nearly enough to save lives.

After Trump tweets, examining what the federal government has done for Baltimore

July 29, 2019 21:32 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

What role has the federal government played in Baltimore over the years, and what can it do now to move the city forward?

After Trump tweets___ examining what the federal government has done for Baltimore

July 29, 2019 21:32 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

What role has the federal government played in Baltimore over the years, and what can it do now to move the city forward?

Baltimore Sun Editorial Board: Better to have a few rats than to be one

July 29, 2019 16:18 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MB

Editorial writer Peter Jensen reads The Sun's July 27 editorial, ----Better to have a few rats than to be one.----

How an all-Asian American and Pacific Islander improv troupe in Baltimore is sketching their own narrative

July 25, 2019 21:39 - 21 minutes

An all-Asian American and Pacific Islander comedy troupe in Baltimore seeks to rewrite the script, carving out their own place on stage to promote visibility in a space where it’s traditionally been lacking.

Three decades after killing his son, Lawrence Banks is charged with murdering his daughter. We examined the cases in between.

July 18, 2019 22:37 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

The horrific slaying of Dominique Foster led to a weeks-long search for her killer. Police found the 43-year-old’s body hidden near a dumpster on May 12, missing a head, as well as hands, arms and lower legs.Foster’s own father, Lawrence Banks, is charged in her death. The 65-year-old Baltimore man was previously convicted of killing his son and another man. According to Foster’s husband and court records, Banks allegedly abused his daughter as a child, threw her through a window as an infant...

Three decades after killing his son___ Lawrence Banks is charged with murdering his daughter. We examined the cases in between.

July 18, 2019 22:37 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

The horrific slaying of Dominique Foster led to a weeks-long search for her killer. Police found the 43-year-old\u8217\us body hidden near a dumpster on May 12, missing a head, as well as hands, arms and lower legs.Foster\u8217\us own father, Lawrence Banks, is charged in her death. The 65-year-old Baltimore man was previously convicted of killing his son and another man. According to Foster\u8217\us husband and court records, Banks allegedly abused his daughter as a child, threw her through ...

Is Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan as bipartisan as he claims?

July 11, 2019 21:06 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MB

Despite pledges on the campaign trail to remain a unifying force in Annapolis throughout his second term, Gov. Larry Hogan sparked outcry from Democrats last week as he announced he would not release $245 million that the legislature put into the state budget for programs and projects including school construction, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and summer jobs for city youth.

Since you asked: Four Baltimore stories inspired by your curiosity

July 04, 2019 02:18 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

This week, you’re the producer, as breaking news and transportation reporter Colin Campbell shares four You Ask, We Answer stories inspired by Sun readers’ curiosity. Come underground, underwater, to the back of the restaurant, and back in time as we reveal lesser-known facts about Federal Hill Park, the Inner Harbor, carryout staple Lake Trout and two Baltimore neighborhoods.Related links:What do you wonder about the Baltimore area that you'd like us to investigate?https://www.baltimoresun.c...

Reporting from Baltimore's immigrant communities during a week of warnings

June 27, 2019 22:33 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

President Donald Trump spooked Baltimore’s immigrant community last week by announcing that millions of undocumented citizens would be arrested and deported in federal immigration raids across the country. The deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Howard County on Wednesday sparked further concern, fear and uncertainty.In this episode, Baltimore Sun reporter Thalia Juarez sheds light on Baltimore’s immigrant communities and how they’ve responded to the ongoing threa...

What to do___ where to go and what to see this summer in Baltimore

June 20, 2019 21:03 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

With so much to do, see and taste this summer, many of Baltimore's hidden gems may get lost in the shuffle.

What to do, where to go and what to see this summer in Baltimore

June 20, 2019 21:03 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

With so much to do, see and taste this summer, many of Baltimore's hidden gems may get lost in the shuffle.

Behind the scenes of 'Cops and Robbers' with Justin Fenton

June 13, 2019 21:18 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MB

Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton spent the last year reporting on the inner-workings of the corrupt Gun Trace Task Force members and their leader, Sgt. Wayne Jenkins. What exactly did he spend his time doing? Hear more about his reporting process and his fight to obtain records.

Cops and robbers: New findings reveal how corrupt Baltimore officers got away with their crimes

June 12, 2019 13:41 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

On the surface, former Baltimore Police Sgt. Wayne Jenkins appeared to have earned his reputation as a rising star in the department for his unparalleled ability to get guns off the streets. But a deep dive into Jenkins and the force in which he operated reveals how the well-regarded cop — and the elite Gun Trace Task Force squad he led — manipulated the criminal justice system to rob and steal with impunity over the course of several years. On this episode, Justin Fenton joins Newsroom Editi...

Myths___ misconceptions and misnomers: Demystifying the opioid crisis

June 04, 2019 18:43 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Despite increased awareness of the opioid epidemic, the public health crisis continues to ravage communities across the nation each year. This holds true especially in states such as Maryland, where the number of opioid overdose deaths per year has escalated into the thousands. Gov. Larry Hogan even declared a state of emergency in March 2017, becoming the first governor in the nation to take such a step.A new book published by two Baltimore-based experts in addiction medicine and public heal...

Myths, misconceptions and misnomers: Demystifying the opioid crisis

June 04, 2019 18:43 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Despite increased awareness of the opioid epidemic, the public health crisis continues to ravage communities across the nation each year. This holds true especially in states such as Maryland, where the number of opioid overdose deaths per year has escalated into the thousands. Gov. Larry Hogan even declared a state of emergency in March 2017, becoming the first governor in the nation to take such a step.A new book published by two Baltimore-based experts in addiction medicine and public heal...

Rodricks: Trump___ political tribalism and the push for impeachment

June 03, 2019 14:19 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

In the wake of the Mueller report, a new CNN poll shows an increase among Democrats for Donald Trump's impeachment while Republicans remain adamant in their support of the president, evidence of what presidential historian Richard Striner describes as tribalism -- fierce political loyalty beyond ideology and mere partisanship.Meanwhile, former vice-president Joe Biden is the current front-runner among Democrats seeking their party's nomination. But Biden's status is starting to take a hit fro...

Rodricks: Trump, political tribalism and the push for impeachment

June 03, 2019 14:19 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

In the wake of the Mueller report, a new CNN poll shows an increase among Democrats for Donald Trump's impeachment while Republicans remain adamant in their support of the president, evidence of what presidential historian Richard Striner describes as tribalism -- fierce political loyalty beyond ideology and mere partisanship.Meanwhile, former vice-president Joe Biden is the current front-runner among Democrats seeking their party's nomination. But Biden's status is starting to take a hit fro...

After two catastrophic floods in three years, Ellicott City reckons with its future

May 31, 2019 17:16 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

In 2016, historic Ellicott City experienced a record flood that tore lives, businesses and the county apart. In 2018, it happened again —\u160\uanother devastating flood, perhaps even more egregious\u160\uthan the first.A year after the 2018 storm, Howard County has put forth a massive plan to reduce future flooding in the town. But after experiencing so much loss, how confident are residents and business owners in their government to keep them safe?In this episode, Howard County Times report...

After two catastrophic floods in three years___ Ellicott City reckons with its future

May 31, 2019 17:16 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

In 2016, historic Ellicott City experienced a record flood that tore lives, businesses and the county apart. In 2018, it happened again \u8212\u\u160\uanother devastating flood, perhaps even more egregious\u160\uthan the first.A year after the 2018 storm, Howard County has put forth a massive plan to reduce future flooding in the town. But after experiencing so much loss, how confident are residents and business owners in their government to keep them safe?In this episode, Howard County Times...

It's crab feast time in Maryland. How the industry is doing and how to host your own.

May 23, 2019 20:46 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Welcome to summer in Maryland, where crab is king. Last year, the state’s popular crustacean industry suffered as nearly half of Maryland’s crab houses were unable to secure enough H2-B visas for foreign workers, whom they rely on to pick the meat sold at restaurants and supermarkets. Some reported revenue decreases of 50 percent or more.But this year’s crab market appears to be in better shape, as the Trump administration made 30,000 additional visas available for the temporary labor program...

Exit interview with Herb Smith who co wrote the book on Maryland politics

May 21, 2019 14:04 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

When you’ve devoted nearly 46 years to teaching political science and a good part of that time to being a pundit, you get to have an exit interview when retirement grows nigh. This spring’s semester at McDaniel College in Westminster was Herb Smith’s last as a professor of political science. For many years, he was a regular go-to political commentator for Maryland reporters, and his keenest skill was bringing historical perspective, and much-needed humor, to current affairs. Smith and former ...

Should the Preakness stay in Baltimore?

May 16, 2019 19:53 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

The battle over keeping the Preakness in Baltimore has ignited a divisive political conflict that’s quietly been brewing, mostly out of public view, for years. For nearly 150 years, the second jewel of the triple crown has hosted names like Seabiscuit, Secretariat and dozens of two-legged celebrities for the Preakness, including models, athletes, and actors. The race attracts hundreds of thousands of fans to the area on Preakness weekend.But despite its historic roots, the millions of dollars...

The Ravens big gamble on Lamar Jackson and other offseason storylines you should follow

May 10, 2019 14:42 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

Call it beginner’s luck, but rookie Lamar Jackson’s record-breaking 2018 season left the Ravens management wanting more. So much more, in fact, that they traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco for a fourth-round NFL draft pick and did not play him after he recovered from his week 9 hip injury — a decision that many criticized during the infamous Wild Card Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended in a 23-17 defeat. With Flacco’s departure, the team has vowed to head in a...

Pugh’s legacy and what to expect from Baltimore’s next leader

May 03, 2019 17:05 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

How will history remember Pugh? Baltimore Sun reporters Luke Broadwater and Ian Duncan join Pamela Wood to discuss the many shades of Pugh’s legacy. Then, editorial page editor Andy Green joins to comment on the kind of leader the city seeks to move it forward.

Pugh\u8217\us legacy and what to expect from Baltimore\u8217\us next leader

May 03, 2019 17:05 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

How will history remember Pugh? Baltimore Sun reporters Luke Broadwater and Ian Duncan join Pamela Wood to discuss the many shades of Pugh\u8217\us legacy. Then, editorial page editor Andy Green joins to comment on the kind of leader the city seeks to move it forward.

Questions we still have after the FBI\u8217\us raid of Mayor Catherine Pugh\u8217\us home and office

April 26, 2019 15:52 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Many woke up Thursday to the news that federal law enforcement agents had raided multiple locations in Baltimore with ties to Mayor Catherine Pugh, who has been on a leave of absence as mayor for the past four weeks. The raids confirmed that federal as well as state officials were investigating Pugh\u8217\us activities. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, all members of the Baltimore City Council and several other state officials have called for Pugh\u8217\us resignation. Her attorney, Steve Silverman...

Questions we still have after the FBI’s raid of Mayor Catherine Pugh’s home and office

April 26, 2019 15:52 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Many woke up Thursday to the news that federal law enforcement agents had raided multiple locations in Baltimore with ties to Mayor Catherine Pugh, who has been on a leave of absence as mayor for the past four weeks. The raids confirmed that federal as well as state officials were investigating Pugh’s activities. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, all members of the Baltimore City Council and several other state officials have called for Pugh’s resignation. Her attorney, Steve Silverman said she was ...

Mayor Catherine Pugh and Gov. Larry Hogan's two very different weeks

April 25, 2019 19:19 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

Two prominent Maryland figures entered the spotlight this week, albeit for very different reasons. Days after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's return from New Hampshire, an early-caucus state considered a ----must---- stop for potential presidential candidates, federal law enforcement agents spread out across Baltimore, raiding City Hall and other several other locations with connections to Mayor Catherine Pugh. It was the first confirmation that federal authorities, as well as state officials, we...

What started the Baltimore riot? A reporter explains the updated___ but still incomplete___ answer.

April 19, 2019 17:02 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

On April 27, 2015, the day of Freddie Gray\u8217\us funeral in Baltimore, police and youth clashed near the Mondawmin metro stop in a skirmish that would thrust the city into the international spotlight. For four years, police, youth and others there that day has shared their version of events, leaving unanswered questions. Who, in reality, initiated the confrontation? And who was responsible for shutting down the transit service that day, a decision that left many high school students strand...

What started the Baltimore riot? A reporter explains the updated, but still incomplete, answer.

April 19, 2019 17:02 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

On April 27, 2015, the day of Freddie Gray’s funeral in Baltimore, police and youth clashed near the Mondawmin metro stop in a skirmish that would thrust the city into the international spotlight. For four years, police, youth and others there that day has shared their version of events, leaving unanswered questions. Who, in reality, initiated the confrontation? And who was responsible for shutting down the transit service that day, a decision that left many high school students stranded in t...

Remembering Maryland's House of Delegates Speaker Michael E. Busch

April 10, 2019 00:52 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

In the final episode of ----Roughly Speaking: Government Edition,---- Baltimore Sun State House reporters Luke Broadwater and Pamela Wood talk with Goucher College pollster Mileah Kromer about the legacy of House of Delegates Speaker Michael Busch. He presided over a progressive agenda as speaker that included ending the death penalty, decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, legalizing same-sex marriage and in this session raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.----Roughly Speaking: Gove...

Overriding Gov. Hogan's vetoes, the failure of medically assisted suicide and the 'joint chiefs' in Annapolis

April 02, 2019 20:41 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

Overriding Gov. Hogan's vetoes, the failure of medically assisted suicide and the ----joint chiefs---- in Annapolis: In the penultimate (13th) episode of ----Roughly Speaking: Government Edition,---- Baltimore Sun State House reporter Luke Broadwater and Goucher College pollster Mileah Kromer talk about the Democratic-controlled legislature's override of Gov. Larry Hogan's vetoes, including the $15 minimum wage, and the failure of medically assisted suicide. Sun politics reporter Pamela Wood ...

Overriding Gov. Hogan's vetoes___ the failure of medically assisted suicide and the 'joint chiefs' in Annapolis

April 02, 2019 20:41 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

Overriding Gov. Hogan's vetoes, the failure of medically assisted suicide and the ----joint chiefs---- in Annapolis: In the penultimate (13th) episode of ----Roughly Speaking: Government Edition,---- Baltimore Sun State House reporter Luke Broadwater and Goucher College pollster Mileah Kromer talk about the Democratic-controlled legislature's override of Gov. Larry Hogan's vetoes, including the $15 minimum wage, and the failure of medically assisted suicide. Sun politics reporter Pamela Wood ...

The 1819 Maryland case that affirmed Hamilton's genius on banks and federal power (episode 512)

April 01, 2019 16:44 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

The uber-musical “Hamilton” comes to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theater in June, and in this episode of the show: Some Maryland history related to Alexander Hamilton, founder of the nation’s financial system and its first Secretary of the Treasury. In McCulloch v. Maryland, a case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court in the winter of 1819, statesman Daniel Webster defended the legitimacy of a national bank that had opened a branch in Baltimore. The Maryland General Assembly, sympathetic to struggl...

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