Monday, December 23, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
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Commentary

The presidential debate’s real mic problem

Instead of warring over whether their microphones will be muted while the other is speaking during the upcoming presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump should be worried that they could essentially be muted for millions of Americans who don’t hear well during the live Sept. 10 broadcast.

Wes Moore served with honor. He doesn’t need a Bronze Star to prove it.

We watched closely as Gov. Wes Moore spoke during a prime-time slot on the third night of the Democratic National Convention, wondering if he’d use one of the biggest stages in politics to make his rising star burn brighter or turn the spotlight toward Maryland. He did a little of both, serving as a loyal surrogate to Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Armstrong Williams: In praise of Gov. Wes Moore

“To err is human, to forgive is divine,” Alexander Pope said in his poem “An Essay on Criticism.” But to acknowledge error is heavenly. Gov. Wes Moore conceded error in neglecting to promptly correct his claim to a Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan. The combat veteran who risked that last full measure of devotion for his country had been recommended for the award, but the recommendation may have been lost in the chaotic processing during wartime.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Mosquito-borne illnesses pose a serious threat. We’re not ready for them.

Mosquito-borne illnesses pose a serious threat to Americans that is bound to become even more dire as climate change worsens. Yet public health officials don’t have a strong grasp on strategies to protect at-risk communities. That must change — and soon. Just last week, a previously healthy 41-year-old New Hampshire man died of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious mosquito-borne infection.

The key to Maryland’s growth is not austerity

It wasn’t as hot as usual in Ocean City in August this year, as we attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Conference, an annual ritual where elected officials, government agencies, community organizations and businesses congregate. Oftentimes, the tone for the next year’s legislative session gets set at MACo, as leaders take their cues from the governor.

black and white hospital bed in the middle of interior building
Hispanic communities are critical front in war on cancer

It has been more than five decades since America declared a “war on cancer.” On some fronts, we’ve made tremendous progress. Cancer deaths are down by more than 30% since 1991. New and better ways of treating cancer are being marshaled, and earlier cancer detection through screening has made a dramatic difference. Researchers at the University of Michigan and University of Chicago found that the last 25 years of cancer screenings have collectively given Americans at least 12 million more years of life.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
white house
How Kamala Harris can improve on Biden’s White House

The Biden administration has been one of the most efficient and successful in modern history. With narrow majorities in Congress and then a hostile House in the past two years, the White House nevertheless passed a huge raft of legislation, had no scandals (Republicans failed to come up with anything), enjoyed virtually no turnover and did very little leaking.

Is BWI the airport for people who dress like slobs?

I’m sitting in Obrycki’s on Concourse B at BWI. You know, the place that used to be a Baltimore crab house but now is a spot to grab some Maryland-themed airport food. I’m wondering why I paid $32.99 for a warm crab salad on a hotdog bun when I start to notice my fellow travelers, the ones who chose to fly on the Thursday afternoon before a long holiday weekend.

Maryland has a clear path for cleaner waterways

Progress and potential. That is how the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) described current Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts in its latest two-year milestone report. In its report, the EPA commended states’ achievements toward our 2025 pollution reduction goals. They included reducing pollution from wastewater treatment facilities and agriculture, as well as forest buffer initiatives.

Recapping the CNN Interview, MD Senate Race, & Gov. Wes Moore

There are only 64 days left until election day. In this week’s episode, the gang recaps the CNN interview, the Maryland Senate Race, Gov. Wes Moore, & more. The Trail is a Center Maryland Podcast series about the 2024 Presidential Election. Each week, our hosts Damian O’Doherty, Candace Dodson-Reed, & Don Mohler discuss trending topics about this election cycle.

The Morning Rundown

We’re staying up to the minute on the issues shaping the future. Join us on the newsletter of choice for Maryland politicos and business leaders. It’s always free to join and never a hassle to leave. See you on the inside.