On The Record WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore

A new Amtrak tunnel has been in development for years. But residents of West Baltimore feel their concerns are being ignored as the project picks up speed. Amy Petkovsek, head of the Community Law Center lays out their demands. Plus, we hear from Angel St. Jean, a Reservoir Hill resident and Amtrak assistant vice president and engineer Luigi Rosa and senior community engagement director, Danelle Hunter. 

Link: Amtrak's Frederick Douglass Tunnel plans and community meeting records.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

In celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month and Juneteenth, we get previews of two events that highlight the work from some of the musicians, singers and composers who have made an enormous impact on the nation’s arts and culture. 

Soprano Alexandria Crichlow and Samuel Springer, Doctor of Musical Arts at Morgan State University give us a preview of ‘Moving Forward And Beyond: A Juneteenth Celebration’ happening at the Walters Art Museum June 15.

Then Lea Gilmore, Minister for Racial Justice & Multicultural Engagement and the Music Director at Govans Presbyterian Church along with BSO bassist Jonathan Jensen talk about their collaboration, Juneteenth Jubilee at Govans Church June 10.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Here’s a Stoop Story from Angie Elliott about standing up: for herself, for love, and to family.

In celebration of Pride month, Stoop Storytelling has a live show coming up and the theme is ‘B-More Proud:  Queer Tales of Charm City.’ It happens Thursday, June 27 at Creative Alliance.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Does every call to 911 require a police response? Baltimore and cities across the country are testing alternatives - directing calls to civilians trained in behavioral health instead of police officers.

Greg Midgette is an assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Maryland. He’s co-author of a recent study that examines 911 diversion programs. It’s titled “Improving Baltimore Police Relations With the City’s Black Community.” Then, Baltimore began its pilot program three years ago, in partnership with its police and fire departments, its behavioral health agency, and the nonprofit Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. We speak with Tina Field, director of crisis systems operations at Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc.Check out the 911 Behavioral Health Diversion Program Dashboard.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Joe Gans was the first African American world boxing champion of the 20th century. A Baltimorean, he was also an entrepreneur, philanthropist and started a baseball team that was a precursor to the Negro Leagues. Never heard of him? You’re not alone. There is a dedicated group of people working to change that. We hear from Sara Artes, co-chair of the Joe Gans 150th Birthday Celebration and co-founder of Corner Team boxing gym.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Here is a Stoop Story from Mike ‘The Persecutor’ Paschall, about why it’s worth fighting hard for what you love. The next LIVE stoop event happens later this month on Thursday June 27. The theme is B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City. Hosted at Creative alliance. More information at Stoopstorytelling.com.
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 mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472