Angelette Aviles

Angelette Aviles

Angelette Aviles can be heard on WBAL Weekday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  1. 5d ago

    August 24 2026 Hispanic Enrollment Decline, AI Results in Schools, Nursing Shortage

    Angelette discussed the decline in Hispanic student enrollment in schools. She connected this decline to concerns surrounding ICE and immigration enforcement. Immigration-related fears can have a significant effect on families, particularly when parents or family members are worried about their legal status or the possibility of being separated from their children. These concerns may influence whether some Hispanic families feel comfortable sending their children to school or participating fully in the educational system. The discussion highlighted how immigration issues can extend beyond politics and directly affect students, families, and schools.  Angelette also talked about the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. AI is becoming increasingly common in schools and can provide students and teachers with useful tools for learning, research, writing, and completing educational tasks. However, she raised an important question about whether AI should be used by young people in the classroom. While AI can make learning more accessible and provide students with additional support, there are also concerns about students becoming too dependent on technology. Young students still need opportunities to develop critical-thinking, writing, problem-solving, and communication skills independently. Schools therefore have to consider how AI can be used responsibly while still ensuring that students are actively learning and developing their own abilities. Angelette also discussed the nursing shortage throughout the country. Hospitals are experiencing difficulties because there are not enough nurses to meet the needs of patients. This shortage can place additional responsibilities and stress on the nurses who are already working in hospitals. When hospitals are understaffed, nurses may have to care for more patients or work longer and more demanding shifts. This can contribute to exhaustion, burnout, and increased pressure on healthcare workers. The nursing shortage is therefore not only a workforce issue but also an issue that can affect the overall healthcare system and the quality of care provided to patients.

  2. Aug 10

    August 10 2026 Flock Cameras, Homelessness in Ocean City, Plastic Bag Ban, AOC Freezing Eggs

    Angelette Aviles talked about the use of Flock cameras in Maryland. Angelette raised concerns about how these automated license-plate reader cameras are being used and what their presence could mean for drivers across the state. She discussed potential concerns involving privacy, surveillance, and the way information collected from motorists could be used. Angelette emphasized that Maryland drivers should understand how these cameras operate and how their use could affect motorists as the technology becomes more widespread. Angelette also turned her attention to homelessness in Ocean City. She highlighted the work being done by St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, which provides shelter for individuals who have nowhere else to go. The church uses dozens of bunk beds to provide people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to sleep. Angelette's discussion brought attention to the ongoing need for shelter and community resources, particularly for people who may have limited housing options. Another issue Angelette discussed was Montgomery County’s plastic bag ban. She examined how restrictions on plastic bags could affect residents in their everyday lives, including how people shop and transport their purchases. Angelette raised questions about the practical effects of the policy and how changes to the use of plastic bags could impact Maryland residents and businesses. Angelette also talked about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) freezing her eggs and the political discussion surrounding the decision. The topic raised broader questions about how personal choices made by public figures can become subjects of political debate. Angelette discussed the intersection of reproductive choices, personal freedom, public scrutiny, and politics, as well as how decisions involving fertility and family planning can become part of larger political and cultural conversations.

  3. Aug 7

    August 07 2026 2 Lawsuits Redistricting, BCPS Parents on Screen Time, Data Centers, Women Workforce

    Angelette Aviles began with the legal challenges surrounding Maryland's redistricting ballot questions. Maryland Republicans have filed two lawsuits seeking to block proposed constitutional amendments related to the state's congressional redistricting process from appearing on the November ballot. The lawsuits argue that the ballot language is misleading and does not accurately explain the proposed changes to voters. Supporters of the amendments contend they are intended to create a more transparent and independent redistricting process, while opponents believe voters deserve clearer information before casting their ballots.   Angelette also discussed the growing movement of parents pushing back against the use of laptops and other electronic devices in classrooms. Many parents have expressed concerns that excessive screen time is distracting students, reducing face-to-face interaction, and negatively affecting academic performance and mental health. Some school districts are reviewing their technology policies and considering whether laptops should be used less frequently or only when they provide a clear educational benefit.  Angelette also focused on Amazon's decision to abandon its plans to build data centers in Calvert County, Maryland. The proposed project had generated significant debate among residents, with supporters pointing to potential economic development, new jobs, and increased tax revenue. Opponents, however, raised concerns about environmental impacts, increased energy consumption, water usage, and the overall effect on the county's rural character. Finally, Angelette highlighted a significant milestone in the U.S. labor market. Women are holding more jobs than men for only the third time in American history. The shift reflects continued growth in industries where women make up a large share of the workforce, including healthcare, education, and professional services, while some traditionally male-dominated industries have experienced slower employment growth.

  4. Aug 6

    August 06 2026 Dirt Bikes, Vacant Homes, Anne Arundel County Lawsuit

    Angelette Aviles talked about the ongoing debate over whether the issue should be viewed as a matter of race or primarily as a public safety and legal concern. She noted that operating unregistered dirt bikes and ATVs on public streets in Baltimore City is illegal under Maryland law because these vehicles are generally intended for off-road use and are not street legal. The discussion emphasized that residents and officials often have differing perspectives, with some viewing enforcement efforts through the lens of racial disparities while others focus on concerns such as traffic safety, excessive noise, and pedestrian safety. Angelette also addressed the increasing number of vacant homes across Baltimore City and the impact they have on local communities. She explained that abandoned properties can contribute to neighborhood decline, lower surrounding property values, create safety hazards, and attract crime and illegal dumping. The continued presence of vacant homes also affects residents' quality of life and presents ongoing challenges for economic development and neighborhood revitalization. She highlighted the importance of strategies that encourage rehabilitation, redevelopment, and investment to return these properties to productive use and strengthen Baltimore's neighborhoods. Angelette also discussed a lawsuit involving Anne Arundel County Public Schools concerning gender-related policies. She highlighted the legal and public debate surrounding how schools address issues involving gender identity and the rights of students and families. The discussion noted that the case reflects broader conversations taking place across the country regarding education policy, parental involvement, student rights, and the responsibilities of public school systems. Angelette presented the lawsuit as an example of how these issues continue to generate legal challenges and public interest.

  5. Aug 5

    August 05 2026 Preakness, Redistricting, Michigan, Bus Fares

    Angelette Aviles opened with Governor Wes Moore's announcement concerning the Preakness Stakes. Moore said the state is working to move the historic horse race to a later date on the racing calendar while securing national television coverage through NBC Sports. State leaders believe the change will increase the race's national visibility, attract stronger competition, and strengthen Maryland's horse racing industry by giving the Preakness a more prominent position in the Triple Crown season.  Angelette then discussed the final day of Maryland's Special Legislative Session on congressional redistricting. Lawmakers debated a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how congressional district maps can be drawn in the future. Rather than immediately redrawing district boundaries, the proposal would first need voter approval before new maps could be considered. Supporters argue the measure gives Maryland greater flexibility in future redistricting efforts, while opponents remain concerned about the potential for increased partisan gerrymandering  Angelette also highlighted Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic primary election. His win positions him as the Democratic nominee heading into the general election and marks a significant moment for progressive Democrats in Michigan. Political observers say the result could influence the state's policy priorities and become an important race to watch nationally during the November election season. Finally, Angelette addressed the ongoing issue of fare enforcement on Maryland buses and light rail. She explained that bus operators and light rail operators have been instructed not to personally enforce fare payment when passengers refuse to pay. Instead, employees are expected to focus on safely operating the vehicles while fare inspections and enforcement are handled by designated transit personnel. The policy is intended to reduce conflicts between operators and passengers and improve employee safety, but it has also sparked debate over lost transit revenue, fairness to paying riders, and the effectiveness of the current fare enforcement system. Many Marylanders continue to question whether the existing approach strikes the right balance between safety and accountability.

About

Angelette Aviles can be heard on WBAL Weekday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.