In this first episode of City Voters Live’s chapter-by-chapter review of Chris Papst’s Failure Factory, Desmond Stinnie breaks down Chapter 1, which opens in a Baltimore courtroom and sets the stage for an explosive investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools. From whistleblower revelations and grade-changing scandals at Calverton Elementary to a principal calling the police on a journalist, this episode explores how far the system would go to protect itself—and draws personal parallels between Papst’s journey to Baltimore and Desmond’s own first impressions of a city full of beauty, potential, and neglect.

In this episode of City Voters Live, I sit down with investigative journalist Chris Papst, author of Failure Factory and lead reporter for Project Baltimore. Papst shares the inside story of his years-long investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools, uncovering grade-changing scandals, cover-ups, and a system that often prioritized protecting data and funding over educating children. We talk about the pivotal role of whistleblowers, the challenges of holding powerful institutions accountable, and the deeper question of why a city with so much potential continues to struggle with neglect and mismanagement. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on one of Baltimore’s most urgent crises—and why the story matters far beyond the city.

In Part 3, CVL talks recovery with subject matter experts Kelly Gill and Shawn Nocher, founders of Love In The Trenches. We discuss what families and those suffering from substance use disorder should be looking for in a recovery program, as well as how family members of loved ones suffering from SUD can best support their loved one and guide them to successful recovery.

In Part 2 of our Opioid Crisis Series we continue to explore root causes of the opioid epidemic that is gripping Baltimore City where over 6,000 overdose deaths have occurred over the last six years. Host Desmond Stinnie is again joined in studio by Kelly Gill, executive director of Love In The Trenches, a non-profit providing overdose response services and counseling to families that have lost loved ones to overdose or are in need of support due to substance use disorder.

In a 5-part mini-series City Voters Live explores several aspects that we believe contributed to the Baltimore City opioid crisis where opioid overdoses have claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people over the last six years. Special series guest Kelly Gill joins host Desmond Stinnie lending her expertise with addiction and recovery.

Residents of the Clipper Mill neighborhood were sued by a developer for $25 million for speaking out against their project. Not only did these residents band together to get the suit dismissed, they have now turned the tables and suing the developer in a class action suit to disuade such tactics by developers in the future. A must here story!!

CVL Podcast is joined by Christopher Meyer from the Maryland Center for Economic Policy to discuss the Renew Baltimore property tax proposal.

City Voters Live Podcast is joined by Baltimore City Council 3rd district candidate Margo Bruner-Settles to discuss her run to unseat a two-term incumbent. Margo discusses her key priorities and agenda if her challenge is successful.

City Voters Live Podcast is joined by Charles DeBarber from the Filbert Street Garden to discuss beekeeping and how to handle bee swarms. Charles will also update us on the progress of the Filbert Street urban farm and the importance of urban farming.

City Voters Live is joined by former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon to talk about her third run to win her old job back in the upcoming May 14th primary election.