Maryland Now — brought to you by Blended Public Affairs

This episode, Josh Kurtz takes a deep dive into the Blueprint for Maryland's Future — the state's roughly $4 billion, 10-year education reform plan — now about halfway through its run, with a formal progress report due out by the end of the year. Drawing on interviews with eight educators and political leaders, Josh traces the Blueprint's roots back to a 1990s ACLU lawsuit over underfunded Baltimore City schools, through the Thornton and Kirwan Commissions, Governor Hogan's 2020 veto and the legislature's override, and into where the plan stands today — including a look at what's working, what isn't, and the funding fight that's about to define its next chapter.

In this episode:

• How Maryland's decline in national education ratings alarmed policymakers and educators and prompted bold but complicated action
• The five "pillars" of the Blueprint, and why the law also created an unusual new oversight agency, the Accountability and Implementation Board
• All 24 Maryland school districts have now hit $60,000 starting teacher salaries — but neighboring states are catching up fast, and some districts had to sacrifice other priorities to get there
• Why a court ruling striking down Maryland's digital advertising tax has frozen over $535 million earmarked for the Blueprint
• The push from advocacy groups and the teachers' union for progressive revenue measures — and the pushback from counties already stretched thin
• A candid, skeptical take from a former Baltimore City school board member on whether the Blueprint tried to do too much, too fast
• A powerful official's case for staying the course, told through two sports metaphors — a college athletic program still waiting to win games, and a swimmer who covers 26 miles without ever completing the crossing

Got a question or topic you want covered this season? Reach us at [email protected], and find us now on Facebook too.

Technical support by Nate Carper, Carper Creative.

• (00:00) - Welcome and Setup

Maryland Now — brought to you by Blended Public Affairs

This episode, Maryland Now hits the road. Hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin traveled to Ocean City for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference — the annual gathering where most of Maryland's state and local government establishment spends a few days mixing official business with a packed circuit of evening receptions. Rather than one long-form interview, this episode features brief interviews with elected officials, agency heads, and the private-sector players navigating Maryland's biggest policy fights, all tied together with Dori, Josh, and David's own reporting and reactions from the ground.

We cover everything from Maryland's energy challenges with PSC Chair Kumar Barve and State Sen. J.B. Jennings, to the state's fiscal picture with Budget Secretary Jake Weissman and Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and the major reduction in violent crime in Baltimore City with Mayor Brandon Scott…and more.

In this episode:

• PSC Chair Kumar Barve on Maryland's role in a 13-state regional power grid, and why data centers need to "bring their own new generation"
• State Sen. J.B. Jennings on what's really driving Maryland's high electric bills, and why he's skeptical the legislature will fix it this session
• Budget Secretary Jake Weissman on formulating next year's budget amid a structural deficit
• Comptroller Brooke Lierman on why she calls Maryland's housing regulations "the Smith Island Cake effect"
• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott on six years of falling homicide rates, the group violence reduction strategy behind it, and $7 billion in new downtown investment
• CFG Bank Arena GM Frank Remesch on turning Baltimore into a top touring market – including the story of the night SZA and Queen swapped 57 trucks in and out in under an hour
• Conversations with Howard County executive nominee Vanessa Atterbeary, Baltimore County CAO D'Andrea Walker, and Reps. Johnny Olszewski and April Delaney on affordability, redistricting, and what's ahead in our counties and in Congress
• State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis on rebuilding public trust in the vote count ahead of November

Got a question or topic you want covered this season? Reach us at [email protected], and find us now on Facebook too.

Technical support by Nate Carper, Carper Cre8tive.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Maryland Now

Maryland Now — brought to you by Blended Public Affairs

Season 2 opens with a deep dive into the results of the newest Maryland Now poll, conducted by Blended Public Affairs and Perry Jacobson in partnership with Zenith Research. Hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin sit down with Adam Carlson, Founding Partner of Zenith Research, to break down what 800 likely Maryland voters are saying about the state of their finances, their government, and their governor — and the numbers paint a clear picture: affordability, not politics as usual, is driving the conversation heading into the midterms.

In this episode:

• Why 51% of Marylanders say they're just getting by or struggling — and why utility bills, not jobs or the economy, are the #1 policy priority
• How Marylanders want the state to raise revenue
• Data centers: why 75% of Marylanders are concerned, and why it's one of the fastest opinion shifts Adam has seen in his career
• Governor Moore's approval numbers
• Bipartisan appetite for nuclear power and keeping gas plants online longer
• A candid look at the state of polling itself

Got a question or topic you want covered this season? Reach us at [email protected], and find us now on Facebook too.

Technical support by Nate Carper, Carper Creative.

• (00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro

Maryland Now is back! In this quick Season 2 teaser, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin drop big news about the upcoming season. Returning mid-August, the team previews a packed slate of hard-hitting topics, deep-dive reporting, and candid roundtable discussions on the biggest policy and political shifts facing the state.

From exclusive statewide polling ahead of the election to crucial updates on healthcare, Baltimore’s redevelopment, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Season 2 is built to keep you informed on what matters most in Maryland politics and public affairs.

Key Takeaways & Season 2 Highlights

• Season 2 Launch Date: The new season officially kicks off on Thursday, August 13th, with new episodes dropping every subsequent Thursday through the fall.
• Exclusive Statewide Polling: Episode 1 kicks off with an exclusive poll measuring Marylanders’ perspectives on the economy and key election issues—mapping out what voters are excited, concerned, and thinking about heading into the election.
• The Blueprint for Maryland's Future: Deep-dive reporting on the implementation, funding, and real-world impact of Maryland's landmark education policy reform.
• Healthcare Transformation: A critical look at upcoming changes and policy shifts affecting healthcare access and costs across the state.
• Redeveloping Downtown Baltimore: In-depth coverage of major urban redevelopment projects, economic strategies, and the future of Baltimore’s downtown core.

Notable Quotes

"We love the conversations with special guests around the table, and we also love the deep reporting. Those are great topics, and we hope our listeners enjoy it as much as we enjoy making it."— David Nitkin

Sponsored by Blended Public Affairs

Have thoughts on an episode, a guest suggestion, or a story tip for the team?

📧 Contact: [email protected] 

In this special post-primary election episode, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin sit down with political strategists Alex Hughes and Marvin James. Recorded midday on Wednesday, June 24, the team dissects the results of Maryland's June 2026 primary election, breaking down big-money congressional races, key state legislative upsets, and a historic demographic shift in local leadership.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

• Establishment Power & Big Money: Adrian Boafo secured a decisive 5th District victory backed by $12.5 million in outside spending, while self-funding dominated in April Delaney’s win over David Trone in the 6th, and incumbent Kweisi Mfume handily turned back a generational challenge in the 7th.
• Social Media vs. Ground Game: Senate President Bill Ferguson outworked high-profile influencer hype to win the 46th District by at least a dozen points, proving that what appears like online momentum doesn't always translate to actual votes at the ballot box.
• Incumbent Casualties: Some high-profile upsets in Maryland General Assembly races include progressive challenger Amar Mukunda unseating long-time Senator Nancy King, and Delegate Malcolm Ruff defeating indicted Senator Dalya Attar.
• The "Middle Temperament": The panel notes that despite national perceptions of Maryland as a deeply progressive monolith, local primary voters consistently favor candidates of a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road temperament.

In This Episode

• "Maryland is Wakanda": A look at a historic demographic shift as nearly every large jurisdiction in Central Maryland tracks toward being led by an executive of color.
• The Governor's Coattails: Analyzing Governor Wes Moore’s massive flex of political capital, achieving an incredible 94% success rate across more than 200 statewide endorsements.
• At the Local Level: Dissecting Julian Jones's apparent win for Baltimore County Executive and Sarah David’s major victory over a 20-year incumbent State's Attorney, along with a look at other local races.

Connect With the Show

• Feedback & Story Ideas: Email the team at [email protected].
• Production Credits: Technical support by Nate Carper (Carper Cre8tive Studio).
• Presented By: Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs.

Thank you for listening to Season 1 of Maryland Now! Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and stay tuned for the launch of Season 2!

• (00:00) - MD Now 6/24/26 Special Election Episode

In this season finale "Roundtable" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by two highly regarded Annapolis lawyers and lobbyists: Tiffany Harvey of Cornerstone Government Affairs and Sean Malone of the Harris, Jones & Malone firm.

Together, they break down the highs, lows, and unexpected tensions of the 2026 legislative session. The podcast explores the overarching "Protect Maryland" theme that defined the year, analyzing how the House of Delegates, Senate and governor's office navigated complex debates over energy and high-stakes immigration policy.

The 2026 legislative session had a unique set of conditions: a new House speaker in Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, new committee chairs, a governor running for reelection and a congresstional redistricting battle that pitted Gov. Wes Moore against Senate President Bill Ferguson.

Through it all, the Assembly grappled with issues related to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, the skyrocketing cost of electricity and the need to protecting the rights and ability to vote. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the decisions made this year as lawmakers and the governor head into the June primary and November general elections.

In This Episode:

• The Energy Conversation: A deep dive into the debate over the state’s energy challenges
• The Immigration Flashpoint: Behind the scenes of the safety-versus-rhetoric debate and the "local control" tensions surrounding immigration enforcement
• Friction at the Finish Line: Discussing the evolving dynamics between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office
• The "Smith Island Cake" Effect: A conversation about the effect of cumulative legislative decisions on Maryland’s business competitiveness and revenue picture.

Connect With the Show:

Questions or Story Ideas: Email us at [email protected].

Production Credits: Audio and technical support by Nate Carper of Carper Creative.

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe Wherever You Get Your Podcasts! Thank you for listening and stay tuned for Season 2...

• (00:00) - Welcome and Introductions

In this "Roundtable" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin dive into the quirky, surprising, and often controversial world of Maryland’s official state symbols. From the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to classroom lobbying efforts by elementary school students, the group explores how 26 different icons—ranging from the iconic blue crab to the prehistoric Astrodon johnstoni—became part of the state’s official identity.

The episode goes behind the scenes of the legislative "sausage-making" in Annapolis, revealing why some symbols represent deep-seated heritage while others are the result of persistent student campaigns, political compromises, and even a bit of lighthearted debate over the state’s official dessert.

In This Episode:

• The World’s Fair Spark: How a 19th-century disagreement over a national flower led to the "snowball effect" of state symbols across all 50 states.
• The "Bad Bill" of 2001: The humorous story of how a group of Allegany County students successfully lobbied for the Calico Cat, despite pushback from legislators who thought the General Assembly had "gone to the cats."
• The Jousting vs. Lacrosse Compromise: A look at the legislative maneuver that kept Maryland’s traditional state sport intact while elevating Lacrosse to its own official status.
• The Smith Island Cake Crusade: How a humble multi-layered dessert from a small island community became a staple of Maryland pride (and a lesson in the power of grassroots lobbying).
• Repealing History: A serious look at the 2021 decision to officially repeal "Maryland, My Maryland" as the state song and the ongoing search for a replacement.
• Dinosaur Drama: Why a 112-million-year-old "Star Tooth" found in Prince George’s County is the only dinosaur officially recognized by the Free State.

Questions or Story Ideas: Email us at [email protected].

Audio and technical support by Nate Carper of Carper Creative.

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs.

Don't Forget to Subscribe Wherever You Get Your Podcasts! 

• (00:00) - Welcome to Maryland Now

In this second "Roundtable" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by two of the state’s most experienced political insiders: Don Mohler, former Baltimore County Executive, and Candace Dodson-Reed, Chief of Staff at the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.

This episode focuses on the critical battles for County Executive and County Council in Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties. The group discusses how voter turnout, public financing, and significant turnover could reshape local governance and produce the next generation of statewide leaders in Maryland

In This Episode:

• The Turnout Wildcard: Why Democratic nominees for county executive might need to garner relatively few votes due to a lack of competitive statewide races to drive voter participation.
• Baltimore County’s Crowded Field: A look at the "inside baseball" scandals—from pension controversies to debates over the inspector general—and whether they actually influence the average voter.
• The "Ulman Wing" and Howard County: Analyzing Vanessa Atterbury’s fundraising lead and the impact of former executive Ken Ulman’s endorsement in a wide-open primary.
• Anne Arundel’s Blue Shift: Discussing the county’s transition from a Republican stronghold to a "purple-to-blue" battlefield and the three-way Democratic primary currently underway.
• Montgomery’s Generational Change: Why the state’s largest county is guaranteed to see a new era of leadership, even as outgoing County Executive Marc Elrich attempts a unique return to the County Council.
• Historic Diversity: Celebrating a cycle that features a record number of women and candidates of color, potentially leading to county executives and county councils that better reflect Maryland's changing demographics.

Connect With the Show:

• Questions or Story Ideas: Email us at [email protected].
• Production Credits: Audio and technical support by Nate Carper of Carper Creative. 

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs.

• (00:00) - Welcome and Guests

If your child brought home a report card with a C average, you’d likely be underwhelmed. But a C average is what the American Society of Civil Engineers gives Maryland’s infrastructure, and they have some suggestions for how to improve. Infrastructure is the "bread and butter" of government—covering everything from the water in your pipes to the bridges on your commute—but as construction costs rise and traditional funding sources like the gas tax dwindle, the state is looking for new ways to build.

In this episode, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin dive into the complex and often debated world of Public-Private Partnerships, or P3s. They spoke to some experts to discuss whether these deals are a "panacea" for the state's building woes or a "necessary evil" that requires caution.

Featured in the episode:

• Michael Sakata, President and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association
• Dr. Jonathan Gifford, Director of the Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy at George Mason University
• Marshall Macomber, Chief of Innovative Finance and Delivery, Maryland Department of Transportation
• Jaclyn Hartman, Assistant Secretary of Transportation Investments, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
• Brad Frome, Partner at Rise Investment Partners

What We Discuss:

• The "C" Grade: Why Maryland’s infrastructure is struggling and why the traditional way of paying for roads and bridges is breaking down.
• Beyond the Purple Line: Moving past the headlines to understand how P3s work and the challenges with this particular project.
• Success Stories: How the P3 model has been used to fast-track a "bundle" of new schools in Prince George’s County and manage the Port of Baltimore.
• The Maintenance Guarantee: Why the most valuable part of a P3 might not be the initial construction, but the thirty years of guaranteed upkeep that follows.

Connect With the Show:  Questions, comments, or story ideas [email protected] 

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.

• Blended Public Affairs: https://www.blendedpublicaffairs.com
• Carper Cre8tive: https://www.carpercreative.studio

Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

• (00:00) - C Grade Wake Up Call

For decades, Marylanders have looked at maps of what could have been: a sprawling, interconnected rail network linking neighborhoods from Owings Mills to the Inner Harbor and beyond. While Washington, D.C. successfully colored in its transit lines, Baltimore was left with a "single metro line" and a light rail system described as "two systems flying in loose formation" that fail to feed each other. The dream of a comprehensive network has been stalled by shifting political winds, funding hurdles, and a lack of sustained regional advocacy.

In this episode, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin explore the past, present, and uncertain future of transit in Maryland. They are joined by John Porcari (former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation), Delegate Robbyn Lewis (D-Baltimore City), Ron Hartman (former MTA head), and Mike Kelly (Baltimore Metropolitan Council) to dissect the pivotal 2015 cancellation of the Red Line and the potential for its revival. They discuss why Maryland is unique in having its transit run by a state agency without a board of directors, the "radicalizing" effect of stalled projects on local leaders, and whether "Bus Rapid Transit" is a viable, high-speed alternative to traditional rail.

Why This Episode Matters

Transit is more than just "the widget" used to move people; it is an engine for economic development, a tool for dismantling historic segregation, and a necessity for a functioning democracy. The gap between transit-rich regions and those left behind reveals deep-seated issues of power, influence, and racial history in Maryland. Understanding the "flabby" failures of the past and the new push for local governance is essential for any resident who wants to see a more connected and equitable state. Whether you are a daily bus rider or a commuter waiting for the next rail extension, this conversation offers the context needed to understand why Maryland’s transit system remains a work in progress.

Connect With the Show Questions, comments, or story ideas: [email protected]

Links & Resources

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.

· Blended Public Affairs: https://www.blendedpublicaffairs.com

· Carper Cre8tive: https://www.carpercreative.studio

Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Note: The voice of Mileah Kromer heard in this episode is a synthetic AI model reading excerpts from her book.  Not a live recording. 

• (00:00) - Red Line Fallout