Several times a year the Natural History Society of Maryland offers folks an opportunity to explore the geology of Baltimore City’s buildings and monuments. The next tour is Sunday, September 14, led by Sam Glasscock, a semi-professional geologist who volunteers for the Natural History Society — he gave us a preview.

Author Laura Lippman's 29th or 30th novel, depending how you count, is 'Murder Takes a Vacation': a cozy mystery that follows a plus-sized Baltimore widow in her late 60s who is breaking out of her shell… at the same time she becomes the target of ruthless international criminals. She spoke with Sheilah Kast about it in June.

Author Rosalia Scalia is out with another collection of short stories. It’s called “Under the Radar” and includes tales that catch people at their most vulnerable.

Sometimes, because of death, and loss. Sometimes, it’s just because people are complicated. Complicated characters anchor every story in this book. They’re characters who will not leave your head — including a pig named King Charles who you will fall in love with.

Americans buy a lot of clothes. The non-profit Public Interest Research Group estimates that the average consumer bought 53 items of clothing last year, which is four times as much as 25 years ago.

A lot of that clothing ends up in the trash - it’s estimated that more than half of clothes get thrown out within a year after being purchased.

And in the US, upwards of 17 million tons of textiles get trashed annually.

A lot of those clothes could have a new life… and that’s what the Public Benefit Corporation Helpsy is working to facilitate. In this encore broadcast, we talk Helpsy chief of staff, Lisa Scianella.

School is almost back in session! Kids in Baltimore City and Baltimore County - and several other jurisdictions around the state - are set to hit the books on Monday. Others will start in the coming weeks. In preparation, we bring you a couple school-themed Stories from the Stoop. We start with a memory from Beth Landeau about an embarrassing first day of sixth grade. Then we hear from Bridget Cavaiola, about a school play that DID GO ON… despite many obstacles. The Stoop Storytelling Series is putting on its own live show TONIGHT! The theme: ‘Naked: Stories about baring bodies, souls, and secrets.’ It starts at 7pm at Checkerspot Brewing Company. Information about the event, more stories, and the Stoop podcast is at StoopStorytelling.com.

School is almost back in session! Kids in Baltimore City and Baltimore County - and several other jurisdictions around the state - are set to hit the books on Monday. Others will start in the coming weeks. In preparation, we bring you a couple school-themed Stories from the Stoop. We start with a memory from Beth Landeau about an embarrassing first day of sixth grade. Then we hear from Bridget Cavaiola, about a school play that DID GO ON… despite many obstacles. The Stoop Storytelling Series is putting on its own live show TONIGHT! The theme: ‘Naked: Stories about baring bodies, souls, and secrets.’ It starts at 7pm at Checkerspot Brewing Company. Information about the event, more stories, and the Stoop podcast is at StoopStorytelling.com.

'Sunday Best', a new Netflix documentary, shows how Ed Sullivan did more than launch careers on his variety show--he used it as a platform to fight racism.

Amtrak’s multi-year Frederick Douglass Tunnel project moves forward, but folks in affected neighborhoods feel frustrated from unanswered questions, like relocation plans and appraisals for their homes.

What do cuts in food stamps and Medicaid, the denial of emergency aid to flood victims, the end of public-broadcasting funds mean for western Maryland? We ask Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

Last fall, voters approved a ballot question that would add two seats in the chamber. But getting from seven council members to nine is a complicated political process, so to hear how it’s going, we turn to WYPR reporter John Lee, whose focus is on Baltimore County.