Public News Service

Salvage cranes from up and down the eastern seaboard have relocated to Baltimore. (Adobe Stock)

Patapsco River conditions slow progress on Key Bridge salvage

With temporary channels open to shallow draft vessels only a week after the collapse of the Key Bridge, officials see a much slower path to …

Data from 2021 estimated only 3.5% of organic waste generated in Baltimore was diverted for composting. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates see composting as alternative to incineration of Baltimore’s food waste

The founder of the Baltimore Compost Collective wants Baltimore to ditch trash incineration, fight climate change and grow healthier food. Marvin …

New one- and two-family homes and townhouses would be required to have at least one EV-capable parking space. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

'Better Buildings Act' would mandate electrification in new construction

With Maryland's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2045 on the horizon, the General Assembly is taking up the issue of building codes. During this …

Community members fought to protect a playground after learning about a zoning proposal for a gas station, which would have required its removal. From left: Jeff Cronin, Al Powell and Paul Rowe. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Prince George’s County playground almost torn down to put up a gas station

By Kayla Benjamin for The Washington Informer.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

The Inflation Reduction Act extended the $7,500-per-vehicle tax credit through 2032. (Adobe Stock)

Could Churches be Prime Locations for EV Charging Stations?

By Amethyst Holmes for Religion News Service.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Net…

Last year saw the certification of LEED projects pass 100,000 globally. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maryland Improves on Green Building Ranking

Maryland ranks fifth in the nation on a new report on green building in the U.S. The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual rankings of …

Green roofs can help address stormwater runoff concerns such as flooding. In recent years, hurricanes, tropical storms and increased heavy rainfall have hit Marylanders with extensive<br />flooding problems. (Adobe Stock)

MD Communities Win 'Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns' Grant

Communities in Maryland have been awarded portions of a $1 million grant to support infrastructure projects such as improving local waterway health an…

A lack of neighborhood trees can contribute to

Improving Urban Tree-Canopy Equity a Community Collaboration

By Patrick Dunn for Planet Detroit.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Maryland News Connection with support from the Solutions Journalism Network S…

Urban heat islands are areas that can be up to 20 degrees hotter than nearby neighborhoods due to factors like buildings, pavement, and lack of tree cover that can amplify high temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

MD's Montgomery County Conducts Urban Heat-Mapping Project

Maryland's most populous county is embarking on an urban heat-mapping project to better understand neighborhood heat inequities, which can affect …

A litter trap has been installed in the Lockridge Drive Tributary. In 2021, Anacostia Riverkeeper and volunteers collected 12,440 pounds of trash from the shoreline and neighboring tributaries. (Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Trust)

Montgomery County Installs 'Litter Trap' to Keep Trash Out of Waterways

Montgomery County has installed its first-ever "litter trap," which will capture trash and debris and prevent it from flowing downstream into the Anac…

Maryland officials originally said no homes would be destroyed during construction of new toll lanes on Interstate 270, but revised plans indicate some will. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bill to Curb “Broken Promises” on MD Plan to Widen Beltway, I-270

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland lawmakers and environmental groups rallied Wednesday for new legislation they say would improve the process of the state's …

Baltimore's Black communities are struggling to get to work after pandemic-related cuts to city's bus system scaled back service. (Wikimedia Commons)

Baltimore Transit Cuts Fight Linked to Montgomery Bus Boycott

BALTIMORE -- A Baltimore group pushing for more equitable transit policies commemorated the 64th anniversary of the Montgomery bus boycott with a virt…

Washington, D.C.'s Metro transit system is proposing slashing half of its bus routes because of a $500 million budget deficit. (Wikimedia Commons)

D.C. Transit System Cuts Seen as Catastrophic for Climate, Workers

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- As low ridership during the pandemic continues to wipe out transit budgets across the country, environmental groups in the …

A new Maryland report emphasizes the importance of environmental justice in forming clean energy policies. (Tom Pelton/Environmental Integrity Project)

MD Report Pushes Aggressive Climate-Action Plans

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Environmental groups are praising a new report that recommends Maryland reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions by 50% by 2030…

Critics say Maryland's plan to add toll lanes to busy D.C.-area highways will create overpriced tolls that are hardships for everyday commuters. (Wikipedia)

Groups Protest MD Proposal for New Rush-Hour Toll Lanes

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A coalition of environmental and other groups greets the first day of Maryland's 2020 General Assembly today with a protest of the …

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the state includes a controversial proposal to widen the Capital Beltway and add toll lanes. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD Emissions Plan Will Set Climate Movement Back

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland's climate action plan, which was released in October by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, will not help the state reduce …

The Chesapeake Bay watershed needs to reduce its phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment pollution by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

MD Conference to Focus on Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE – Stream recovery projects are a cornerstone in helping to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and people at the …

In 2017, Baltimore overhauled its bus system, but studies show it didn't help buses move faster. (Wikimedia Commons)

Class Helps Frustrated Baltimore Commuters Make a Difference

BALTIMORE - Many in Baltimore face transportation barriers that make it hard to get to work and school, but there's also something unique they can do …

Transportation is the leading source of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. (Pixabay)

Maryland Voices Concern about Lower Emission Standards

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Trump administration wants to freeze the fuel-efficiency and emissions standards in 2020, canceling the tougher rules that …

Flood prevention is one benefit of green infrastructure projects that are being funded in five Chesapeake Bay states with nearly $700,000 of grant money. (Pixabay)

Communities Receive More "Green" to Go Green

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Communities are finding it easier to go green when there's some "green" to help them make the transition - in the form of nearly $700…

Munir Bahar, 36, founder of COR Health Institute, stands in front of four vacant row homes he reconstructed into a community martial arts and fitness facility dedicated to serving at-risk children living in East Baltimore. (COR Health Institute)

Black Entrepreneurs Lead the Charge in Baltimore’s Economic Renewal

By Kevon Paynter for Yes! Media Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Maryland News Connection/Public News Service Reporting for the YES! Magazine-…

Chesapeake Bay Trust encourages the public to purchase Chesapeake Bay plates to help restore the bay and other natural resources in the region. (BelindaMariepix/Flickr)

Bay Trust: More Things You Can Do to Save the Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. --The ongoing multi-million dollar effort to clean up Chesapeake Bay finally is starting to pay off. State scientists found fewer …

A researcher says healthy communities have a big focus on their residents who are senior citizens. (Herb Carter)

Researcher: Seniors Key to Healthy Communities

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- It's often said that children are our future, but a researcher who has studied hundreds of rural communities argues that seniors …

Three teams from Maryland are competing for $1 million in prize money in a renewable-energy contest. (SUNY Polytechnic Institute)

Challenge Underway to Bring Solar to Low-Income Communities

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Low- and moderate-income households represent 40 percent of America's population, but less than 5 percent of all solar …

I-95 is one of the roads the state of Maryland wants to use as a testing ground for driverless cars. (md.gov)

Driverless Cars: Opening Doors for People with Disabilities

BALTIMORE - Maryland and the rest of the country are preparing for self-driving cars to hit the roadways, and new research says the technology could …

Street design plays a big role in pedestrian safety, according to a new report. (fhwa.gov)

Maryland 15th Highest for Pedestrian Deaths

BALTIMORE – On average, 13 people in the U.S. are killed every day from being hit by a vehicle, and older adults and people of color are most …

There's been a big shift to solar and wind power in the world's developing countries. (Sierraclub.org)

Renewables Rank as Fastest-Growing Energy Source

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Renewable energy is growing fast in poor countries. And in a change from a few years ago, demand for coal is stalled or …

A new report says if cities across the globe would plant more trees, people would be healthier. (pixabay)

Report: Plant More Trees for Healthier World

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A new report that examines the impact that trees have on our health finds that we need to start planting more of them…

Buying the Bay Plate supports education programs and restoration work benefitting the Chesapeake Bay. (cbtrust.org)

License Plate Boosts Efforts to Save the Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – For people who love the Chesapeake Bay and want to help protect it, one of the easiest ways is by purchasing the Bay Plate…

An online petition asks national leaders to keep the country's water clean and improve our water and sewer infrastructure. (maryland.gov)

Petition Asks Lawmakers for Safer Water, Infrastructure

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Imagine going an entire day without water. That's the idea behind a campaign with the goal of getting people to realize the …

Sea levels are expected to rise another foot by 2050, causing flooding and loss of wildlife habitat.(fws.gov)

Changing Tides: Seaboard Should Prepare for Sea-Level Rise

BALTIMORE – Climate change already has had an impact on wildlife and communities along the Chesapeake Bay and on the East Coast, according to a …

Researchers say being exposed to green space is a cure for many ills, especially when it comes to children. (Veronica Carter)

A Little Nature Benefits Children

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – As the weather warms up, birds chirp and flowers bloom, don't forget to take some time to enjoy what Mother Nature has to …

Consumer, health and safety groups want Congress to look at tougher safety laws for automakers and executives. Credit: pixabay.com

The Drive for Criminal Charges Against Car Company Execs

HARWOOD, Md. - Safety is top-of-mind as people hit the road for the Labor Day weekend, but all the precautions in the world can't protect against an …

The oil train derailment and explosion in North Dakota this week came just days after a new federal rule to boost rail car safety. Credit: U.S. Department of Transportation.

Oil Car Explodes Despite New Federal Safety Rules

BALTIMORE – The oil train derailment and explosion in North Dakota Wednesday was the 10th such incident in North America in two years, …

PHOTO: Gas prices may be low, but a new survey shows consumers don�t believe prices will stay that way and they want their next car or truck to get better gas mileage. Photo courtesy of publicdomainpictures.net

Survey: Consumers Want High Mileage Despite Low Gas Prices

WASHINGTON, D. C. — Gas prices will go up again. That's what consumers believe, according to a new survey commissioned by the Consumer …

PHOTO: A federal lawsuit filed this week asks the U.S. Department of Transportation to ban the use of DOT-111 tank cars for shipping crude oil. Photo credit: Citizens Acting for Rail Safety

Groups say Crude Oil too Risky for Some Rail Cars

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Oil is being shipped across the country in train cars that the federal government says are unsafe, and two environmental …

PHOTO: Baltimore is encouraging citizens, groups and businesses to be creative with proposals to turn vacant lots into spaces that benefit neighborhoods, and the environment. Photo courtesy Chesapeake Bay Trust

Extreme Green Makeovers for Vacant Lots

BALTIMORE - Taking an eyesore and turning it into neighborhood "eye candy." Winners are sharing nearly $300,000 in funding in the Growing Green Desig…

PHOTO: EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin announces $3.7 million in grants for

Green ‘Times Three’ Generates $3.7 Million in Grants

BALTIMORE - New grants totaling $3.7 million are on the way to local nonprofits, towns and schools to carry out projects for the "Green Streets…

PHOTO: A new study shows Virginians have cut their per-person driving miles about six percent since 2005. Photo credit: Virginia DOT

New Study: Marylanders Driving Less

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – You might find this hard to believe if you're often stuck in traffic, but a new study reveals Marylanders aren't driving as …

PHOTO: Mothers Against Drunk Driving says high visibility law enforcement campaigns are a proven deterrent against drunk driving. The 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign runs through Labor Day Weekend. Photo credit: MADD

MADD 'Glad' About More Sobriety Checkpoints

BALTIMORE - You might think an organization called "MADD" didn't have much to be glad about, but more police on the streets through this holiday …

PHOTO: Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland warns the country's aging water infrastructure presents a clear and present danger to public health and even the nation's economic security. Photo credit: EPA.GOV

Cardin Voices Concerns about Aging Water Systems

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Clean water is a basic human need, but there are new concerns about whether it will keep flowing to homes and business across the …

PHOTO: The federal Department of Transportation is launching a new campaign to encourage pedestrian safety.

Pedestrian Deaths Increase in MD, Nationwide

BALTIMORE - It's sobering news, with the start of school just weeks away. The number of pedestrian deaths in Maryland is increasing for the second …

Graphic: Projects in Maryland are getting

"Green" Grants: A Boost for MD

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - It's about being smart and developing "green." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust have announced …

PHOTO: Maryland General Assembly considers gas tax increase to pay for road projects. Photo credit: Microsoft Images

Pump Prices Could Increase By Summer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Proposals to increase the gas tax in Maryland appear to be gaining steam. The House of Representatives is debating legislation this …

PHOTO: Example of a living shoreline. Courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

“It’s Alive.” Cash Infusion Brings Life to Chesapeake Bay Shorelines

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Prettier is better - and worth more than $800,000. That's how much grant money is being unveiled today to promote the understanding …

More “Green” for Green Streets-Jobs-Towns Projects in MD

BALTIMORE - Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being handed out today as part of the Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns initiative. The grants…

Preparing for the Storm – Experts to Gather in Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Overflowing storm drains, urban wetlands and city streams and creeks are the topics on deck for this year's Watershed and Stormwater …

Up to $100,000 Available for Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing today (Wednesday) that grants of up to $100,000 are available …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - April 18, 2024

2024Talks - April 18, 2024

The Yonder Report - April 18, 2024

MD: Urban Planning and Transportation