Commentary

by David A. PlymyerJul 6, 2021

The Baltimore County Executive pulls a bill that would cripple the Office of the Inspector General. Before memory of the episode fades, an analysis of just how serious this attempt to undercut good government was. [OP-ED]

May 24, 2021

Baltimore County IG is scaring the political insiders – and that means she’s doing her job

In a landscape where “good old boys” have ruled unchecked for years, will Inspector General Kelly Madigan be allowed to do her job? [OP-ED]

Apr 16, 2021

Cops charged in George Floyd and Freddie Gray deaths got similar special treatment

Accused police officers get to post bail, sleep in their own beds and have speedy trials – not so for my clients, says a Baltimore public defender.

Special SeriesFeb 14, 2021

For Marilyn Mosby, a taxing question

Under IRS rules, was it allowable for Baltimore’s state’s attorney to deduct travel expenses on companies she created but says she never operated? [OP-ED]

Jan 29, 2021

Amid a pandemic, defendants are languishing in jail for lack of home detention funding

Noting that private home detention is costly and public home detention is too rarely available, especially in Baltimore, a public defender calls for change. [OP-ED]

Nov 15, 2020

Muller Paz showed Baltimore what ending Democratic dominance could look like

In a town where City Hall and the police department have tolerated dysfunction and deep corruption, citizens have everything to gain from opening up the political process. [OP-ED]

Sep 10, 2020

Why the city shouldn’t return the Columbus statue, not even in fragments

Aug 24, 2020

Amid Covid, the school system is once again making things tough for students

Aug 17, 2020

Destruction of records should be punished, especially if done by a lawyer

Special SeriesJul 11, 2020

Hogan’s failure to enact a travel quarantine is putting Maryland lives in jeopardy

Jun 20, 2020

Ending police brutality also means challenging the courts and prosecutors who condone it

Jun 9, 2020

One way to detoxify the police culture: Rein in their union

Special SeriesMay 18, 2020

The Sheila Dixon story: It wasn’t just about the gift cards

Special SeriesMay 9, 2020

The next battleground: Keeping the elderly in multi-generational households safe from Covid-19

Apr 28, 2020

How inaction by two federal agencies led to the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes

Apr 20, 2020

Maryland must start disclosing infections and deaths at nursing homes

Apr 10, 2020

In West Baltimore’s corner stores: no Purell at the door, but plenty of COVID-19 danger

Mar 30, 2020

With Calloway house teardown looming, an activist laments the lack of leadership that let it happen

Jan 28, 2020

Friends-and-family approach to filling legislative vacancies in Maryland must end

Dec 11, 2019

Worse than Young’s gaffes is his refusal to enforce a new law

Aug 30, 2019

Sewage spill at Lake Roland poses an important test for Johnny Olszewski

Jul 15, 2019

An open letter to Jack Young: Open up police brutality settlements to scrutiny

Jun 6, 2019

“Cops who care” will present Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Parade on Saturday

Jun 5, 2019

Gender neutral bathroom bill before Baltimore’s City Council is a step in the right direction