Last week, we shared news about the City of Baltimore planning to end its contract with the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts; findings from the Waterfront Partnership’s latest Healthy Harbor report; and an update about Foreman and Wolf’s The Duchess restaurant coming soon to Hampden.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“A City to Come: Anger and Acceptance at the Shrine of the Little Flower“: The Shrine of the Little Flower is one of six churches in Northeast Baltimore to be closed in a restructuring plan.

“Signs that the much-anticipated Duchess restaurant is getting closer to opening in Hampden“: Foreman and Wolf Group’s The Duchess restaurant, which will replace the former Cafe Hon in Hampden, shows signs it’s getting closer to opening, including an open call for job interviews.

“Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. pledges $1M to Morgan State University“: Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. has pledged $1 million to Morgan State University to support its Earl G. Graves School of Business & Management.

“Baltimore Development Corporation terminates agreement with group that wanted to redevelop ‘Superblock’“: The Baltimore Development Corporation has terminated its agreement with Westside Partners LLC, the group that proposed to build a $150 million to $200 million mixed-use project called The Compass using 18 city-owned parcels on the west side of downtown.

“Hot House: This Norman Revival home looks plucked right out of the French countryside“: Built in 1939, this Norman Revival house retains many of its original charming features, like a spiral staircase and steep rooflines.

Editor’s Picks:

“Baltimore to end contract with BOPA, citing organization’s financial issues“: The City of Baltimore will terminate its contract with the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, the organization in charge of putting on Artscape, the Baltimore Book Festival, and certain other city events.

“Waterfront Partnership report gives harbor’s ecosystem health a C grade, highlighting sewer and stormwater impacts“: While Baltimore’s harbor remains swimmable, the waterway’s health continues to be impacted by sewage overflows, stormwater runoff, and trash pollution, according to the Waterfront Partnership’s annual Harbor Heartbeat report card released on Thursday.

“UMB breaks ground for $120M, six-story building to house School of Social Work“: Representatives of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday for their next major campus building, a $120 million, six-story home for the School of Social Work at 600 W. Lexington Street.

“Maryland Zoo’s new attraction? The parking lot!“: The Maryland Zoo has overhauled its parking lot to provide what they’re calling a “superior experience” for guests, whether people drive, bike, or walk to see their favorite creatures and critters.

Nichole Baccala Ward is the new owner of TBC, the creative agency founded in 1974 by Ed Trahan, Tom Burden and Allan Charles.

The transition comes as the Baltimore-based advertising, branding and public relations company marks the 50^th anniversary of its founding as Trahan, Burden & Charles and the retirement of co-founder and creative director Allan Charles.

Ward, who serves as CEO, is the agency’s first sole owner. She has been with the company for more than 23 years and became its president in 2014. She has led marketing efforts for numerous brands over the years, including Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal; Haribo USA; and Pearson Education. She led the staff through the COVID-19 pandemic and stewarded TBC’s recent appointment as the American Diabetes Association’s first agency of record in its 80-year history.

“We’re taking advantage of our spirit of creativity, curiosity and resilience as we move forward,” Ward said in a statement. “We know that TBC’s future holds even greater promise built on a foundation of 50 years of excellence. Together, we’ll continue to deliver integrated solutions and inspire success for clients of all sizes.”

Along with the advertising agency they launched in 1974, Trahan, Burden and Charles opened an affiliated, in-house TV and broadcast production company called Charles Street Films, to strengthen the agency’s reputation for creativity and give it the ability to produce films and videos. Charles Street Films made TBC one of the first agencies in the U. S. to have an in-house studio to shoot its own commercials and videos.

Working with media firms such as Westinghouse Broadcasting Company and The Baltimore News-American, a division of The Hearst Corp., TBC gained national recognition for campaigns involving Leonard “Boogie” Weinglass’ Merry-Go-Round clothing chain and the Holocaust Memorial Fund, among others. It was the first agency to make a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal with MTV.

Since its early days, TBC has grown from a small creative shop to a full-service branding, advertising and strategic communications agency that still has in-house production capabilities. It’s now based at 3601 O’Donnell St. in Brewer’s Hill with a staff of 65, and its services include advertising; brand development and strategy; content strategy and copywriting; strategic communications; social media; public relations; media planning; buying and analytics and digital marketing.

TBC’s major clients over the years have included the Maryland Lottery; Miller Brewing Company; the National Aquarium; Harrah’s Casinos; the Baltimore Orioles; the Baltimore Ravens; McDonald’s; CVS Pharmacy; Visit Baltimore; Smart Balance; the NAACP; MinuteClinic; Micron; KT Tape; CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; University of Maryland Global Campus (www.umgc.edu); and University of Maryland Eastern Shore (wwwcp.umes.edu). It was one of the first agencies to work with the Ronald McDonald House.

Charles started his career in advertising and TV production when he was 15. Among numerous awards he has received are two Clios for copywriting. The father with former Baltimore Sun gossip columnist Laura Charles of film actor Josh Charles, he is credited with discovering and casting many celebrities at the beginning of their careers and working on a variety of MTV music videos. Among the individuals and companies he’s worked with are: Yellow Book; Campbell’s Soup; UPS; Snyder’s of Hanover; Pepsi; Foxwoods Resort Casino and William Donald Schaefer.

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Last week, we shared an update about the uncertain future of Columbia’s proposed lakefront library, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott reporting for jury duty, and the return of the Christmas Village at the Inner Harbor.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“WTMD exits the circle, but Towson wants it back“: Towson wants WTMD, the alternative rock station whose call letters reflect its origins as part of the Towson University music department, back in the county seat.

“Will a landmark lakefront library actually be built in Columbia?“: Eighteen months after it was announced, the fate of Columbia’s lakefront library plan is uncertain.

“Hampden branch of Walgreens to close permanently on Nov. 12“: After months of speculation by community residents, Walgreens has confirmed that it is closing its Hampden branch permanently.

“Zoning board allows live entertainment at proposed Rotunda restaurant and event space; community meeting set for Wednesday“: Despite strong opposition from some Hampden residents, Baltimore’s zoning board voted 4 to 0 with one abstention to approve a restaurant operator’s request to offer live entertainment seven days a week.

“Maryland Science Center plans more than $10M of enhancements to celebrate 50th anniversary“: Leaders of the Maryland Science Center on Wednesday announced plans for more than $10 million worth of capital projects and programs designed to improve the visitor experience and otherwise help celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Editor’s Picks:

“‘Most magical time’: Christmas Village in Baltimore will return to the Inner Harbor next month“: Christmas Village in Baltimore, the German-style holiday market that draws crowds to the west shore of the Inner Harbor, is returning next month.

“Pubwalks and gravesites and ghosts, oh my! Get your Halloween scare on with these Baltimore-area spoooooky scenes!“: Looking for some grown-up spooky fun? Want less pumpkin and more spice? Check out these ghoulish activities around the Baltimore region.

“New operator is behind schedule and needs more time to reopen Eddie’s of Mount Vernon grocery store, attorney tells Baltimore’s liquor board“: Neighbors who are waiting for Eddie’s of Mount Vernon grocery store to reopen are going to have to wait a little longer.

“Tickets on sale for ‘Shucked,’ an intentionally-corny musical comedy coming to Hippodrome in 2025“: The Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Shucked” is coming to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre April 1 to 6, 2025. Tickets went on sale Friday.

“The Arthouse pizza bar and art gallery to close in Hampden by the end of the month“: Hampden will lose another dining spot this month when The Arthouse closes permanently after 11 years of operation.

Towson wants WTMD, the alternative rock station whose call letters reflect its origins as part of the Towson University music department, back in the county seat.

The station moved earlier this year into WYPR’s facilities at 2216 N. Charles St. in Charles Village as part of the merger of the two public broadcasters. WTMD’s name has been stripped off its high-profile location just north of the Towson circle and its scrolling news ticker familiar to travelers on York Road has gone dark.

The departure leaves a hole in the county seat’s central business district, where officials have been trying to diversify a retail base that’s healthy but heavy with restaurants, Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said.

“We didn’t want them to go and now we want to get them to come back,” Hafford said. She’d like to convince WTMD to return to another location in Towson as part of a headquarters expansion the station owners are considering. Some of its art programming is funded by the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences.

The cost of having two locations and a desire to bring the staff of the two stations together prompted the decision to combine forces at the Charles Village location, which WYPR owned, Craig Swagler, president and general manager of station owner Baltimore Public Media, said.

But the space is tight.

“There’s only so much you can grow in a two-story building,” he said. That’s led him into discussions with prospective builders about relocating again or renovating the existing building to make way for an expanded public radio hub with performance space. Part of the decision may rest with the success of a capital campaign now underway.

Could the merged entity end up in Towson? “Nothing has been ruled out,” he said, diplomatically. But, he added, there is a desire to remain in the city to support it. “Whatever we do has to align with our mission and economics.”

The listener-supported radio station, 89.7 FM on the radio dial, was founded on the TU campus in 1972 and relocated in 2012 to the 8,000 square-foot space at the Towson City Center in a much-publicized expansion. The new digs featured four studios, offices and classrooms, rentable event space as well as a 1,300 square-foot performance venue that hosted its popular “Live Lunch” broadcasts.

WYPR, an NPR-affiliated talk and news outlet founded as WJHU by Johns Hopkins University but spun off in 2002, paid $3 million for WTMD in 2021.

The nonprofit Baltimore Public Media reported  revenue of $9.9 million and expenses of $9.6 million for the fiscal year ending in July, 2023, the most recent year its tax filings are available.

501 N. Calvert St.

300 E. Cromwell St.

200 St. Paul Place.

And soon, the 500 block of S. Exeter St.

After relocating from Baltimore Peninsula to St. Paul Place in 2023, Baltimore Sun Media’s newsroom is on the move again, this time to Little Italy.

Reporters and editors were told recently that the media company’s new owners are planning to move its editorial offices, the heart of its newsgathering operation, to the Bagby Building at 509 S. Exeter St.

The company’s business and advertising offices will remain in the St. Paul Plaza office building at 200 St. Paul Place for now but will eventually follow as part of a phased-in move over the next year.

This is the fourth move for the newsroom employees in the past seven years and the first time any part of the Sun’s operations have been targeted for relocation since the company was acquired in January by David Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Armstrong Williams.

The Sun was founded in 1837, and its newsroom was located at 501 N. Calvert St. from 1950 to 2018. In 2018 the newsroom moved to Sun Park at 300 E. Cromwell St., where the Sun’s printing plant was located, and then to St. Paul Place five years later.  Before moving to Calvert Street, the Sun’s headquarters were in the cast iron Sun Building at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Charles streets.

The newsroom contains offices for the reporters, columnists, editors, photographers and others who work on the editorial side of The Baltimore Sun and several community newspapers.

The four-story, 93,000-square-foot Bagby Building is part of the real estate portfolio controlled by WorkShop Development, a company headed by Doug Schmidt, Neil Tucker and Richard Manekin. It was constructed in 1902 as home for The Bagby Furniture Co., which was founded in 1879 and closed in 1990.

The building was repurposed for office use more than 20 years ago by Struever Bros., Eccles and Rouse, which sold the property in 2007. According to state land records, the official owner is Skylar Development LLC. Another address is 1010 Fleet St. WorkShop markets the building as being in Harbor East.

“Bagby is an icon in Harbor East, Baltimore City’s premier commercial district,” WorkShop says on its website. “The building is a hub for creative businesses, home to leading design, technology and medical companies.”

Also part of the Bagby property is the “Atlas Quarter,” which includes four restaurants operated by the Atlas Restaurant Group. The restaurant group is headed by CEO Alex Smith, the nephew of Sun owner David Smith. The restaurants that make up the “Atlas Quarter” include Tagliata, Italian Disco, The Elk Room and Monarque. Monarque and Tagliata are located in a low-rise annex that is separated from the main building by a courtyard with an entrance on the Fleet Street side of the property. It was originally a place to store and dry wood that the Bagby company used to make furniture. WorkShop converted it for the restaurants, along with reconfiguring the courtyard for dining and opening up the brick facades of the main building to create storefronts for other commercial tenants, including branches of PNC Bank and Verizon.

Some space in the Bagby building became available after the Atlas Restaurant Group decided to move its corporate headquarters by the end of 2024 from there to the E. J. Codd building at 700 S. Caroline St., but Baltimore Sun Media’s newsroom is not occupying Atlas Restaurant Group’s space. It will be on the third floor of the Bagby Building.

After negotiating a lease to move its offices from Baltimore Peninsula to St. Paul Place, the Sun published an article noting that moving downtown would put reporters within walking distance of City Hall, courthouses, police headquarters and major businesses.  

“We are thrilled to be back in the heart of the Central Business District in a space that is well suited to our needs,” Publisher Trif Alatzas said in a statement.

The move to Little Italy means the Sun’s newsroom won’t be as close to the Mayor’s Office and other city agencies. But it does fit in with a trend that has seen other organizations shift employees eastward from downtown, including Constellation, Allianz Trade, Bank of America, Gordon Feinblatt and, soon, T. Rowe Price.

The newsroom move is expected to start next month.

Long held along the Inner Harbor waterfront, the Baltimore Book Festival moved to the Waverly neighborhood this year, where many bookstores have set up shop.

Readers, writers, and literature-lovers of all sorts came out to celebrate the festival’s return, after the event was last held in 2019.

From author talks to bookworms scouring the shelves for their next literary favorite, check out scenes from the festivities in this photo gallery:

Rainy weather this weekend made for a muddy but exhilarating Charm City Cross.

Cyclocross competitors participated in races through Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, where they navigated hills, stairs, and other obstacles.

Check out the action in this photo gallery by Carl Schmidt of Federal Hill Photography LLC:

Last week, we shared news of a Baltimore restaurant named to the New York Times’ best restaurants list; an analysis of U.S. bridges with the highest ship traffic; and Maryland colleges’ rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“Six months after Key Bridge collapse, Hopkins team finds Maryland’s bridges among highest in nation for mega- and large-ship traffic“: Bridges in Maryland are among those with the highest mega- and large-ship traffic, according to data analysis by Johns Hopkins University engineers.

“University of Baltimore Academic Center would be demolished and replaced with smaller structure under new master plan“: The University of Baltimore’s Academic Center would be torn down and replaced with a smaller building under a new Facilities Master Plan that has been created to guide the institution’s growth over the next decade.

“Hopkins ranks 6th-best college in the nation by U.S. News & World Report; other Maryland universities score highly“: Johns Hopkins University this year rose to the No. 6 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the best colleges in the nation.

“Columbia, Maryland rated top city in nation for women“: Columbia, Maryland was ranked first in all of the United States on conditions for women’s economic status, health, and safety, according to WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Cities for Women in 2024” report.

“Copper Union to open Mt. Washington pickleball social club“: Copper Union will celebrate the grand opening of its new pickleball club in Mt. Washington on Oct. 4 and 5.

Editor’s Picks:

“Nancy Proctor stepping down as Chief Strategy Officer of The Peale, Baltimore’s ‘community museum’“: After nearly eight years with various titles, Nancy Proctor is preparing to step down as Chief Strategy Officer of The Peale, Baltimore’s “community museum.”

“Baltimore restaurant Ammoora nabs spot on New York Times’ list of favorite restaurants“: Ammoora, a Baltimore restaurant serving Levantine cuisine, has made it into the exclusive New York Times “The Restaurant List 2024: Our 50 favorite places in America right now.”

“Sisters open ‘the dede. shop’ interior design store in downtown Baltimore“: Two sisters have opened a home furnishings and accessories store in downtown Baltimore, where they plan to make luxury interior design accessible to more people.

“‘Creatively Black Baltimore’ art exhibition, along with installation by Tyree Guyton, to open at Harborplace“: As part of a push to activate Baltimore’s Harborplace pavilions with arts-oriented attractions, MCB Real Estate has filled the space formerly occupied by the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum with an exhibition called Creatively Black Baltimore (CBB).

“The Charmers Club, a vintage and handmade shop, will occupy former Charmington’s dining spot in Remington“: A vintage and handmade shop called The Charmers Club will move into the dining spot formerly occupied by Charmington’s in Remington.

Ammoora, a Baltimore restaurant serving Levantine cuisine, has made it into the exclusive New York Times “The Restaurant List 2024: Our 50 favorite places in America right now.”

Every year the Times searches for the nation’s best restaurants, and despite the list’s title, their reporters do not limit themselves to one restaurant per state, nor require each state be represented. It so happens in this year’s list, Ammoora is Maryland’s only restaurant that is named in the top 50.

Ammoora’s owner, Jay Salkini, and its chef, Cima Al-Chaar, grew up in Syria. While the restaurant’s food is Syrian-focused, the menu offers contemporary takes on classic Eastern Mediterranean dishes.

“For anyone steeped in generic Middle Eastern takeout staples, Ammoora will be a revelation,” wrote Eric Asimov, Times reporter. “Dishes like muhammara (roasted red peppers seasoned with chile and pomegranate molasses) and kebbet karaz (minced lamb with tart cherry sauce, cinnamon and pine nuts) achieve a thrilling balance of sweet and sour, spicy and breezy.”

The restaurant opened in January 2023 and is housed in the Ritz Carlton Residences on Key Highway. It is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Upon learning of its designation by the Times as one of their 50 favorite restaurants, Ammoora put out this announcement and statement of appreciation on its social media sites.

“We’re certainly so happy to share this moment with Baltimore and Maryland in general, being the only representative on the list,” said Markie Britton, co-founder of Ammoora. “That really meant a lot.”

“We’re certainly grateful for that and for the entire community that has given us their support and love, because otherwise, we certainly would have never made such a prestigious list,” Britton continued. “It was such a surprise and honor to be able to get that.”

Britton told Baltimore Fishbowl that they were not aware they were in the running and learned that the Times reporters had been there only after reading the article.

“And so that just makes it all the more exciting, knowing that our food, our cuisine, and our culture have really resonated to draw such attention just on that,” Britton said.

In May 2024 Ammoora was listed by People magazine as one of America’s 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants. That list chose one restaurant per state, and of Baltimore’s Ammoora, the magazine said, “The opulent decor here celebrates Syria via ornate architecture with bold mosaics and dramatic archways.”

Combine that beauty with creatively curated recipes lovingly and skillfully prepared, and Ammoora had what the New York Times hailed “enchanting, multidimensional” meals that “make you feel as if your eyes have been opened, revealing vivid new colors.”

Ammoora is located at 751 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD.

Last week, we shared news about Hollins Market reopening after a big renovation, plans for a plastics recycling plant in Columbia, and the upcoming relighting of the Natty Boh sign.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“Hampden residents, City Council representative oppose plans for live entertainment at $4M restaurant and events venue proposed for The Rotunda“: Residents who live across the street from The Rotunda oppose live entertainment planned for a $4 million restaurant and events venue there.

“Hollins Market to celebrate grand reopening Saturday after $2.1 million in renovations“: The historic Hollins Market is reopening after a $2.1 million renovation, with a public grand opening celebration planned for Saturday.

“After a call for help on Facebook, Silver Queen Cafe strikes gold with an influx of customers“: After putting out a call for more customers on Facebook, northeast Baltimore’s Silver Queen Cafe has seen business pick up dramatically.

“Howard County residents raise concerns about chemical company’s plans for pilot plastics recycling plant“: Howard County residents worry a chemical company’s proposed pilot plastics recycling plant in Columbia could harm their health and the environment. The company, W.R. Grace, maintains that community members misunderstand their plans.

“Hot House: Tudor-style home in Roland Park on a quiet cul-de-sac street“: This Roland Park home on a quiet cul-de-sac street offers a magnificent Tudor-style exterior, beautiful interior millwork, and more.

Editor’s Picks:

“Mr. Boh will illuminate Baltimore again as National Bohemian prepares to unveil new LED sign“: Two years after the neon lights burned out in the Natty Boh sign, the iconic Baltimore fixture will shine once again – now with LEDs.

“Michelin Guide honors two Baltimore hotels“: The Michelin Guide, known for bestowing high distinctions in the restaurant and hotel industries, recently honored two Baltimore hotels.

“On a trip to Nashville, filmmaker John Waters reunites with Orville Peck and gets in touch with his inner cowboy“: Baltimore filmmaker John Waters traveled to Nashville to host Orville Peck’s Sixth Annual Rodeo, a gathering of country singers and fans.

“Lineup announced for Baltimore Book Festival, happening Sept. 28-29 in Waverly“: Crack open a good book and hear from an array of authors when the Baltimore Book Festival returns Sept. 28 and 29 for the first time since 2019.

“When Outsiders Visit“: When a friend from South Africa visits columnist Jalynn Harris in Baltimore for the first time, they see the city through each other’s eyes.

Last week, we shared news about Oprah Winfrey sending gifts to Maryland’s “childless cat lady” delegate; the expansion of a D.C. Jamaican and Caribbean restaurant to Baltimore; and the retirement of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic schools superintendent.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“After high praises from TikTok food star Keith Lee, D.C.-based Jamaican restaurant Jerk at Nite to open Baltimore location“: D.C.-based Jamaican and Caribbean restaurant Jerk at Nite will open a new Baltimore location across the street from the Hippodrome Theatre.

“Leaving Oz, With Hope“: In this third installment of columnist Marion Winik’s journey with Ozempic, the author writes about weaning off the drug after being pleased by its results.

“Fells Point Oyster Fest returns this weekend“: Baltimoreans dug into their favorite bivalves at the Fells Point Oyster Fest this past weekend. The three-day event ran Sept. 13-15 at Broadway Square.

“Oprah Winfrey sends gifts to Maryland delegate who went viral for cameo in ‘childless cat lady’ DNC speech“: Oprah Winfrey sent gifts to Maryland Del. Teresa Saavedra Woorman (D-Montgomery County), who went viral last month after cameras cut to her face when Winfrey mentioned a “childless cat lady” in her speech at the Democratic National Convention.

“Baker’s Dozen: 13 Questions with Binda Singh of Ananda“: Binda Singh, owner of the restaurant Ananda, discusses how food has shifted for him from a source of survival to a vessel for joy and memory.

Editor’s Picks:

“Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic schools superintendent announces retirement, kicking off national search for replacement“: The Archdiocese of Baltimore will immediately begin a search for its next superintendent of Catholic schools, after current superintendent Donna Hargens announced Thursday that she will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

“It’s close to midnight — calling all zombies for the ‘Thriller’ flash mob!“: Dance Baltimore will be teaching the choreography from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video for Halloween flash mob dance performances.

“Do brined veggies pickle your fancy? The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party returns to Baltimore Sept. 21“: Grab a spot in the queue-cumber because tickets went on sale last week for the Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party, which is returning to Baltimore for the fifth straight year.

“Very Well opens wellness center at Village of Cross Keys with acupuncture, light therapy, and more“: Very Well has opened a wellness center at the Village of Cross Keys, where it will offer acupuncture, salt therapy, an infrared sauna, and other services.

“PHOTOS | Maryland State Fair bids farewell until next summer“: Maryland State Fair visitors enjoyed adrenaline-pumping rides, ate their favorite carnival foods, and made cherished family memories. Enjoy this photo gallery from the fair’s final weekend of the season.

Local public radio listeners will hear a familiar voice in a new role when they tune into WYPR.

Ashley Sterner, the longtime host of “Morning Edition” on WYPR, will become the new co-host of “On the Record” alongside current host Sheilah Kast.

“I’m excited to share more of Maryland’s stories on the radio and couldn’t dream of working with a better team!” Sterner said.

Sterner will officially take on the co-hosting role this Friday. “On the Record,” which features interviews with artists, scientists, community leaders, and other insightful personalities. The show broadcasts every Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. on 88.1 FM.

Kast, who will continue as co-host of “On the Record,” expressed her excitement about Sterner joining the show.

“Ashley has been instrumental in how our listeners start their day, and now she brings that same expertise to deepen the dialogue on ‘On the Record.’ We are delighted to welcome her as co-host and look forward to the fresh perspectives she will introduce alongside our engaging program content.”

“On the Record” is produced by Maureen Harvie and Melissa Gerr, who will continue in their roles as well.

Dance was the focus of this month’s Baltimore by Baltimore festival on Saturday.

The monthly series, hosted by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, invites people to the city’s Inner Harbor waterfront for a day full of live music and arts vendors.

CJay Philip, artistic director of Dance & Bmore, organized Saturday’s festival, which followed the theme “Dancing Through Life.”

The event showcased an array of dance genres and styles, with performances by groups such as the Baltimore Salsa Dance Company; the HKL Korean Dance Company; the Keur Khaleyi African Dance group; Full Circle Dance Company, and many others.

View the festivities in this photo gallery by Carl Schmidt of Federal Hill Photography LLC:

Last week, we shared news about a controversial backyard Go Kart track in Howard County, dead fish and pistachio green water in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and the first Sheetz store in Baltimore County.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“A Howard County dad quietly built a Go Kart track for his son. Then the neighbors found out.“: A Howard County dad who built a backyard Go Kart track for his son who wants to become a race car driver is now fighting to keep the $100,000-plus investment from being torn up, since he undertook the project without required permits.

“Dead fish and ‘pistachio green’ water in the Inner Harbor. What’s that about?“: Dead fish and green water turned up in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor this week, but experts say the phenomenon is related to temperature changes, not necessarily poor water quality.

“A City To Come: The Closing of Saint Rose of Lima“: The fabled Archdiocese of Baltimore – the first in the United States, founded in 1789 – is on tenuous financial footing and will close dozens of parishes in the coming months.

“Move over, Royal Farms and Wawa. Sheetz is coming to Baltimore County.“: Baltimore County got its first-ever Sheetz convenience store and gas station, which opened Thursday in Middle River.

“Hot House: Mount Vernon apartment presents prime viewing spot for Monument Lighting“: Looking for somewhere to watch the Monument Lighting in December (and get beautiful views year round)? Consider buying this stunning Mount Vernon apartment.

Editor’s Picks:

“Art with a Heart to open second location on The Avenue in Hampden“: Baltimore-based arts non-profit Art with a Heart will open a second location in Hampden, where it will display and sell artwork by students and volunteers, and operate its workforce development program.

“Land remediation work to begin soon as part of effort to turn Baltimore Country Club property into Hillside Park“: Before it’s sold to create Baltimore’s newest recreational area, Hillside Park, the land owned by the Baltimore Country Club (BCC) will undergo a remediation process to remove and store soil that contains remnants of pesticides and herbicides that were applied when the area was used as a golf course and grass tennis courts.

“BRUSH Mural Fest on Sept. 14 is bringing 10 new murals to downtown Baltimore“: Coming up this month is one of the city’s newest annual events, the BRUSH Mural Fest, which celebrates public murals in Baltimore and the artists who create them.

“A ‘Fashion Market Pop-up’ series is launching this month at the Baltimore Museum of Industry“: The Baltimore Museum of Industry will be the location of a new “Baltimore Fashion Market Pop-up” series that will give participants a chance to shop, swap and upcycle clothes from local vendors.

“Feds approve Maryland offshore wind project“: A Maryland offshore wind project cleared a major hurdle after the federal government gave final approval to it last week.

Last week, we shared news about temporary closures at two Baltimore County library branches, the No Land Beyond board game bar moving locations, and a replacement for Birds of a Feather.

Revisit the stories here:

Most Popular:

“Temporary closures announced at two Baltimore County library branches for renovations“: The Baltimore County Public Library announced temporary closures at two library branches to allow for renovations.

“Board game bar No Land Beyond relocating from Old Goucher to Station North“: No Land Beyond, Baltimore’s first board game bar, is relocating from its current home in Old Goucher to Station North at 108 W. North Ave., known as The Parlor.

“Mount Vernon Place Conservancy wins $750K ‘Save America’s Treasures’ grant“: Mount Vernon Place Conservancy has been awarded the National Park Service’s “Save America’s Treasures” grant, a prestigious and highly competitive honor awarded under the NPS’s Historical Preservation Fund.

“Owners of Comptoir du Vin bring Wren Pub to Aliceanna Street to replace Birds of a Feather“: The owners of Comptoir du Vin are bringing Wren Pub to 1712 Aliceanna Street to replace Birds of a Feather.

“Lineup announced for 58th annual Fell’s Point Fun Festival Oct. 4-6“: The Fell’s Point Fun Festival will be returning to the waterfront community for its 58th year on Oct. 4-6 with an array of musical performances, vendors, and more.

Editor’s Picks:

“Baker’s Dozen: 13 Questions With Sam and Paul Mincarelli of Cafe Campli“: Sam and Paul Mincarelli of Cafe Campli discuss their love of Italian cuisine, their pride for the restaurant they opened together, and more.

“Permission to come aboard: Baltimore’s signature tall ship lets guests join the crew“: Baltimore’s signature tall ship, the Pride of Baltimore II, allows guests to join its crew for sailing adventures.

“Jeweler Betty Cooke remembered for bringing style and design to Baltimore“: Artist and jewelry designer Betty Cooke was remembered last week for introducing a modern sense of style and design to Baltimore and believing in “the power of art to inspire.”

“Top five Ravens to keep an eye on throughout the 2024 season“: Columnist Karuga Koinange examines some unheralded Ravens who could turn out to be key contributors for the team over the course of the 2024 season.

“A True Trash Tale: Q&A With Artist, Activist and Debut Author Bridget Parlato“: Activist and author Bridget Parlato talks about her debut picture book, “Plastic Land: A True Trash Tale About Plastics.”