Adam Willis
@adampwillis.bsky.social
environment & climate reporter for The Baltimore Banner | formerly western North Dakota | onetime 3rd place finisher in Wilmington marathon | [email protected]
Reposted by Adam Willis
While the Chesapeake Bay freezes, these 2 boats break the ice
While the Chesapeake Bay freezes, these 2 boats break the ice
While much of the Chesapeake Bay is frozen over, watermen, cargo ships and emergency responders have places to be, and islanders on Smith and Tangier need food and supplies. That’s where Maryland’s...
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 12:29 PM
While the Chesapeake Bay freezes, these 2 boats break the ice
Reposted by Adam Willis
In Maryland, where the upper bay is more likely to freeze, the state usually operates three steel-hulled boats that patrol the estuary’s icy reaches.
Like giant snow plows, they clear critical channels for those who need to leave the harbor in frigid temperatures. buff.ly/knV22zI
Like giant snow plows, they clear critical channels for those who need to leave the harbor in frigid temperatures. buff.ly/knV22zI
February 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
In Maryland, where the upper bay is more likely to freeze, the state usually operates three steel-hulled boats that patrol the estuary’s icy reaches.
Like giant snow plows, they clear critical channels for those who need to leave the harbor in frigid temperatures. buff.ly/knV22zI
Like giant snow plows, they clear critical channels for those who need to leave the harbor in frigid temperatures. buff.ly/knV22zI
Reposted by Adam Willis
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports
A Baltimore judge has opted not to sentence a local man to prison for illegally certifying that hundreds of homes in Maryland were free of lead paint.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports
Reposted by Adam Willis
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports, @adampwillis.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports
A Baltimore judge has opted not to sentence a local man to prison for illegally certifying that hundreds of homes in Maryland were free of lead paint.
www.thebanner.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Judge opts for no jail time for Baltimore lead inspector who falsified reports, @adampwillis.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Reposted by Adam Willis
As federal agents stormed Minneapolis and residents banded together to protect their own, Charles Homan saw a dystopian future become reality. “The federal agents looked more like a platoon of soldiers navigating a hostile foreign capital than conventional law enforcement in an American city.”
Watching America Unravel in Minneapolis
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:57 PM
As federal agents stormed Minneapolis and residents banded together to protect their own, Charles Homan saw a dystopian future become reality. “The federal agents looked more like a platoon of soldiers navigating a hostile foreign capital than conventional law enforcement in an American city.”
Reposted by Adam Willis
As power bills surge, Exelon and Constellation vie for influence in Annapolis
How Exelon and Constellation influence Annapolis
Exelon and Constellation are among the state’s top campaign donors — the second and third biggest, according to campaign finance records.
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
As power bills surge, Exelon and Constellation vie for influence in Annapolis
Reposted by Adam Willis
New: Exelon and Constellation are in an arms race in Maryland’s capital. With their deep pockets and small army of lobbyists, they’re in a fight to bend energy policy to their liking and to ratepayers are caught in the middle. W/ @adampwillis.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
How Exelon and Constellation influence Annapolis
Exelon and Constellation are among the state’s top campaign donors — the second and third biggest, according to campaign finance records.
www.thebanner.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:30 PM
New: Exelon and Constellation are in an arms race in Maryland’s capital. With their deep pockets and small army of lobbyists, they’re in a fight to bend energy policy to their liking and to ratepayers are caught in the middle. W/ @adampwillis.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Reposted by Adam Willis
As residents fume over utility bills, Maryland’s top utility regulator steps down www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
As residents fume over utility bills, Maryland’s top utility regulator steps down
Maryland Public Service Commissioner Chairman Frederick Hoover was appointed to his role in 2023 by Gov. Wes Moore. He will no longer serve as the PSC's leader but will continue to be a commissioner.
www.thebanner.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
As residents fume over utility bills, Maryland’s top utility regulator steps down www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Adam Willis
Holy %$##*%^&. A @newyorker.com essay by Louis Menand about my book
Is the Dictionary Done For?
The print edition of Merriam-Webster was once a touchstone of authority and stability. Then the internet brought about a revolution.
www.newyorker.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Holy %$##*%^&. A @newyorker.com essay by Louis Menand about my book
Reposted by Adam Willis
As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same
As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same
Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle, hallowed ground among local anglers, will soon celebrate its 110th birthday.
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 12:29 PM
As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same
Reposted by Adam Willis
By @adampwillis.bsky.social: As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same
Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle, hallowed ground among local anglers, will soon celebrate its 110th birthday.
www.thebanner.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
By @adampwillis.bsky.social: As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Reposted by Adam Willis
NEW:
Baltimore is on track to finish 2025 with its fewest homicides in about 50 years. Before Two-thirds of city residents were even born.
Baltimore homicides have further and faster than anywhere in the nation since 2018.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Baltimore is on track to finish 2025 with its fewest homicides in about 50 years. Before Two-thirds of city residents were even born.
Baltimore homicides have further and faster than anywhere in the nation since 2018.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Analysis: Baltimore homicides declined furthest, fastest in the country, could reach a 48-year low
Baltimore is on track to end 2025 with its lowest homicide total in 48 years, with fewer than 150 killings expected, marking a significant decline since 2022.
www.thebanner.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:48 PM
NEW:
Baltimore is on track to finish 2025 with its fewest homicides in about 50 years. Before Two-thirds of city residents were even born.
Baltimore homicides have further and faster than anywhere in the nation since 2018.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Baltimore is on track to finish 2025 with its fewest homicides in about 50 years. Before Two-thirds of city residents were even born.
Baltimore homicides have further and faster than anywhere in the nation since 2018.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Reposted by Adam Willis
It happens thousands of times every year.
More than 35% of all applications for charges statewide in 2024 came from people outside law enforcement.
More than 35% of all applications for charges statewide in 2024 came from people outside law enforcement.
In Maryland, anyone can apply for criminal charges on their own with no input from police or prosecutors.
I found the system can be easily abused and wreak havoc on people’s lives. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
I found the system can be easily abused and wreak havoc on people’s lives. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Maryland lets anyone file for criminal charges — and innocent people pay the price
Maryland’s district court commissioner system allows people to file criminal charges with little oversight, a Banner investigation found. The process can be abused and upend lives.
www.thebanner.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:50 PM
It happens thousands of times every year.
More than 35% of all applications for charges statewide in 2024 came from people outside law enforcement.
More than 35% of all applications for charges statewide in 2024 came from people outside law enforcement.
Reposted by Adam Willis
A fantastic set of @thebaltimorebanner.com must-reads about one aspect of the criminal justice system that has truly gone off the rails. ⚖️
In Maryland, anyone can apply for criminal charges on their own with no input from police or prosecutors.
I found the system can be easily abused and wreak havoc on people’s lives. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
I found the system can be easily abused and wreak havoc on people’s lives. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Maryland lets anyone file for criminal charges — and innocent people pay the price
Maryland’s district court commissioner system allows people to file criminal charges with little oversight, a Banner investigation found. The process can be abused and upend lives.
www.thebanner.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
A fantastic set of @thebaltimorebanner.com must-reads about one aspect of the criminal justice system that has truly gone off the rails. ⚖️
An Eastern Shore lab houses one of the world's largest oyster hatcheries. Scientists there have churned out billions of oysters and helped drive an oyster resurgence in the Chesapeake Bay.
But thanks to a ~50% cut in NOAA funds, their work is in jeopardy:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
But thanks to a ~50% cut in NOAA funds, their work is in jeopardy:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Trump cuts to Eastern Shore oyster hatchery could endanger Chesapeake Bay progress
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently slashed support for an Eastern Shore lab that has helped to seed an oyster resurgence in the bay.
www.thebanner.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
An Eastern Shore lab houses one of the world's largest oyster hatcheries. Scientists there have churned out billions of oysters and helped drive an oyster resurgence in the Chesapeake Bay.
But thanks to a ~50% cut in NOAA funds, their work is in jeopardy:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
But thanks to a ~50% cut in NOAA funds, their work is in jeopardy:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Reposted by Adam Willis
Under Armour’s Kevin Plank built an empire. Now Rome is burning.
Under Armour’s Kevin Plank built an empire. Now Rome is burning.
After years of regularly being profitable, Under Armour lost $200 million last year and is expected to operate at a loss, though a smaller one, this fiscal year, too.
buff.ly
December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Under Armour’s Kevin Plank built an empire. Now Rome is burning.
Reposted by Adam Willis
Trump comes for the oysters, slashing budget of Maryland hatchery that produces billions
Trump cuts to Eastern Shore oyster hatchery could endanger Chesapeake Bay progress
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently slashed support for an Eastern Shore lab that has helped to seed an oyster resurgence in the bay.
buff.ly
December 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Trump comes for the oysters, slashing budget of Maryland hatchery that produces billions
Reposted by Adam Willis
New: Gov. Moore's admin invited a natural gas industry insider to sit in on interviews to determine the latest Public Service Commission appointees. Records show the official was the only non-government employee present for the interviews: www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gas industry insider sat in on Moore administration interviews for new utility regulators
An American Gas Association employee participated in the interview process for the top leadership roles at the state’s utility regulating agency.
www.thebanner.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:36 PM
New: Gov. Moore's admin invited a natural gas industry insider to sit in on interviews to determine the latest Public Service Commission appointees. Records show the official was the only non-government employee present for the interviews: www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
New: Gov. Moore's admin invited a natural gas industry insider to sit in on interviews to determine the latest Public Service Commission appointees. Records show the official was the only non-government employee present for the interviews: www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gas industry insider sat in on Moore administration interviews for new utility regulators
An American Gas Association employee participated in the interview process for the top leadership roles at the state’s utility regulating agency.
www.thebanner.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:36 PM
New: Gov. Moore's admin invited a natural gas industry insider to sit in on interviews to determine the latest Public Service Commission appointees. Records show the official was the only non-government employee present for the interviews: www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Adam Willis
In new Chesapeake Bay chapter, Maryland passes a symbolic torch to Pennsylvania
Maryland passes torch to Pennsylvania on Chesapeake Bay clean-up
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore passed a wooden gavel to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, marking the start of more prominent role for the Keystone State in the campaign to restore the bay.
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
In new Chesapeake Bay chapter, Maryland passes a symbolic torch to Pennsylvania
Reposted by Adam Willis
Governors Moore, Shapiro, Youngkin, Mayor Bowser and other top leaders across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are meeting in Baltimore right now to discuss the way forward for restoring the bay.
@adampwillis.bsky.social has a great primer on the state of the efforts:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
@adampwillis.bsky.social has a great primer on the state of the efforts:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
As the Chesapeake Bay cleanup enters a new era, it’s fighting for relevance
As the Chesapeake restoration enters a new era — governors from across the watershed are expected in Baltimore this week to extend cleanup to 2040 — the movement appears uncertain about its future.
www.thebanner.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Governors Moore, Shapiro, Youngkin, Mayor Bowser and other top leaders across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are meeting in Baltimore right now to discuss the way forward for restoring the bay.
@adampwillis.bsky.social has a great primer on the state of the efforts:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
@adampwillis.bsky.social has a great primer on the state of the efforts:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Reposted by Adam Willis
Facing sustained resident ire, Baltimore City Council housing bill stalls
Facing sustained resident criticism, Baltimore City Council housing bill stalls
The bill is the final and most controversial piece of a package of housing bills that have crossed the finish line in recent weeks.
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Facing sustained resident ire, Baltimore City Council housing bill stalls
Reposted by Adam Willis
New: A grad student at Johns Hopkins has been stranded in Canada for months after his visa was canceled at the border. He’s been incurring thousands in expenses without being paid by the university, which says it won’t petition officials for six months:
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
Visa canceled at the border, a Hopkins grad student has been stuck in Canada for months
Ehsan Rajabi said the university declined to advocate for him.
www.thebanner.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:23 PM
New: A grad student at Johns Hopkins has been stranded in Canada for months after his visa was canceled at the border. He’s been incurring thousands in expenses without being paid by the university, which says it won’t petition officials for six months:
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
15 years ago, it looked like the effort to save the Chesapeake Bay had turned a corner. "There was a collective sense," said one longtime federal scientist, “that we had broken through."
Today, he and others worry that, four decades in, the movement is losing steam:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Today, he and others worry that, four decades in, the movement is losing steam:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
As the Chesapeake Bay cleanup enters a new era, it’s fighting for relevance
As the Chesapeake restoration enters a new era — governors from across the watershed are expected in Baltimore this week to extend cleanup to 2040 — the movement appears uncertain about its future.
www.thebanner.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM
15 years ago, it looked like the effort to save the Chesapeake Bay had turned a corner. "There was a collective sense," said one longtime federal scientist, “that we had broken through."
Today, he and others worry that, four decades in, the movement is losing steam:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Today, he and others worry that, four decades in, the movement is losing steam:
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Reposted by Adam Willis
In journalism we’re used to pointing out problems, not solving them. This was a chance to think differently and offer Baltimore kids and parents solutions.
Take a look and tell us what you think.
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Take a look and tell us what you think.
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
School buses for every Baltimore student seemed impossible — until now
School transportation company HopSkipDrive used AI and a Banner analysis to map how yellow buses, vans and cars could get Baltimore students to school safely and on time for less than 5% of the distri...
www.thebanner.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
In journalism we’re used to pointing out problems, not solving them. This was a chance to think differently and offer Baltimore kids and parents solutions.
Take a look and tell us what you think.
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Take a look and tell us what you think.
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...