Brenda Wintrode
state government reporter
Brenda Wintrode covers Maryland politics and government, focusing on Maryland’s congressional delegation. She has been with The Baltimore Banner since its launch in 2022 and has taken on a wide range of topics, including the governor, the state legislature, elections, cannabis policy and the youth legal system. Before coming to The Banner, she completed a fellowship with Wisconsin Watch, writing a series of investigations into wrongful child abuse allegations made in multiple states by the same pediatrician. Barbara has a bachelor’s of science in business administration from Bryant University in Rhode Island. After a career switch, she earned a graduate degree from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, where she was named outstanding master’s student in December 2020.
The latest from Brenda
What will Maryland do if federal agents show up at the polls?
Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland’s elections administrator and a host of local officials say they’re preparing for worst-case scenarios.
There’s still time to request a mail-in ballot. Here’s what to do.
With multiple ways to vote and dates to remember, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know in one handy guide.
Andy Harris’ debate outburst fuels Dan Schwartz fundraising surge
Schwartz said a surge in donations after the debate gave his campaign enough money to buy TV ads.
Andy Harris staffer files assault charges against Easton man following debate
Witnesses say a man struck the staffer with his ball cap during a debate Tuesday night.
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declines to apologize to student reporter in TV interview
“If she called me and asked I would tell her what bothered me,” Harris said in the interview.
The UMD student reporter who dared to record Rep. Andy Harris — and kept recording
A University of Maryland student journalist targeted by Republican Rep. Andy Harris during an informal press briefing Tuesday said she’ll continue to cover the politician who threatened to have police remove her from the gathering.
Inside Andy Harris’ debate crashout
One question at Tuesday's debate cracked open the tension building ahead of the 2026 midterm election.
Andy Harris scolds audience during 1st District debate with Dan Schwartz
At several points Harris lost his cool with the crowd, setting a tone for the evening.
Rep. Andy Harris and challenger Dan Schwartz set for rare debate ahead of midterms
The candidates are likely to debate gas prices, tariffs, the war in Iran, immigration enforcement and cuts to government spending.
Fact-checking Wes Moore and Dan Cox’s governor debate
Gov. Wes Moore and Dan Cox questioned each other’s relationship with the truth during their first, and likely only, debate ahead of the November election.
Gov. Wes Moore doesn’t commit to full second term if reelected
Moore, a Democrat who has been the subject of speculation about a possible 2028 White House bid, gave a roundabout answer that left the door open for his future plans.
How to register to vote in Maryland’s 2026 election
There are many ways to have your say on or before Nov. 3. Here’s how you register.
Dan Cox and Wes Moore face off in a governor debate Tuesday. Here’s what to know.
The hourlong debate will be prerecorded and broadcast on local news channels and radio stations and streamed online at The Banner at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Moore wanted to ‘supercharge’ Maryland data centers. Now he’s changing course.
Moore is trying to balance the allure of an economic driver that has labor support against calls for regulation from environmentalists and community groups.
Facing data center backlash, Moore lays out a plan but not a pause
The announcement comes as concerns about data center growth have become a top political issue across Maryland and the country
The day that changed their lives forever
Seven Marylanders describe how the 9/11 terrorist attacks changed their lives.
Fate of thousands of Marylanders from El Salvador uncertain as Trump mulls pulling protection
More than 170,000 Salvadorans, including thousands in Maryland, face an uncertain future as the U.S. considers ending a protection they have relied on for decades. The latest extension is set to expire Wednesday.
How the political climate Andy Harris helped create has come for him
The far-right Republican leader has twice dodged redistricting attempts. He may not be so lucky a third time.
Governor candidates Wes Moore and Dan Cox will meet in October debate
The candidates will face off on Maryland Public Television on Oct. 6.
Maryland scrambles for answers after surge in immigrant arrests
A recent surge in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests across the region has left Maryland officials and local community members scrambling for answers.
