Brooke Conrad

Brooke Conrad reports for Spotlight on Maryland, a joint venture by The Baltimore Sun, FOX45 News and WJLA in Washington, D.C. She previously worked as a reporter at The Sun and a producer for “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson." Contact her at bjconrad@sbgtv.com or 443-578-2126.

Denise Ovelgone, a former Carroll County Public Schools teacher and quadriplegic, was recently cut from state disability services. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

Maryland cuts services to quadriplegic former teacher, governor’s committee member

August 25, 2026 at 5:01 a.m.

A retired Maryland woman with severe disabilities says that after working hard her whole life, the state ripped away her caretaking services when she needed them most, “without a single phone call.”

A recent state inspection identified multiple problems at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant involving malfunctioning equipment and foul odors. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

Back River residents ‘can’t stand’ foul smells from wastewater plant

August 22, 2026 at 5:01 a.m.

Residents near Baltimore’s Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant are calling for the city to address bad smells in the area that they believe stem from plant mismanagement.

Steve Walter, president of the Charles County Farm Bureau, said PFAS needs to be stopped at the source. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

Maryland’s PFAS problem isn’t the crop fertilizer, farmer says

August 4, 2026 at 5:01 a.m.

A new state law aims to protect Marylanders from harmful PFAS chemicals by limiting the amount of PFAS in biosolid crop fertilizer, but one Maryland farmer says lawmakers aren’t getting to the...

This farm in Charles County, Maryland, applies biosolids to the land as a fertilizer, as lawmakers in Annapolis raise concerns about PFAS contamination. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

Maryland PFAS-limit bill doesn’t really limit PFAS, critics say

August 1, 2026 at 5:01 a.m.

Maryland lawmakers say they’re cracking down on harmful chemicals entering our food and water supply, but critics question whether the new legislation is really making state residents any safer.

Former state Sen. Addie Eckardt, an Eastern Shore Republican and retired psychiatric nurse, is drawing attention to ineffective task forces. (Zackary Lang/Spotlight on Maryland)

Maryland’s dead task forces drain ‘significant’ resources, former lawmaker says

July 29, 2026 at 5:01 a.m.

For decades, Maryland lawmakers have responded to difficult policy questions by creating task forces, commissions and work groups. Some led to legislation. Others never met or submitted required reports.

Denny Weikert (left) and his son Noah Weikert (right) are among thousands of Marylanders who are bracing for the impact of budget cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

‘Loophole’? Firms offer high wages amid Maryland disability budget cuts

July 11, 2026 at 3:03 p.m.

As Marylanders with disabilities brace for state funding cuts, two companies say they can help caretakers earn higher wages, causing some to ask whether there’s a loophole in the system.

Connor and Tracie Feron, of Lutherville, are frustrated by disability budget cuts in Maryland. Connor, 30, relies on services to help with autism and other medical conditions. (Zackary Lang/Spotlight on Maryland)

‘I have a voice after 30 years’: Maryland disability budget cuts spark ire

July 9, 2026 at 4:40 p.m.

Connor and Tracie Feron are among many state residents who are frustrated by this year’s proposed funding cuts for Marylanders with disabilities.

Maryland’s First Congressional District Congressman Andy Harris in his office in Washington, D.C., He was recently elected as the House Freedom Caucus Chairman. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

Rep. Harris on alleged Maryland SNAP scheme: ‘I want to know who was fired’

July 8, 2026 at 9:08 a.m.

Republican Congressman Andy Harris says he’s still waiting for Gov. Wes Moore to deliver the results of an investigation into an alleged food benefits scheme earlier this year.

Noah Weikert has been working at Beans & Dreams in Middletown for three years. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)

Maryland’s disability pay cuts are pushing families to brink

June 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Maryland families are facing tough decisions about how to adjust to Developmental Disabilities Administration cuts that will slash their care-taking wages on July 1 and their hours in September.

Authorities have arrested a man in Los Angeles who has been accused of paying kickbacks to welfare recipients for bogus purchases and allegedly exchanging SNAP benefits for cash. It's been described as a “kickbacks for welfare scam.” (NAM Y. HUH/AP FILE)

Maryland ranks 9th-highest for SNAP payment errors, could face penalties

June 26, 2026 at 5:02 a.m.

New data show Maryland now ranks ninth-highest in the nation for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment errors, which could result in federal penalties costing state taxpayers hundreds of millions...

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