Data Stories

Students in the Data Lab develop innovative data-driven web applications, interactive graphics and in-depth web projects. They serve as lead producers for CNS’ destination website and help test innovative new ideas to advance the practice of journalism.

Initiatives take on the challenge of cleaning the Baltimore Harbor, but problems run deep

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore has been working the past 10 years to clean up the Baltimore Harbor. By collecting trash and eliminating plastic waste, the city and the partnership have made progress in making the Harbor more recreational. However, issues like sewage and excess nutrients put a damper on having a fully swimmable and fishable Harbor.

Maryland is seeing an increase in precipitation, sea level and flooding

The Capital News Service Digital Bureau analyzed data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, finding an increase of precipitation in the state of Maryland over the last two decades.

Facebook whistleblower testifies before members of the Senate

Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen fielded questions and shared insight into Facebook’s daily routines at the media giant.

Takeaways from the 2020 census for Maryland, in 5 charts

Maryland’s population increased by 7 percent to 6,177,224 in the last decade, as the state became more diverse, reflecting a national trend, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

‘An aggressive wave’ of voting laws nationwide, in charts

This year, a record number of states have enacted laws restricting voting access, deepening a national divide such that Americans’ right to vote increasingly depends on where they live.

The state of LGBTQ laws and policies across the United States

Over 250 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group. At least 35 of these bills would affect gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, and at least 69…

Baltimore reimbursement program leaves residents burdened with sewage backup costs

Natasza Bock-Singleton could smell it from where she was sitting in her home office in the basement. She could hear it too — a gurgling sound, coming from the bathroom. She got up to find out what was going on.…

Policing mental health crises in Montgomery County

In Montgomery County, there is a growing debate about the role of police in addressing mental health crises. The county’s population is reliant on only two in-person assistance resources for behavioral-health related incidents. Nationwide, one in four victims of police…

Prisoners in solitary confinement live in cells the size of an elevator

Solitary Confinement prisoners live in a 6 foot by 9 foot cell for 22 hours a day. This type of isolation can cause severe anxiety, depression, stress and suicidal tendencies.

A timeline of COVID-19 cases during phased reopening in Maryland

It’s been over a year since the pandemic struck the United States. Since then, the Maryland Department of Health has confirmed 451,267 COVID-19 cases and 8,631 deaths throughout the state. Measures are still being implemented and lifted as Maryland navigates the disease’s ripple effects, most recently with Gov. Larry Hogan’s decision to remove capacity restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining on March 9.