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John O'Connor

John

John is the political editor for The Baltimore Banner managing state and local government coverage. Previously he has worked as the Washington correspondent for WNYC public radio, helped launch the NPR StateImpact project in Florida, covering education and covered the governor, legislature, state budget and taxes in South Carolina. John was born and raised in Howard County and has covered Maryland politics for The Daily Record and been an editor at The Baltimore Sun.

Latest content by John O'Connor

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Coppin State University on July 14, 2023.
VP Harris to campaign in Maryland on court abortion ruling anniversary
It’s Harris’ second visit to the state this month, following a gun violence-focused event June 7 with Democratic Senate nominee Angela Alsobrooks in Prince George’s County.
There’s no special registration required for early voting, which starts May 2.
Early voting has started. Here’s everything you need to know.
For the primary election, early voting will be held from May 2 through May 9, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends.
What to know before you head to the polls
Baltimore-area voters head to the polls to decide an open seat in the U.S. Senate among other local races.
Downtown Baltimore is seen on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Read the results of the Goucher College Poll-Baltimore Banner survey of Baltimore residents
The survey of 705 Baltimore registered voters was conducted by landline and cellphone from April 3 to April 7.
A carved, wooden Maryland flag.
Read the results of Goucher College Poll-Baltimore Banner’s statewide survey
The survey of 800 Maryland registered voters was conducted by landline and cellphone from March 19 to March 24. The poll has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
Maryland, Baltimore City, Baltimore County politics
Banner political notes: Olszewski vetoes zoning bill; third parties seek voting changes
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. vetoed a bill Thursday that would have amended the zoning code in Hunt Valley to accommodate a potential new development project there.
Gov. Wes Moore, standing in front of House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, delivers his first State of the State address on Feb. 1, 2023 at the Maryland State House.
Watch Gov. Wes Moore’s State of the State speech
Moore has teased the speech as a chance to outline “this year’s plans to make Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive, and the state that serves.”
Voting booths are set up in a gymnasium on Election Day 2022 at Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School.
What to know about No Labels, the third party trying to get on Maryland ballots
No Labels is seeking to appear on as many state presidential ballots as possible in 2024, arguing voters don’t like the choices they have for president this year.
The bottom of Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
Hiking, hops and history: Discover Shenandoah Valley in a weekend
My family loves Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, but we usually only take day trips. Visiting for a full weekend meant a little more time to explore.
Poll results for the Goucher-Baltimore Banner poll.
Read the results of the Goucher College-Banner survey of Baltimore City residents
The poll of 711 registered Baltimore voters was conducted by phone, both landline and mobile, between Sept. 19 and Sept. 23.
Black and white portrait of Michael Harrison with chess pieces in the foreground.
An Instagram post by the former police commissioner’s wife said ‘no caption needed.’ We disagree.
Baltimore Banner staff have committed significant time and debate this week to trying to figure out what the image means.
A Maryland Flag waves in the wind.
Read the results of the Goucher College poll of Maryland residents
The survey of 800 Maryland adults was conducted by landline and cellphone from April 18 to April 23, 2023. The poll has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
Maryland, Baltimore City, Baltimore County politics
Banner political notes: Solidarity with expelled Tennessee lawmakers; Sine Die parties; polling U.S. Senate possibilities
"I rise to stand with our colleagues in Tennessee. I rise to remind us of how delicate the fabric of this body is and how we must always work to defend and protect each other," Del. Jheanelle Wilkins said to her colleagues in the House of Delegates.
Photo collage showing Baltimore Cathedral exterior facade and tower, pews inside church lit by window, priest holding a rosary with crucifix, and excerpt from the court order permitting the release of the report.
Read the Maryland Catholic Church abuse investigation report
The report identifies 158 priests — most of them already known — within the archdiocese accused of the “sexual abuse” and “physical torture” of more than 600 victims over the past 80 years. Investigators told the court there are likely hundreds more victims.
York Rd. has been completely blocked off due to a water main break near the Hunt Valley Town Centre. Crews have been working around the clock to fix the break in Towson, Md., on February 15, 2023.
Boil-water advisory still in place for parts of North Baltimore County
DPW said it is collecting water samples and expects test results by “Friday evening, if not sooner.”

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