: News

Filed Under:

MD Launches Prison Break Alert Service

October 29, 2009
Play associated audio
comments

When a convicted murderer escaped last January from one of Hagerstown's three prisons, the prison told the media, but used a steam powered whistle to notify residents. The whistle was from the 1940's. A lot of people couldn't hear it or didn't know what it was.

Michael Stouffer is commissioner of Maryland's Division of Correction, he says there are far better ways to notify the public now. So now, anyone - whether they live near one of Maryland's 27 prisons or not - can sign up to get an email, text, or phone alert. It won't tell you what crime the person committed, but will give identifying characteristics.

You can sign up here.

Arts & Culture

NPR

A Read Down Memory Lane: Lessons From Your Former Self

Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life.

Food

NPR

Inside A Tart Cherry Revival: 'Somebody Needs To Do This!'

The revival is partly based on the humble sour fruit's growing reputation as a superfood. And in Michigan, a scientist is on a quest to introduce a whole new world of hardier, tastier tart cherries by breeding American trees with ancestral varieties from Eastern Europe.

Politics

NPR

Srinivasan's Confirmation First For D.C. Circuit In 7 Years

The partisan war over judicial nominees has accelerated in recent years. It took nearly a year to win Senate confirmation for Sri Srinivasan to the important federal appeals court for the District of Columbia, though he had no formal opposition.

Technology

NPR

3-D Printer Makes Life-Saving Splint For Baby Boy's Airway

A 3-D printer is being credited with helping to save an Ohio baby's life, after doctors "printed" a tube to support a weak airway that caused him to stop breathing. The innovative procedure has allowed Kaiba Gionfriddo, of Youngstown, Ohio, to stay off a ventilator for more than a year.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.