Advice on how to find and take advantage of the ever growing need for cyber security jobs requiring cyber and STEM-related skills. The Pathways Cybersecurity Consortium is a partnership between workforce agencies, community colleges and businesses.

Did you know the state's largest employer is the National Security Agency? NSA employs tens of thousands of people and the new cyber command at Fort Meade is cementing Maryland's role as a leader in data security. Joining us tonight is the Deputy Director of NSA, Chris Inglis, who is responsible for guiding and directing strategies, operations and policies.

In the shadow of the super secret National Security Agency sits a one of a kind museum, our Lou Davis is on the case to uncover the secrets.

Larry Gibson is a professor at University of Maryland Law School. He has written a new biography about Thurgood Marshall. He joins us to share his knowledge.

Lawmakers join us to discuss which guns are legal in Maryland and which are not, following the tragedy in Connecticut. They'll also give a preview of the upcoming session.

A trip to the museum complex in Mardella Springs in Wicomico County, Maryland, is a journey through the history of the region. Nearly a dozen historic buildings will take you back in time 200 years.

Mount Clare is a 1760 colonial Georgian home built by one of Maryland's leading patriots and one of the first state senators, Charles Carroll, Barrister. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman joins us to talk about an agreement between the County's Office of Consumer Affairs and Verizon. There was a 15-month investigation into the company's sales practices. Find out more on State Circle.

Seasoned reporters Rob Lang and Andy Green join us to discuss state politics, including Comptroller Peter Franchot's official decision not to run for Governor. They'll also give us a preview of the upcoming session.

We're talking about the latest happenings in the state, including Governor O'Malley's future and the next race for Governor.

Maryland's Attorney General joins us to discuss internet privacy, which is an especially pertinent topic during the holiday season. Plus, he'll talk about the implementation of same-sex marriage in Maryland.

An historic grist mill in Harford County, Maryland dating back to the early 1800's, its part of the Eden Mill Nature Center.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot will join us in studio to discuss the state budget and financial literacy. Find out what the state's economy is headed for in 2013.

This is an in-depth discussion of the state budget as well as the national and local election results with opinions from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. We'll also talk about the referendum process in Maryland, and whether or not there should be changes to it.

Let's hike the McKee-Beshers Wildlife management Area to see fields of sunflowers and all that these summer flowers attract.

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown has long been a proponent of improving the quality of health care for Marylanders. He’ll tell us what Obamacare means to the residents of our state.

The Cordish Companies developed the Maryland Live! Casino in Arundel Mills. Jeff Salkin talks one-on-one with chairman David Cordish to find out what happens next now that Question 7 passed.

The Gaithersburg Railroad Station was built in 1884. Today it serves as a central focus in the City's Olde Towne district. You can step back in time while you're waiting to board a modern train.

On Tuesday, Maryland voters passed several referendums, including the Dream Act, gaming expansion, and same sex marriage. What does this mean for the state? Political professor Todd Eberly joins us to analyze the 2012 election results.

Democrat John Delaney is the new Congressman-Elect in Maryland’s 6th District. The 49-year-old businessman beat out 10-term Republican Representative Roscoe Bartlett Tuesday. Jeff Salkin talks with him one-on-one just days after the election. Find out what Congressman-Elect Delaney plans to do about job creation and more.

We travel to the Maryland State Board of Elections to see what is happening there as November 6th approaches. Find out what you need to know before you head to the polls.

The new Goucher Poll surveys Maryland citizens on the most important social, economic, and political issues in the state and nation. The poll is funded by the Sarah T. Hughes Center at Goucher College. The center’s director, Dr. Mileah Kromer, joins us on Direct Connection to answer questions about the poll and about citizen perceptions and opinions.

Question 5 on the statewide election ballot asks voters to approve the boundaries for Maryland’s eight U.S. congressional districts, as drawn by a five-member committee appointed by the governor and passed by the state legislature. The map is redrawn after each decennial census.

Join us as we analyze the latest developments in the state government, with political professors Herb Smith and Richard Vatz.

This is a controversial referendum on the ballot in Maryland. It would allow facilities with slot machines to add table games, and permit the construction of a new casino in Prince George’s County. The revenue from this is slated to go towards education. We hear from both a supporter and an opponent of this referendum.

This referendum is on the November ballot in Maryland. It allows voters to decide whether the Civil Marriage Protection Act will be upheld. That act was passed earlier this year, and would permit same-sex couples in the state to marry starting in January 2013. Supporters of this referendum are opposed to same-sex marriage in the state, and opponents of this referendum are in favor of same sex marriage in the state.

Jeff Salkin will sit down for a comprehensive conversation with representatives from referendum opponent Marylanders for Marriage Equality and referendum supporter Maryland Marriage Alliance.

Don’t miss a comprehensive State Circle episode on Maryland’s DREAM Act. It’s one of the referendums on the ballot this November. The controversial bill would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates if they went to high school in Maryland, file state income taxes, and have started the process of applying for citizenship or permanent residency.

Included in this episode is an informative discussion involving representatives from both Help Save Maryland, a group opposed to illegal immigration, and Educating Maryland Kids, a group in support of the Dream Act.

We're joined by a Republican blogger and a Democratic blogger to discuss the latest happenings in the state government.

How do Marylanders really feel about same sex marriage, gambling, and more? Find out according to new research coming out this week.

A journey back in time to the lost town of London in Edgewater, Maryland. Historic London Town and Gardens is a twenty-three acre park featuring history, archaeology, and horticulture on the South River.

Maryland’s courts process more than two million cases each year and many include people who are representing themselves without a lawyer. In addition, the right to be represented by a lawyer applies primarily to criminal cases and does not apply in most civil matters. Court users need to know that there are a range of legal services options available to help them resolve their legal matters.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced that the stated finished fiscal year 2012 with a $230 million revenue surplus. Franchot recommends saving, not spending, that money to help with the long-term economic outlook. We hear input from Republican Delegate Pat McDonough and Democratic Senator Verna Jones-Rodwell.

The Maryland State Board of Elections was recently given approval to allow absentee voters to mark their ballots online. This is a very convenient measure for military and overseas voters, but it does not come without security concerns. We hear details from the Deputy Administrator of the Board of Elections.

In this week’s Around Maryland, an historical trip back to the early 1900’s when visitors flocked to Chesapeake Beach by train and steam boat for its cool breezes, salt water, roller coaster and board walk.

The 1st District Congressional race is a hot topic this week in Maryland politics. Democratic candidate Wendy Rosen is running against Republican Rep. Andy Harris, and it turns out she's voted in both Maryland and Florida. Join our State Circle discussion on voter ID. We'll also talk about the referendums on the ballot.

This week we’re boarding a train to take a scenic bike ride through western Maryland, Lou Davis is in Cumberland with our story.

The school year just started, and Baltimore City Public Schools CEO, Dr. Andres Alonso, joins us to talk about some of the things the system is doing to make sure kids are learning and graduating.

Republican Congressman Roscoe Bartlett has served his district since 1993. He speaks about his race to be reelected against candidate John Delaney.

As the DNC in Charlotte wraps up, our political professors examine what happened. Hear their thoughts on President Barack Obama's bid for reelection.

It's Baltimore's oldest holiday, and it honors the defense of the city from British attack. Lou Davis takes us to Fort McHenry for the celebration.

Learn about the House and Senate versions of the pit bull bill. Delegate Luiz Simmons, a Democrat from Montgomery County, and Senator Bobby Zirkin, a Democrat from Baltimore County, join our discussion.

Businessman John Delaney is running against long-standing Republican Representative Roscoe Bartlett in Maryland's 6th District. Delaney joins us in studio to introduce himself and tell us about his platform.

Paula Kerger is president and chief executive officer of PBS, the nation’s largest non-commercial media organization with more than 350 member stations throughout the country. Ms. Kerger joined PBS as its sixth president and chief executive in March 2006.

Since her arrival, Ms. Kerger has made strong commitments to the arts, news and public affairs, high-quality content for education, diversity, and the use of new technology to bring public media into the lives of all Americans.

This week we discuss the ruling from the Maryland Court of Appeals that blocks police from collecting DNA samples from suspects at the time of arrest. Proponents of collecting the DNA samples say it's an effective crime fighting tool, but defense attorneys say it's an invasion of privacy.

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the bill to expand gambling, and now it needs voter approval. There was no agreement on whether to change the law on dog-biting liability. Join us as we take a look at the results of the Special Session in detail.

LANDSAT satellites have been observing and gathering information about Earth using remote sensing since 1972. This allows us to study Earth's manmade and natural changes. Dr. James Irons from NASA examines those changes, honing in on those that have occurred in Maryland.

Get an inside look at Maryland politics from two seasoned journalists. Topics include gambling, same sex marriage, and more.

Don Fry, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee gives Jeff Salkin a preview of the proposed slots site in Baltimore City near M&T Bank Stadium.

Maryland native, University of Maryland graduate and Olympic Gold Winner Dominique Dawes gives us an upclose & personal look at the 2012 Olympic Gymnastics team on the eve of the games.

This morning, Governor O’Malley announced that a special session will be held in August. During this session, lawmakers will consider a bill to expand gambling and build a casino in Prince George’s County at National Harbor. Tonight on State Circle, Senators Allan Kittleman and Jim Rosapepe will weigh in on that announcement, as well as many other current issues in Maryland politics.

Don't miss our interview with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. We'll talk economics and tourism. Plus, from free family events in the Maryland town to vacation planning tips, the Mayor will tell you everything you need to know about beach season.

Join Senator David Brinkley, Republican from Carroll and Frederick Counties, and Senator Brian Frosh, Democrat from Montgomery County. They'll discuss the latest in state politics, including slots, fining power companies, septic regulations, and more.

Recently, the Court of Appeals of Maryland ruled that the owners of pit bulls are liable for damages if the dog attacks.

A new study shows Maryland is facing the same pension issues as three-fifths of other states with its long-term retirement obligations. Maryland made major changes to its pension system last year, but the Pew Center report says additional reform will be needed.

We explore how the world of sports has changed for both women and men in Maryland since Title IX was signed into law.

Join two experts in a political discussion on everything from gambling to the special session.

From pit bulls to gambling, we discuss what's going on in the state government.

The War of 1812 is often referred to as "the forgotten war". In his latest book on the War of 1812 historian and author Ralph Eshelman along with Burt Kummerow recount the battles and stories of the people in the Chesapeake region.

America faces many challenges regarding the long term care industry. We discuss its current state in Maryland and what could happen in the future.

Recently Governor O'Malley's 11-member work group had their first meeting to consider expanding gambling. And this week Maryland Live, the state's newest casino opened. Tonight, we'll look at the possibility of a second Special Session that could place expanding gambling in Maryland on the November ballot as well as the rest of the week's news in Maryland politics.

After a successful Preakness, tonight we'll take a look at the overall health of the horse racing industry in Maryland.

Tonight we preview the Special Session set to begin next week. Members of the Maryland General Assembly return on Monday to change the budget they passed during the regular session and possibly raise income taxes.

Governor O'Malley is set to call a Special Session to avoid the "Doomsday Budget" adopted by the Maryland General Assembly during their regular session.

This week Governor Martin O'Malley suggested the possibility of holding two special sessions of the Maryland General Assembly. The first would be to deal with the state budget and the second would be to consider a sixth casino in Maryland.

Some lesser known historic homes are actually in the middle of neighborhoods across the state.

Tonight we'll look at what the "doomsday" budget state lawmakers passed during their 90-day session means for education funding in Maryland.

Would you rather be taxed more for gas or pay a higher sales tax in Maryland? That’s what lawmakers may now be considering after a new proposal to raise the state's sales tax.

Septic systems, gas tax, sales tax and expanded gambling are just some of the issues still being debated as the 2012 Maryland Legislative session winds down.

The latest news from Annapolis.

Is one step forward for the Chesapeake Bay one step back for Maryland farmers?

A bill that would ban smoking in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8-years-old passed the Maryland state Senate. It now moves on to the House of Delegates. Proponents say this is necessary to protect children who don't have a choice of being in the vehicle. Opponents feel this is government intrusion and will further complicate the work of police officers.

They say their daughter lost her life to 'a silent killer." A grieving couple from Baltimore is lobbying state lawmakers to pass a bill protecting people from stray electricity voltage.

This week the Health and Government Operations Committee is working on how the state will provide coverage for the uninsured in Maryland under the Health Care Exchange.

Maryland lawmakers and their pet projects.

Governor O’Malley is having a tough time convincing lawmakers and the public alike that it’s time to raise the state’s gas tax.

This week a federal judge ruled that some requirements in the Maryland law for applying for a gun-carry permit to be unconstitutional.

It’s one of the fundamental rights and privileges of becoming a US citizen, casting your vote. But did you know in some towns, you can vote or even hold office even if you have no legal documents?

While the horse breeding and training industry in Maryland may be heading back on track, farm owners are still concerned about the future.

Tonight we look at bills setting tight septic limits.

Maryland and its and counties aren’t just battling out over who should pay for teacher pensions this legislative session, they’re also at odds over whether counties should be forced to match state school spending.

Members of the House of Delegates join us to discuss efforts in the Maryland General Assembly for stricter cell phone laws.

Several hundred people with developmental disabilities turn out for a rally outside the state house in Annapolis Tuesday. They're concerned about budget cuts to their programs.

The Maryland same sex marriage bill is now on the governor's desk awaiting his signature. The state senate passed the measure Thursday night. Governor O'Malley says he'll sign the bill and opponents say they are launching a petition drive to force the issue to referendum.

Comptroller Peter Franchot joins us from Annapolis for the latest on his efforts to increase financial literacy in schools, the gas tax and the Shop Maryland Energy promotion.

The long battle over same sex marriage could be nearing an end in Maryland's legislature. The bill to legalize marriages between individuals of the same sex has won a house of delegates floor vote. The house had been the big hurdle after the state senate approved the measure in 2011.

A bill that would limit certain information from being released to Public Information Act requests to professors at Maryland's public universities has been introduced in the General Assembly.

Governor O’Malley is supporting a plan to add the state’s regular 6 percent sales tax to gas. At current prices that’s about 20 cents a gallon. Maryland lawmakers and citizens have a variety of opinions on the proposal.

This week Governor O'Malley delivered the annual State of the State Address. Del. Hucker and Sen. Shank join us tonight with their reactions.

Tonight two members of the House Appropriations Committee join us to discuss Governor O’Malley's proposed budget.

This week a same-sex marriage bill was assigned to two House Committees. Tonight we'll look at the chances of same-sex marriage legislation passing this session.

The Maryland General Assembly began it's 430th Session this week. Tonight we'll preview the hot issues for this 90 day session.

The 430th Session of the Maryland General Assembly begins January 11. Tonight we'll take a look ahead at what will be the big issues for this session.

President Obama recently met with college leaders including UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski and University System Chancellor William Kirwan. Dr. Kirwan joins us tonight to share what was discussed to help make college more affordable. Plus we'll get an update on the College Park/Baltimore Campus alliance.

It’s the wintering ground for the largest concentration of Canadian geese near the Chesapeake Bay and that’s not all, Lou Davis visits the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in this week’s Around Maryland.