Wbal News Now With Bryan Nehman

Baltimore is again close to averaging a killing a day. The state Senate minority leader says he doesn't think the violence is a priority for Democrats in Annapolis.

Iowa did little to narrow the Democratic field and a pollster says President Trump is finding new voters, even if they're not all fans of his. And Baltimore had a rough weekend, including a possible arson.

You could write a book on this week in politics, from the end of the impeachment acquittal to the theatrics of the State of Union.

The impeachment trial is over, but Rep. John Sarbanes says House Democrats are intent on continuing oversight of the executive branch, though they want to talk about issues as well. On the other side of the aisle, Mitch McConnell secured exactly what he promised with the swift end to the impeachment trial, which he called a "colossal political mistake" by Democrats.

Candidates spent substantial time and treasure to win over Iowans to find a circus on caucus night. In the chaos, there are still winners and losers. Among the losers? Iowa's first-in-the-nation status, possibly.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison says it's unconstitutional to arrest "squeegee kids" and his department has bigger fish to fry. Does that send the right message to annoyed drivers? And last night's halftime show delivered.

Sen. Lamar Alexander tried to split the baby--he says the Democrats proved their case but that it doesn't rise to an impeachable offense. His announcement took the drama out of Friday's vote on witnesses in the impeachment trial. The vote comes on the same day Brexit goes from a concept to a reality.

Gov. Larry Hogan revives his push to make schools start after Labor Day, perhaps a quixotic goal in front of the same lawmakers who countered his old executive order with a veto-proof majority. And Planters is rethinking its Super Bowl plot twist of killing off Mr. Peanut after Kobe Bryant's shocking and tragic death.

John Bolton's upcoming memoir set off a political earthquake on Capitol Hill. A bill in Annapolis looks to protect kids' lemonade stands. Some say the law aims to protect enterprising suburban children yet look less kindly on Baltimore's "squeegee kids."

A penny for your thoughts while stuck in a long commute? Actually, make that a tax credit. And the coronavirus may be making its way into Maryland after state health officials say a Marylander met the CDC criteria to be tested. We're now learning the virus may spread from people who aren't showing symptoms.

William E. "Brit" Kirwan suggests ways to pay for his commission's multi-billion-dollar education reforms and the outcomes that could emerge from implementing said measures. And young people are talking less and using emojis more. One state is taking that trend to license plates.

With the Senate's Republican majority thus far allowing nothing in the way of new evidence, the impeachment trial is offering very little drama. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is ditching its classic tourism slogan as part of a marketing reinvention.

Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young doubles down on his evaluation that the current crime plan is working, emphasizing that though homicides are up, other violent crimes are down. And Planters is killing off Mr. Peanut as part of a Super Bowl stunt.

Bryan Nehman says Police Commissioner Michael Harrison and Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young have no business saying the crime plan is working as homicides remain high. Something, he says, has to be done. Also, Baltimore County and state lawmakers are thinking about curbing thefts from gun stores, but Democrats balk at stiffer sentences for some violent offenders. Nationally, Bernie Sanders is weathering recent attacks in the Democratic presidential race.

An unflattering video from September shows mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah in a confrontation with an officer during a traffic stop. He suggested police had better things to do and asked a sergeant to turn off his body-worn camera. How did this information stay buried for so long? And a fake pain pill is bringing real results.

The impeachment trial starts in earnest on Tuesday. NBC's Chuck Todd says the public's view may at times be limited. Meanwhile, new evidence is coming out from Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani. ABC's Rick Klein says it's doubtful Parnas will be called to testify in the trial. John Bolton, on the other hand, might be a closer call.

Bryan Nehman talks about the reticence of Gov. Larry Hogan to send the National Guard back into Baltimore as violent crime continues apace. Guardsmen aren't going to make arrests, Bryan says. Also, an economist says high employment rates may have a link to the spread of influenza.

A new poll finds the Baltimore mayoral race completely up for grabs. That's good news for two candidates who aren't brand names--T.J. Smith and Thiru Vignarajah. It's less good news for former Mayor Sheila Dixon and incumbent Bernard C. "Jack" Young. Speaking of numbers, ratings for the college football championship were through the roof. After the game, LSU quarterback (and presumptive No. 1 NFL draft pick) exhibited some questionable behavior.

Major League Baseball fined the Houston Astros, took away draft picks and suspended the team's manager and general manager (both since fired) in a wide-ranging sign-stealing scandal. Bryan doesn't think the penalties go far enough. And Neil Peart has died. Bryan says he was perhaps the smartest rocker around.

The Ravens' miraculous run collapsed in just one night. Everything that could go wrong did so in one of the most crushing losses in, perhaps, Baltimore sports history. Also, does Baltimore City's bag ban portend similar legislation in Maryland and nationwide?