Deborah Rudacille

My new piece in the Baltimore City Paper focuses on the concerns of Sparrows Point retirees
that once the Dundalk Ave union halls are closed, their last link with the Point is gone. The
United Steelworkers has offered to help fund their meetings when the halls are sold.

http://citypaper.com/news/steel-reprieve-1.1466759

Before declaring bankruptcy last year, the Point's final owner - RENCO - sold off 24.5% of its ownership stake, in order to avoid having to pay pensions of the plant's 1300+ workers. Now, the federally-backed Pension Benefit Guaranty Board - which would have to pick up the tab - is suing them for $97 million. Good on them. I hope they win and make those #%^@! pay.

http://tinyurl.com/afajs6j

The Baltimore Brew is reporting that 59-year-old Robert (Bob) Jennings, in despair over the loss of his job and fearing for the loss of his home, has killed himself. Like other SP workers, Mr. Jennings had hoped that an operator would purchase the Point, but the announcement of the imminent razing of the Point by its new owner, Hilco, dashed those hopes. http://www.baltimorebrew.com/2013/01/07/emotions-run-high-after-sparrows...

...and like a true Baltimorean, still calling it "Bethlehem Steel." A heartfelt eulogy for what once was and the insanity of letting our industrial base erode. "What are we doing to America?" Indeed.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/videogallery/73686661/News/VIDEO-Mikulski-la...

Here's a piece I did a couple of years ago about how doctors and nurses who treat seriously ill
and dying people stay grounded and even cheerful in the face of grief and suffering.

http://archive.magazine.jhu.edu/2010/09/keeping-on/