The Daily Dose: Maryland Confronts COVID-19: Recent Episodes
WYPR Baltimore
An evening roundup of WYPR's latest reporting on Maryland's COVID-19 response, a summary of essential state and local updates, and a forum for locals who want to share stories about everyday life in the era of Coronavirus.
As election day nears, Baltimore County elections officials say they’ll add an additional day to count mail-in ballots, ahead of November 8.
While statewide Democrats enjoy commanding leads in their races, the race for the top job in Anne Arundel County is neck-and-neck.
Governor Hogan has announced 15-million dollars in federal aid will go toward hiring for infrastructure work and a new study finds aircraft noise from BWI Airport may be doing more health damage than previously thought.
We’ll have those stories and more plus: we’ll hear from our executive editor of The Daily Dose and our general manager and CEO as they reflect on some of the highlights and bid a warm farewell to the podcast. No…It’s not going away forever…just taking a hiatus. I’ll have more details coming up.
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Adnan Syed is now a free man. The Maryland Department of Health is changing course on a multimillion dollar request. The Baltimore County Board of Elections is also doing a U-turn on early mail-in ballot counting. Immigrants and refugees in Baltimore will get some crucial help under a new initiative funded with ARPA funds and residents who live near the blighted Security Square Mall will get a say in the 10-million dollar makeover plans.
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Maryland’s highest court has ruled that state election officials can begin counting mail-in ballots early. President Biden was in our state today where he made a stop at a Hagerstown auto plant. A recently released report finds victims of violent crime in Baltimore need better support services. Drug affordability, especially for the city’s seniors was the topic of a community forum with Mayor Scott and other lawmakers today.
We’ll have those stories and more from our news team, coming up in headlines. Plus… in the race for Baltimore County’s top job, the candidates show just how opposite their approach to governing will be! and we’ll take you to aninclusive arts exhibit for those with often unrecognized special gifts opening in Hampden.
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Baltimore’s violence prevention programs will be getting some new funding. Maryland health officials say they are getting a handle on monkeypox. The state’s Republican and Democratic candidates for governor share vastly different views at a Marylanders With Disabilities forum. Governor Larry Hogan has been asked to testify in the trial of his former chief of staff. Baltimore has a new map for its police districts and October brings dozens of free arts events to Baltimore.
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Some of the most important laws that went into effect Saturday aim to improve the health of Marylanders. Transportation for some kids to get to school will be improved this fall. Is Covid over? Dr. Leana Wen weighs in on President Biden’s declaration of victory over the pandemic. Ballots are on their way to Marylanders who prefer to vote by mail and new public TV documentaries present surprising portraits of two Maryland heroes.
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Some of the most important laws that went into effect Saturday aim to improve the health of Marylanders. Transportation for some kids to get to school will be improved this fall. Is Covid over? Dr. Leana Wen weighs in on President Biden’s declaration of victory over the pandemic. Ballots are on their way to Marylanders who prefer to vote by mail and new public TV documentaries present surprising portraits of two Maryland heroes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maryland’s highest court will hear Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox’s appeal to block early vote counting. The Baltimore City Council received some preliminary answers about the recent E. Coli contamination. The City is making it easier to pay your water bill. The proposed Hopkins police force continues to attract controversy and Maryland lawmakers grill local elections officials about a shortage of polling places.
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Maryland’s highest court will hear Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox’s appeal to block early vote counting. The Baltimore City Council received some preliminary answers about the recent E. Coli contamination. The City is making it easier to pay your water bill. The proposed Hopkins police force continues to attract controversy and Maryland lawmakers grill local elections officials about a shortage of polling places.
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Maryland is planning for an increased demand for abortion, as other states in the region make the procedure difficult or impossible to get. Baltimore County and its teachers finally have a deal for raises. Dan Cox and Wes Moore will debate October 12th, but some gubernatorial candidates will be missing. A Johns Hopkins professor wins a quarter million dollars for a simple idea that caught on big. Morgan State University may be losing track of some of its money, according to a new report. The city’s juvenile justice center is facing some tough challenges and Maryland is running out of area codes so some counties will be getting a new one.
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Maryland is planning for an increased demand for abortion, as other states in the region make the procedure difficult or impossible to get. Baltimore County and its teachers finally have a deal for raises. Dan Cox and Wes Moore will debate October 12th, but some gubernatorial candidates will be missing. A Johns Hopkins professor wins a quarter million dollars for a simple idea that caught on big. Morgan State University may be losing track of some of its money, according to a new report. The city’s juvenile justice center is facing some tough challenges and Maryland is running out of area codes so some counties will be getting a new one.
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Baltimore City Schools staff came to work on Sunday, trying to find students who aren’t showing up to class. The EPA is making more than $140 million available to help solve the city’s water woes. A meeting scheduled for this week on the new Johns Hopkins police force has been canceled. Morgan State is taking the lead in helping prepare traditionally under-represented students to study the environment. And with so many jobs to fill, one nonprofit is encouraging businesses to think outside the box.
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Baltimore City Schools staff came to work on Sunday, trying to find students who aren’t showing up to class. The EPA is making more than $140 million available to help solve the city’s water woes. A meeting scheduled for this week on the new Johns Hopkins police force has been canceled. Morgan State is taking the lead in helping prepare traditionally under-represented students to study the environment. And with so many jobs to fill, one nonprofit is encouraging businesses to think outside the box.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A judge has ruled that Maryland officials can start counting mail-in ballots ahead of election day. A Baltimore county employee has been busted for using the county’s computer system to run a private business. A town hall meeting to discuss a private police force for Johns Hopkins University was brought to an abrupt end by protestors last night. I’ll have more headlines plus, the Republican running for Baltimore County Executive is promising a revolutionary change in government if he’s elected.
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A judge has ruled that Maryland officials can start counting mail-in ballots ahead of election day. A Baltimore county employee has been busted for using the county’s computer system to run a private business. A town hall meeting to discuss a private police force for Johns Hopkins University was brought to an abrupt end by protestors last night. I’ll have more headlines plus, the Republican running for Baltimore County Executive is promising a revolutionary change in government if he’s elected.
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A medical panel at the U.S Department of Health is recommending that everyone under age 65 get screened for anxiety. Our health reporter talked with the Director of the Mental Health Association of Maryland about how this pandemic has affected us all, and what help there is for Marylanders. The sanitation issues of the city’s homeless encampments got a public hearing today. Most Marylanders condone recreational marijuana use according to a Goucher Poll with WYPR and the Baltimore Banner. We’ll have more results from the poll, plus tomorrow is the 29th annual “Dining Out for Life,” I’ll have a conversation with their director about this year’s goal for supporting Maryland’s chronically ill and food insecure.
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A medical panel at the U.S Department of Health is recommending that everyone under age 65 get screened for anxiety. Our health reporter talked with the Director of the Mental Health Association of Maryland about how this pandemic has affected us all, and what help there is for Marylanders. The sanitation issues of the city’s homeless encampments got a public hearing today. Most Marylanders condone recreational marijuana use according to a Goucher Poll with WYPR and the Baltimore Banner. We’ll have more results from the poll, plus tomorrow is the 29th annual “Dining Out for Life,” I’ll have a conversation with their director about this year’s goal for supporting Maryland’s chronically ill and food insecure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A judge orders convicted murderer Adnan Syed to be freed. A new poll conducted by Goucher College in partnership with WYPR and The Baltimore Banner shows democrats would sweep the midterm election if held today. There’s some optimism about the economy too. We’ll have those stories and some headlines coming up and talking about sexuality to children as young as 3½? An educator of human sexuality for half a century says, yes, we can!
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A judge orders convicted murderer Adnan Syed to be freed. A new poll conducted by Goucher College in partnership with WYPR and The Baltimore Banner shows democrats would sweep the midterm election if held today. There’s some optimism about the economy too. We’ll have those stories and some headlines coming up and talking about sexuality to children as young as 3½? An educator of human sexuality for half a century says, yes, we can!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The city’s Department of Public Works was raked over the coals at a hearing last night on its handling of the E.Coli water crisis. Today Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the fallout on WYPR’s Midday. A trial delay for Baltimore’s outgoing top prosecutor. A hearing Monday could mean freedom for convicted murderer Adnan Syed. The union representing thousands of University System of Maryland employees brought their grievances to College Park today. Baltimore’s health department lays out a comprehensive plan to fight Monkeypox and the dissension continues over how to give Baltimore County teachers a promised pay raise.
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The city’s Department of Public Works was raked over the coals at a hearing last night on its handling of the E.Coli water crisis. Today Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the fallout on WYPR’s Midday. A trial delay for Baltimore’s outgoing top prosecutor. A hearing Monday could mean freedom for convicted murderer Adnan Syed. The union representing thousands of University System of Maryland employees brought their grievances to College Park today. Baltimore’s health department lays out a comprehensive plan to fight Monkeypox and the dissension continues over how to give Baltimore County teachers a promised pay raise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marilyn Mosby’s trial has been delayed just a day before jury selection was to begin. The murder conviction of the man at the heart of the podcast, “Serial” could be vacated. An extra two-billion dollars? That’s how much more unexpected revenue Maryland ended the fiscal year with! Our new health reporter says Baltimore is stepping up its response to Monkeypox with its vaccine availability. A community meeting of stakeholders and squeegee workers met to come up with solutions and we’ll hear from two Johns Hopkins professors who say their home was appraised hundreds of thousandsbelowmarket value because they are Black.
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Marilyn Mosby’s trial has been delayed just a day before jury selection was to begin. The murder conviction of the man at the heart of the podcast, “Serial” could be vacated. An extra two-billion dollars? That’s how much more unexpected revenue Maryland ended the fiscal year with! Our new health reporter says Baltimore is stepping up its response to Monkeypox with its vaccine availability. A community meeting of stakeholders and squeegee workers met to come up with solutions and we’ll hear from two Johns Hopkins professors who say their home was appraised hundreds of thousandsbelowmarket value because they are Black.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Scott is trying to get the message out that the water in west Baltimore is safe to drink again. Maryland’s Governor is joining other Republicans in calling on President Biden to rescind his student loan forgiveness plan. When it comes to colleges in the state there are some stand outs according to a Forbes list. Seniors living on a college campus? That’s what Goucher College is planning and a new initiative aimed at building relationships between incarcerated parents in Baltimore and their kids is starting to take shape.
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Mayor Scott is trying to get the message out that the water in west Baltimore is safe to drink again. Maryland’s Governor is joining other Republicans in calling on President Biden to rescind his student loan forgiveness plan. When it comes to colleges in the state there are some stand outs according to a Forbes list. Seniors living on a college campus? That’s what Goucher College is planning and a new initiative aimed at building relationships between incarcerated parents in Baltimore and their kids is starting to take shape.
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Residents in West Baltimore and parts of Baltimore County have been given the green light to consume their tap water again. Construction has begun on a multi-million dollar complex in the city that aims to entice emergency responders to live where they work. A gun scare and a death in city and county schools have left students grief stricken at one…and on edge at another. Johns Hopkins health system warns they may stop accepting plans from one of the nation’s biggest insurers and what’s the human and dollar cost of Baltimore’s vacant housing? A new report has some data.
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Residents in West Baltimore and parts of Baltimore County have been given the green light to consume their tap water again. Construction has begun on a multi-million dollar complex in the city that aims to entice emergency responders to live where they work. A gun scare and a death in city and county schools have left students grief stricken at one…and on edge at another. Johns Hopkins health system warns they may stop accepting plans from one of the nation’s biggest insurers and what’s the human and dollar cost of Baltimore’s vacant housing? A new report has some data.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
E.Coli bacteria contamination has left West Baltimore residents boiling tap water since Monday, but we have an update from DPW. The Mervo High School community is coming together with mental and emotional support for those affected by last week’s traffic and fatal student shooting. Baltimore county council members have voted themselves a pay boost, the first one since 2014. Thousands of roadways in the county will get a 3-D review to see where repairs are needed. I’ll have those headlines and more, plus Dr. Lena Wen talks about the threat to public health officials and the COVID booster to fight omicron.
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E.Coli bacteria contamination has left West Baltimore residents boiling tap water since Monday, but we have an update from DPW. The Mervo High School community is coming together with mental and emotional support for those affected by last week’s traffic and fatal student shooting. Baltimore county council members have voted themselves a pay boost, the first one since 2014. Thousands of roadways in the county will get a 3-D review to see where repairs are needed. I’ll have those headlines and more, plus Dr. Lena Wen talks about the threat to public health officials and the COVID booster to fight omicron.
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The first week of school ended today with a deadly shooting outside of a Baltimore City high school this afternoon. A deadly shooting at an apartment complex near Morgan State University has left students and area residents shaken. New COVID booster shots will be available for Maryland residents as early as next week, now that the FDA and CDC have approved them. A program that gave thousands of needy Maryland students a free lunch during the pandemic has ended. A dire report from the National Center for Education Statistics shows how the pandemic eviscerated math and reading scores and we’ll hear from a labor reporter about how millennial workers are a driving force for unionization.
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A greenlight from the FDA today on two new COVID boosters to ward off the highly contagious omicron variant. The U.S. has its first death believedto be the result of Monkeypox. Baltimore Countyhealth officials are reaching out to residents considered high risk for contracting the virus. County Council members are eyeing a raise for themselves as well as the county executive who’s raked in the dough, according to the latest campaign finance reports. I’ll get a breakdown from our state government reporter on how much is in the coffers of Maryland’s gubernatorial candidates and our education reporter has a conversation with a Johns Hopkins medical director about how the weight of the past two-and-a-half years will impact learning this school year, and beyond.
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It was back to school for thousands of students across Maryland today. I’ll have a quick recap of the kickoff in the city and counties. Workers at a grocery chain in Baltimore have voted to unionize for better pay and job security and when it comes to American politics from national, down to our local elections, it seems we are more divided than at any other time in recent history. We’ll share an excerpt from a Johns Hopkins political science professor who’s co-authored a new book that speaks to the violence and danger of what she calls, “Radical American Partisanship.”
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore says he welcomes a debate with his republican opponent ahead of November’s midterm election. President Joe Biden paid a visit to Maryland last night to rally Democrats. As schools open across Maryland Monday, the Baltimore County teachers union has put off a contract vote to boost salaries. At a City council hearing last night, public school leaders and local agency officials gathered to come up with solutions for tackling violent crime and we’ll have a report on what city officials plan to do about the rising number of carjackings.
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A brazen afternoon shooting at a Baltimore intersection ends in one fatality and several injuries. Local city, state and federal officials gathered in Maryland today to promote new efforts to tackle violent crime. The city council has approved spending one-million dollars on new cell phone tracking technology. Time is running out for Marylanders to take advantage of the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program. I’ll have those stories in headlines, plus Baltimore County is scrambling to fill teacher vacancies before school starts next week and a giant indoor salmon farm on the Eastern Shore is raising the eyebrows of some environmentalists.
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Maryland’s covid positivity rate lingers in the double digits, just below 12-percent. Dr. Fauci says he’s calling it quits at the end of this year. The FDA has greenlit the expansion of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to kids as young as 12. Hundreds of thousands of kids across the country fell behind on routine vaccinations since the start of the pandemic and as schools across the state welcome back students next week, we’ll hear from a local pediatrician who breaks down the myths vs. the wisdom of keeping kids current on routine vaccines.
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There’s new movement in a legal case calling for more funding for Baltimore City schools. Anne Arundel county school officials are telling parents there are still hurdles in efforts to hire more bus drivers. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is trying to rid parts of the Eastern shore of gang activity and drug trafficking and Baltimore County officials are trying harder to give away free bus rides on the Towson Loop.
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COVID19 cases continue to stack up in Maryland. As the new school year approaches, Baltimore City public schools have a new COVID policy for those students planning to play sports. When Baltimore County students make their way back to class, the county’s head nurse says many pandemic protocols will no longer be in place.The Baltimore City Council has approved a bill aimed at stopping street and stunt racing. And a newly formed coalition takes up the homelessness issue in Baltimore by setting up camp.
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The NAACP and the ACLU say the state board of education continues to fail Baltimore City students. Howard County police begin wearing body cameras this week. According to a ProPublica investigation, the Baltimore County police department is behind on processing thousands of rape cases DNA evidence and the CDC has new relaxed covid guidelines as thousands of students prepare to return to Maryland schools this month.
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Baltimore County’s top watchdog is getting more support amid scrutiny from the county council. We’ll take a deep dive into the job of the county’s inspector general’s office. As students return to school in the coming weeks there might not be enough teachers in the classroom so schools are looking to recruit thousands of substitutes. Baltimore prosecutor Marilyn Mosby faces a $1,500 fine after a judge ruled she violated a gag order and a new look is on the way for downtown Essex.
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Surges of COVID19 continue across the US and the BA.5 variant remains the driving factor. Maryland universities examine what their COVID protocols will or won’t be in the fall. Anne Arundel County has a new Superintendent of Public Schools and he’s tackling the mammoth task of filling vacancies and a federal court has ruled in a discrimination case against Baltimore’s Catholic Relief Services.
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The family of Anton Black has reached a five million dollar settlement in his police custody death lawsuit that continues. A child playing with a loaded gun led to the tragic death of a 15-year old in Baltimore. City School officials plan to spend 25-million dollars on a tutoring program to help offset summer and remote learning loss. Maryland’s COVID positivity rate still hovers over 12-percent and a report from Annie E. Casey Foundation takes a deep national dive into the mental health of young people.
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More than 14-million dollars in ARPA funds will go toward an initiative to help clean up Baltimore neighborhoods. Baltimore County school officials are hoping a new app will help ease the chaos created by the continuing school bus driver shortage. Parents have been notified that the free meal program in Baltimore County Public Schools is ending. A summer youth initiative is giving some inner-city students a taste of the aviation field and a plan by the The U.S. Naval Academy for a golf course across the Severn River is drawing criticism from some environmentalists.
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Maryland health officials say they will press for more monkeypox vaccines, but for now will keep the limited supply for those most in need. The state’s COVID-19 positivity rate is now above 12-percent. Baltimore’s Mayor outlined his violence prevention plan for residents who participated in National Night Out. An indictment on a first degree murder charge means a 15-year old squeegee worker’s case will remain in adult court, for now. I’ll have those headlines and more,plus a look at the economic and social cost of those incarcerated in Maryland’s state prison.
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State health officials say the new COVID-19 vaccine is here. Two more primary races in Maryland are now settled. Baltimore’s mayor says he’s ashamed, following another violent crime weekend in the city and we’ll hear from Baltimore’s new deputy mayor for public safety on how he’ll work with the city’s leaders to restore Baltimore to a place he’s always loved.
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We’re far from the November general election, but Baltimore City already has a new top prosecutor. Baltimore County’s incumbent State’s Attorney appears to have fended off his Democratic primary challenger. The race for Anne Arundel’s county executive in the Republican primary still hasn’t been called as elections officials were still counting ballots. Police in Middle River tried to calm nerves at a community meeting last night over a shooting involving a major drug dealer. Baltimore’s Health Commissioner defends the city’s Monkeypox vaccine supply and a new regional hotline aims to help those experiencing a mental health crisis.
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State health officials say Maryland’s COVID positivity rate remains dismal. Baltimore’s Health Commissioner defends the city’s handling of the Monkeypox vaccine. The City Council held a hearing today on what to do about the number of squeegee workers at busy intersections. Two races still undecided in Baltimore County’s democratic primary. We’ll have those headlines and more, plus climate change and environmental equity in Black and brown communities.
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Baltimore has a new democratic nominee for City State’s attorney who also promised to crack down on violent crime. Violence over the weekend pushed Baltimore to another grim milestone in its homicide rate. Two settled, one to go in Baltimore County’s three democratic primary races. Wes Moore, Maryland’s democratic nominee for Governor says voters have a choice between “unity” and “division.” Governor Larry Hogan says Trump backed nominee Dan Cox does not stand a chance in the general election and Maryland’s COVID positivity rate continues to climb amidst the looming BA.5 variant and concerns about the spread of Monkeypox. I have a conversation with an epidemiologist who breaks down the latest.
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Well the sun has set on night three after Maryland’s primary and many races are still up in the air but several news outlets are projecting non-profit exec and Rhodes Scholar, Wes Moore as the winner of the Democratic contest, but that’s not official. Elections boards across Maryland are busily counting hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots received, so it'll be a few more days, at least before final outcomes are known. Maryland’s GOP establishment is left wondering what to make of Dan Cox’s near certain primary victory. If you didn’t notice, there’s a heat wave gripping Maryland and much of the country. Some city parents are already turning their attention to the upcoming school year and the headaches they’ll face with new start times and we’ll get a check in with Dr. Leana Wen on Monkey Pox and the BA.5 COVID variant.
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Well folks, it’s the day after the primary, but despite a low voter turnout there were some big surprises… and some cliffhangers even in big races that may not be decided for another week or so. In this special election edition…we’ll have a roundup from our reporters of what happened and what’s next.
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Primary day in Maryland is upon us! But between redistricting, the delayed elections, and a late counting of mail-in ballots, elections officials warn we may not know the winners in tomorrow’s key races for a while. Baltimore’s incumbent State’s Attorney says she is the right person for reducing the city’s violent homicide rate…despite facing a federal trial on perjury charges. Maryland’s COVID positivity rate is continuing with grim numbers. A 15-year old city squeegee worker has been denied bail. And we’ll get out on the Chesapeake Bay where our oyster population is making a comeback.
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The DOJ has opened an investigation into the Maryland State Police over allegations of racial discrimination in its hiring and promotion policies. An arrest made this week in a homicide involving a motorist and a squeegee worker in Baltimore…The attorney for the 15 year old says it was in self-defense. The widows of two Baltimore firefighters gave emotional testimony at a city council public hearing on what to do with the city’s abandoned dwellings. An audit of Maryland’s Social Services agency finds kids in foster care are not getting all the care they need. We’ll have all those stories plus…Midges! What they do and why they are hurting some eastern Baltimore County businesses.
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In Maryland, the number of COVID hospitalizations are down, but only slightly, and the CDC warns of a new fast spreading variant. A city council meeting this week brought heated discussion about Baltimore’s squeegee workers and a recent homicide and Mayor Brandon Scott says while violence and harassment can not be tolerated, there can’t be a one-step solution to clear the city of panhandlers.
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Maryland’s COVID positivity rate remains above nine-percent. Testing for monkeypox began today at Mayo Clinic laboratories. Early voting underway in Maryland is so far…underwhelming. And, what are called the “lungs” of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay get a close examination by Smithsonian researchers.
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City officials speak out on yesterday’s shooting in downtown Baltimore that left one man dead. COVID 19 cases are still on an uptick. The latest on Baltimore County School’s chief auditor and will a soccer stadium be in Baltimore’s future?
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Maryland’s COVID positivity rate is back on a high, a dismal look for where Baltimore’s homicide number is heading..Baltimore’s school chief is being celebrated while at the same time her office faces a lawsuit. In Baltimore County, the school’s chief auditor has a lawsuit of her own. What inspired a 17 yr old in Howard County to run in an election and we’ll tell you about a summer program designed to teach area youth life and work skills.
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Baltimore Raven’s linebacker Jaylen Ferguson’s death was the result of illicit drugs according to the state’s medical examiner. Maryland public schools must stop using restraints and seclusion to manage students’ unwanted behavior. One Maryland gubernatorial candidate gets a surprise endorsement from a local leader. According to a WYPR election poll with Goucher College and The Baltimore Banner, republicans and democrats are concerned about election integrity, but their reasons differ. And our education reporter tells us what some Maryland colleges hope to gain by getting rid of the SAT and ACT tests.
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Early voting begins next week in Maryland. With less than three weeks to go before our primary election, the races to be the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor are tight according to a new poll by WYPR and The Baltimore Banner. Education and democracy are also on the minds of voters. Maryland is in dire need of election judges and is offering incentives to state employees who sign up. And Baltimore police have made an arrest of a suspect in a traffic stop that has left an officer in critical condition.
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If gas prices are not already high enough, Marylanders are about to pay more as the state’s gas tax takes effect this week. The state’s COVID positivity rate remains below eight percent. More state lawmakers react to the Supreme Court’s decision to kill Roe. V. Wade. And we’ll catch you up on the latest news source in town collaborating… with us.
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The Supreme Court has struck down the landmark Roe V. Wade decision which legalized abortion across the U.S. five decades ago. Today’s decision is sending shock waves across the country for women’s right’s advocates and praise from anti-abortion groups. In this special edition of today’s podcast we have coverage from our news team and reaction from local leaders across the state. ..and we’ll still update you on where we are on the state’s Covid positivity rate and the other big news this week….on vaccines for children five years old and younger!
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An uptick in hospitalizations, we’ll have Maryland’s latest COVID numbers. Gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore picks up more endorsements. The Baltimore Ravens are mourning the death of two of its own. It will cost a bit more to ride the MTA. And a Baltimore County 4th grader campaigns against unidentifiable school lunches.
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The union representing workers at a state psychiatric facility say security issues and understaffing continues to put the lives of employees and patients in danger. More than one-thousand Baltimore County residents facing eviction will get to stay in their homes. A contract vote by the county school board ends a three decade career of the school system’s chief auditor. And we’ll hear about a new work by a local professor of composition and music theory that will premiere in Baltimore just in time for Juneteenth.
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A show of support for the Baltimore County School Superintendent currently under fire. Baltimore’s City Council introduces resolutions to deal with the city’s vacant property problem. The expert we’ve all come to know and turn to for guidance these last 2 years on COVID19 has now tested positive himself. And Baltimore City’s new director of LGBTQ Affairs says inclusion and accountability are among their top priorities.
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The Baltimore County School Board votes to terminate the public schools’ chief auditor. The board is also meeting in a special closed session Monday as the county superintendent comes under increasing fire. Gov. Larry Hogan announces millions of funds to make it easier to reach the beach at Ocean City. And a local arts and music festival, put on hold during COVID-19, is set to return.
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Hospitalizations are down with COVID19 in Maryland - We’ll have the latest numbers. State health officials say they’re ready for vaccines for children 6 and under as soon as the green light is given by the FDA and CDC and in Baltimore County it’s the return of the summer meals program for those 18 and under.
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The Baltimore County Council is going after the superintendent of county schools. Members say they are fed up with chronically late school buses and other issues over the past two years and now they want him out. And we’ll hear from a software developer who’s using technology to address the mental health needs of young students in K-thru-12.
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The state’s COVID-19 positivity rate still hovers above eight percent, with more than 2,000 new cases added. Gas prices in the state have hit a new record high according to Triple-A. Baltimore Pride is returning to the city this year. We’ll have those stories for you in headlines. Plus, we’ll have a report about how the pandemic has created a work life riddled with underfunding, staff shortages, fear and intimidation for Maryland’s county health officers.
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Maryland’s COVID positivity rate goes up slightly. After a delayed start, a Baltimore County commission created to examine the Inspector General’s office will convene next week. If not new legislation, can anything be done about gun violence and mass shootings in the U.S.? We’ll hear from the co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
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Baltimore City has announced a lawsuit against the country’s largest manufacturer of ghost guns. Candidate for Attorney General Anthony Brown scores an endorsement from big labor. Brooke Lierman and Tim Adams lay out their job descriptions for Maryland Comptroller. Baltimore County school officials get raked over the coals again, for chronically late school buses. And as the Biden administration reportedly weighs wiping out some student loan debt for millions of Amercians, two physicians say it should be through a lens of racial justice.
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Baltimore’s COVID-19 transmission rate is now “high” under CDC standards. Baltimore County’s police department and school system get a verbal thrashing from the county council after passing a more than $4 billion dollar budget. A billion dollar program to increase the number and mentor Black scientists is named in honor of UMBC’s beloved outgoing president, Freeman Hrabowski. And city residents speak out against giving more money to BPD and development projects.
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As the state’s COVID positivity rate hovers above eight percent, there's concern about the rate of cases in Baltimore County Schools…and there’s still no plans of a new mask mandate. The shifting demographics of the county along with redrawn council districts has made the race for council seats a diverse contest. Maryland’s gubernatorial candidates shared their platforms on dealing with homelessness and mental illness at a forum in Silver Spring.
And how do we help one another, especially our children, with the trauma of yet another deadly mass school shooting? A local psychologist offers some answers.
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Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues to rise, topping eight percent. With more than a month to go until Maryland’s primary election, candidates are racking up the endorsements. But in such a crowded field how much sway does it hold with voters? And it’s National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. A doctor shares some simple steps to manage spring allergies and asthma.
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The Baltimore County schools superintendent gets an earful from council members about the havoc being created by the continued school bus driver shortage. COVID-19 rates continue to go up. And we’ll hear from a pediatrician on what parents can do to get through the national baby formula shortage.
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In Baltimore County, the NAACP and teachers' advocates rally for better pay and safer schools. A resolution affirming safe access to abortion services in Baltimore easily passes the City Council. HUD officials joined Baltimore City officials today announcing a plan to tackle homelessness. A CDC advisory panel is expected to green light COVID booster shots for ages 5 to 11 this week. Baltimore moms use social media to navigate the baby formula shortage. And a pilot program that will give some low income Baltimore families one-thousand dollars a month is part of a national study.
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A proposed charter amendment would take elected officials out of the advisory board for the office of Baltimore’s Inspector General. Spring Grove Hospital now belongs to UMBC, but there are questions about the future of the facility, patients and staff. Racial inequities in health care are far reaching and when it comes to the field of dermatology it can be dangerous. We’ll hear from a dermatologist and Howard professor who is advocating for more inclusion.
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Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate surpasses six percent. The FDA further limits the use of the J&J vaccine. Gov. Hogan is withholding abortion training funds. What does this mean for the availability of abortion in Maryland? Baltimore’s police districts are set to be redrawn for the first time in decades. The president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County steps down. Plus some tips from a physician on what to do this Mother’s Day.
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Abortion rights advocates rallied in Baltimore last night as fallout continues from the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on Roe v. Wade. Some legal experts say Maryland could become a destination for abortion services. The state has surpassed the five percent positivity rate for COVID as daily cases continue to top 1,000. In Baltimore County, the council decided to hold off on establishing a police accountability board. And after nearly two years of remote education, Baltimore County schools are struggling to get a handle on in school violence and bullying.
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The state’s COVID-19 positivity rate is once again approaching the five percent mark. Some young parents in Baltimore City will get $1000 a month under a Guaranteed Income Pilot program. Dr. Leana Wen talks more about the Moderna COVID vaccine for young children, where other pharmaceutical companies are in their efforts, and the rise in severe hepatitis cases among young children worldwide.
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A long anticipated COVID-19 vaccine for infants and toddlers could be approved as early as June. Baltimore’s mayor and congressional leaders announced today a multi-million dollar investment in public safety. The city’s downtown and Inner Harbor will get a $166 million facelift. And the superintendent of Baltimore County Schools says he wants to stay on after his term expires.
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Mayor Scott grants a temporary reprieve for some homeowners on the city’s tax sale list. Baltimore will play host to the first Maryland Cycling Classic. Economic equity and the wealth gap were the main focus of a gubernatorial forum at Coppin State last night with several of the Democratic candidates trying to stand out from a crowded field. Baltimore County’s plan for a police accountability board was met with sharp rebuke at a hearing Tuesday night. And a City Council meeting to discuss reviving Baltimore’s Dollar House program devolved into a shouting match.
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The COVID-19 positivity rate makes its first dip in weeks. A report shows widening wage gaps at the University of Maryland College Park. The Starbucks in Midtown Baltimore becomes the fourth in the nation to form a union. Attorney General Brian Frosh seeks a court order connected to the investigation of an officer-involved shooting. And a historic West Baltimore market will be getting a renovation.
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Baltimore County wants to co-run the city’s water and sewer system. A new festival is coming to the Inner Harbor. The state’s COVID-19 rate surpasses 4.5%. And U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits Morgan State University.
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Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues its creep upward, while masks become optional on MTA transport. The often fractious Baltimore County school board will see a major change this election. And Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott unveils details about his guaranteed income pilot program.
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Baltimore County is trying to fight off an infestation of midges! The student member on the County’s school board will have a vote on the budget over objections of some members, but only if Gov. Hogan signs the bill. A federal judge ruled that Baltimore State’s Attorney, Marilyn Mosby cannot avoid a trial on perjury charges. $10 million in ARPA funds will go toward a public health approach to fighting crime in the city. And Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski awaits approval of his four-point-eight billion dollar budget.
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The CDC has updated its COVID-19 travel restrictions after a new order from the Biden administration extending mask mandates. COVID positivity rates are creeping up in Baltimore and across the state, but so far no renewed mandates. Governor Hogan signed a host of bills into law as the 2022 Legislative Session came to a close. The deaths of three Baltimore firefighters earlier this year have now been ruled homicides. And the debate over banning plastic bags in Baltimore County is heating up as council members are coming down on opposite sides of the issue.
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The last day of Maryland’s legislative session is finally here, and Democratic lawmakers closed out with wins on big agenda items from climate change, to paid family leave to increased access to abortion care. Baltimore County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins is found to have violated charter by moving outside of her district, but there’s no precedent for punishment. The state’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues to rise. Cases remain low but the new omicron B.A.2 subvariant is slowly driving numbers up. We’ll hear from Dr. Leana Wen on how we navigate this stage of the pandemic.
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Another slight uptick, and Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate is the highest it's been since February. Baltimore’s mayor delivered the first State of the City address from City Hall in three years. The focus: public safety. Baltimore County council’s fraught redistricting map paves the way for a new council candidate. And one council member is sounding the alarm about the health of the county’s pension.
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The legal battle over Maryland’s Congressional redistricting map has been settled. For the first time, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County names a woman as president. The state’s COVID positivity rate sees a slight uptick. Baltimore City Hall and state courthouses re-opened for normal business today, but some pandemic restrictions remain. And the Baltimore County Council is taking up the issue of a contract to inspect the Inspector General’s office.
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Maryland’s congressional redistricting map is in limbo as legal challenges remain. The race is on in Annapolis to get bills to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk in the last full week of the 2022 legislative session. Plus hospitals get some economic relief but continue to face a workforce shortage. And a CDC study shows just how pervasive poor mental health has become among teenagers during the pandemic.
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A bill to make abortion services easier to access in Maryland passed along partisan lines. House lawmakers take another step in hashing out a bill to reduce Maryland’s carbon footprint. Baltimore County volunteer firefighters will get some ARPA money after all. And a proposal to make it easier to shut down businesses in the county with ties to criminal activity has run into opposition.
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Gov. Hogan, joined by House and Senate leaders, announced a more than $1 billion tax relief plan to help small businesses and keep retirees from leaving the state. Maryland’s House and Senate leaders say they’ve come up with a revised congressional redistricting map after a judge threw out the one presented Friday, ruling it unconstitutional. Baltimore County will spend an extra $70 million to fix and replace dated schools. A Johns Hopkins project is using social media to gather global data on changing attitudes about health and well being during the pandemic. And experts at the Bloomberg School of Public Health tell us where we are in the fight against COVID and what we can expect in the near future.
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A Maryland judge has sent lawmakers back to the drawing board over a contested congressional map as partisan debate over how elections maps are drawn on the state and local levels remains fraught. With weeks left to go in this General Assembly session, Governor Hogan announces more state funding for crime fighting initiatives and chides lawmakers to take action. And there’s a plan afoot to infuse new economic life into a historically Black community in Baltimore County using its “opportunity zone status.”
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Moderna seeks emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. The Maryland General Assembly has cleared crossover day and now has the final weeks to get unfinished legislation done before sine die. Medically necessary gender-affirming care for those who can’t afford it would be covered by medicaid under a bill that cleared the Maryland Senate.
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The court battle over redrawn council districts in Baltimore County is creating a headache for at least one candidate. A package of bills in the Baltimore City Council aim to crack down on vacant housing. The COVID-19 positivity rate remains low in Maryland, but public health officials say we’re not in the clear yet. And Senate hearings are underway for the first Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court.
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Maryland residents will get a short holiday to help ease the pain from high gas prices. A new study shows harassment against local health officials was widespread during the early months of the pandemic. A bill that would ban ghost guns passes the Senate. Baltimore County’s State’s Attorney has a Republican challenger. And Baltimore’s Penn North Library becomes a haven for those struggling with substance abuse.
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Relief from high fuel prices could be on the way as a gas tax holiday moves a step closer to reality. A new state program would allow Maryland job seekers without college diplomas to fill more vacant jobs. State lawmakers want to pull pension fund investments from Russia. Maryland must work toward being “carbon-neutral” by 2045 under a bill passed along party lines this week. And Baltimore’s Office of Homeless Services looks to keep hotels available as non-congregate shelters.
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Masks are now optional in Baltimore City Public Schools. The state’s COVID positivity rate continues to go down. The latest Goucher poll shows Marylanders are feeling more than a pinch from recent price increases. Baltimore County’s executive promises no tax increases in the coming year. And a doctor gives advice on how to treat back pain without opioids.
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It’s been another busy week in Annapolis. State lawmakers move forward legislation to ban ghost guns. After an hour of emotional debate, the House passes bills to make it easier for people to get abortions. Maryland’s growing surplus leads to calls for a gas tax holiday. A report shows declining pollution enforcement at the Maryland Department of the Environment. Baltimore City Hall is set to reopen to the public in April. And the mayor announces his largest ARPA fund allocation thus far – for housing.
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The Baltimore County Council’s revised redistricting map, still draws ire from the local NAACP. Maryland’s GOP senators launch a drive for what they say will be ‘meaningful tax relief.’ Baltimore City uses millions in ARPA funds to create a jobs training program. Local health systems team up to send medical supplies to Ukraine. The war there continues to drive up gas prices in Maryland and across the country. And a doctor tells us what you need to know about Evusheld, a COVID antibody treatment for the immunocompromised.
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The world hits a grim milestone: more than six million people have died of COVID-19. The Baltimore County Council will consider a bill that would make it easier to shut down businesses tied to illegal activity. A Tuesday deadline looms for the County Council to present a new redistricting map before a judge. And a conversation with Dr. Leana Wen on the CDC’s new masking guidelines and the path forward to getting to normal.
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On this date two years ago, Maryland hospitals admitted their first COVID-19 patients. Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby is not giving up on his battered Dollar House bill. Maryland’s large Ukrainian community is speaking out against the assault by Russia on their native homeland. In Annapolis: legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use moves to the Senate after being approved in the House, where State delegates are tackling climate change with four separate bills. March is National Kidney Month. We’ll hear how one local medical system is leading the way with ending the practice of usingrace as a factor in determining kidney health.
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Baltimore City lifts its indoor mask mandate, and Baltimore City Public Schools follow suit. State senators are close to passing a bill that would alter how police body camera footage can be viewed by the public. Senators also vote to ban the use of PFAS in the state. And former county health officers and a whistleblower raise concerns at a hearing about the state health department’s pandemic response, and its treatment of staff and local health officials.
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The state's positivity rate is now well below 3%. Mayor Scott will lift Baltimore’s mask mandate Tuesday and we have a rundown of which Maryland counties are lifting mask mandates and for what activities and places. Baltimore’s Recreation and Parks will get over $40 million in ARPA funds. And the nursing profession is among those most affected by the past two years of this pandemic. We’ll close out this month’s series, Conversations with Black women in medicine, with a candid conversation with two deans and a graduating student of Coppin State University’s nursing and professional health programs.
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The CDC updates its masking guidelines for the country. Baltimore’s mayor will lift indoor mask mandates in the City. Recreational marijuana legislation breezed through Maryland’s House of Delegates. Paid family leave and staffing shortages in the state’s education system also took center stage in Annapolis. The Community College of Baltimore discusses the slave history of its Catonsville campus. And we’ll have the second in our series, Conversations with Black women in medicine, this month. Executive editor Danyell Irby speaks with Dr. Nicole Rochester, founder of Your GPS Doc about how to navigate the medical system and advocate for yourself and your aging loved ones.
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The statewide mask mandate in schools may soon drop, after a vote from the State Board of Education. Baltimore County Public Schools lays out a plan for when to lift their mandate. A federal judge ruled that the Baltimore County Council must redraw its redistricting map to reflect the diverse population. The same judge also sets a trial date for Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. The Maryland House of Delegates moves one step closer to legalizing recreational use of cannabis. And our executive editor Danyell Irby steps from behind the scenes to kick off a series of conversations with Black women in medicine.
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More counties are dropping their indoor mask mandates this week. Attorneys for Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby file charges to dismiss her case. The state medical examiner’s office in Baltimore remains behind on at least 200 autopsies. And a conversation with two Baltimore City teachers who speak candidly about how the past two years have affected their lives and what they see for the future of teaching.
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Baltimore County is ready to lift pandemic restrictions as COVID metrics trend downward. A coalition of education advocates say Gov. Larry Hogan has shortchanged Maryland schools by over $100 million…and they want that money put back. In Maryland legislative news: a hearing on a Senate bill to ban untraceable ghost guns goes long into the evening. A Republican caucus committee presents a package of billsthey say will restore integrity to state elections. Maryland’s senate president says a deal has been reached that will keep clubs on The Block open until 2 a.m., but one club owner says: what deal? And Paul McCartney makes a return to Baltimore after more than five decades.
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A U.S. District Court judge has heard testimony and is expected to soon rule on the challenge to Baltimore County’s redistricting map. State Democratic lawmakers are pushing an emergency bill to address errors on absentee ballots, but Republicans are crying foul. A package of climate solution bills and the push to legalize recreational cannabis are also working their way through the legislature. And the CDC says pregnant people who get vaccinated for COVID pass on immunity to their babies.
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Face mask requirements in municipal buildings and some schools are dropping across the state…but some argue it’s politics over science. House Dems in Maryland introduced a package of bills today to protect the right to abortion in the state. Eating healthy to stay heart healthy is easier said than done for many. There’s a program that’s trying to help.
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The CDC releases a new study on the effectiveness of COVID boosters. The FDA postpones authorizing vaccines for children under 5. Gov. Larry Hogan calls for an end to the school mask mandate. BCPS is launching a campaign to get more kids vaccinated. Maryland lawmakers consider bills that would grant workers paid family leave. They’re also considering a bill that would change the way the state addresses stalking. And a conversation with Dr. Leana Wen on the debate over lifting COVID restrictions.
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Gov. Larry Hogan announces a lottery for boosted adults. Baltimore launches a long-awaited water bill discount program. Maryland lawmakers debate whether to ban ghost guns. Two expansive housing bills come before the Baltimore City Council. And a conversation with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on the latest COVID guidelines.
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COVID-19 hospitalizations are back under 1200…for the first time since mid-December. Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We’ll hear from a doctor and advocate on how racial disparities affect access to treatment. Plus a conversation with Baltimore’s director of homeless services, on ongoing and future efforts to get people safely sheltered – and rehoused.
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Health experts are urging continued caution, though Maryland’s COVID-19 rates continue to go down. Gov. Hogan and Mayor Scott hold a closed-door meeting in Annapolis to discuss violent crime. Democrats and Republicans clash over a proposed crime package. And the president and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank says even as the pandemic dies down, food insecurity continues.
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Maryland’s COVID numbers continue to go in the right direction…down. State lawmakers and housing advocates push for legislation this session to hold landlords more accountable when it comes to evictions. Thousands of firefighters from across the country and abroad came to Baltimore today to honor three of their own, killed in the line of duty last month. And Baltimore County’s Executive says he’s keeping his campaign promise to build two new high schools.
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The state’s COVID positivity rate has dipped below 10%. Baltimore County is ending its indoor mask mandate. Tributes continue pouring in for three Baltimore City firefighters killed last week in a deadly vacant rowhouse blaze. Mayor Scott announces an internal review of operations and policies involving vacant houses. The CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools talks about the challenges posed by omicron and the way forward. And while 2022 could be a big year for Republicans…in Baltimore County, candidates are shying away from two county-wide seats on the ballot.
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Maryland lawmakers give a new legislative redistricting map their final stamp of approval. Arrested minors would receive a lawyer before being questioned by police under a new bill being considered. And a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Baltimore County schools is now on the decline.
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Environmental advocates are trying to expand solar energy this General Assembly session. Former Mayor Catherine Pugh gets an early release from federal prison. The City Council passes bills requiring the fire department to make some internal procedures public. Gun safety activists rally in Annapolis against ghost guns. There’s heated debate about extending the voting power of the student member on the Baltimore County School Board. And, following numerous complaints from tenants, a Baltimore City Council committee holds an investigative hearing on evictions.
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Maryland’s positivity rate continues to go down. Health officials say there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic that the end of the omicron surge means a new normal, but warn that new variants can still emerge. Three Baltimore City firefighters have died after fighting a two-alarm fire. And a psychiatrist discusses some of the reasons why people remain unvaccinated, and the importance of compassion.
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We’re halfway through Gov. Larry Hogan’s state of emergency and COVID-19 metrics are improving, but Hogan says Maryland must stay vigilant. State senators clash over voting rights as they advance a redistricting map. A new report analyzes child fatalities in the city over the last five years. Baltimore County’s Inspector General finds atoo cozy relationship between a developer and a former county official. Senate president Bill Ferguson wants lights out at 10 p.m. on what’s known as Baltimore’s “Block.” Chickens come home to roost in Baltimore County. And the President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare discusses what the surge has been like for health care workers – and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Gov. Larry Hogan outlines the final budget of his tenure. The Baltimore County School Board hears from students and teachers who say the board’s proposed budget falls short. Staffing shortages at Maryland’s Department of the Environment could spell trouble for enforcement and inspection of the state’s drinking water systems. And Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby’s proposed dollar house program is panned by city agency leaders.
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More COVID-19 testing sites are opening across Maryland for residents desperately trying to find one. Public schools across the state are being hit hard with positive COVID cases. In Baltimore County, that number has tripled. Lawmakers expressed frustration that their questions about December's ransomware attack on the Maryland Health Department are going unanswered. And our City Hall reporter has the latest on the federal charges against Baltimore State’s Attorney, Marilyn Mosby.
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The Maryland General Assembly convened its 2022 legislative session today. Once again, lawmakers are discussing the legalization of marijuana. Baltimore City Hall employees are set to work remotely again due to the omicron surge. It’s also forcing the city to alter its recycling services. The Baltimore County School Board has run afoul of state law, according to a report by the state inspector general for education. And City Council members hear from those trying to find shelter for the homeless.
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While Baltimore County schools are set to reopen later this week, one-third of Baltimore City schools are shifting back online. If you’re a parent or child stressed out about the return to school, we have some tips from a child psychiatrist on how to manage anxiety and self-care. Delegate Maggie McIntosh is retiring after nearly three decades of service. She reflects on what will be her final legislative session this year. And Gov. Hogan announces an expansion to his Refund the Police initiative.
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There’s a very slight dip in the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate. Could it signal the beginning of a decline? It’s still a challenge to find a COVID-19 test in Maryland. Gov. Larry Hogan and local leaders have announced a list of new testing sites to meet the demand. Baltimore City students returned to the classroom after the winter break yesterday, but some teachers say omicron has thwarted the learning process. If you’re looking for health insurance, Maryland’s open enrollment period has been extended. And the director of the CDC tries to clarify guidance and build public trust.
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Omicron is Maryland’s dominant variant, and COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates are at record highs. Gov. Larry Hogan has called for a new 30-day state of emergency, and local governments are ramping up COVID testing. Baltimore City housing advocates are demanding a halt to evictions as COVID continues to surge. And Baltimore area congressmen reflect on the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, and the future of our democracy.
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Today we bring you our last episode of 2021. As we’re winding down our second year of the pandemic and the Daily Dose, we’re taking this week to look back. On Monday we took you back in time to the chaotic early days of COVID vaccines, to police reform, to cicadas, and cicada tattoos. Tonight we’re sharing more of our news team’s favorite stories of 2021.
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Well….we’re winding down another year of The Daily Dose. A podcast we started in March of 2020 to bring you the latest news on COVID-19, back when we weren't sure what to make of it.
Now believe it or not, we’re entering year number three of this pandemic, with an even more transmissible strain called omicron.
As year two comes to a close, we're taking a look back to listen to some of our news team's best work of 2021.
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The rush is on…and not for last minute gift shopping….Maryland residents are trying to find COVID tests. We visited some sites around town where lines were long and patience was a virtue. Some hospital leaders are pleading for the public’s help in slowing the spread of omicron. A lawsuit against the Baltimore County Council contends its redistricting map violates the Voting Rights act. And Baltimore’s old Dollar House program gets a hearing in the City Council.
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Maryland's positivity rate is the highest it’s been since the summer of 2020. Hospital leaders in Baltimore County are warning of a severe bed shortage due to the ongoing COVID surge. And the President of the Maryland Hospital Association tells us what we have to look forward to in the new year.
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Health experts warned us of a possible post-Thanksgiving surge. Well…that COVID surge is here, and Maryland hospitals are already feeling the impact. Baltimore City’s Health Commissioner gives a spin down on what we now know about omicron. Environmental advocacy groups are gearing up for the 2022 Maryland Legislative session. And a Baltimore task force aims to build a pathway between vulnerable communities and the trauma informed care they need.
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The state health department is creating a “surge operation center” as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise and the U.S. reaches a grim milestone. Cases of COVID-19 doubled this month in Baltimore County Public Schools. Baltimore’s homicides rose this year – and so has success in solving them. Plus we’ll hear from doctors on what we know about COVID-19 “long haulers.”
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The Maryland Department of Health’s website continues to be affected by a cyber attack that happened earlier this month. Anne Arundel’s County Executive touts his administration’s accomplishments in his state of the county speech. The Baltimore County Council is set to hold a public hearing on a redistricting map tomorrow that opponents say weaken the voting power of minorities. And an infectious diseases doctor tells us why boosters are no longer an option, but a necessity.
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More than 1,000 Marylanders are hospitalized with COVID-19 for the first time since April. State health officials are urging people to get their vaccines and their booster shots. 16 to17 year olds are now eligible for COVID-19 boosters. And the General Assembly overrides Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of the Congressional redistricting map.
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COVID-19 hospitalization rates in Maryland are at their highest since May. Baltimore County will give bonuses to school employees hoping to stem a tidal wave of resignations. Mayor Brandon Scott marks his first year in office…still facing a pandemic but with hundreds of millions in ARPA dollars to address many issues. Republicans in Maryland’s Senate try to rally support for Hogan’s tough on crime measures in this special session. And Dr. Leana Wen shares what’s known about omicron.
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The State Health Department’s website has been hit with a cyber attack. Maryland is now among the 17 states with the omicron variant. The State Senate overrides most of Gov. Larry Hogan’s vetoes in a special session. A new Towson high school is out, but debate over how to spend billions on Baltimore County schools continues. Our City Hall reporter untangles something called “tangled titles,” and how they strip Black families of shelter and generational wealth. Plus a quick guide on applying for Baltimore City rental assistance.
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Omicron has been detected in Maryland.Baltimore police have made an arrest in one of the city’s most recent heinous crimes. Maryland’s General Assembly convenes for a special session next week to tackle Congressional redistricting maps and Gov. Hogan’s vetoes. And the four-term State’s Attorney for Baltimore County will face his first Democratic primary challenger since he first ran for office.
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It didn’t take long. A case of Omicron has been discovered in the U.S. The Maryland State School Board votes in favor of what’s called, “off-ramps” that could gradually end the statewide schools' mask mandate. Governor Hogan urges adults to get their booster shots. Unvaccinated Baltimore County employees started mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing today. A state delegate gets a big union endorsement in the state comptroller’s race. Baltimore school children could soon get the free Wi-Fi they need. The City’s often embattled Inspector General gets a big nod of approval. Congressional Redistricting plans could boot a longtime Maryland republican out of his district. And in the midst of all of this...today is World AIDS Day. We’ve got a packed show for you!
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Health officials are trying to learn more about the new COVID-19 variant known as omicron, which the World Health Organization is calling a “variant of concern.” No cases of the omicron variant are reported in the U.S. yet, but Maryland has also seen a sharp increase of new COVID cases this month. As Lung Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we have tips from a surgeon on prevention and screening. And we’ll hear from a grief counselor on how to cope with loss during the holiday season.
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We’ve got lots of news to catch you up on our Thanksgiving eve episode! Governor Hogan once again calls out Baltimore in his tough on crime measure. Our Baltimore City reporter has a round up of coverage on the city state’s attorney’s clap-back to the Governor’s criticism of Baltimore’s violent crime rate...Mayor Scott’s plan for a jobs training program for the City’s squeegee kids... and U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg on his second visit to Charm City. Our Baltimore County reporter got the lowdown on just how much last year’s ransomware attack cost BCPS, and a local councilwoman is under fire for not living in the district she represents. All that along with some tips from experts for keeping us safe and sane through another holiday amidst a pandemic.
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In Maryland, addressing the school bus driver shortage is being hampered by a licensing process for even the most experienced drivers. And Friday’s CDC decision cleared the way for all fully vaccinated adults to get a COVID-19 booster shot. We’ll hear from the Chief Medical Officer of Walgreens about the availability of boosters.
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CDC advisers approved Moderna and Pfizer boosters for all adults today. Baltimore County volunteer fire companies, which have been hit hard during the pandemic, will not see a dime of ARPA money. And the Baltimore faith community tries to heal in the wake of a year of 300 homicides, including the recent death of church worker Evelyn Player.
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The State Board of Education got an earful from parents at a hearing yesterday as they near a decision to lift or keep in place the statewide mask mandate in schools. Baltimore’s mayor announces how $55 million will be allocated in the next round of ARPA funds spending. And we have more from our City Hall reporter on a package of bills that may bring back Baltimore’s dollar housing program.
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Johnny Olszewski proposes Baltimore County’s first public campaign financing system to equal the playing field...but some opponents are already crying foul. Baltimore City Council’s president has a bill to bring back the dollar housing program. And as we near the end of another year under the pandemic, the so-called ‘new normal’ has taken a tremendous toll on families of school aged children and teachers. We'll hear from a local teacher about why so many have left the profession and why she’s staying.
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The childcare industry across the state is suffering financially, and the COVID-19 pandemic is only partly to blame. The debate over how to redraw Baltimore County Council maps to represent racial equity is an unsolved conundrum. And President Biden paid a second visit to Baltimore, this time drumming up enthusiasm for his recently passed trillion dollar infrastructure package.
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President Biden brings his infrastructure blueprint to the Port of Baltimore. Maryland’s comptroller says the state’s handling of ARPA funds distribution is all wrong. At least two counties turn to federal pandemic relief spending money to ease school-bus-driver shortages. And a year after a ransomware attack on Baltimore County Public Schools, officials are still tight-lipped about the investigation.
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President Biden says he’s visiting Baltimore to tout his $1 trillion infrastructure package, which is expected to give Maryland as much as $6 billion. The future of telemedicine services, made more accessible by expiring laws, is uncertain. And Baltimore food bloggers are trying to help local restaurants and bars survive the pandemic.
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The Baltimore City Health Department has announced locations for COVID-19 vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman will use ARPA dollars to ease the county’s school bus driver shortage. In Baltimore City, the pressure is on for leaders to lower water bills for low-income residents. Plus, if you’re a Baltimore County resident, you might be seeing a little more green in your neighborhood.
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5 to 11 year olds are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. We have the latest from the state health department, Baltimore City and surrounding counties on vaccine rollout... plus a conversation with a pediatrician about the vaccine for children. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski shares his plans for spending $160 million in ARPA funds. Meanwhile in Baltimore City, Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration is now required to give monthly reports on federal relief spending. And the latest on what the Maryland Food Bank is doing to fight food insecurity.
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Vaccine rollout for 5 to 11 year olds is set to launch next week. Today, open enrollment kicks off for health care, and young Marylanders can take advantage of newly affordable options. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski declares an end to his state of emergency. And we break down a recent America’s Health Rankings report on women and children.
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The FDA clears Pfizer COVID vaccines for emergency use in 5 to 11 year olds. In the latest Goucher Poll, Maryland residents share what they are looking for in the next Governor. Baltimore County Council members faced a blistering public hearing over redistricting this week. The task before them is... how to redraw a second majority Black district map. Now that we are allowed to mix and match COVID booster shots, is that making it easier for people to roll up their sleeves...or creating more confusion? We’ll hear from the always insightful Dr. Leana Wen. And...chicken poop! Yep, you heard that correctly. A new report from the Environmental Integrity Project says runoff from the Eastern Shore’s poultry farms is going where it should not. Those stories, coming up.
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A former Labor Department leader gets a huge endorsement by labor in his Maryland gubernatorial bid. Maryland police have announced a big bump in pay for new recruits. A new Goucher poll reveals residents' attitudes on topics ranging from what type ofgovernor they want to legalizing recreational use of cannabis. The Baltimore County Executive appointed a panel to review ethics laws. Discontent in the county continues over pay for school bus drivers and redistricting. The Baltimore City Council president wants to mandate monthly reports from the mayor on federal relief spending. And the city’s mayor allocates $50 million toward violence prevention efforts.
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Gov. Larry Hogan green lights administering Moderna and J&J boosters, effective immediately. Baltimore City and state officials break ground on a multimillion dollar redevelopment project for Penn Station. State workers call on Hogan to ease what they say are severe staffing shortages and poor working conditions. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh says he won’t seek reelection next year. President Biden pays a visit to Baltimore City for a town hall. Plus a conversation with a physician on the next steps in rolling out COVID-19 booster shots.
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Baltimore’s health department gets an infusion of $80 million. Local health jurisdictions await the federal green light on a COVID vaccine for kids. Anne Arundel County schools superintendent says he has a solution, albeit temporary, to the bus driver shortage. Baltimore County’s proposed redistricting map is drawing heated criticism. Two major housing bills passed in the City Council this week. One attempts to bolster oversight of tax sales and another aims to prevent people from falling into it in the first place. And, when it comes to the city’s mayoral campaigns, a new report shows big money from residents who don’t live in Baltimore.
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Mass vaccination sites are set to make a comeback in Baltimore County. A vaccine mandate went into effect today for Baltimore City employees. Senator Ben Cardin pays tribute to former Secretary of State Colin Powell. We have a conversation on the public health effects of Baltimore’s public transportation. And everything you need to know about the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s new guidelines on using aspirin to prevent heart disease.
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Governor Hogan slams Baltimore’s crime stats and takes aim at efforts to defund the police. An FDA panel approves J&J COVID boosters. Maryland lawmakers hear from medical professionals as they consider legalizing recreational cannabis. Workers at the Walters Art Museum continue their push for union recognition. Hate symbols are now banned in Baltimore County Public Schools. And a quick check in with Maryland’s Deputy Secretary for Public Health, on COVID booster shots and impending vaccines for kids.
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The NIH says for those who got the J&J vaccine, it’s okay to mix and match booster shots. Prince George’s former County Executive has announced his running mate in Maryland’s gubernatorial race. The ongoing pandemic is taking a serious toll on the nursing industry, and the head of the Maryland Nurses Association says there are some creative ways to address it.
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On Baltimore City’s first official Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday, Maryland’s COVID positivity rate remains below four percent. The governor plans to replace a detention center in Baltimore with a therapeutic treatment facility. Students in Anne Arundel are testing out of quarantine. And in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some advice from a breast surgeon on how to manage your breast health.
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Thanks to ARPA Funds Maryland is sitting on a more than $2 billion surplus. And Gov. Larry Hogan has a plan for how to spend it. COVID politics play out along partisan lines in Baltimore County. And in Anne Arundel County, there are plans to make something beautiful out of a grim site that is an ugly marker in Maryland’s history.
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The needle is moving in the right direction for the state’s COVID metrics. Baltimore’s mayor remains quarantined. Free flu shots are available at clinics throughout Baltimore County. The County Execs’ extended state of emergency is coming under some scrutiny. Anne Arundel’s school bus shortage has been exacerbated by a driver’s strike. Bear Creek could become a Superfund cleanup site. What will Baltimore City do with its six-hundred-forty one million dollars in ARP Funds? The council has some ideas on that...and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott tests positive for COVID-19. The Baltimore County Council votes tonight on whether to extend the county’s state of emergency. Maryland hospitals have made progress in vaccinating staff, but staff shortages remain a top challenge. Plus we’ll hear from the director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics on the issue of mandating vaccines.
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Baltimore’s top health official says the city would drop its mask mandate if multiple COVID-19 trends drop for two weeks. Maryland hospitals are taking measures to reduce a nursing staff shortage. As homicides continue to go up across the country, Baltimore is also on pace to reach a grim milestone. Landmark police laws in Maryland took effect today. Drawing the redistricting lines in the county to better reflect the non white population draws ire. And renters hold a “sleep out” in Annapolis to draw attention to a dire housing crisis.
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Baltimore’s acting Housing Commissioner gets officially appointed to the role. Baltimore County is making it easy for its non vaccinated employees to get tested for COVID but not everyone is happy about that change. Baltimore County’s Schools superintendent told the board it’s time to do better. It comes on the heels of a report detailing a dysfunctional system. Less than two months into the new school year, Maryland’s schools are struggling to keep kids COVID free. State senators are calling on the health department tomandate vaccines for students. And, Baltimore County Public School nurses say they are overwhelmed.
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A top aide for Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration resigns. COVID rates are on the decline in Baltimore County Public Schools, for now. The governor requests a presidential disaster declaration to help two counties recover from Tropical Depression Ida. And Dr. Leana Wen walks us through the FDA and CDC’s latest rulings on booster shots.
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Baltimore’s low income renters will get help staving off eviction under a new law. Mayor Brandon Scott has assembled a work group to address reforming the city’s annual tax sale. The US Deputy Secretary of Housing paid a visit to Baltimore today. A local labor union is calling for the boycott of a Maryland hotel. Plus we’re going to check in with a local doctor who’s been literally walking across America to raise awareness of medical errors. And as we head into the weekend, our City beat reporter takes us back to local music venue Ottobar.
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State budget officials are pressed about how they’ll use federal relief funds to help schools and other Maryland industries. Steuart Pittman softens his stance on a new Bay Bridge. Baltimore County’s longtime State’s Attorney may have a Democratic primary challenger. Pfizer’s announcement this week of the vaccine’s effectiveness in kids aged 5-11 sparked excitement...but what needs to happen for them to actually get vaccinated? We’ll have a conversation with a local immunology expert. And Democratic gubernatorial candidates share their plans for protecting renters and providing affordable housing.
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Children as young as 5 may soon be eligible for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. FIFA tours Baltimore City to assess its bid to host the 2026 World Cup. Plus a conversation with a Bloomberg research associate on a report comparing Baltimore’s COVID metrics with that of more than 300 counties.
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An FDA panel votes in favor of Pfizer booster shots for those 65 and older, but deals a blow to the Biden administration’s hopes for wider distribution. Faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health provide some answers to how we can get through this latest pandemic surge. The superintendent of Baltimore County schools pleads for help to deal with a school bus shortage that is rippling across the nation. And our City beat reporter digs into the history of The Highway to Nowhere and the intersection of race and infrastructure.
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Masks are now required in all of Maryland public schools. Baltimore County Public Schools are trying to get students vaccinated at its clinics. The county’s school board hears from the consultant of a highly critical report of how it operates. Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby introduces a bill to give the council more oversight over the city’s ARPA funds. And after years of dispute, a Talbot County confederate monument is coming down.
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While Maryland has a high vaccination rate: over 80-percent, the number of COVID-19 cases largely among the unvaccinated from the Delta variant are on the uptick. You could be sitting in the mayor’s sky box at M&T Stadium under a new contest launched by the City. We’ll have those stories in headlines for you. Plus a conversation with our City Hall reporter about Mayor Scott’s announcement today on his plans for the more than $640 million dollars in ARPA funds.
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Baltimore will hold off on booster shots for the general population until FDA approval. Maryland HBCUs lag behind other colleges and universities on vaccine compliance rates. City officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable housing development in the Oliver neighborhood. Plus, as a new chapter begins at the Daily Dose next week, you'll hear from the minds behind the podcast and meet your new host.
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Baltimore County’s executive issues a vaccine mandate for county employees. And state lawmakers meet to hash out issues relating to the potential legalization of recreational cannabis in Maryland.
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The Maryland Department of Health is making it easy for all residents 65 and older to get a COVID booster shot. And a blistering report on Baltimore County Schools’ administration makes recommendations to improve morale, among other things.
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One week into classes at Baltimore County Public Schools, nearly 800 people are in quarantine. And in the city of Baltimore, the mayor is encouraging eligible residents to apply for a property tax credit that will keep them in their homes.
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The last official weekend of the summer is here, and as many head to beaches and celebrations, health experts are reminding you to keep a safe distance and protect yourself from the delta valiant. The National Safety Council turns its attention to the roadways for this busy travel weekend. And in Essex, a debate is brewing over the demise of what some call a piece of art, and others call an eyesore.
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Marylanders clean up the damage left by Hurricane Ida. Baltimore officials weigh in on Mayor Scott’s vaccine mandate for city employees. An investigation by Baltimore County’s Inspector General finds the county is doing a poor job collecting debts. And a local doctor has some advice on protecting against COVID during the holiday weekend.
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Baltimore’s mayor says the Delta variant is responsible for a spike of more than 160-percent in positive cases. Plus, today was the deadline set by Governor Hogan for employees of all state congregate facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals, to be vaccinated. A family practice physician talks about how that mandate is affecting the staff in her medical network.
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Baltimore City employees have been issued a vaccine mandate. A Maryland Senate committee hears from medical experts on mask mandates. The Baltimore County Council votes in favor of Johnny Olsczweski’s state of emergency extension. And gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore outlines his plan to create a ‘trauma-informed’ administration.
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The top headlines of the day, plus Maryland’s State School Superintendent says he expects no public-school building in the state will have to close during the academic year because of COVID-19.
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The Supreme Court strikes down the CDC ban on evictions, putting thousands of Maryland renters in peril. The Maryland State Board of Ed votes for a statewide in-school masking mandate. Baltimore County prepares to reopen schools amid a county-wide State of Emergency. We continue our series from Western Maryland where the mobile vaccine clinic at the Garrett County Fair meets with more skepticism than enthusiasm. And Baltimore’s OIG office is looking at telework rules after a city employee was discovered to be teleworking two full-time jobs at the same time.
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Baltimore County dedicates 2.4 million state dollars to community organizations working the front lines of the ongoing COVID pandemic. Plus, a report on the slow dole of pandemic relief funds aimed at staving off Maryland’s looming eviction crisis.
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Governor Hogan still isn’t issuing a mask mandate, but he’s condemning fellow Republicans for banning them. Baltimore’s Inspector General says telework policies need to be tightened after discovering a city worker was holding down two full-time day jobs. Plus, a conversation with the head of a hospital in Maryland’s Garrett County, where COVID rates are on the rise, but vaccinations are very a tough sell.
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The FDA grants full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. And our reporter travels to Western Maryland’s Garrett County, which has the state’s lowest vaccination rate, to learn why residents there just don’t trust the vaccine.
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The top headlines of the day, plus a conversation with a Harvard business professor about the future of remote work. Dr. Tsedal Neely says managers need to be flexible or risk losing more employees to the so-called Great Resignation.
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A statewide Covid-19 vaccine mandate is in effect for hospital and nursing home workers. Baltimore will start giving out vaccine booster shots to the general public next month. Baltimore County finalizes plans for a safe return to classrooms. And Maryland’s Health Secretary says the state will not impose mask mandates in schools.
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Maryland’s governor announces a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing home employees. Baltimore’s mayor will offer incentives to city workers who get vaccinated. Nearly all of Baltimore County’s council members intend to run for reelection. And with 40 percent of Baltimore’s households lacking wired internet connections, the city explores practical solutions to its digital equity problem.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen touts a plan to make polluters pay to tackle climate change and flooding in Maryland. A pair of Baltimore City Council bills would help offset property taxes and give residents a better shot at city jobs. Doctors specializing in women’s health say the time for expectant mothers to get a COVID vaccine is now. And we’ll hear from a student reporter who takes us inside the world of graffiti writers in Baltimore.
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State lawmakers say Maryland’s unemployment insurance program is still not working, and they’re pressing the secretary for answers. University of Maryland workers are demanding a living wage and hazard pay. The demand for better pay is being echoed by staff who clean and support the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Baltimore County’s leader will empanel a group to supervise the controversial IG’s office. Governor Hogan offers support for some fleeing Afghanistan. And the Maryland State Fair is set to return next week, with no mask requirements.
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Baltimore City school officials say masks will keep students safe when school starts. Some Maryland lawmakers are calling for a vaccine mandate for teachers. Advocates for renters urge Governor Hogan to extend protection from evictions for residents affected by the pandemic. And a deal to bring wind farms to Ocean City is getting pushback from some local leaders and business owners who say it will ruin their view.
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Housing advocates rally to demand Governor Hogan extend pandemic eviction protections to renters. And disability rights advocates sue Baltimore over what they say is a decades-long problem of inaccessible sidewalks.
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Baltimore activists for digital access are calling on Congress to weed out any discrimination by internet providers. Local restaurant owners meet to discuss the ongoing challenges of operating during a pandemic, from getting needed supplies to pricing your meal. And the Baltimore County School Board begins tackling a two-point-five billion dollar question: What gets renovated and what gets replaced?
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Governor Hogan announces vaccine requirements for state employees but stops short of reissuing a statewide mask mandate. And actor Hill Harper joins Baltimore leaders for a forum on the pandemic’s impact on Black communities.
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As the highly infectious Covid-19 Delta variant raises Maryland’s positivity rate, Governor Hogan stands firm on not reinstating a mask mandate, but today he announced vaccine requirements for state employees. And Baltimore’s mayor has for weeks left open the possibility of reinstating a mask mandate. Today, he did just that.
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US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visits Baltimore to praise the Biden administration’s plan to return students to classrooms. The World Health Organization weighs in on the need for COVID booster shots. And Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger faces a primary challenge from progressive candidate Brittany Oliver.
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With the looming expiration of Maryland’s emergency eviction protections, advocates and local officials try to throw a financial lifeline to tenants. Baltimore County Schools scramble to prepare for an in-person school year without knowing who’s vaccinated and who isn’t. Plus, renowned public health expert Dr. Leana Wen opens up about her own journey and her mission to bridge the gap between health care and poverty.
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An uptick in coronavirus positivity rates prompts Anne Arundel County to reinstate its mask policy in all county-owned buildings. As coronavirus numbers rise in many pockets across the state, Baltimore’s mayor joins a growing list of local leaders considering a reinstatement of mask mandates. And a program to help low-income Baltimoreans with their water bills may do more harm than good, come tax-time.
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Maryland’s comptroller grills MD Department of Labor employees about fraudulent payments and delays. Mayor Scott’s nominees to the Local Control Advisory Board get the first nod from the City Council. And we take you on a trip to Assateague Island with a group of scientists trying to save a dwindling bird species.
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President Biden issues a mandatory vaccine policy for federal workers today. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits the Port of Baltimore to tout the president's infrastructure plan. And we take a look at the inner workings of Mayor Brandon Scott’s recently unveiled comprehensive violence prevention plan for the city.
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Governor Hogan urges vaccines, but says no to reinstating a statewide mask mandate. Local health experts say the CDC’s revised mask guidelines should be reason to express greater caution in our daily activities. Opponents of an East Towson affordable housing project score a victory in court. And Baltimore’s local arts scene continues to suffer from the economic fallout of the pandemic.
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The CDC revises its most recent mask guidelines issued in May. A commission looks at how unincorporated Towson is represented by the County Council. And seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller shares her insights on the Tokyo games and talks about the importance of regular screenings for women’s health.
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Baltimore’s mayor warns of a return to mask mandates following a huge spike in coronavirus cases across the city. And Maryland’s Health Department teams up with hair salons and barbershops to improve the state’s COVID-19 vaccination rate.
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Mayor Brandon Scott unveils his plan to reduce violent crime across the city. Baltimore County closes down its Timonium mass vaccination site and looks to reach the vaccine-hesitant. And an epidemiologist discusses the link between vaccines and the mutation of the highly contagious Delta variant.
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Another settlement against the BPD’s notorious Gun Trace Task Force pushes the city’s cost to over $14 million. Plus, what’s on the minds of employees who’ve been working from home for the past year? What will a return to the workplace look like, and how are companies preparing?
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Baltimore County’s busiest health center gets a new, bigger home in Woodlawn. There’s a slew of new Baltimore City Council bills, ranging from adding a dedicated suicide prevention role to the City Health Department, to renaming a park in honor of rapper Tupac Shakur. And, the county school system is making plans for students who still want to learn remotely come this fall.
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Baltimore County is funneling resources into its distressed Essex neighborhood, which is suffering from crime, unemployment, and elevated COVID rates. The verdict in the Capital Gazette shooter’s trial brings some closure to victims’ families. Legalizing recreational marijuana could be decided by Maryland voters in 2022. And remember those pandemic-inspired porch concerts? Turns out they were a major hit, and local musicians say the new tradition is here to stay.
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A jury in Annapolis took less than two hours to deliver its verdict in the trial Capital Gazette shooter. State and local officials say Baltimore is the best city to host the 2026 World Cup. The city’s comptroller is asking for evaluation of the oversight of Baltimore’s Inspector General’s office. And how do young people learn emotional intelligence? There’s an app for that.
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A Baltimore police officer is charged with murder in the death of his 15-year old stepson. The prosecution rests its case in the Capital Gazette shooter’s sanity trial. And Baltimore City Council members hear a report on the scope of the city’s ongoing eviction crisis and strategies to overcome it.
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Unemployed Maryland residents were handed a major victory today in their legal battle to keep their unemployment benefits going. Dr. Anthony Fauci tells WYPR he’s not sure when the pandemic will completely be in our rear-view mirror. And Baltimore’s Inspector General met with a city panel to discuss her job performance.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci says COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are not currently necessary. Baltimore County’s Inspector General releases her report on a year’s worth of investigations. And to-go cocktails are legal (again) in Baltimore County. Plus, a look at how the end of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will affect struggling freelancers and gig workers.
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More than 80 Democratic members of the Maryland House are urging Governor Hogan to stop fighting to end pandemic unemployment benefits early. A judge denies bail for a Baltimore police officer accused of hiding the body of his teenage stepson. And Dr. Leana Wen argues that vaccination requirements should now be the norm, not the exception.
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A new report from Baltimore’s Office of the Inspector General raises eyebrows about the city police department’s overtime policy; apparently, sworn employees can accrue overtime pay while they’re on vacation or sick leave. A new affordable housing community opens in Baltimore’s Johnston Square neighborhood. And today in the trial of the Capital Gazette shooter, a psychiatrist for the defense contended that Jared Ramos is not criminally responsible because of mental impairments.
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