The Daily Dose: Maryland Confronts COVID-19

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.

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.

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 an inclusive arts exhibit for those with often unrecognized special gifts opening in Hampden.

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. 

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.