The Daily Dose

Governor Hogan accelerates Maryland’s vaccine rollout plan. The state expands tele-health services for mental and behavioral wellness. Baltimore’s mayor maintains tight Covid-19 restrictions. The State Senate overrides 16 of the governor’s vetoes. And an expert looks into the ethical considerations of vaccine distribution.

Governor Hogan accelerates Phases 1B and 1C of the state's vaccination plan.  The Maryland General Assembly convenes for a session greatly altered by the pandemic. And after technical difficulties, Baltimore City Council reconvenes virtually to consider housing relief legislation.

Baltimore County teachers struggle, at a distance, to help students in crisis. New legislation is proposed to protect tenants and homeowners who are hurt financially by the pandemic.  Addressing Maryland’s bottlenecked unemployment system is also a top priority for state lawmakers who reconvened in Annapolis today.  And curbside recycling is finally back on track in Baltimore.

Governor Hogan announces a redistricting commission. Technical difficulties cut short Baltimore City Council’s first meeting of the year. Baltimore County Schools propose a budget that reflects a damaged economy. And the cause of an August residential explosion in Northwest Baltimore is revealed.

Governor Hogan announces his top priority for Maryland’s upcoming legislative session, a billion-dollar emergency coronavirus relief package. Bills to address housing insecurity to go up before Baltimore City Council. And why are dentists having such a hard time getting the COVID vaccine?

Governor Hogan calls for Trump to step down and let Mike Pence lead until the presidential transition. Baltimore County officials report on vaccine administration progress. The County Executive wants local oversight authority to hold the county’s school system more accountable. And Dr. Leana Wen examines federal-level bottlenecks in the vaccine rollout.

Governor Hogan announces plans to speed up the state's COVID-19 vaccine process. Comptroller Peter Franchot extends deadlines for certain business taxes. State lawmakers aim to make it easier for Maryland college students and military members to vote. And the pandemic delays a ban on plastic bags in the city.

Baltimore’s mayor cautiously eyes easing restrictions as the city saw a 19% drop in positive Covid-19 cases, in the four weeks before Christmas gatherings. And Governor Hogan lays out the timeline for Maryland’s vaccine distribution phases.

A special enrollment period opens for Marylanders in need of health insurance. The Baltimore County school board wants answers about funds to replace two overcrowded high schools. And The Mental Health Association of Maryland offers a lifeline to lonely seniors trying to cope during this pandemic.

In 2020, we’ve delivered our share of bad news on The Daily Dose, but there have been some memorable moments of hope and inspiration sprinkled in there. This episode we look at the year in review, for better or worse.

Mayor Brandon Scott urges Baltimore to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. Baltimore County hopes to bring students back to classrooms in the second semester, COVID metrics permitting. And the show must go on – digitally – as Maryland theaters adapt to social distancing.

Housing advocates and state delegates unveil a broad legislative package designed to protect renters and homeowners from evictions during the ongoing pandemic and beyond. And a new study shows how COVID-19 is impacting the health and well-being of children.

Maryland lawmakers call on Governor Larry Hogan to release more COVID-19 relief money. A proposal by state legislators aims to make the Maryland Environmental Service more transparent. A living legend in Maryland politics resigns. An infectious disease expert weighs in on the safest ways to celebrate the winter holidays. And we’ll go for a ride through the city with two bicyclists delivering Christmas trees and pulled pork.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott names two new members of his cabinet. Baltimore County caps charges from third-party food delivery services to help struggling restaurants. Oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay are disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions. And a new report sheds light on how this pandemic will affect children in Maryland for years to come. 

Baltimore’s mayor steps up the city’s contact tracing effort. Dysfunctional water meters cost Baltimore City and County millions in lost revenue. Baltimore County officials and parents debate how new construction will affect already overcrowded schools. And Senator Ben Cardin weighs in on what federal coronavirus relief means for Maryland.

Governor Hogan issues an emergency order and advises all Marylanders to stay home for the holidays. Baltimore’s restaurant industry gets some help from the City Council when it comes to third party app delivery fees. And Governor Hogan’s former chief of staff is grilled by a legislative committee about expenses when he headed a state agency.

Depression, substance abuse, and suicide are all on the rise since the COVID-19 crisis started. How can we take care of our mental health during this emotionally trying time? More vaccine doses are on the way to Maryland’s hospitals and nursing homes. And, the newest members of Baltimore City’s Board of Estimates met today for the first time. We’ll hear about an ethics rule introduced by Comptroller Bill Henry.

As the first round of Covid-19 vaccines are given to medical staff in the U.S. today, a medical ethicist sorts through the question, ‘Can and should employers require their employees to be vaccinated?’ Plus, Baltimore County’s first inspector general says she doesn’t yet have the staff she needs to do her job.

New coronavirus restrictions go into effect in Baltimore. Counties across the state are implementing new restrictions of their own. There’s some relief on the way for the state’s small businesses suffering under the weight of the pandemic. Plus, the former director of the Maryland Environmental Service is grilled at a legislative hearing about excessive agency expenses.

Governor Hogan announces some much-needed state aid for businesses hit hard by the pandemic. Anne Arundel County’s leader announces new local restrictions to help curb the COVID surge. And Baltimore’s new City Council is sworn in today.

Brandon Scott announces new, sweeping Covid-19 restrictions for Baltimore. Also, a look at how the new mayor might confront longstanding citywide issues of crime and inequality. And in Baltimore County, a fractious school board votes in new leadership.

Governor Hogan’s team outlines a plan for distributing an initial batch of COVID-19 vaccine. Brandon Scott and Bill Henry are sworn in as Baltimore’s Mayor and Comptroller. And we look back at the career of outgoing Mayor Jack Young.

Officials say the recent ransomware attack on Baltimore County Public Schools did not compromise any personal data. Plus, the late Senator Paul Sarbanes is remembered by his longtime friend and colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Baltimore renters facing eviction will get some legal help. Plus, a one-on-one with Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski about his response to the pandemic at the halfway mark of his term.

The University of Maryland Medical Center opens a new care unit for COVID-19 patients. Baltimore County officials say there were no major glitches during the first day back to virtual school, following a cyberattack. And 2-1-1 Maryland, the state’s health and human services hotline, is serving an elevated need during the pandemic.