Gov. Larry Hogan has started to implement more regulations across the state as coronavirus spikes. Statewide positivity and hospitalizations are at their highest rates since June. Hospitals are preparing for an influx of sick patients and nursing homes should brace for additional precautions, officials said.
Annapolis
Supreme Court hears case affecting Maryland LGBTQ
The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, which questions whether religious-based foster care agencies choosing not to work with same-sex parents are exempt from nondiscrimination laws. Catholic Charities of Baltimore no longer provides foster or adoption services but FreeState Justice, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, fears other Maryland social services could be affected by a religious exemption ruling.
Maryland Senate President releases plan for next session
Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore on Friday released an operational plan for how the Senate will conduct the next session during the ongoing pandemic, including how health checks, voting procedures and public testimony will be conducted.
Marylanders cast Election Day votes on ballot questions
Marylanders faced two statewide ballot questions addressing Constitutional amendments this year — addressing the budget process and sports betting. Early returns indicate both are likely to pass.
Maryland officials encourage drop box use, confirm security
Maryland elections officials are encouraging the use of ballot drop boxes as the mailing deadline approaches, and outlined the safety of the receptacles to state lawmakers earlier this month.
Maryland turnout follows expected trends for district races
Maryland State Board of Elections’ early voting numbers so far do not indicate any surprise upsets in Congressional district races. However, issues like police reform drive a few away from major party candidates.
Health experts cite virus’s effect on Maryland’s Latino community
Latino communities in Maryland have been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic because of shared housing situations, lack of access to government benefits and distrust in health officials, experts told a legislative panel last month.
Maryland ballot Question 2 would legalize sports betting
During this election, Marylanders will vote on whether to legalize sports betting and gambling in the state, through ballot Question 2.
Covid-19 has decreased Maryland’s air pollution
In the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, as stay-at-home orders took effect and more commuters worked from home or lost their jobs, air pollution dropped markedly in Maryland, according to a recent report from the University of Maryland and the state’s Department of the Environment.
Lung Association cites health benefits of electric vehicles
Maryland could save over 100 lives per year and $1.3 billion in public health benefits by going all-electric by 2050, according to a recent “Road to Clean Air” report from the American Lung Association.