Missed Shots: COVID-19 Vaccine Resistance in Garrett County

Garrett County is one of the least vaccinated in Maryland. This three-part series explores what’s behind the trend. Part 1: In Garrett County, Health Officials Fight Mistrust, Misinformation To Vaccinate Residents Part 2: Fertility Concerns And Breakthrough Infections: Debunking Common Myths About COVID Vaccines Part 3: No Love For COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic At Garrett County Fair

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Governor Told State Workers To Telework, But Workers Say They’re Not Allowed

Last week, in response to the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Larry Hogan ordered all state employees who can telework to do so.  “Effective immediately all state employees who are approved to telework must again begin a period of mandatory telework except for essential direct public facing services and other essential personnel,” Hogan said…

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Outbreak At MVA Grows As Union Cites Unsafe Conditions

The number of COVID-19 cases among employees of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration continues to grow, with more than a dozen workers out across multiple locations as of Thursday. However, the union that represents those workers says the agency is doing little to prevent the virus from continuing to spread.  On Sunday, Oct. 18, Kim…

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MVA ‘Hush Hush’ About COVID Outbreaks, Workers Say

Renee Nadreau started feeling sick two weeks ago. She had a cough and a headache. At first she thought it might be allergies. Then she woke up one day and couldn’t taste her coffee. “Right then I knew I had COVID,” Nadreau said.  After a test confirmed her diagnosis, Nadreau was certain she had caught…

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State Lawmakers Tackle Police Reform

“Maryland Leaders Call For Police Reforms” (June 5, 2020) “State Lawmakers Take Up 15 Proposals To Reform Policing” (Sept. 21, 2020) “Families Of Police Victims Push State Lawmakers For Change” (Sept. 23, 2020) “Police And Its Critics Back Changes To Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights” (Sept. 25, 2020) “Party-Line Split On Police Reforms in…

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Environment Agency Workers Tense, Morale Low Under Ex-Hogan Aide, Deputy Says

State legislators on Wednesday received a bleak picture of life at the Maryland Environmental Service under the leadership of former director Roy McGrath. During his time at the helm, McGrath was “guarded and secretive,” and morale was low, former MES deputy director Beth Wojton told members of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Fair Practices and…

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Catholic School Teachers Quit Over Reopening Plans

When Amy Stephens learned that St. Augustine School in Elkridge, Maryland, would offer a combination of in-person and virtual learning this fall, she asked if she could teach her music, theater and strings classes via livestream. She was told no, she would need to be physically in the classroom, interacting with the entire student body…

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Governor May Have Broad Power To Change Election Format

The State Board of Elections plans to begin mailing all voters applications for absentee ballots on Aug. 24, State Elections Administrator Linda Lamone said Tuesday in a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan. Although the state is encouraging all voters to submit their ballots by mail, Hogan has said state law requires every polling place to be open…

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