A review of current data on Friday showed Maryland's total number of monkeypox cases has tripled. WBAL reports three weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a little more than 150 cases statewide. Now Maryland has reported 461 total cases, according to a new data dashboard. Earlier this month, the Baltimore City Health Department administered 60 proactive doses and had to hit the pause button on new appointments. BCHP confirms with WBAL NewsRadio that they do have doses on reserve for anyone who has come into contact with a confirmed case. And they're currently working on a plan to…

Marylanders paying off their student loans still have time to apply for debt relief to help lessen the amount they still owe. The deadline for the state’s Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program for Tax Year 2022 is Sept. 15. “Going to college may seem out of reach for many Marylanders given the huge expense, but tax credits like these help make it possible. I urge everyone to apply now before time runs out,” Comptroller Peter Franchot said. “Any way to bring down the cost of higher education is a big benefit.” The program works by providing an income…

A Westernport man was arrested this week on drug charges after the Allegany County Sheriff's Office response team raided his residence.  Marc Christopher Coleman II was arrested at an unspecified location following the court-ordered police operation that reportedly led to discovery of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia inside his residence in the 400 block of Poplar Street. Following the arrest after execution of a search and seizure warrant, Coleman was ordered released on his personal recognizance by a district court commissioner, pending trial in district court. The charges included two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (not marijuana),…

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced a representative from his office will meet with Eastern Panhandle residents in September to discuss consumer-related issues and answer any potential questions.   “These public events are a great way for consumers to talk one-on-one with our consumer representatives,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Residents can easily get questions answered, learn what is going on in their area and how to keep personal information safe and secure.”   Richard Dennis, a consumer outreach and compliance specialist with the office, will host the events as scheduled below:  Sept. 7: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Hardy…

Game Wrap soon 

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), lead sponsor of S.J. Res. 1, which would remove the arbitrary deadline imposed on ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, “On this Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the anniversary of U.S. women’s suffrage and recognize the sustained efforts of all those who continue to advocate for gender and sex equality. Voting is a fundamental right of American citizenship. Even before the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920, activists like Ida B. Wells, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Sojourner Truth made great strides to champion women’s liberation. These women represent the very best of our nation’s…

WBAL reports Democratic governor nominee Wes Moore has declined an invitation to participate in a Gubernatorial forum at Morgan State University. Morgan State University's campus newspaper, The Spokesman, plans to host the forum at the school at the end of September. Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox has accepted the invitation to participate. A Morgan spokesman says the scheduling director for Moores campaign declined the invitation because they don't want to promote what they're calling the "dangerous views" of Cox.

The Cumberland Times News reports federal funds will soon help WVU Potomac Valley Hospital recoup some of the costs the hospital incurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Joe Manchin announced earlier this week that the hospital was to receive $313,700 for equipment and personnel costs incurred in 2021 when the COVID-19 overflow wing was in operation. The funds are part of the American Rescue Plan and come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, according to a release from Manchin’s office.

On Women’s Equality Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced that U.S. News and World Report has named Maryland as the number one state for gender equality. The first-ever analysis of its kind cites K-12 education as a leading factor in achieving the nation’s top ranking. “Every child in Maryland deserves access to a world-class education, regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in,” said Governor Hogan. “We are proud that Maryland leads the nation in expanding opportunities for women and girls. While there is always more work to do, it is especially gratifying that this study recognizes our commitment…