Maryland reports 631 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the state’s total to 118,519 cases. The number of hospitalizations is flat for the most part, going from 349 to 353 on Thursday. Of those, 83 Marylanders are in intensive care and 270 in acute care. The state positivity rate went down to 3.33 percent, with the state conducting a total of 2,299,608 tests throughout the pandemic, with 1,375,823 testing negative. Five more Marylanders have died from the virus, bringing the state total to 3,717.

Maryland health officials on Thursday reported 631 new coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period, bringing the state’s total to 118,519 cases. The number of hospitalizations is flat, for the most part, increasing by just four over the same period. Of those hospitalized, 83 are in intensive care and 270 in acute care. Maryland’s positivity rate decreased slightly to 3.33 percent, with the state conducting a total of 2,299,608 tests throughout the pandemic, with 1,375,823 testing negative.

West Virginia's obesity rate continues to be among the highest in the nation.  According to the latest report from the Trust for America's Health, 39.7 percent of adults in the Mountain State are considered obese.  Only Mississippi, at 40.8 percent, has a higher rate than West Virginia's.  And for the first time, the national obesity rate is above 40 percent, reflecting a steady increase since 2008.  Obesity also is considered a risk factor in more serious cases of COVID-19.

As the West Coast of the United States continues to battle historic wildfires, the State of Maryland is lending its support to response efforts in California and Oregon.  “Our fellow states have never hesitated to support the State of Maryland in times of crisis, and we stand ready to support those who now face an unprecedented wildfire season,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our prayers are with all those who have been affected, injured, or displaced by these devastating fires.”  Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), states are able to offer one another aid across a broad range of disciplines…

According to West Virginia State Police, a Winchester, Virginia, man was killed Tuesday morning when his flatbed truck traveled out of control and overturned on state Route 29 in Hampshire County. Gonzalo Reyes, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred at about 10:15 a.m., according to Cpl. M.M. Massie. The Cumberland Times News reports Reyes was operating a single-axle flatbed truck north and carrying poured concrete wall forms when the rig traveled off the eastern roadway edge, police said. Police said Reyes apparently overcorrected, causing the vehicle to go into a skid off the western edge of the…

For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.   Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming…

On Wednesday the Cumberland Police Department conducted a joint agency drug reduction effort within the City of Cumberland. As a result of this initiative officers conducted 50 traffic stops resulting in 43 warnings and 7 citations. 20 K-9 scans were performed. 134 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of Fentanyl, 8.7 grams of heroin, 67.3 grams of marijuana, 43 ritalin pills, 6 oxycodone pills, 6 hypodermic syringes,one loaded .38 caliber revolver, and $3,045.00 in US currency was seized. The initiative resulted in 8 criminal on view arrests with the names being withheld for further investigations. 2 civil citations were issued and 3…

There will be no special session of the Maryland General Assembly this fall, after state House and Senate leaders announced on Wednesday night that the proposal for additional legislative action will not go forward. Activists have been demanding immediate action on housing, policing reform and other issues in recent weeks. Maryland’s 188-member General Assembly meets annually for a 90-day session from January through April, but can convene for special sessions outside that time frame.    

On Wednesday the Cumberland Police Department conducted a joint agency drug reduction effort within the City of Cumberland. As a result of this initiative officers conducted 50 traffic stops resulting in 43 warnings and 7 citations. 20 K-9 scans were performed. 134 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of Fentanyl, 8.7 grams of heroin, 67.3 grams of marijuana, 43 ritalin pills, 6 oxycodone pills, 6 hypodermic syringes,one loaded .38 caliber revolver, and $3,045.00 in US currency was seized. The initiative resulted in 8 criminal on view arrests with the names being withheld for further investigations. 2 civil citations were issued and 3…

Maryland Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson said Marylanders on unemployment now have access to more federal money. Last Friday, Maryland became one of the first states in the Lost Wages Assistance Program, which was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the order of President Donald Trump. While the $300 weekly supplement is less than that previously funded by Congress, for claimants, it could be the difference between making rent or not. After a one-time self-certification, claimants will get every week's payment they are eligible for, including for any weeks before they filed, as long as they are eligible….