The 2021-22 influenza season is likely to be more severe than average – and hit young children particularly hard – due to waning population-level immunity from the near-lack of a flu season during last winter’s COVID-19 surge, two new analyses led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health revealed. Both studies suggest that increased flu-related hospitalizations and deaths can be mitigated if vaccination rates are between 20% and 50% higher than those in recent flu seasons. To quickly inform public health and clinical decisions, the scientists published the findings of both studies and announced their…

After having to overcome a COVID-19 delay that interrupted the General Assembly session in 2020- and a gubanatorial veto- the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Act officially became law earlier this year. Supporters expect to see almost immediate dividends. Backers of the program say the coronavirus pandemic has only widened the academic and performance gap among students and that the bill will help address that. Brit Kirwan served as chairman in the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, says one immediate impact will be the availability of additional tutors…

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the COVID-19 case rate in the county is currently more than double the Maryland case rate.  The COVID case rate in Allegany County is 42.4 cases per 100,000 population compared to the state of Maryland as a whole with 18.98 cases per 100,000 population.  Allegany County’s vaccination rate remains among the lowest in the state at just over 42% of total county residents fully vaccinated. Allegany County Health Officer Jenelle Mayer…

The city of Cumberland is preparing for any remnants of Hurricane Ida that may hit the region. During the City Council’s work session, acting administrator Ken Tressler said department heads met Tuesday to map out a strategy…

The Bedford Area School District is always monitoring a variety of information sources in an effort to keep our students and staff safe.  It is one of our most important missions.  The district is currently monitoring the remnants of hurricane IDA as it approaches central Pennsylvania.  Currently, NOAA has a flash flood watch for Bedford County.  NOAA explains the ground is already saturated and they are predicting considerable rain.  Given the number of residents and roads impacted by floods, we take potential flash floods very seriously. Out of an abundance of concern and to help parents plan for the potential…

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey warned of a promotion scam Tuesday that deceives consumers and lures them into providing cash or personal information in exchange for fraudulent discounts, upgrades or billing credits.   Those perpetrating the scam often claim to represent an established utility, service provider or other familiar company, such as satellite or cable television providers.   The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received word of the scam circulating throughout West Virginia, including Berkeley, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Logan, Raleigh and Wetzel counties. In one instance, a consumer reportedly paid the impostor more than $5,000 in gift cards.  …

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the state has submitted the first recovery plan performance report required by the Department of the Treasury in accordance with the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which directed $3.7 billion in federal aid to Maryland. Following ARPA’s enactment on March 11, 2021, Governor Hogan and legislative leaders announced a bipartisan funding agreement, which took the form of Supplemental Budget #5 to the governor’s FY 2022 state budget proposal. The supplemental budget provided the initial outline for how the State’s ARPA funding would be spent; the report submitted today goes into further…

Due to impending inclement weather from Hurricane Ida, the COVID-19 testing clinic at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club Picnic Grounds will be cancelled on Wednesday, September 1.  Testing will resume at this location on Friday, September 3.

The left lane of Interstate 68 West at the cross town bridge was closed for a brief period Tuesday morning as the result of a vehicle accident. No injuries reported