The US Census Bureau released its Supplemental Poverty Measure which looks at poverty rates in the U.S.  The poverty rate among children saw the most dramatic increase, more than doubling from 5.2% in 2021 to 12.4% last year. Catherine Rampell, Washington Post Special Correspondent, told PBS Newshour that cuts in pandemic era programs and other increasing costs caused the increase… The Census Bureau said that Social Security was the most important “antipoverty” program in 2022, lifting 28.9 million people out of the supplemental poverty measure.  Overall, data shows that 10.5% of the population is in poverty.

Governor Wes Moore tackled a variety of subjects recently at Semafor Principals live event on Tuesday.  The governor fielded questions on education, the Democratic Party, and policing in the state.  Moore said one focus of his administration is how and who responds to emergency calls that may have a mental health component… The governor says there should be a different approach to such calls and his administration is working on a team of crisis responders…

Since 2016, Frostburg State University has been running a comprehensive fundraising campaign known as “Forging Futures: The Campaign for Frostburg State University.”  The goal was to raise $25 million to support scholarships, classroom and student experiences and create regional partnerships to help drive economic development.  The campaign has been a success, raising the goal amount in conjunction with the University’s 125th anniversary.  Over $12 million will go to scholarships for FSU students while other monies are earmarked for capital projects such as plans for a regional recreation center –  John Short, Vice President of University Advancement explains it will be…

The Centers for Disease Control have advised that everyone six months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious outcomes of the illness this fall and winter.  The FDA approved and authorized the new shots from Moderna and Pfizer on Monday, amid an increase in COVID hospitalizations and concern about the spread of several new variants. The new shots are similar to previously approved formulas but were updated to target the XBB variants — strains of the virus descended from the original Omicron variant — which became dominant last winter. Newer strains have since emerged, though vaccine makers have announced…

Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services released a research brief showing that juvenile crime in the state has seen an increase over the last two years though the level of crime is below pre-pandemic levels.  The report also shows that youth are increasingly the victims of violent crimes. Baltimore City has seen increase in murder and attempted murder arrests for juveniles. To help with these challenges, DJS participated in Gov. Wes Moore's Safe Summer Initiative. It provided $5 million to 12 Maryland counties impacted by high gun violence. In response the DJS has also established improvement teams to tackle the issue…

While Code Enforcement officers continue their sweep of the city, one area that needs some attention was pointed out by a caller to WCBC when Mayor Ray Morriss was a guest.  Along Henderson Avenue from the Baltimore Street Crossing to Knox Street is a long stretch of railing that borders the CSX line through the city.  That railing has seen better days. Morriss says the City will be talking to CSX about that area…

Monday, September 11, 2023 Dax Webster Folk, 43 of Frostburg, was arrested on a District Court Bench Warrant Failure to Appear. His original charge was for Malicious Destruction of Property/Valued less than $1,000. He was released on his own recognizance. David Michael Stonebraker, 56 of Augusta, WV was arrested on a Washington County District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear. His original charges include Driving on a Suspended License and Numerous other traffic offenses. He was released after posting $1,500 bail. Delante Lamar Lewis, 31 of Frostburg, was arrested charged with being a Fugitive from Virginia. Lewis was wanted…

Active forces and military veterans are often overlooked when it comes to suicide prevention. Recently, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks highlighted some of the ways the Department of Defense is stepping up suicide prevention efforts…

Repairs are completed to the trestle bridge connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the C&O Canal towpath.  The bridge had been closed and a detour in place while needed repairs including re-decking and painting were completed by Hanada Contracting.  Walkers and bikers can once again use the bridge for access to the towpath or GAP trail.

Cumberland Police report Eastbound Interstate 68 in the area of the Maryland Avenue exit will be reduced to one lane for accident reconstruction.