By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A new report ranks Maryland as one of the worst states in providing support for young victims of sex trafficking. While Maryland has made some progress in this area, the Shared Hope International report card puts the state near the bottom, at 44th, with a failing grade. It […]
Author Archives: Maryland News Connection
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Report: MD has U.S.’s largest rate of Black prison population
By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE — Maryland has the highest incarceration rate for African Americans in the nation, according to a recent report. Ashley Nellis, senior research analyst for The Sentencing Project and author of the study, pointed out Maryland has a Black population of almost 30%, yet African Americans make up 71% of […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Poll: Marylanders welcome boosters, still concerned about getting COVID
In a new poll, just 10% of Marylanders said they disapproved of Gov. Larry Hogan’s handling of COVID-19. (Marylandgovpics/Flickr) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE, Md. — As the drive for Marylanders to get COVID-19 booster shots continues, a new poll found a huge swath of residents said they are likely to get one […]
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Project to Bring Healing from Sexual Assault Behind Bars
Incarcerated women who participated in the Prisoners Too art project hug in front of the installation at a South Carolina prison. (South Carolina Department of Corrections) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE – This month marks the four-year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, and an art project aims to help incarcerated survivors heal by […]
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Voting-rights groups urge Marylanders to help with redistricting maps
Census data from 2020 show Maryland’s population moving to the center of the state, and fair-map advocates say district lines need to shift to represent the change. (maryland.gov) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE, Md. — As two competing Maryland redistricting commissions offer multiple chances for public input, voter-advocacy groups say technology developed since […]
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“Maternal Health Crisis” behind push to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage
(Photo/cdc.gov) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE — Maternal mortality rates are higher for women of color, and the issue is getting renewed attention from state and federal lawmakers. A Maryland legislator said the state needs to do more to prevent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, D-Montgomery County, speaking at […]
Posted inCoronavirus
As summer evictions loom, MD group boosts prevention program
United Way of Maryland helped more than 900 households in the state avoid evictions in January through its Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention Program. (Adobe stock) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE, Md. – With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium now set to end July 31, and with Maryland’s to expire […]
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Report: MD lawmakers need to keep spotlight on child well-being
The number of Maryland fourth graders who were not proficient in reading increased to 65% in 2019, according to a new report. (Adobe stock) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection BALTIMORE — Advocates said Maryland lawmakers need to focus more than ever on helping children, as a new report shows the state dropped from 21st […]
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On Juneteenth: Protest Aims to Remove MD’s Last Confederate Monument
By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection EASTON, Md. — President Joe Biden just signed a law creating a federal holiday for Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas. Eastern Shore Marylanders are observing the holiday Saturday with a rally to remove the last Confederate statue in the state. Groups, including the Talbot County […]
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Cruise ships and COVID: Know before you go
Only 48% of Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of last week, compared with 71% in Vermont, according to the New York Times tracker. (susannp4/Pixabay) By Roz Brown, Texas News Service via MD News Connection HOUSTON — To vaccinate or not to vaccinate is a pending dilemma for passengers expecting to be welcomed aboard […]
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MD spotlights senior financial fraud on Elder Abuse Awareness Day
A common scam that snares older Americans are email offers for free gift cards, which are a way to capture personal information that could jeopardize finances. (Adobe stock) Maryland News Connection A statewide news service for Maryland MD Spotlights Senior Financial Fraud on Elder Abuse Awareness Day By Diane Bernard ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Today is World […]
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Policing Bills a Good Start, But Not Enough Inbox
More than 95 Maryland organizations say police accountability laws need to include more external community oversight. (Adobe stock) By Diane Bernard, Maryland News Connection ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland is receiving national praise as the first state in the nation to repeal its police bill of rights and enact other police accountability measures, but a coalition […]