Poverty In DC

D.C., suburbs show disturbing increases in childhood poverty

This story addresses a problem that is occurring in our nations capital. It is important and relevant for two main reasons. The location is number one. This is going on in the city where congress meets, where the US Senate meets and the President resides. So because of this, the story has a watchdog element to it as well as general interest. Because this is not just happening anywhere, it is our nations capitol. And you can assume that if it's happening in the capitol it could be happening all throughout the nation.
The story may also cause individuals to be critical of their government. Because if this is happening right under our leaders noses, right in their back yard, and they're not doing anything about it, how can we expect any progress elsewhere.
The other main reason I think this is newsworthy is the sociological aspect to it. If you have ever taken a sociology class you know that it is an unfortunate fact that when children are raised in poverty they are more likely to remain that way or resort to a life of crime. So, when the poverty level rises you can assume that crime will also rise a few years later. So if nothing is done about it soon D.C.'s prestige could really decline. (In other words the city will become sort of a "shit hole". And when your nations capitol is a shit hole it's sort of shame full.)
If this continues to get worse it will make our government look really bad, especially to other nations. And America is already not exactly at the top of the list of the worlds most respected nations.
So that's why this story is important. It addresses a pretty legitimate concern about something serious that's happening in our country right now. I'm not happy about it and I'm sure there's a lot of other Americans who arn't. Change needs to happen and I think the article makes that pretty clear.