December 17th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

WCBC 1270 AM keeps Cumberland area listeners informed on top news events 24 hours a day on the national and local levels. This week, the WCBC News Team is rolling out the top 12 local news stories that kept the attention of our audience this year…

BEL AIR WATER SYSTEM – For years, residents of Bel Air, Glen Oaks, Pinto, and Highland Estates have paid more for water service than anyone in Allegany County. Private water provider Maryland Water Service has raised rates countless times. Residents practice radical water conservation including paper plates, shared bathing, and doing laundry elsewhere. Local, state, and federal officials have been asked to intervene and possibly take over the company. Citizens wait to see if Governor Moore will declare a  state of emergency so more action can be taken.

NEW BUSINESSES OPEN – This past year has seen a boon in new businesses opening in the area. For the revitalized downtown, twenty new businesses have opened their doors with seven more being ready for next spring. New businesses arriving in the area include SPARC Research, Rural King, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, Lily’s Café and Books, Mad Hatter Boba Emporium, and Lefty’s Place. Royal Farms still plans to open a local store.

TRONE BACK IN THE FIGHT – It’s hard to believe it’s election time again for U.S. Senate and Congressional seats. The last election saw a hard battle – and a lot of money spent – for the Senate seat being vacated by Ben Cardin. Then-congressman David Trone ran for Senate, but was met with heavy competition from Angela Alsobrooks, who won the election.  Now, Trone wants the congressional seat back held by Democrat April McClain-Delaney.  Trone spent $60 million on the last race. We’ll see if money talks louder for this run.