The Maryland Democratic Caucus will be meeting next week to nominate a replacement for Adrienne Jones who is stepping down as Speaker of the House. The Maryland General Assembly does not reconvene until January, but the caucus will have a nominee ready for the House to vote on the first day of session. Several names have been floated for the position, but Maryland Matters is reporting that Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk of Anne Arundel and PG County is the frontrunner for the position. Delegates Ben Barnes and C.T. Wilson withdrew their names from consideration.  

The town of Lonaconing is known for its Christmas light display and its annual Coney Christmas that takes place in mid-December. Wednesday, December 10 is the date set for the town’s Christmas Tree lighting. WCBC will provide live streaming coverage of the town tree lighting on our Facebook page, starting just before 6pm.  

South Liberty Street will be closed from 7:30am - 9am for a crane to put the HVAC system on top of the Wills hotel. Henderson Avenue Bridge will be undergoing an inspection with flagging operations directing traffic from 7am to 2pm. Flagging operations will be in effect to direct traffic through the temporary lane closures.

For Allegany County to continue developing land at the former Westvaco plant, a smokestack needs to be demolished. Commissioner Bill Atkinson said the factory’s land was part of a conversation he had with state budget secretary Jake Weissmann that also included options for state flood relief funding…     “It’s going to be about $600,000 to a million to tear it down in order to get that area ready for development. He understood that just because we’re asking for $30 million, that shouldn’t be our only ask. That’s pleasantly surprising to hear that we don’t have to just say, ‘Well,…

West Virginia teachers and public employees could see health insurance premiums increase by 3% under changes being proposed by the state’s Public Employees Insurance Agency.  Teachers have not seen a boost to their wages, while health premiums, inflation, and the cost of living have all increased.  Under the new plan, spousal coverage would increase by an additional $200 per month. Union Co-president Dale Lee wants lawmakers to step up for teachers …     “What we're telling legislators is you need to give an actual pay raise, not just to offset the premium cost, but to help make up the…

Combining the need to uplift men and boys in the state and a teacher deficit, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has committed $19 million dollars in grant funds to the “Grow Your Own Educators” program.  Counties with a demonstrated plan to recruit and retain male educators can apply for money create pathways for non-licensed school staff to become teachers.   State School Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright said the program is helping build a resilient workforce… “Grow Your Own programs invest in people who are already connected to their communities and diversify the teacher workforce by recruiting candidates who reflect the students they…

During the question and answer period at the recent Maryland pre-legislative breakfast, Rob Colette of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce asked about what the delegation would be doing on behalf of the River Park project at Canal Place. The answer from Senator Mike McKay was that the group may have to search out funding on their own this year…     “My focus is $20 million dollars for Georges Creek. Period. We can talk about all these other different functions and that kind of stuff, but I have hurting people, hurting in District 1 in Allegany County. And as…

On December 8th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Richele Kaylin Vanmeter. The summons was issued as a result of a private citizen filing for charges at District Court. Vanmeter signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court.  NAME: Richele Kaylin Vanmeter  AGE: 32 Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Assault 2nd degree On December 8th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served two criminal summons on Eric Scott Divelbliss. The summons were issued as result of two separate incidents Divelbliss violated a protective order and contacted the protected party. Divelbliss signed for…

Mainly in response to flooding events in Western Maryland, Congresswoman April McClain-Delaney has introduced two bills on Capitol Hill dealing with disaster response and recovery. The bills cover access to grants for public broadcasters for next-generation warning systems and for the Department of Agriculture to respond effectively in a disaster…    “The Emergency Grants Fairness Act which will insure local public broadcasters have the resources they need to reach everyone at risk during a disaster. Second, a bipartisan Rural Recovery Act which would guarantee USDA rural development technical assistance is automatic in order to effectively help communities recover from a…

Get your December road trips on. Gas prices are down nationwide. Here's ABC's Cheri Preston with details…    “Gas tracker GasBuddy says on average nationwide, the price of gas is seven cents a gallon cheaper than last year, and 17 and a half cents cheaper than last month. The price of diesel is also falling, averaging 3.59 a gallon. GasBuddy says barring any major disruptions, prices are likely to stay relatively low into the new year.”