The Accountability and Implementation Board, the agency overseeing the Education Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, released a progress report at the 3-year point of the program.  Five pillars make up the program and the most improvement was seen in the Hiring and Developing High Quality Teachers and Leaders. Maryland is number one in the country for new teachers earning National Board Certification and has seen an increase of over 400% in teachers pursuing certification statewide. All teachers in the state received a 10% pay increase to retain and attract qualified educators.

With tax season now in full swing, many Maryland residents may be searching for assistance with completing tax returns.  During the past two years, State Comptroller Brooke Lierman has been focused on building a modern, responsive agency to help citizens with taxpayer needs.  New this year is Maryland’s IRS Direct File which will allow 870,000 residents to file federal and state taxes online…     “I just encourage people to file on line, I encourage people to check out Direct File and if you think you’re going to need help, make an appointment with our office. We have a limited…

On Monday, March 10, 2025 at approximately 3:55 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the plaza off of Queen City Drive for an assault in progress. The officer arrived in the area and witnessed Heidi Townsend push a male subject and then strike him in the face with her fist. The victim had sustained injuries from the altercation. Townsend was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED:  Heidi Storm Townsend               AGE:  19   …

Maryland’s Freedom Caucus in Annapolis is both introducing bills and appealing to the federal government to try and bring relief to high utility bills in the state.  The caucus has two bills aimed at reducing harmful policies that have driven up electricity rates for consumers and provide long-term energy reliability for Marylanders. Delegate Mark Fisher said letter has been sent to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright asking to keep coal plants in Maryland open…     “That would provide immediate relief to the people of Maryland so that we would have supply meet demand and maybe even exceed demand, in…

A bill introduced by Democrat delegates in the Maryland General Assembly is not leaving a sweet taste with many.  The Sugary Beverage Distributor Tax adds two cents per ounce on any beverage or powder sold in the state. Advocates say it would help children cut down on sugary sodas, but House Minority Leader Jason Buckel says it isn’t likely to pass in to law, although he says democratic lawmakers are looking everywhere to add taxes rather than cut spending…    “Furiously searching through the couch cushions for any dollar they can find of revenue because they just won’t cut –…

The West Virginia Senate Finance committee is currently looking at a bill that would make those convicted of deliberately killing a police officer or a first responder eligible to be executed. The state did away with the death penalty in the 1960s. Senator Mike Stuart is the sponsor of the bill and said such violence against law enforcement has gone unpunished too long in the state…     “The past few years, we’ve seen a real uptick in violence, of shooting of law enforcement in the line of duty. This has to stop. We need to be sure we put…

The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg has been told by FEMA to cancel all training classes immediately while an agency review takes place. The NFA is the premiere site for advanced training in fire fighting techniques. WCBC News spoke with Cumberland Fire Chief Shannon Adams who said the NFA is only 90 minutes away but now they may have to look for other resources if it is shut down…    “I’ve gone to the fire academy for my investigation training, courtroom testimony training. Our current fire marshal Chris Ratliffe has done the same. He’s gone to the National Fire Academy…

Hearings are scheduled in the House and Senate in Annapolis today for the Small Business Services Tax.  The tax would add 2.5% to essential services businesses use every day including payroll processing, IT support, and consulting.  The democrat-sponsored bill appeared in a similar form last year, but was shot down according to Senator Mike McKay…     “They had talked about it last year, yes. It didn’t go anywhere. It got, really, a tremendous amount of pushback.  Because they’re just throwing anything and everything up on the wall, it’s back again. I don’t think it’s going to have a shot,…

Quarterback Justin Fields has decided to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers and sign with the New York Jets.  In his only season with Pittsburgh Fields compiled a 4-2 record before being benched for Russell Wilson.

The Bishop Walsh mock trial team compiled a 10-0 record this season to win the Circuit Four title and advance to the state quarterfinals Tuesday.  The opposition Tuesday is Bryn Mawr School of Baltimore.  The match will be held in Howard County Circuit Court in Ellicott City.  The winner Tuesday advances to the state Final Four in Annapolis later this month.  Bishop Walsh is coached by Tony Orndoff with assistance from Nathan Williams and attorney advisor Jessica Colwell.