Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania delivered the keynote address at the timely “Eradicate Hate” summit held in Pittsburgh this week.  Shapiro spoke at the summit to share his own experience of having his home attacked earlier this year.  He said that political violence is especially dangerous and becoming far too common. “It affects all of us and it tears at the fabric of American society and the fundamental principles that this nation was founded upon. A nation where civil disagreement should be welcome because we know that discourse can lead to progress.”

Five police officers were shot, and three of them killed while attempting to serve a warrant in York, Pennsylvania on Wednesday. The two surviving officers are listed in critical condition in a York hospital. The warrant was related to a domestic incident earlier in the week. The shooter was killed by police. No names have been released.  Another York officer was killed on duty earlier this year.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were on patrol in the area of Gulf War Memorial Drive when a male was observed crossing railroad tracks in an area clearly posted "no trespassing". Contact was made with the male, who was identified as Nicholas D'Atri. He was issued a criminal citation for trespassing and released pending his trial at the Allegany County District Court. ARRESTED: Nicholas Joseph D'Atri     AGE: 35       Cumberland, Maryland CHARGE: Trespassing Posted Property

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has started its observation of fall foliage in the state. Maryland had a typical spring and early summer. Rainfall amounts were at or just below normal levels, which points to a colorful fall, according to the Maryland Forest Service. The DNR forecast suggests that late September to early October will be the time to see the best foliage color in the western part of the state. Peak color is expected in Garrett County during the Autumn Glory weekend of October 11th while Allegany County will follow the next weekend.

A disclaimer is to be added to the City of Cumberland’s event permit policy.  Tuesday night, the Mayor and City Council agreed on the addition during their Open Work Session.  Mayor Ray Morriss told WCBC’s Dave Norman the council agreed to make the addition for clarity…     “We agreed to add simply the disclaimer in the events ordinance that people’s right assemble, to protest, to have a prayer vigil and things like that—this does not apply to it.  In no way shape or form did anyone on the Mayor and City Council believe that we were taking away anybody’s…

West Virginia State Parks has opened five new stargazing cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest. In all, 12 cabins will become available for visitors to stay overnight and experience nighttime views in one of the state’s three International Dark Sky Parks. The A-frame design of the cabins recently won accolades from the American Institute of Architects. Chelsea Ruby, state Tourism Secretary, said they set out to make the experience special…    “This is a project I’m really excited about. Really passionate about. We looked at the research. We knew that people like unique lodging and we really dug in to…

Governor Wes Moore announced Wednesday that Microsoft would open a new quantum research center at the University of Maryland as a development hub for next-generation quantum technologies. The center will provide early access to Microsoft’s quantum technology for hardware and software development between government agencies, colleges, and quantum companies. The Governor has quantum technology is one hub for economic innovation…     “I want Maryland to be the capital of Quantum. And AI. And clean energy. And Bio-Tech. And I want to make sure that all the sectors that will define the economies of tomorrow will be housed right here…

Maryland families are among those losing nearly $350 billion dollars yearly due to the incarceration of a family member, according to a report by Duke University and the National Opinion Research Center.  The survey found an average of $1,800 is lost per month of incarceration. Felicity Rose, with Forward, an immigration and justice workgroup, says children are among the financial bearers for incarcerated parents…     “There’s long-term costs, particularly to kids who have an incarcerated parent when they grow up. They are basically paying for that incarceration with lost wages for their whole lives, losing almost four-thousand dollars a…

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) unveiled a new, updated roadside historical marker Wednesday in Cambridge, honoring the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.  The ceremony, held at the Harriet Tubman Freedom Center, brought together relatives of the abolitionist, state and local leaders as well as community members. The event took place during International Underground Railroad Month and on the date Tubman escaped slavery.

On Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Richard Leonidas Page II, 68, of Cumberland MD. Page was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on August 21st, 2025. The warrant alleges Page failed to appear in court on that date for a previous charge of trespassing on private property. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where he was released on his own recognizance. ARRESTED -  Richard Leonidas Page II,   68yo. CHARGES -  Bench Warrant-Fail to Appear.