On Tuesday, Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman released the second report in the Comptroller’s State Spending series, this one on the effects of climate change and extreme weather events in the state. Lierman said climate change is costing both the state and residents money…     “Here in Maryland, we have faced 85 extreme weather events, with damages exceeding 20 billion dollars, over the past 20 years.” The Comptroller said there are consequences to inaction against climate change that could even affect the local area…     “Fewer pleasant-weather days in Western Maryland means fewer tourism dollars. A sector that…

One of the more contested bills this past session in the Maryland General Assembly was the Second Look Act.  The new law allows prisoners incarcerated at younger ages to have their sentencing reviewed and possibly reduced.  Senator Mike McKay who has said he is a “second chance guy,” said those in prison already have plenty of opportunities for a second look…     “They already have 17 chances to have their case looked at and changed. So, to me, it’s not the second lookback, it’s the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th.  And my biggest concern is it victimizes the…

Recent presentations to the city of Cumberland gave arguments for removing fluoride from the city water supply, suggesting it does more harm than good for residents. Maryland does not mandate the addition of fluoride for its water systems, but Cumberland will continue to use the additive based on local recommendations from medical professionals, according to Mayor Ray Morriss…    “The vast majority, the vast majority of local dentists, they will tell you that fluoride in the water does a lot, especially for young people, especially for young people that are in low-income areas of our country – that fluoride in…

CSX reports it has completed a “significant upgrade” to the Cumberland Yard in Maryland, doubling the terminal’s switching capacity “to improve freight handling and operational efficiency.”  CSX launched the project in 2024 to streamline operations by enhancing railcar movement through the yard. A cross-functional team worked several months to remove an outdated hump lead and tower, replacing them with a new lead that CSX says “significantly boosts capacity.” Apex Rail Automation supplied the technology, which CSX notes is expected “to enhance freight flow for customers by reducing car handlings, optimizing traffic routing and expediting delivery times."  “This is the largest Apex switching system we’ve…

State transportation officials said they are working on strategies to protect the two bridges over the Chesapeake Bay following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  The response from Maryland’s transportation secretary comes a month after the National Transportation Safety Board called for nearly six dozen bridges nationwide to undergo collapse-risk evaluations.  Some of the short-term strategies could include new communications requirements for ship pilots, reduced speeds, one-way transits and managing vehicle traffic on the bridge.  Longer-term strategies could include physical measures to prevent a strike. The east-bound span opened in 1952, making it more than 70 years old….

The Maryland state government is seeking bids for construction of a new building to house the Maryland Supreme Court and Appellate Court.  The state Department of General Services on April 18 announced it had opened bids for construction of the new five-floor facility, which will house the state’s two appellate courts, the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, a legal history museum and offices.  The current supreme court building opened in 1972.

On 04/21/2025 at approximately 11:00 AM an officer observed Jerry Brown crossing the train tracks near Park Street in an area with posted no trespassing signs visible. The officer contacted Brown and advised him of the offense. Brown was issued a Criminal Citation for trespassing on posted property and is free pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Jerry Lee Brown (46) Cumberland, MD Charge – Trespassing posted property  

There’s a new Chief of Police in Ocean City. The announcement comes just in time for summer when crowds will be flocking to Maryland’s most well-known resort town. Raymond J. Austin is the new chief. Austin rose through the ranks of the OC police force over a career spanning three decades. Despite being a Pittsburgh native, the department says Austin is home-grown, having started as a seasonal officer in 1991.

Maryland State Police Medevac Trooper 5 performed an aerial extrication over the weekend in Virginia. Trooper 5 was called to Front Royal to assist in the rescue of an injured hiker who fell 60 feet off Buzzard Rock. Trooper 5 was utilized due to the steep terrain and extrication time. The hiker was hoisted into the aircraft and then flown to Winchester Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

On 4/21/2025 at approximately 9:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Baltimore Avenue for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers made contact with Terry Davis. Davis was intoxicated and was advised to not cause any further disturbances.  As officers were leaving a resident came outside stating that Davis was threatening to stab them. Davis exited the residence with a large kitchen knife in his hand pointing it at the victim. Davis was told to drop the knife and he complied. Davis was placed under arrest without incident. Davis was transported to the Allegany County Detention…