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.

The state of Maryland has automatic voter registration through government agencies, but that still may be missing a large number of young people. The University of Maryland reports that over a third of eligible 18-year olds were unregistered in the state. Joanne Antoine with Common Cause Maryland says her civic group works to register voters of all ages up until Election Day…     “We provide opportunities to register up to Election Day. Even for that person who it wasn’t until the last minute where a candidate reached out to them, they want to get engaged. They’re able to go…

Frostburg State University’s Appalachian Festival begins this Thursday with a film festival and ends with a Capstone Concert featuring Tim O’Brian and Jan Fabricius on Saturday, September 20th.  This year marks the festival’s 20th year, according to Kara Rogers Thomas from FSU.  Saturday evening’s concert is the only ticketed event.  Thomas says the rest of the weekend will be filled with a variety of free music, and activities across the campus…     “We have all sorts of music and workshops, and presentations, and storytelling, and local food vendors, and artisans, and lots of community organizations coming together.  It really…

At the inauguration of Allegany College of Maryland’s newest president, the son of the college’s first president, Dr. Robert Zimmer, was a guest speaker. Dr. William “Chip” Zimmer said the experience that new President David Jones has already gained at ACM supports his leadership…     “More than anyone, David Jones knows and embraces the history, the culture, the importance, the vitality this college as the crown jewel of Western Maryland. His 29 years here, on the banks of the Potomac, gives him the compassion, grace, and vision to continue ACM’s strong and enduring legacy.” President Jones acknowledged the work…