When Maryland lawmakers convene to open the 2023 General Assembly session next month- the state’s leaders will inherit what the senate president called “countervailing forces, both positive and negative.”  While Maryland has a historic budget surplus, the state also faces labor shortages, supply chain issues and inflation. Senator-elect Mike Mckay, a Republican who represents Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, told local business leaders last week that while the fiscal picture is robust today- that can change in a hurry… Mckay says there are some economic indicators that suggest legislators take a fiscally conservative and cautious approach moving forward…

With less than a month remaining in office, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is reflecting on his historic two-term tenure and looking ahead. Come January, he will leave Annapolis and begin his next chapter, and while the  speculation has been that he will make a run for the White House in 2024, Hogan won’t confirm at this time.  The popular Republican governor leaves office with the same sky  high approval ratings that he came with. In an interview this week, Hogan talked about the myriad of challenges that his administration has dealt with, ranging from a violent riot; a personal health…

Deb Frank participated in her final meeting as a member of the Allegany County Board of Education Tuesday- ending a four year term that often saw the board split and at odds over a wide range of issues. While there has been more concensus and an improved working relationship between the members in recent years- the early days of the current board saw meetings routinely turn contentious- with issues that ultimately led to one member being kicked off of the board. In her parting comments, Ms Frank alluded to the earlier friction, but in the end she thanked her fellow…

Hoping to accommodate last minute shoppers, and create some foot traffic for downtown Cumberland businesses, a “Moonlight Madness” event has been scheduled for this Friday. Downtown Development Commission executive director Melinda Kelleher… She said the plan is to create a Christmas vibe for shopping the week before the holiday…

WHAT…Significant icing expected. Ice accumulations of two to four tenths of an inch. Total sleet accumulations of up to one inch. WHERE…In Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany County. In West Virginia, Hampshire and Eastern Mineral Counties. WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Thursday. IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning and evening commutes on Thursday. ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wintry precipitation begins this evening, then becomes more intense tonight into Thursday morning. Warmer air should push into the valleys by Thursday afternoon, but…

President Joe Biden is inviting thousands to celebrate at the White House on Tuesday as he signs into law gay marriage legislation before a bipartisan crowd that reflects growing acceptance of same-sex unions. Lawmakers from both parties will be there, as will first lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff. The White House promised musical performances but was trying to maintain suspense about the headliners. The triumphant mood will play out against the backdrop of a right-wing backlash over gender issues, which has alarmed gay and transgender people and their advocates.

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy released the following statement on the beginning of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit:   “Building stronger partnerships between the many countries of Africa and the United States holds tremendous benefit for all of our nations. From boosting trade and economic growth to working together to address global challenges like climate change and food insecurity, this Summit provides an opportunity to come together on many of our vital shared priorities. As I meet with African leaders this week, I am eager to…

Christopher Biggs pleaded guilty to charges of spotlighting and violating gaming laws in West Virginia’s largest deer poaching case. In January, 223 charges involving at least 27 antlered bucks taken illegally in Mineral, Grant and Hampshire counties in West Virginia from mid-September to late December were filed against Biggs and seven other Keyser residents. Biggs was charged with misdemeanors of spotlighting, hunting from a motor vehicle, having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and conspiracy. He received a small fine and a period of home confinement. Biggs was appointed EMS chief of Maryland’s Allegany County Department of Emergency Services in…

 On               One person was seriously injured and more than two dozen residents were displaced early Tuesday after a fire at a senior apartment complex in Romney. The Cumberland Times News reports the fire at Romney Unity Apartments, which is managed by Human Resource Development and Employment Inc., started about 3:30 a.m., Romney Fire Company Chief Garrett Parsons said. The injured person was flown to a burn center after receiving initial care locally. Firefighters rescued other residents from the smoke-filled upper level and stairwells. More than a dozen volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services…

On December 12th, 2022, The Cumberland City responded to a residence in the 12000 block of Old Willowbrook Rd for the report of an assault. Upon arrival on scene, officers contacted the victim of the alleged assault. The victim advised officers that an argument had started inside the residence with a male suspect. The argument was then alleged to have escalated into an assault, where the victim received minor visible injures. As a result, Raymond James Broadwater, 77, was arrested for assault. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was released on is…