Although a loyal supporter of long time House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Maryland Sixth District Congressman David Trone says he is ready to embrace the new leadership team that is now in place. Last week, House Democrats chose caucus chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York to succeed Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the chamber next year, a historic move that will make him the first Black person to lead one of the two major parties in either chamber of Congress. Jeffries ran unopposed as leader, with Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark, current assistant speaker, running as whip and California Rep. Peter Aguilar, previously vice chair of…

Frostburg State University recently honored Latisha Cooper, Misty Schurg and Tonya Miller with Staff Awards for Excellence. The annual Staff Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and chosen by their colleagues.  Cooper, director of Student Accessibility Services, was this year’s recipient in the Exempt (salaried) Employee category. This award is given to a staff member who works diligently with students to not only help them with their study skills and time management, but also actively seeks out resources for them when what is offered doesn’t suit their schedule or needs. As the institution was…

On December 6, 2021, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) launched the largest IT system modernization in its history, Customer Connect, transforming what it means to do business with the MDOT MVA. One year later, MDOT MVA is celebrating Customer Connect Day, proclaimed by Governor Larry Hogan and highlighting the ways the modernization has made the lives of Marylanders easier and business more efficient. “Nearly eight years ago, I tasked state agencies to focus on enhancing and improving customer service, and the MDOT MVA continues to deliver on that promise,” said Governor Larry Hogan. Since implementation…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland has issued an emergency cybersecurity directive to prohibit the use of certain Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms for the executive branch of state government, including TikTok. These entities present an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk to the state, and may be involved in activities such as cyber-espionage, surveillance of government entities, and inappropriate collection of sensitive personal information. “There may be no greater threat to our personal safety and our national security than the cyber vulnerabilities that support our daily lives,” said Governor Hogan. “As the cyber capital of…

An early morning fire damaged the Pilgrim’s Pride chicken processing plant in Moorefield. The plan employs about a thousand workers. Flames were visible when fire crews arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported. Fire crews extinguish the blaze shortly after 5:00AM. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Les Bishop.  The warrant was issued as the result of Bishop failing to appear in court on October 6, 2022.  He was originally charged with driving motor vehicle on highway without required license and authorization.  Bishop was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Les Allen Bishop         AGE:  26           Cumberland, MD

All Allegany County Public Schools are on a TWO HOUR DELAY today, Tuesday, December 6, 2022. All morning pre-kindergarten classes are cancelled, and no breakfast will be served. 

On Monday December 5, 2022, shortly after 7:00 am Cumberland Police Officers responded to a Bedford Street residence for a report of an out of control 17-year-old.  Upon arrival officers discovered the 17-year-old acting out aggressively.  Officers attempted to deescalate the situation; however, the 17-year-old continued to become more aggressive.  The 17-year-old eventually began to assault the officers and a struggle ensued before he was taken into custody.   The Cumberland Fire Department responded to the scene and treated the injured officers.  As a result of the incident 3 officers were hospitalized with significant but non-life-threatening injuries.   As a result of…

In a little more than a month Republicans will take control of the House, while Democrats maintain a slight edge in the Senate. After two years of having both House and Senate control, President Biden is now expected to face far more challenges in advancing his agenda. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, says the president’s track record over the past two years shows that he can work with both parties in reaching concensus and achieving success. He would anticipate that trend to continue…

While the district one legislative delegation will have a full agenda to address next month when the 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly opens-  Delegate Jason Buckel says the big picture issue remains the region’s  steady decline in population. According to the latest U.S. Census data- jurisdictions in rural Maryland saw some significant population decreases. In Western Maryland, Allegany County’s population dropped by about 9%, from 75,087 to 68,106, and Garrett County’s population dropped by about 4%, from 30,097 to 28,806.  The declining population trends in Allegany County began in the 1970’s and grew worse in the 80’s when…