The House Republican Caucus has expressed concern over the passage of House Bill 535 – an omnibus bill dealing with several election-related issues.  Delegate Jason Buckel explained to WCBC that election fraud is not being sufficiently addressed with the new law and more could have been added to the bill for protection. Republicans offered a signature verification process for the bill but it was rejected in the House of Delegates.

CBS News is reporting that West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is expected to announce a campaign for U.S. Senate Thursday, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster 2024 race against Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. The two are the Mountain State's highest-profile and storied political figures.  Justice, who has announced a Thursday 5 p.m. press conference at his Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, would face stiff competition for the Republican nomination and a possible head-to-head general election battle against Manchin.

On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Frostburg State University Police were notified that a bomb threat, directed at the Lane University Center on the campus of the University, had been posted to social media. The Lane University Center, as well as the Lewis J. Ort Library and the Gira Center, was immediately evacuated under the direction of the FSU Police and Lane Center staff.  As a precaution, a search of the building was completed by bomb detecting K-9 units from the Maryland State Police and the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. No explosive devices were found, and the building was…

After an emergency meeting on Tuesday April 25, the Maryland Horse Racing Commission has announced that there will be no racing at Laurel Park until the track is examined. This decision comes after two incidents at Laurel Park on April 20 resulted in equine fatalities. For the month of April, there have now been five horse fatalities at the track. Horsemen have been holding their horses out of races in sufficient enough numbers to warrant the Maryland Horse Racing Commission to get involved. Races will be on hold until track superintendent John Passero examines the tracks and presumably makes recommendations…

The scene will be like something out of a movie as corrections professionals extract individuals from a bus to safety. But in actuality, it will be a staged demonstration at the Law Day Celebration on April 28 at the Allegany College of Maryland. The college's criminal justice and legal studies programs work with local law enforcement, public safety, corrections, and other agencies to provide the Law Day Celebration for the community.  It offers everyone the chance to interact with criminal justice professionals, watch demonstrations, and participate in round-table discussions. Loud noises and smoke will be part of some demonstrations.  Law Day begins…

Congressman David Trone, alongside Reps. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK), re-introduced Bruce’s Law, legislation that will authorize Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants and expand federal agencies’ efforts to raise awareness about fentanyl. “As our nation faces a worsening overdose epidemic, it is crucial that we invest in prevention efforts and educate young adults about the dangers of fentanyl,” said Congressman Trone, co-Chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. “This highly potent opioid is now one of the leading causes of death for 18 to 45-year-olds. Bruce’s Law has the potential to save…

With energy companies increasingly trying to benefit from consumer concerns about the environment, utility customers are vulnerable to confusing, misleading, and deceptive marketing practices, the Office of People’s Counsel told the Federal Trade Commission in comments filed this week. The FTC should therefore update its “Green Guides” for marketing energy products, OPC said, to protect utility consumers and to provide guidance to well‑intentioned companies on best practices for environmental marketing. “Many gas companies and retail energy suppliers engage in marketing practices that are confusing and misleading to consumers,” People’s Counsel David S. Lapp said. “Despite the harmful emissions of fossil…

On Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at approximately 10:13 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Liberty Street for a male subject causing a disturbance.  As officers were responding, they could hear a subject yelling in the distance.  Police also observed people stopping and looking in the direction of the disturbance.  Officers located the male subject who was still yelling at himself and other people in the area.  Officers identified the subject as Tyler Dixon.  Dixon was placed under and transported to police headquarters for processing.  He was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial….

On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Devin Washington.  The warrant was issued as the result of Washington violating the conditions of his probation.  He was originally charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Washington was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $100 bond. ARRESTED:  Devin McLean Washington    AGE:  27       Cumberland, MD On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Patrick Thompson.  The warrant was issued as the result of Thompson violating the conditions…

The Cumberland Police Department will be conducting a training exercise on April 26th starting at 10 am. The training will be located in the 100 block on Altamont Terrace and should conclude by 2 pm. Altamont Terrace will be closed between Union and Harrison Streets during the training. The exercise will appear to be an actual police incident, but there will be no need to be alarmed. Residents may notice an increase in police vehicles and related noise during this period.–