Gov. Jim Justice on Monday abruptly added state abortion law to the agenda for a special session of the West Virginia Legislature he called to focus on his plan to reduce the state's income tax. The Republican governor announced last week that he was calling legislators to Charleston on Monday to weigh his plan for a 10% tax reduction. He made no mention of abortion in that announcement, though he has hinted in recent days that it might be the subject of a special session as well. The Senate had already gaveled in for the day and the House was preparing to start…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that he has asked the Maryland State Board of Education to advance the Inspector General for Education’s recommendation for a full independent investigation of widespread grade changing practices in Baltimore City Public Schools. “Marylanders are demanding better outcomes and more accountability for the taxpayer dollars entrusted to the local school systems charged with providing a high-quality education for every single Maryland child—with no exceptions,” writes Governor Hogan. “Now more than ever, we must work together to provide the accountability, integrity, and efficiency in our public education system that Maryland families expect and deserve. … I…

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles announced today that some services remain offline due to a system-wide mainframe outage. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov to check the up-to-date alert box before they visit a regional office or try the online services portal.   The West Virginia Office of Technology (WVOT) is continuing work to resolve a mainframe outage and has retained assistance from third-party vendors, Park Place Technologies, IBM, and Ensono. The vendors are working around the clock to repair the Mainframe hardware.   An update will be provided when services resume.   For…

According to a report issued by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, a fire that occurred late Thursday afternoon in a vehicle at 11200 Mount Savage Road was deliberately set. The 4:23 p.m. blaze originated in the passenger compartment of a 1998 Ford Expedition owned by Christina Hetrick and was discovered by a passerby. The Mount Savage Volunteer Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire that caused damages estimated at $2,000. Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call the Western Regional Office of the state fire marshal at 301-766-3888.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the crucial 50th vote on Democratic priorities in the upper chamber, won't be in the Senate this week after disclosing a positive Covid test early Monday morning. Manchin's absence may not play a huge role immediately as the chamber aims to pass a bipartisan semiconductor bill this week, as well as approve Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO. However, thornier issues like codifying same-sex marriage into federal law and a prescription drug price-centric party-line push will definitely need his vote, along with those of his other 49 Democratic caucus members.

 The Allegany County K9 Fund, a newly established nonprofit organization, has been formed to educate and fundraise for retired K9 dogs in Allegany County, Maryland. “As a former K9 officer, I acknowledge the need for funding the health care of retired K9 dogs, and this program has my wholehearted support. The K9 dog’s health deteriorates more quickly than a pet. These dogs have extensive, challenging training to become working dogs.  You see the dogs jumping in and out of vehicles many times a day, which is tough on the dog’s joints. When the K9 is retired, the adopting owner assumes…

On Sunday, Cumberland City Police responded to a residence in the 400 block of Pennsylvania Ave for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival on scene, officers made contact with a male subject identified as Michael Thomas Femi, 27. Femi advised that he had gotten into a verbal argument with a female in the home and that the female was no longer on scene. Officers then contacted the female involved who advised that she had been in a verbal altercation with Femi that turned physical. Investigation revealed that during the altercation, the female had been choked by Femi. Femi was…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is speaking publicly for the first time since  the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary was declared on Tuesday night.  says Cox  As the counting process continued last week, it is already known Dan Cox will be the Republican candidate for governor this November, much to the dismay of Hogan, who endorsed his rival, Kelly Schulz… He said by electing Cox as the party nominees, Republicans played right into the hands of Democrats who prefer to take on Donald Trump endorsed candidates…

State Senator George Edwards said he was disappointed but not surprised by Delegate Mike McKay’s primary election win over County Commissioner Jake Shade last week- but he adds that there is no ill and he hopes to see the party come together for November. The McKay/Shade campaign for Edwards District One Senate Seat was contentious at times-  and both candidates also spent a great deal of  time focused on endorsements. Edwards ultimately endorsed Shade, he said, based on his record of accomplishment. Speculation however was the the endorsement was more a slight of McKay, rather than support for Shade… Up…

Efforts to hire additional police officers continue in Cumberland. While some citizens have voiced concern about the lack of adequate police staffing, Chief Charles Ternent stressed that while the department size wasn’t optimum, it was capable of ensuring the safety of the town. He noted that incidents of crime are down and arrests are up. Despite those statistics, the department is operating currently with essentially 40 of 51 spot filled. Captain James Burt says filling those spots represents a challenge given the police shortage in a nationwide problem…