The 13th annual 4th of July celebration on historic Washington Street returns this year with food, drinks, and live music. The Chinese Bandits celebrating 51 years of performing will be steps of the Allegany County library from 6 till 9, DJ Mark Stevens will provide patriotic music during the city of Cumberland fireworks extravaganza. This years event is sponsored by Let's Beautify Cumberland in cooperation with the Friends of the Washington Street Library, the Washington Street Association and the Heritage Days Festival committee. WCBC news spoke with Ed Mullaney Co-Chair of this year's event who says as always the food…

Maryland’s Primary Election is less than three weeks away- and locally the District One State Senate race will result in one of the area’s leading Republicans no longer holding public office. The race pits Delegate Mike McKay against Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade- both vying for the seat being vacated by Senator George Edward’s retirement. In a candidates forum this week sponsored by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce the two men fielded questions on the economy, COVID and the challenges facing rural Maryland.  Although there was generally a civil tone in the 45 minute session, the two did exchange…

WCBC’s Andee Thompson has retired- bring to a close a 36 year career in local radio. Andee began at WCBC in August of 1986, originally scheduling ads before moving into the sales department. Her final day on the job was Thursday…

Five of the six Republican candidates seeking election to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners took part in a Chamber of Commerce forum this week- with economic development and jobs dominating much of the discussion.  Candidate Bill Atkinson talked about the role tourism can play in boosting the economy… Candidate David Robison says the county isn’t taking advantage of the numerous properties that have been invested in over the years- with many sitting vacant… Incumbent David Caporale said despite a perception to the contrary the county has seen businesses locate and expand in recent years.. Candidate Jonathan Dayton says there…

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said Thursday he will make good on his promise to call lawmakers back to Charleston for a special session on West Virginia abortion rights. On Wednesday night, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey released a memorandum saying that an abortion law in the West Virginia State Code from the 1800s is enforceable. That law is older than the state and would make abortion a felony in West Virginia.  After consulting with legislators and the state’s legal team, Justice said he is prepared to move forward…

Marylanders will be paying more at the pump as of today due to a legislatively mandated automatic gas tax increase. A bill passed in 2013 calls for an automatic gas tax increase based on inflation, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index. Starting today drivers will pay about 7 cents more per gallon for gas. This brings to total state gas tax from 36 cents a gallon to 43 cents per gallon. Ahead of the hike, some elected officials called on the Maryland General Assembly to convene a special session to suspend the state’s gas tax. Delegate Kathy Szeliga…

The West Virginia National Guard’s full-time response to the COVID-19 pandemic will end Friday, Gov. Jim Justice said. Justice first activated the National Guard to assist with the state’s pandemic response in March 2020. Among their duties, guard members have transported supplies, staffed COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites, disinfected vehicles and facilities, and assisted health departments with data entry. “They did an unbelievable job an d they continue to do that every day,” Justice said at a news conference Thursday. Justice said 60 guard members will remain on active duty through September to assist the state’s Joint Interagency Task Force

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. EPA that prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from broadly regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act.   “Today's ruling in West Virginia v. EPA is a setback for public health and climate action that goes against congressional intent. This troubling decision not only undermines President Joe Biden’s whole-of-government approach to combatting dangerous carbon pollution, but also makes it more challenging to meet our nation’s…

State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci joined Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace this morning and leaders in various medical fields to present the dangers of legal and illegal fireworks.  "There were numerous fireworks-related incidents reported in Maryland last year," said State Fire Marshal Geraci. "Prevention of burns, injuries, and fires has always been a top priority of our office. The safest way to enjoy fireworks this July 4th holiday season is to attend one of the many public fireworks displays throughout the state."  The safety demonstration, conducted by the State Fire Marshal's Bomb Squad,…

 In a blow to the fight against climate change, the Supreme Court on Thursday limited how the nation’s main anti-air pollution law can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. By a 6-3 vote, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming. The court’s ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change. Its proposal to regulate power plant emissions is expected by the end of the year. President Joe Biden aims…