A renewable energy bill being considered in Annapolis has generated strong opposition from the  Allegany County Board of Commissioners. The county officials, during the regular public meeting, had a letter read into the record expressing objections to Senate Bill 590-  citing  concerns that it would have negative impacts on the Western Maryland region. That letter, sent to the Maryland Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, suggests that the bill as written would eliminate the future potential for biomass systems to qualify for renewable energy credits. This, they say, would cause “severe implications for forestry, wood waste and bioenergy operations that…

Cumberland city officials are continuing to tweak the hotel/motel grant program with City Administrator Jeff Silka outlining a plan to streamline and formalize the distribution process. The annual distribution of funding was a topic of discussion Tuesday during a City Council work session at City Hall. Each year, a portion of the hotel/motel accommodation tax collected by Allegany County is distributed to the city, and officials subsequently make a portion available to organizations located within city limits that help attract visitors to the area. Silka is recommending the process be moved to spring to be included as part of the…

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin added to the mystery surrounding his political future on Sunday when he deflected a question about whether he still identifies as a Democrat… Questions are continuing to mount over his political future- but to date Manchin has remained  vague at best when asked to outline his plans. Appearing this past weekend on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures” Manchin remained noncommittal- saying that his top priority at this point is to see Congress put partisan bickering aside- and focus on working together on legislation…

As the annual NFL combine begins, the Washington Commanders have officially released quarterback Carson Wentz. The former Eagles quarterback will now be looking for his fourth team in four years for the 2023 season. Wentz, 30, played just one season in Washington. He had a 2-5 record with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and was benched a couple of times by head coach Ron Rivera.

Medical aid in dying could soon be legal in Maryland through a state bill that would allow terminally ill adults who are deemed mentally capable to seek prescriptions for drugs to help them end their life. The End-of-Life Option Act was first proposed in Maryland in 2015, but the 2023 legislative session marks the first year the bill has earned the support of the state’s governor. In January, Gov. Wes Moore endorsed medical aid in dying. According to a recent Gonzales Research survey, 71% of Maryland voters support the bill, up from 69% in 2021. This shows a growing movement to pass…

West Virginia is no longer providing a daily update on COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health and Human Resources announced last week that COVID-19 dashboard updates will now occur weekly on Wednesdays, as opposed to daily updates. The decision was in light of the federal public health emergency expiring on May 11. In a press release, DHHR officials said the state was updating its COVID-19 dashboard metrics to better reflect the current response to the pandemic. West Virginia’s COVID emergency declaration expired Jan. 1. The pandemic is now considered an endemic in the Mountain State. Republican Gov. Jim Justice is still…

The State Center COVID-19 testing and vaccination site has shut down Saturday in Baltimore City. Its closure comes as Maryland sees COVID-19 metrics trend in a more positive direction, down almost 50% since the recent spike in January. As of Friday, the state reported 534 new cases and fewer than 400 COVID-19 patients needed hospitalization. WBAL reports after serving the Baltimore community for 16 months, the State Center COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment center is now officially closed.

Sen. Ben Cardin will be holding a roundtable discussion today to let Maryland seniors know of the perks they're now entitled to under the federal inflation reduction act. WBAL reports, the discussion, held in Baltimore,  highlight ed the new health care provisions under the inflation reduction act. This includes free shingles vaccines and people with diabetes will have their insulin capped at $35 a month. Cardin will also speak with local seniors, who will be able to tell him how the new federal initiatives are impacting their lives. Under the inflation reduction act, Maryland seniors are now eligible for free…

On February 27th, 2023 at approximately 2:30 am officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 400 block of Goethe Street for a reported assault. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim, who advised that Darren Graham had struck them in the face and pushed them down the stairs. Officers observed evidence of an assault and placed Graham under arrest. Graham was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he awaits his initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner. Arrest: Darren Ricardo Graham, age 57, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Assault Second Degree.

On February 27th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 12000 block of Willowbrook Road for a reported disturbance. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with witnesses who advised that Michael Mumford was acting erratically and creating a disturbance. Officers contacted Mumford and advised him to stop creating a disturbance and at the request of the property owner, was advised to leave the property. Mumford left the area and a short time later Mumford was located back on the property. Mumford was placed under arrest and later released on a Criminal Citation pending his trial at District Court….