The U.S. Geological Survey found moderate concentrations of five different pesticides invading groundwater across the U.S., but pesticide contamination in Maryland’s groundwater is showing declines. However, Jay Feldman with the group Beyond Pesticides says the study only looked at 22 chemicals over the course of a decade without measuring newer, widely used pesticides…    "Some of the more modern chemicals that are of concern, including Roundup, glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, paraquat – these are all highly hazardous chemicals that are simply not evaluated in this study."

It’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, and though senior drivers are among the safest on the road, they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash according to statistics.  In West Virginia, 27% of fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023 involved drivers 65 or older.  West Virginia Police Sergeant Jamie Wilhite says it’s more about ability than age…     “65 for you may be a different 65 for me.  It’s just something family members can keep an eye on whether they ride with them or if that family member is in a high number of…

With cold and flu season here, Dr. Rameen Shafiei from UPMC Western Maryland, says it is best to gage symptoms, practice good hygiene, and keep children with symptoms home for a day or two.  With most flus, Dr. Shafiei says it is best to allow rest, stay hydrated and keep the body fueled…     “Your body, your immune system needs certain key components to do its job, and one of those is water and the other is protein.  So, really make sure you are keeping your appetite up with high protein, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest.  Your body…

On December 3rd, 2025 at approximately 3:12 p.m., officers from the Cumberland Police Department observed a male operating a bicycle on the sidewalk in front of Roses' Department Store. An officer contacted the male and identified him as Richard Allen Lowry. Lowry was informed of his violation and was subsequently placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest was conducted and a quantity of CDS was located on his person. Lowry was transported to Police Headquarters and issued citations for his offenses, and he was released pending trial at District Court.  NAME: Richard Allen Lowry  AGE 35 Cumberland, MD CHARGE:…

Allegany County officials say they will pursue a legal battle over two dogs that have threatened people on the Great Allegheny Passage. County officials say the dogs, a Great Dane and a Boxer/terrier mix were running at large near mile marker 3. Assistant Allegany County Attorney Ramon Rozas presided over a hearing last year and subsequently ordered the animals to become property of the local animal shelter. An appeal filed by the dogs owners, Danny Porter and Nickole Stemple, of Kansas Avenue, was dismissed in March by Allegany County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Getty. In May, the couple reportedly gave the dogs to the…

November’s general revenue fund collections again surpassed estimates in West Virginia. The state department of revenue reported strong numbers, with $28.5 million dollars in surplus, up 10.5% over the previous year. Total collections for November exceeded $442 million, above the $412 million dollar estimate. Governor Patrick Morrisey said the state will continue making decisions to capitalize on growth and prepare for any budget challenges to come.

Public hearings continue on developing new congressional districts in Maryland. Over 100 people have signed up to testify this week on whether the state should redraw voting maps mid-cycle. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss sits on the commission and feels they are moving too fast to make an informed decision…     “Quite frankly, it’s something that’s being rushed to get it out there and as a member of the commission I haven’t seen a map of what they’re actually considering.” The rush may result in a legislative special session…     “If they were to get a special session together,…

A series of audit findings of Maryland state agencies is showing more than $8 billion dollars in spending in the last year without proper oversight. Failures to follow policies included the Lottery commission, state highways, and human services. Governor Wes Moore has heard the excuses that some problems are repeat offenders…     “These problems have been long-standing and these problems have been generational and these problems have been year on year. I get that and I understand that.” Moore is seeking quick action on correcting problems without excuses…     “The directive that I have to my agency heads,…

Union Rescue Mission’s new location has enabled them to provide more space for children in need.  With more space, 10 rooms are available for mothers with children, an increase from their old location. Pastor David Ziler says a definite need at the shelter right now is children’s medicines…     “We’re seeing an increase level of kids. When there’s a bug that goes through, it goes through, and we need thermometers, children’s Tylenol, children’s Motrin, cough syrups, stuff like that—what you would need at your house if your kids were sick— Pedialyte – those types of things.”

Senators Shelly Moore Capito and Jim Justice of West Virginia have both taken to the Senate floor in Washington to pay tribute to two National Guard members from their state that were shot while on duty there, with one dying from their injuries. Senator Justice said he knows people disagree about President Trump’s use of the Guard, but believes it will help the country return to a more peaceful time…     “And I would say to you just this: How many body bags, how many body bags do we have to have in our cities to do something? What…