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Harris Thinks Hogan Should Run

A leading Republican official is thinking out loud about former governor Larry Hogan running for another term. Congressman Andy Harris, Maryland’s lone Republican representative in Washington and head of the Freedom Caucus, floated the idea and thinks Hogan could beat incumbent Governor Wes Moore…    “Larry Hogan can run for another term; he just can’t run for a third consecutive term. And I think when Governor Moore is done raising taxes by over a billion dollars, they’re going to have to raise taxes more next year and more the year after that – the election year – I think Larry…

Charleston Report with Delegate Gary Howell

The final day of the legislative session is often one of the most intense. As time runs out, many bills that could meaningfully improve our state or address important local issues unfortunately fail to advance. This can be an emotional moment for those who have invested significant effort into these proposals. With tensions running high, words are sometimes spoken in frustration that may later be regretted. That is one reason the Legislature traditionally does not hold interim meetings during the month immediately following the end of session. This year, the first interim meetings are scheduled for June 22 through 24…

Senator Alsobrooks Visiting Area Today

Democratic Senator Angela Alsobrooks is in the Western Maryland today. A meeting with Frostburg State University student leaders was taking place this morning before attending a luncheon with the Greater Cumberland Committee in FSU’s Lane Center. Alsobrooks is scheduled to visit Western Maryland works in LaVale before ending her area visit meeting local labor leaders at the UA Local 486 Plumbers and Steamfitters in Hagerstown.

Local Surgeon Dies

Dr. Andrew Stasko, 92, died April 6 in Cumberland.  A native of Johnson City, New York, Stasko earned his undergraduate degree at Holy Cross and attended medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences.  He served his country in the U.S. Medical Corps at Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Stasko moved to Cumberland in the late 1960s and started his own practice on Seton Drive in 1971.  He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, four children, and several grandchildren.  Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home in Cresaptown April 27 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be April…

Governor Moore Visits Japan and South Korea

Gov. Wes Moore (D) on Saturday launched a weeklong mission to sell the state of Maryland as a destination to do business to executives in Japan and South Korea, even amid economic turmoil in the state and an increasingly tense international trade war.  Moore and his delegation of 25 Maryland officials, including representatives from the state’s Transportation, State and Commerce departments, took an exhibition ride on a bullet train that went up to 311 miles per hour.

Water Service Disruption Tuesday

From the City of Cumberland: Water service will be interrupted in the Buckingham Road area on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for new valve installations. The affected areas include Buckingham Road, Windsor Road, and Balmoral Road.

Grants Given To State Parks

Friends of Maryland State Parks has awarded 22 grants totaling over $37,000 to state parks across Maryland. Funding through the non-profit’s “Small Grants, Big Impact” program will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreation, and promote conservation. Grants range from $900 to $2,000. Deep Creek Lake State Park received funding to expand a rain garden, and plant native species around the park’s aviary.

Car Dealership Pioneer Passes

A pioneering figure in car sales in the state of Maryland has passed away. Jack Fitzgerald, founder of the Fitzgerald Auto Malls in Maryland, died recently at the age of 89. Fitzgerald began his career as a door-to-door salesman at the age of 20. Fitzgerald Auto Malls, known for their “Fitz Way” customer service, includes 20 franchises in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida with over 1,800 employees.

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM TUESDAY

National Weather Service has issued a WIND ADVISORY for portions of western Maryland, central, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia from 10 AM to 8 PM Tuesday. West winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph expected. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may resut. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Parade Has DDC Approval

There has been widespread approval for the proposed Memorial Day Parade in Cumberland, but questions have arisen about why the City had not already put clear guardrails in place about what kind of events would be encouraged or discouraged in the new downtown given the 18 months of construction time. Friday, Downtown Development Commission president Larry Jackson said DDC members are in support of the event…     “From a DDC standpoint, all we can do is say we think this event is appropriate for our district and the cost thing and all that has to be on the application…