WBAL reports Democratic governor nominee Wes Moore has declined an invitation to participate in a Gubernatorial forum at Morgan State University. Morgan State University's campus newspaper, The Spokesman, plans to host the forum at the school at the end of September. Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox has accepted the invitation to participate. A Morgan spokesman says the scheduling director for Moores campaign declined the invitation because they don't want to promote what they're calling the "dangerous views" of Cox.

The Cumberland Times News reports federal funds will soon help WVU Potomac Valley Hospital recoup some of the costs the hospital incurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Joe Manchin announced earlier this week that the hospital was to receive $313,700 for equipment and personnel costs incurred in 2021 when the COVID-19 overflow wing was in operation. The funds are part of the American Rescue Plan and come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, according to a release from Manchin’s office.

On Women’s Equality Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced that U.S. News and World Report has named Maryland as the number one state for gender equality. The first-ever analysis of its kind cites K-12 education as a leading factor in achieving the nation’s top ranking. “Every child in Maryland deserves access to a world-class education, regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in,” said Governor Hogan. “We are proud that Maryland leads the nation in expanding opportunities for women and girls. While there is always more work to do, it is especially gratifying that this study recognizes our commitment…

 A man from Allegany County was arrested and charged Thursday morning after a Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation developed evidence supporting charges of possession of child pornography. The suspect is identified as Cledith Polson, 42, of Cumberland, Maryland.  He is charged with four counts of possession of child pornography and four counts of distribution of child pornography. Polson was arrested on Thursday without incident. He is being held without bond at the Allegany County County Detention Center. In June 2022, troopers from the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began an online…

 As thousands of students are heading back to class next week, Maryland State Police and the Maryland Center for School Safety are reminding motorists to be alert as children are getting on and off school buses. In a typical school year, more than 600,000 Maryland students ride school buses in Maryland. Remember, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus, regardless of which direction they’re approaching. They must not attempt to pass by the bus until the stop signal and flashing lights are off and the bus is in motion once again. Violation of these laws incurs a…

UPDATE: A number of fire crews responded this morning to the single story house fire around 1:30AM. No injuries were reported. The structure was fully involved at the time of the call. Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.  A fire was reported in Lavale at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Grant Drive. Allegany County Emergency Management dispatched crews to the working fire. Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office Report:  DATE:   August 26, 2022 TIME:   1:17 AM LOCATION / ADDRESS: 11 Grant Drive, LaVale, Allegany County TYPE OF INCIDENT:  Structure fire DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE / PROPERTY: split level home with…

On August 25th  Cumberland City Police arrested Gerald Charles Knorr, 62, of Albany NY. Knorr was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrant alleges that Knorr failed to obey the terms and conditions of his probation that stemmed from a previous disorderly conduct charge that he received in 2018. Knorr was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. Arrested: Gerald Charles Knorr                 Age: 62 Charges: Bench Warrant – Failure to Comply   On…

Golden Entertainment announced Thursday that an agreement has been reached to sell the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone to Century Casinos and real estate investor VICI Properties for $260 million in cash. According to the deal, Century Casinos will pay $56.1 million for the operations of the Rocky Gap casino, while VICI will pay $203.9 million for its interest in the land and buildings. Delegate Jason Buckel, who co chairs an economic development task force that has spent some time focusing on the future of the resort, tells WCBC News that transaction may explain why the current owner/operator held off on securing sports…

A social media comment from an Allegany County Commissioner in response to a t-shirt being sold in the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad gift shop has generated some controversy- with a frustrated group of railroad employees attending Thursday nights public meeting. The shirt depicts a steam engine soaring above the motto: ”Ridgeley West Virginia: Home of the Thunder No. 1309”. Commissioner David Caporale on his facebook page posted a picture of the t-shirt and made note that the majority of the railroad funding comes from Maryland- primarily the county along with the cities of Frostburg and Cumberland. Those attending the session…