One week after prosecutors dropped criminal harassment charges that had been filed against him- Delegate Jason Buckel was re-elected as House Minority Leader by the Republican Caucus. The charges were filed by a Maryland State trooper involved in a relationship with Buckel’s estranged wife.  Although the charges were dropped- the incident did lead to Delegate Christopher Adams resigning from his minority whip post and announcing a challenge to Buckel. Wanting to bring clarity to the party’s leadership team in advance of the start of the 2022 General Assembly Session, the Caucus called a meeting for Wednesday night  and provided Buckle…

As COVID-19 cases continue to hit record levels nationwide and in Maryland, one of the tri state region’s largest health care providers outlines plans Thursday to distribute a new antibody drug for coronavirus. UPMC experts announced that the system is receiving a limited supply of AstraZeneca’s Evushield and will give it to patients as quickly as possible. Evushield is the first-ever monoclonal antibody cocktail authorized by the FDA for the prevention of COVID-19 prior to an exposure. Dr Donald Yealy, head of Emergency Medicine for UPMC, was quick to note that this is not to be viewed as a substitute for getting vaccinated…

Maryland State Police are gearing up for New Year’s weekend with additional troopers on patrol and initiatives. They are urging both motorists and pedestrians to use common sense, take responsibility and be more courteous on Maryland’s roadways. The beefed up enforcement actually began before Christmas will remains in effect through January 2. Troopers from each of the 23 Maryland State Police barracks statewide will be focusing enforcement efforts on impaired driving, aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving and other violations that often contribute to highway tragedies during holiday seasons. Planning your evening and a choosing a safe way of travel can…

Baltimore is one of the neediest cities in the United States, according to a report from WalletHub. The financial services website compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated in the U.S — across economic well-being and health and safety. Its 28 metrics included poverty, unemployment, homelessness, food insecurity, suicide and crime rates. Baltimore ranked as the number 8 overall neediest city.  Washington DC ranked 76 and Pittsburgh came in at 136.

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a vehicle crashed into the Mt Savage Post Office just after 3 Thursday afternoon. There were no injuries. 

WBAL reports Baltimore City Fire crews responded to an explosion at a facility in Curtis Bay on Thursday. According to city fire officials, contractors at CSX Curtis Bay Coal Terminal were moving coal around 11:30 a.m. Thursday on a conveyor belt in a tunnel when a build-up of coal dust happened, causing an explosion. Residents all over South Baltimore heard the explosion, including a number of WBAL employees. Fire officials said there was no fire, but there was damage to the equipment to the facility. There is no risk to the surrounding community, officials said. CSX officials told 11 News all…

The Cumberland Times News reports a fugitive from Pennsylvania wanted on armed robbery and parole violation charges was arrested Wednesday afternoon when he was spotted by federal marshals after he stopped his vehicle on state Route 28 in Wiley Ford. Rob Eugene Smith Jr., 34, was taken into custody after he allegedly attempted to elude capture by striking a U.S. Marshals Service vehicle and a marked Ridgeley Police Department vehicle after officers blocked his exit in a business parking lot, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Several firearms were seized at the time of the arrest and Smith's vehicle was…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced today that, with the number of Omicron variant cases climbing across the country, he has directed state health officials and his COVID-19 response team to continue closely monitoring case numbers along with the state’s hospital bed availability. “We only have 18 cases, but we know it’s absolutely moving. It’s going to get higher,” Gov. Justice said. “I’ve directed my team to keep a close watch and provide me with recommendations about our hospitals and our critical care infrastructure. “The bottom line is that we need to save lives, protect our hospitals, and protect our ability…

Ahead of the new year, Governor Larry Hogan today announced three key appointments: Former Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, succeeding Secretary Kelly Schulz. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr., has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), succeeding Secretary Greg Slater. William Pines, MDTA’s chief engineer, will succeed Ports as MDTA’s executive director. Governor Hogan issued the following statement:  “We’re excited to add new members of our Cabinet with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Mike Gill…

For the past seven years, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has struggled under the weight of restoring Steam Engineer 1309. For much of the time, the financial future of the entire operation seemed to hang in the balance of the massive undertaking. Announced deadlines came and went, and although there was always hope, audits and rumors of mismanagement also floated through the community. For several years, Wesley Heinz has been working on the project behind the scenes, and this year, brought a breath of renewed hope and new ideas as the new Executive Director of WMSR. Summer ice cream trains…