Recent studies reveal that across the nation hundreds of thousands of cases of child abuse and maltreatment went unreported when schools were closed during the height of the COVID-19  pandemic. The numbers highlight “a hidden cost of school shutdowns” with reseaerchers reporting that when schools are not in session, whether for regularly scheduled breaks or in response to catastrophes, cases of child maltreatment are more likely to go unnoticed and unreported. That appears to have been the case in Allegany County according to Christina Ujcic, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Child Abuse and Neglect Task Force…

A Maryland bill aims to shed light on suicides by identifying trends and patterns in an effort to prevent them. WTOP reports Del. Lisa Belcastro said she has not been directly affected by suicide but in her work with the legislation, which includes mental health and suicide, she has learned how many people across the state, including in her district, have been “touched by suicide.” She has been looking into ways to create legislation aimed at prevention, and she saw how one county in Oregon came up with a suicide review panel and developed interventions to identify people who might…

To encourage the Washington Commanders to stay in Maryland, the Maryland House approved a $400 million plan to develop the area around FedEx Field in the suburbs of the nation's capital, but it does not include money for a new stadium for the NFL team. The House voted 121-10 for the bill, which now goes to the Senate with less than a week to go in the state's legislative session. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn Monday at midnight. The measure, which also includes a provision with $200 million to renovate minor league baseball stadiums around the state, would authorize the…

March was a good one for the state's casinos overall, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Agency said. But it was better for some than for others. The six casinos across the state, including Rocky Gap, brought in more than $170 million in revenue in March. Gaming officials said that was the fourth-best month ever for the casinos. However, two of the casinos, the Horseshoe in Baltimore and the Hollywood Casino Perryville both saw revenues drop year over year from March of last year — even though a year ago when they were still limited to 50% capacity during the peak of the pandemic. The Horsehoe saw…

Police are on the lookout for a Cumberland man who allegedly attempted to suffocate a woman early Monday at a residence in the 23000 block of McMullen Highway, according to the Allegany County Sheriff's Office. Donald Dewayne Corbin, 37, was wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault and related charges. A warrant was issued for his arrest Tuesday in district court. Corbin reportedly fled the residence following the incident and prior to the arrival of deputies. The victim suffered injuries to her face and neck, police said. Corbin should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the sheriff's…

The Cumberland Police served an Arrest Warrant on Michael Eric Smith, age 31 of Cumberland, MD.  The warrant charged Smith with Violation of Probation for an original Second Degree Assault charge.  He was taken to Central Booking where he is being held without bond.  Arrested:  Micheal Eric Smith  Age:  31  Cumberland, MD Charges:  Violation of Probation     The Cumberland Police served an Arrest Warrant on Matthew Scott Lewis, age 39, of Cumberland, MD.  The warrant charged Lewis with Violation of Probation for an original Second Degree Assault charge.  He was taken to Central Booking for his initial appearance before…

The National Republican Congressional Committee has added Representative David Trone to its 2022 target list. Trone is the only member of Maryland’s U.S. House delegation on the list of now 70 Democratic representatives that the NRCC considers “vulnerable” for 2022. Trone himself acknowledged in a statement this week that the newly redrawn  congressional map alters the voter demographics of the sixth district significantly and could very definitely have an impact on his re-election efforts. Washington County Delegate Neil Parrott, a Republican, is challenging for the seat and he tells WCBC News that the new map creating a more balanced district will…

Although Maryland Governor Larry Hogan continues to downplay speculation that he is planning a run for the White House in 2024- he has become a regular on the national news shows routinely appearing on CNN, FOX and MSNBC- most often commenting on national issues. On CNN's State of the Union, Hogan, a Republican, reacted  to a federal judge saying former President Trump 'more likely than not' committed a crime on January 6… Turning his attention to the Biden administration, he said while the recent  jobs report was strong, inflation is out of control and many people are still  economically stressed……

The Allegany County Board of Education headlines Thursday’s second round of budget hearings from outside agencies presenting to the county commissioners. 99% of the school board’s budget comes from state and county coffers. Financé director Larry McKenzie says while  the superintendent’s budget request maintains the status quo of $31.8 million from the county-  with the General Assembly remaining in session through Monday- there remains the possibility for change in the coming days…

During Tuesday’s briefing, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice reported that there are now just 263 active cases of COVID-19 statewide; the lowest daily active case total since the first full month of the pandemic.  Over the past two months, total active cases have decreased by more than 98.7%. West Virginia’s County Alert Map once again features all 55 of the state’s counties in the Green category…