Hate crimes in Maryland more than doubled in 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigations reported this week. But the FBI data shows that last year’s increase is based on reports from a small sliver of Maryland’s state and local policing agencies, which have consistently failed to report hate bias incidents to the federal agency for years. The 2020 numbers reported by the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer demonstrate a concerning trend: Until 2020, hate crimes had declined in the state in the last few years, with only 19 reported to the federal agency in 2019. In 2020, the FBI shows a 286% increase…

Governor Larry Hogan’s administration spent more than $380,000 in legal fees attempting to end expanded federal unemployment benefits in Maryland early, an invoice shows. The 17-page invoice released Friday is dated Aug. 20 and includes $381,952.50 in legal fees, as well as $696.56 in filing fees and court costs, for a total of $382,649.06. The invoice, from Venable LLP, was released in response to a public information request from Maryland Matters on Friday.

On 8/24/2021 at approximately 9:15 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Marion Street for an assault. Upon arrival officers contacted the victims who advised that David Leroy Scott had thrown a glass at them. Officers observed evidence of the assault and attempted to locate Scott. Scott was unable to be located and charges were submitted to the District Court Commissioner. A Criminal Summons was issued and then served on 9/3/2021. Scott is pending trial in District Court. Served – David Leroy Scott (34) Cumberland, MD Charges – 2 counts of Assault 2nd Degree

There will be no drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Monday, September 6 due to the Labor Day holiday.  The Allegany County Health Department announced that drive-thru testing will resume next Wednesday, September 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Allegany County Fairgrounds Ag Pavilion, 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland.  Regular hours for the testing clinic are Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No appointment is needed, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to minimize wait times at the clinic.  Pre-registration can be done online any time prior to coming to the…

Throughout Allegany County, MD, George Washington’s familiar profile is depicted on blue signs along scenic byways and city streets. The recently installed signs serve as markers for George Washington’s first military and diplomatic venture through Allegany County on his way to what is now western Pennsylvania, in 1753 – an expedition that would mark the beginning of the military struggle known as the French and Indian War.  The trail is an extension of the Washington Trail 1753, originally developed by Butler County, PA, to tell the story of Washington’s 1753 journey through the Keystone State. Washington’s 1753 journey extends from…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that he has appointed Judge Steven B. Gould to the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court. Gould, who currently serves on the Court of Special Appeals, will fill the seat being vacated by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, who will retire on September 10. Additionally, the governor announced that he has designated Judge Joseph M. Getty as the new chief judge of the Court of Appeals, effective September 11. “Judge Gould is a distinguished jurist committed to justice and fairness, and it is my privilege to elevate him to the state’s highest court,” said…

 The faculty of West Virginia University last week overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students and employees on the university’s campuses. At a rare mid wek meeting of the entire faculty-debate and discussion over the resolution lasted nearly three hours and ended with a call for a vote. After the votes were totaled, there were 1,094 in support of the resolution and 185 against it.  The final resolution will now be sent to WVU’s administration and Board of Governors. During Wednesday’s meeting, WVU President Gordon Gee and other WVU officials gave presentations as to why they believed…

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is encouraging residents and businesses whose property has been damaged by the effects of Hurricane Ida to contact the Department, as they may qualify to have their property assessments reduced. Maryland residents can fill out this form and email it to their local SDAT assessment office. A list of all SDAT offices with contact information can be found on SDAT’s website here. “SDAT is well-versed in natural disaster response, and we stand ready to assist Marylanders whose property has been damaged or destroyed in the path of Hurricane Ida,” said SDAT…

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), local jurisdictions, and their partners are operating COVID-19 testing sites and mobile testing teams, as well as mobile and fixed vaccination clinics throughout the state.   This weekly advisory provides information about testing site locations and hours operated by local health departments and MDH throughout Maryland. It also provides information about local health departments’ state vaccination opportunities.  Reminder: All Marylanders 12 and older are now eligible for vaccination. Find a vaccination site and make an appointment near you here. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are at risk of serious illness or even death…

For the period of Wednesday, August 25, 2021, through Thursday, September 2, 2021, ACPS had two situations that met the definition of a cohort or classroom outbreak by the Maryland Department of Health. One was in an extracurricular organization at Allegany High School, and one was in a classroom at Braddock Middle School. In both of these cases, the definition of outbreak was met due to two individuals in the cohort testing positive for COVID-19. There was no quarantining of students in the classroom as a result of an outbreak.   ACPS had four staff members reported as positive for COVID-19…