Congressman David Trone has released a new Congressional report showing that at least 47,000 Marylanders in Maryland’s Sixth District stand to benefit from lower health care costs thanks to the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that was passed by Democrats in Congress and signed into law by President Biden. You can access the entire report here.  “When people have reliable health insurance, they live happier, healthier, and more secure lives. The American Rescue Plan brings new opportunities to those who are uninsured and brings down the cost of health care for millions of Americans,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m glad I…

The Allegany County Health Department has announced that, due to a scheduling conflict with the Allegany County Fairgrounds the week of August 30 to September 4, the drive-thru COVID testing clinic will temporarily relocate to the Ali Ghan Shrine Club (13100 Ali Ghan Rd NE, Cumberland, MD) for that week.  Clinic days and hours are unchanged:  Monday from 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No appointment or insurance card is required. As testing demand has increased with the rise in new COVID cases, it is strongly recommended that individuals pre-register online before coming to…

WBAL reports a Maryland teacher said she was placed on leave after refusing to comply with a school mask mandate. Angela Harders, a special education teacher at Paint Branch High School, said she was taking a stand against forced masking, The Washington Post reported. “Everyone should have the freedom to choose,” she said in the report Wednesday. A teacher for 12 years, Harders said she has held several positions in Montgomery County Public Schools, the state’s largest school system. Face coverings are at odds with her doctor’s orders and her religious faith, she said. Harders had medical-related accommodations last school year…

An investigation shows Representative Alex Mooney (R-2nd Dist., WV) allegedly spent funds flagged for his campaign on personal expenses including family vacations.  The investigation conducted by the Office of Congressional Ethics also showed he allegedly failed to properly report more than $40,000, however, the representative’s campaign says the OCE has said it rejected many of the allegations. According to an article published by the CQ Roll Call, the inquiry shows Mooney allegedly spent almost $3,500 through his campaign committee in West Virginia fast-food restaurants since 2017, which was the beginning of his second term.

Health care-related agencies and counseling services are coming together Tuesday to host a Day of Access to Treatment in Cumberland to share resources for those challenged by opioid and other addictions.  The event, to be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Western Maryland Railway Station parking lot, will feature a wide variety of services, resources and information related to recovery from substance misuse. Designed to provide direct access to treatment and recovery services, the Day of Access to Treatment will feature counselors on-site to talk about addiction and recovery, and to provide information on available treatment and counseling…

On August 26th, 2021 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Jamie Clark Dolly. The Criminal Summons was issued by the District Court stemming from an alleged assault that occurred on August 19th, 2021. Dolly signed for her paperwork and awaits her trial at District Court.   Arrest: Jamie Clark Dolly, age 29, Cumberland Maryland Charge: Assault Second Degree, Disorderly Conduct.

Frostburg State University’s fall semester is underway and the early numbers pertaining to COVID vaccination rates on campus are encouraging. FSU followed the directive of the University System of Maryland which announced in  late April that  system schools will require students, faculty and staff who will be on campuses in the fall be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions are being granted for medical or religious reasons. FSU President Dr Ron Nowaczyk…

While the Food and Drug Administration's full approval of the Pfizer vaccine is considered a vital step in overcoming vaccine reluctance, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is pushing for more. In a letter sent to President Joe Biden, Hogan calls for full approval for the Moderna and J&J vaccines. Hogan also says he wants to see booster shots moved up rather than people have to wait 8 months from the time of their last vaccination…

Allegany County Commissioners President Jake Shade blasted the Maryland State Board of Education for moving forward with a mask mandate for public schools. Shade, speaking during Thursday’s regular business meeting of the commissioners, said that on one hand the state advocates that local governments and boards of education make such decisions- only to contradict that days later…

  Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement in response to the attack at Kabul airport in Afghanistan:  “We are devastated and outraged by the murder of American service members and all who lost their lives in today’s horrific violence. The First Lady and I are praying for their loved ones, and we ask all Marylanders to join us. “This administration’s decisions have put the lives of thousands of Americans at the mercy of terrorists. We cannot continue to rely on their goodwill. “The President pledged to get every American out of Afghanistan. I urge him to stay true…