Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania dealt some harsh reality to reporters recently as he detailed what will happen to state residents as a result of the spending bill just passed by Congress. He said the state has rural hospitals already working in a deficit and their future is now quite uncertain…     “So if you’re already facing a deficit and your Medicaid is being slashed, we estimate that there’s about 25 rural hospitals that are likely to shutter in the next few years because of this.” Shapiro also cautioned that there is no large-scale state bailout coming…    …

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $160.6 million dollars in revenue from slot machines and table gamed during the month of June. It was a slight decline of 1.4% compared to June of 2024. The casinos’ tax contribution to the state for the month was $68.5 million also a decrease from same time last year. The MGM Grand national Harbor took in the most revenue at $67 million while Rocky Gap brought in $4.5 million dollars.

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Baltimore Ave for the report of an assault. Upon arrival on the scene, officers contacted two subjects who had been involved in a physical altercation. During the Investigation, it was learned that Jada Tashera Lane, 22, had attacked the other subject over their usage of a phone charger, causing multiple minor but visible injuries. As a result, Lane was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where she was…

Governor Wes Moore said Monday he has spent time talking with groups and individuals throughout the state on their reactions to the passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.  Moore said over 250,000 Marylanders could lose their healthcare as well as lose coverage under program cuts to food programs such as SNAP.  The Governor is looking quickly for updates on the bill’s effects on state agencies…    “There is no state that can single-handedly absorb the impact when the federal government severs its relationship with the middle class. I have ordered every state agency to review the bill and to…

The West Virginia Department of Human Services is now accepting school clothing allowance applications for children enrolled in West Virginia schools through July 31. Each eligible child will receive a $200 benefit that may be used toward the purchase of school clothing or piece goods to make clothing. Families may apply online at wvpath.wv.gov or request a paper application by contacting their local DOHS office.

Earlier this year, the Save the Westernport Library Association was formed to raise funds to save their library from closure. Now that the library will be staying open, Trish Morgan-Keating says the group will use its money to restore the library that had considerable flood damage in May…     “We’re buying books, we’re gonna do furniture, décor, computer stations, desks, lounging furniture. Whatever they need, we are going to contribute toward as our funds allow.”

The Cumberland Mayor and Council will begin a searh for the next Chief of Police for the city soon. According to Mayor Ray Morriss, a statewide search will be done, but consideration would also be given to acting Chief Lieutenant Eric Bonner …     “We want somebody that has Maryland experience and understands the ramifications of working in a city in Maryland. Eric, if he chooses, absolutely would be a candidate.” Although the search is set to be statewide, Morriss says there a number of local residents that would be prospects…    “Locally there are some very good candidates…

The Cumberland Economic Development Corporation is moving ahead with preliminary site work along Messick Road for industrial development. The CEDC voted Tuesday to accept a proposal from Specs Engineering to develop a grading and utility package for the site. CEDC Director Matt Miller says this proposal moves the site closer to the goal of having a tenant…     “The proposal is to develop a grading and utility package for the site to include the preparation of bidding and permitting documents for the main access roads and approximately five major cad sites. The design will incorporate mass freighting, storm water…

For the second summer in a row, the air conditioning system at the Country Club Mall in LaVale is not functioning properly. Stores have gone without air or installed portable systems to keep employees and shoppers cool. Some stores have limited their hours or closed entirely on the hottest days.  Calls to the local mall office by WCBC were directed to Namdar Realty, the mall owners, but messages to that office have not been returned. The mall’s theatre and Walmart have separate cooling systems that are functioning.

On Monday, July 7th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Alexis Susan Marie Nixon, 27, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred at a S. Waverly Terrace residence on July 7th. During that incident, it is alleged that Nixon assaulted another subject in the home and was found to be in possession of CDS paraphernalia. Nixon was served the summons and released, pending trial in District Court. ARRESTED -   Alexis Susan Marie Nixon,        W/F 27 yo CHARGES -   Assault 2nd Degree, CDS Possession-Paraphernalia