A senate appropriations committee heard testimony from US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday about Department of Justice budgets for the coming year.  Senator Van Hollen questioned Bondi about departments who are in need of funding to get through the current year…     “My understanding is the DOJ is withholding an overwhelming number of notices of funding opportunities – NOFOs – meaning the grantees that rely on these grants, including many who provide services to victims of crimes are literally in some cases running out of money.” AG Bondi responded quickly, saying the funding is in process…    “We…

During a special online presentation, Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen discussed possible effects Medicaid cuts could have on Maryland residents. One specific area of concern was rural health.  Jonathan Dayton of the Maryland Rural Health Association 1.6 million residents in 18 counties are considered rural and cuts would be detrimental… “Without sufficient Medicaid funding, rural hospitals and clinics would face closures. We’re already seeing staffing shortages across the board. We’d see even more staffing cuts, we’d see reduced maternity services and even loss of potential emergency care.”

The statewide hiring freeze announced by Governor Wes Moore this week contains echoes of Republican proposals offered during the recent General Assembly session. The governor announced a freeze on new hires as well as a plan to offer buyouts to workers in an attempt to cut $121 million dollars from the state personnel budgets.  Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC Moore’s plan helps expenses and preserves jobs…    “I actually applaud the governor, for trying to do that and trying to create some innovative ways to reduce the force. Obviously, people are going to have to pick up the ball and…

Amateur Radio “Field Day” event will take place from June 28th at 2PM and runs till 2PM June 29th in LaVale. Members of the Mountain Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the national amateur radio Field Day exercise at 599 Georges Creek Blvd. Since 1933, amateur radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Amateur radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network. Ham radio…

The following students from Bel Air Elementary School made the Honor Roll for the fourth marking period of the 2024-2025 school year: Kindergarten: Distinguished Honor Roll – All A’s: Madilynn Baker,Teagan Ballou, Nora Barber, Alayna Buentello, Temry Dicken, Alessia Dudiak, Railynn George, Easton Jones, Bexley Kerr, Collen May, Graham McGregor, Rowan Miller, Remi Montgomery, Hannah Morgan, Idalynn Moyer, Luke Munson, Yullyne Parsons, Noah Pheasant, Amelia Riggleman, Brantley VanMeter, Aleah VanSkiver, Regan Waltz, Taitum Welsh, Bowen Wilson, Myla Wilson, and Cason Wiseman Honor Roll: Sage Bruce, Aubree Frost, Emma Garlitz, Lilly Jackson, Danielle Lucas, and Sebastian Rother Grade One: Distinguished Honor…

The airport at BWI is now 75 years old.  President Harry Truman dedicated the airport in 1950, initially named Friendship Airport.  The official name is now Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, taking on the name of the late Supreme Court justice in 2005.  The airport serves 25 million passengers each year. 

An important bridge connecting Hagerstown and Clear Spring will be closed for a year starting in the next few days.  The 89-year-old bridge on U.S. Route 40 spans Conococheague Creek.  Detours will be necessary on the heavily traveled route.

On Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Jason Lynn Winfield, 43, of Cumberland, MD. Winfield was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on June 24th, 2025. The warrant alleges that Winfield failed to obey an order of the court that was placed upon him due to a previous theft charge. Winfield was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. ARRESTED -   Jason Lynn Winfield,      W/M 43 yo CHARGES…

Frostburg State University is now partnering with Aladdin Campus Dining. The university’s previous food service contract expired at the end of last semester and Aladdin won the bid process. Aladdin Campus Dining has served higher education food programs for over 40 years. With the fall semester, expanded menu options will debut, including the introduction of Firehouse Subs as the replacement for the university’s current sandwich shop, along with Chick-Fil-A and a sushi bar.

Maryland ranks better for quality of maternal mental health, but more could be done. Caitlin Murphy with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health says the state does well with numbers of healthcare workers with specific training in the area. Maryland also does well in providing enhanced reimbursements for group prenatal care to help expectant mothers…     “That actually creates a peer support system and bult-in social supports, so that moms are able to connect with one another, not only during their pregnancy but then also postpartum. And these programs have been shown to be really effective at supporting…