Following hours of debate in the Maryland House, HB853 passed to move on to the Senate Judiciary Proceedings Committee.  The Second Look Act seeks review of jail sentences for those incarcerated for more than 20 years if they were put in prison between 18 and 25 years of age.  Delegate Robin Grammer believes the bill is unnecessary…     “These folks already have tons of opportunities to get their sentences modified. And this gives them the 13th, 14th, and 15th opportunity to do that.” Minority Leader Jason Buckel had offered an amendment removing mass murderers from the bill – it…

There is still time in the Maryland General Assembly to find ways on both sides of the aisle for lawmakers to deal with the three-plus billion-dollar deficit the state is facing. While Democrats are looking at taxes to increase revenue, House Minority Leader Jason Buckel told WBAL there is money now that could be shifted to lessen the burden…     “We’ve put all our eggs in the federal government basket and the chickens have come home to roost. We have hundreds of millions of dollars in that budget that are never going to be spent correctly that we could…

Signs are up along Baltimore, Centre, and Liberty Streets and new parking rules are now in effect. Vehicles may park in any parking spot not otherwise marked as a loading or special time zone, or handicap access space at no charge for one hour. Once the hour limit is reached, vehicles must move from the area. The City of Cumberland has long-term parking options available at the city parking lots and garages. Parking violations are subject to a $25 citation.

48 Y/O, W/M, James Eugene Feagin has been reported to the Cumberland police department as a missing person. Feagin was last seen wearing black leather jacket and blue jeans, he also has an eyebrow ring over his left eye. Furthermore; he has a skeleton hand tattooed on his left hand.  He is approximately 6’-2’ in height and weighs approximately 175 lbs. with collar length black hair and blue eyes. Feagin was last seen in the area of Oldtown Road in Cumberland.  He is not believed to be in any danger.  If anyone has information on Feagin’s location they are encouraged…

The news of the closing of M&M Bakery in downtown Cumberland has touched the hearts of many residents who for years have gotten donuts, birthday and wedding cakes, and other sweet treats from the shop. Owner Roger Lantz confirmed with WCBC on Wednesday that he is retiring though plans for the shop are not finalized.  The community has been quick to act, setting up a retirement account at M&T Bank to say thanks that Lantz was surprised by…     “They told me yesterday and I thought, ‘I can’t believe it. You know what, I’m so lucky, you’ve got so…

Two of the most popular amusement parks in western Pennsylvania will soon be under new ownership.  Kennywood in Pittsburgh and Idlewild in Ligonier have been purchased by Herschend, an Atlanta company which owns many other American parks such as Dollywood.  No changes in park operations have been announced. 

The Bishop Walsh Mock Trial Team is in the state semifinals Thursday in Annapolis.  The opponent will be Walter Johnson High School of Montgomery County.  The winner of that match will be in the state finals Friday morning at the Supreme Court of Maryland.

A study of Maryland’s youth found 67,000 children in the state suffer from major depression and nearly half do not receive treatment. In schools, the ratio of psychologists to students is nearly five times higher than recommended and the ratio of social workers is almost 10 times higher. Angela Kimball with mental health group Inseparable says increased in-school services overcome barriers to access…     “They don’t require transportation or parents taking time off work. School mental-health services offer this opportunity to reduce barriers and get kids the support they need.”

Continuing drama within the federal government is having direct effects on the business of the Maryland General Assembly. The constant stream of cuts, changes, and plans being changed is creating more issues with the state coming up with a solid budget plan for 2026.  Senate President Bill Ferguson says the help from the federal government is not reliable now…     “The social safety net that we used to be able to count on from the federal government is quickly being pulled away and so we have to focus on Maryland first, and we have to provide the safety net…

Today, March 19, 2025, South Penn Elementary School was placed in a brief HOLD status due to a medical emergency. First Responders arrived on scene and provided medical service. School administrators gave the “All Clear” and the instructional day resumed as normal.