Senator Chris Van Hollen was a guest on ABC This Week where he talked about the use of the National Guard to bring crime levels under control in the District of Columbia. Van Hollen said President Trump should give DC the billion dollars it is holding back so the District can hire the officers needed… “We are using resources, national resources – the FBI, the DEA, folks who are supposed to be out and about protecting the country from violent criminals and now they’re spending their time taking down tents of homeless people in the District of Columbia. I would…

On Monday, August 18th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served Criminal Summonses on Darnell Louis Powell II, 27, and Joseph Mark Beeseck, 34, both of Cumberland, MD. Both summonses were in reference to an incident that occurred on August 15th, at a residence in the 500 block of Pearre Ave. During that incident, it is alleged that both males got into a confrontation with a male victim. During the incident, it is alleged that both Powell and Beeseck assaulted the victim, causing minor injuries. On this date, both subjects were served their respective summonses and released, pending trial in District…

A popular waterfall at Ohiopyle State Park is off limits after damage from storms Sunday left some trails impassable and dangerous, according to park officials.  The Cucumber Falls area and Great Gorge Trail are closed for the foreseeable future, according to a post on the park’s social media. Downed trees and other debris are blocking the paths.  The Great Gorge Trail is connected to the Great Allegheny Passage.

The 144th Maryland State Fair opens on Thursday and will remain open over three weekends at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium.  The fair opens on Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday.  The Maryland State Fair decided to move to a three-weekend format in 2022 instead of having it over one span of 12 consecutive days.

Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will release a memoir in September called Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.  Manchin’s book tour will begin in Morgantown Friday, Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at West Virginia University. The book will be released Sept 16.  Manchin, 77, left the Senate last year after deciding not to run for re-election. He changed his registration from Democrat to Independent during his final year in office.

Konnor Griffin, the 19 year old #1 pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in last year's draft, will likely start for Altoona Tuesday at 6 p.m.  Griffin has scored 97 runs this year, stolen 59 bases, hit 16 home runs, and is batting .332.  He will be the youngest player to suit up for Altoona in its history, surpassing Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata with that distinction.  Griffin can play shortstop and outfield.

On August 17th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Christopher Lynn Cage. The warrant was issued as a result of Cage violating conditions of probation on January 23, 2025 for an original charge of acting as a contractor without a license. Cage was placed under arrest and transported to District Court where he was presented before a District Court Commissioner. He was later remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. NAME: Christopher Lynn Cage  AGE: 39  Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Violation of Probation

The federal government is allowing the South Fork Coal Company to haul coal through West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, despite a lawsuit arguing they do not have valid rights to do so. Coal and equipment have been hauled through the area since 2022. Olivia Miller with the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy says advocates will continue legal action, and local communities remain opposed to mining activity in the region…    “There were over 2,300 public comments opposing South Fork Coal Company’s valid existing rights determination. So we need to speak up again and continue to demand accountability.”  

Maryland’s lottery, casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports combined to bring in over a billion dollars in tax revenue for state programs and services in Fiscal Year 2025. The Lottery had its fourth-best year in its 52-year history, with sales of $2.6 billion dollars in scratch-off games and tickets. Lottery players won $1.7 billion dollars in the fiscal year. The state’s six casinos brought in $831 million in tax revenue, and sports books contributed $89 million in taxes to the state.

Local resident Dana Tinnen recently approached the Cumberland City Council about the search for a new police chief. Tinnen says this is an opportunity to diversify the force and when choosing someone, a minority candidate should be a focus…     “I think this would go a long way in building our police force and diversifying it. When you see a Black face, an Asian face, or a Latino face, those kids and those youth will have someone to look at, role models. And it could possibly change the face of our police force to diversify it.” Mayor Ray Morriss…