From Associated Press:  In a news conference, Trump said he’ll place the D.C. police department under federal control and deploy the National Guard. Trump said he wants to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor.” The Democratic mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, has noted that violent crime in Washington has decreased since a rise in 2023. Trump cited a number of recent high-profile incidents, including the killing of a 21-year-old Congressional intern and the beating of a DOGE staffer during an attempted carjacking. “This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our Capitol back,” the…

Citizens could have the opportunity to name their favorite place to sit downtown. Cumberland is considering selling naming rights to the 17 pedestrian benches placed around the downtown in an effort to support the maintenance of the retail area. Mayor Ray Morriss shared details around the idea with WCBC…      “What we’re looking at is creating the ability for the naming rights for those benches. We’re knocking it around – probably about a thousand dollars and you’ll have that for the life of that bench. The time that the bench needs to be replaced, you’ll have first option to…

Nominations for the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce’s annual recognition awards are open through August 22.  Annually, the Chamber recognizes businesses and individuals in categories including Community Service, Non-Profit, and Business of the Year.  Juli McCoy, President of the Chamber, says this year small businesses as well as large business will be recognized…     “Over the years, a couple of them have applied for that honor of a Business of the Year, but it’s really difficult for them to compete against someone much larger than them.  So, we, of course, recognize that our community has changed, and it’s time…

Maryland has some of the toughest guardrails for those facing medical debt, including preventing property liens and foreclosures. According to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund, more than 40% in the state say their debt comes from outpatient services, dentists, OBGYNs, and other billing.  Eva Stahl, with advocacy group Undue Medical Debt, says more states have been improving consumer protection in medical debt…    "Putting guardrails around payment plans and protecting people, making sure that doors are open around financial assistance at hospitals, with respect to medical debt on credit reports."

On August 10, 2025, at 7:51 PM, Deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a large fight involving baseball bats and knives at 15800 Barnes Drive. Upon arrival, Deputies found multiple injured victims. After the scene was secured, Emergency Medical Services were called to the location. Several individuals were transported to UPMC for treatment, and one victim was airlifted by Trooper 5 to Ruby Memorial. While Deputies were still on the scene, an additional assault occurred, leading to further arrests. Following an investigation, a total of seven suspects were arrested at the location. Cody D….

The Allegany County Commissioners this past week heard a brief update on changes coming to the Bel Air water system ownership. Administrator Jason Bennett relayed that no paperwork has been submitted to the Public Service Commission yet on the sale of the Maryland Water Service, but the PSC was able to give the county some guidance…     “There’s been no filing as of yet for this transfer of ownership, but the PSC gave us a little bit of homework that we need to do over the next couple of weeks to research potential next steps, so we’ll come back…

West Virginia is losing $100 million for solar power development. The Environmental Protection Agency announced late last week that the Solar for All Program created under the Biden administration is now defunded. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the agency no longer has authority or funding for the program…     “The new law eliminates billions of green slush fund dollars by repealing the greenhouse gas reduction fund. While this program was stood up in 2024, very little money has actually been spent. Recipients are still very much in the early planning phase, not the building and construction process.”

As the Union Rescue Mission expands, their budget has seen an expansion of its own.  Pastor David Ziler of URM says before he took over the shelter the monthly cost to run it was $1,500.  As they expand and work with inflation prices, Ziler says that monthly cost is now $50,000 and the community is who they rely on for most of funding…     “That’s mostly coming from the church and private donors.  We do apply for grants from like Walmart, and American Woodmark, and DelFest helps us out always, but for the most part, it’s coming from $50…

The City of Cumberland will be holding its Citizens Local Government Academy for the second year starting September 11th.  Two-hour classes will meet Thursday evenings from 6-8pm for eight weeks.  Anyone 18 and older can apply through the City’s website until Monday, August 25th.  City Administrator Jeff Silka tells WCBC the program shows the City’s work behind the scenes…     “You get behind the curtain, as we like to call it.  Everybody likes to complain about, ‘Why isn’t this pothole filled?’ or ‘Why does it take 10 years to get this project funded?’  If you wanna know how local…

On Friday, August 8th, 2025, officers of the Cumberland Police Department were patrolling in the area of Canal Street when they observed three individuals trespassing in a posted area. Officers made contact with the individuals, Roger Darr, Aaron Thrasher and Kiera Camaraza, who were advised of the trespassing violation. All three were issued criminal citations for trespassing on posted property and released pending their trials at District Court. Arrest: Roger Darr, Age 42, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property Arrest: Aaron Thrasher, Age 43, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property Arrest: Kiera Camaraza, Age 29, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted…