Efforts to keep AM radio in the dashboards of vehicles has taken a step forward in the House this week as the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 45 to 2 to send the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the full House for a vote. The role of AM Radio during recent natural disasters was cited by Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey… “AM Radio is a critical component of our emergency alert system, providing life-saving and time sensitive information when people need it most. My constituents saw its value first-hand when super storm Sandy struck my…

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Charles Parker Jr.  The warrants were issued as the result of Parker failing to appear in court.  In one case, Parker was originally charged with Assault-2nd Degree.  In the other case, he was originally charged with driving on a suspended license.  During a search incident to arrest, Parker was found to be in possession of CDS paraphernalia.  Parker was issued a citation for the violation.  He was transported to Central Booking.  Parker was later seen by the courts and released on his personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Charles…

First-Generation Student Success Grants have been awarded to public colleges and universities across West Virginia. The grants come from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. WVU Potomac State College is one public institution provided funding up to $5.000 to support recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of first-generation college students. Such students are the first in their families to pursue higher education and often face unique challenges in degree completion.

A bill introduced by Democratic Maryland Congressman David Trone is on the way to the Senate after passing out of the House on Tuesday. The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act reissues benefits to the families of veterans who fell victim to fraud and passed away before funds could be returned to them. A 2019 report showed the median loss of veterans is 44% higher than for civilians.  Trone is a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

The latest public opinion poll from Gonzales shows that Republican Neil Parrott has a slight edge in the race for Congress over Democrat April Delaney.  The Gonzales poll has Parrott with a 2 point lead over Delaney in the sixth Congressional district.  That seat is currently held by David Trone, who defeated Parrott in a close race two years ago.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police are warning residents to be aware of an internet scam involving Gmail accounts that is currently active in Maryland. Throughout August and September, the Maryland State Police Financial Crimes Unit received reports of several internet-based scams specific to Gmail accounts. The reports indicate that the scammer sends an email to the potential victim’s Gmail account with a photograph of their residence from Google Maps. The scammer then demands that the potential victim send money to them via Bitcoin. The scammer attempts to blackmail the potential victim into believing that they have engaged in viewing…

Cumberland’s Winter Festival doesn’t take place till Saturday, December 14 but plans are underway for the event.  Entertainment for the evening has been booked and activities across the downtown area are in the works.  According to Downtown Development Director Melinda Kelleher, volunteers play an important part and are needed to make the evening a success – those interested should contact her at City Hall… “We’ll need volunteers to help at the fire pits with roasting marshmallows. We’ll need help with people monitoring and helping with the bike decorating contest, we’ll need help with a whole kids area that’s over at…

In a move to improve the environment for dogs at the Allegany County Animal Shelter, 72 new sound panels are going in the dog building.  Donors gave nearly $11,000 for the panels that will be installed by Fielding Construction.  Shelter Board President Becky McClarran tells WCBC that the panels will help make the shelter less stressful for the animals… “You can imagine when you have 125 dogs and you walk in and they all start barking – how crazy loud it is. And it’s very stressful for the animals. One of the things that we wanted to do is reduce…

Governor Wes Moore has announced the appointment of Michael Pokorny as the chief executive officer of the newly formed Maryland Community investment Corporation. Prior to his appointment, Pokorny worked as an affordable housing and community development professional. As chief executive officer, he will make key recommendations and decisions regarding the corporation in building long-term financial capacity and sustained investment in low-income communities across Maryland through New Markets Tax Credits.