City of Cumberland is currently in the process of reviewing and updating its Comprehensive Plan. This is a vital document that guides public policy and planning decisions. Required by the State of Maryland to be updated every 10 years, this plan is developed with input from city staff, a citizen advisory committee, and most importantly, the public. The updated Comprehensive Plan will address a wide range of and once adopted, this long-range blueprint will guide decisions made by the Mayor and City Council and staff. The first public outreach meeting on July 28th was well attended, but there is still…

Area law enforcement investigating a stabbing incident that occurred early Saturday morning around 3:30 a.m. The bridge between Westernport, Maryland and Piedmont, West Virginia is presently closed at this time.  

National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog advisory until 8 AM this morning for portions of western Maryland, northwest and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad proudly announces the return of RailFest, its signature celebration of heritage railroading, community, and mountain adventure. RailFest 2025: A Return to the Rails promises a weekend packed with steam-powered excitement, local flavor, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. The festivities begin Friday, September 12, with a breathtaking Sunset on the Mountain train departing at 7:00 PM, setting the tone for a weekend that blends history with high-altitude beauty. On Saturday and Sunday, September 13 & 14, the first-of-its-kind Helmstetter Highball rolls—powered by steam locomotive 1309, the largest operating compound Mallet in the country. This scenic…

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 agriculture funding bill to block the Trump Administration’s illegal and harmful USDA reorganization plan, proposed last week, that would shutter the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County, MD. Furthermore, the amendment requires that, prior to any reorganization, USDA must submit to Congress a benefit-cost analysis, conduct a public comment process, and report on how the proposed reorganization would impact USDA customer service and staff expertise. Mr. President. Colleagues, USDA has proposed a massive reorganization plan, having done absolutely no due diligence. They've not…

FEMA relief to the states is based on a specific threshold that is a per capita determination, setting Allegany County’s threshold at around $11 million dollars. While the estimated damages from May’s flooding are currently at $15 million, Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC that the appeal of FEMA’s denial is based on that gap…     “The threshold is based on what FEMA believes the state can afford to absorb, afford is probably not the right word, but absorb. And so the difference of $3.8 million is what we’re trying to do with the appeal process.”

On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Charliena Rodriguez, 18, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was issued in reference to an incident that occurred on June 24th, 2025 at a business in the 400 Block of Maryland Avenue. On that date, it is alleged that Rodriguez concealed several items inside a bag then left the business without paying for them. The officer reviewed security footage positively identifying Rodriguez and filed for charges at the Allegany County District Court, and a criminal summons was issued. ARRESTED – Charliena Rodriguez, Cumberland, MD AGE: 18 CHARGES…

Many workers short on cash use payday loans to fill in gaps. Often these loans come with extreme interest rates and short terms, usually due the next payday. Maryland has caps on such loans at 33% but elsewhere interest can be as high as 300%. Marceling White with Economic Action Maryland says phone apps offering payday loans are also restricted, but some lenders get more money by charging multiple fees…     "When you have people who are struggling to make ends meet, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, they should not be having to borrow against their own paycheck, and then pay high…

Governor Wes Moore announced this week that X-Energy, a nuclear reactor and fuel company, is expanding its operations in two counties. The company will be consolidating its headquarters to Gaithersburg in a 125,000 square foot facility and adding a test and training facility in Frederick. That facility will conduct non-nuclear testing of critical reactor components. Plans are to create over 500 jobs in the next six years.

A new director has been named for the Fort Hill High School Band.  Brice Simpson will be taking over the director duties beginning with the annual summer band camp. Simpson is a 2018 graduate of Fort Hill and holds a master’s degree and music education degree from Frostburg State University. Simpson takes over the band director duties from Dr. Joe Thompson who led the band for 20 years. Thompson has taken a position as Assistant Principal at Braddock Middle School.