Maryland’s sports wagering market continued a strong performance in Fiscal Year 2026 by generating over $19 million dollars in tax revenue to the state in November. Sports betting also contributes to the state’s Blueprint for Education Fund that gained $14.3 million in November. Together, the sports betting outlets took in over $720 million dollars in wagers and paid out $623 million in prizes.

In response to rising food costs and reduced SNAP benefits during this month, the Allegany County Library System has partnered with Aldi to distribute 500 holiday meal kits to families in need this Christmas.  Starting Tuesday, December 16th, families can pick up their kit at any ACLS library locations on a first-come, first-served basis.  Ashley Swinford, Director of Outreach says the kits will include traditional holiday dishes…     “All the good holiday sides, stuffing, some vegetables, things like that, and, of course, desserts.  Everything besides that main kind of meat that you might need for a holiday meal.  The…

Maryland and West Virginia are among 42 states who have sent letters to artificial intelligence companies demanding steps be taken to protect children and others from chatbots. The states want stronger action to protect users who may not realize the dangers they can encounter on platforms where AI exists.  Numerous instances of harm and even death have been reported, according to Dr. Mitch Prinstein of the University of North Carolina…     “I have heard many parents talk about this and their loss. And what’s happening is completely preventable if we had companies who are prioritizing child wellbeing over child…

West Virginia’s FY 2027 budget plans include pay raises for state employees.  Governor Morrisey says the raise will apply to state employees funded through the general revenue budget covering teachers, State Police, and other essential public servants.  He adds the proposed pay raise will address critical vacancies in areas such as Corrections, Child Services, and Education…     “These are the people that are teaching our kids, they’re fixing our roads and bridges, they’re guarding our prisons, they’re protecting us from the bad people out there, and they administer many of the programs that our citizens rely on.  I think…

Despite the many post-flooding needs still facing Lonaconing, Barton, Midland, and Westernport, holiday cheer remains strong. Mayor Jack Coburn of Lonaconing told WCBC anyone who enjoys Christmas lights should take advantage of the show the small towns are putting on for the holidays…     “If you want a really nice Christmas tour of lights, start in the town of Midland, down through Lonaconing, and Barton and Westernport. These little towns up there have really went all out, so it should be a very nice drive through.”

FEMA’s denial of flood recovery funds for the Georges Creek area is still upsetting residents and legislators alike, but at least one says it’s time to move on from the disappointment. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel told attendees at a pre-legislative preview that pointing fingers and finding someone to blame will not bring what’s needed to help the area recover…      “It’s become a political football – who struck who, what happened, what’s wrong with FEMA, blame Wes Moore, blame Donald Trump, blame Jason Buckel, blame Mike McKay – it doesn’t matter. Just put their lives back to what…

David Trone, a Democrat who held the sixth district congressional seat for Maryland from 2019-2025 is again running for the position currently held by April McClain-Delaney. Trone announced his campaign Thursday morning with a press release and video saying that he’s taken on President Trump before and Dems need to stand up…     “We need to be fighting against him with every damned thing we’ve got. Democracy isn’t a right, sometimes it has to be fought for. So, if you’re listening President Trump, this is not an announcement video, it’s a battle cry.”

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson confirmed the General Assembly will not take up redistricting during the special session scheduled for next week. In addition to electing a new House speaker, the General Assembly will consider overriding bills vetoed by the governor. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters the issue remains in the hands of his redistricting commission. “I never am going to pressure the redistricting commission to come up with an answer. I’m never going to pressure them to come up with a certain speed.”   

The Town of Ridgeley will hold their annual Tree Lighting this Friday from 6pm to 8pm. There will be cookies, hot chocolate, and caroling. The public is invited to attend the event.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Kasidea Miltenberger.  The warrant was issued as the result of Miltenberger failing to appear in court on an original Fugitive from Justice charge.  She was arrested and later seen by a District Court Commissioner for a bond hearing.  At the conclusion, she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED:  Kasidea Rachelle Miltenberger   AGE:  28    Mt. Savage, MD BENCH WARRANT SERVED On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Denardo Middleton.  The warrant was issued as…