Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen recently traveled to Israel to see for himself how humanitarian aid is being distributed in Gaza and to speak with families of those still being held hostage by Hamas.  The Senator said the main message was to bring the hostages home and end the war but there were also sharp words for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu…    “They were also very clear, everyone that we met with, that Prime Minister Netanyahu has prioritized his own political survival over the survival of their loved ones and over ending the war in Gaza.”

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is considering new regulations that would allow the use of pedal-assist electric bicycles on state bike trails. The move would increase accessibility to the state’s public lands. Previously, e-bikes have been restricted to roads and parking lots. The proposal comes in response to the increased popularity of e-bikes where sales have increased four-fold since 2019. Public comment on the proposal will be accepted through September 22.

For over the last two months, Woodvalley Strategies has consulted with the City of Cumberland and the public regarding the Comprehensive Plan.  Consultant Jamie Kendrick says public meetings have brought to light a desire for a stable and growing economy, local attractions that are open to tourists and residents, housing of every kind, and traffic control…   “Some of these are state investments, some are federal, some are local, some are private, some are all of the above.  And I know we are getting ready to start a session in a few weeks about Virginia Avenue—I’m really interested in getting…

The American Red Cross is partnering with PEANUTS to offer blood donors a gift through Sunday, September 21st.  Local blood drive locations include Western Maryland UPMC, Allegany College of Maryland and City Place.  Donors can also go to redcrossblood.org and enter their zip-code to find locations.  Jason Keeling with the Red Cross says each donor will receive a free PEANUTS t-shirt while supplies last…    “We partnered with PEANUTS to offer our blood donors a t-shirt that has characters from PEANUTS on it.  When donors come in they’re given a prewrapped t-shirt, and they may get one of four designs.”

The recently approved cellphone policy for students attending Allegany County Public Schools is similar to many other counties in the state that are keen on their students to keep their minds on their education. Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano tells WCBC that each type of school has a particular policy for cell phone usage during the school day…     “No cell phones at the elementary level, cell phones at the middle school level must be off all through the day with the exception of the beginning of the day and the end of the day. And high school, a little…

The Maryland State Police held their 159th Academy graduation ceremony late last week with Governor Wes Moore as the guest speaker.  The class consists of 48 graduates who underwent 27 weeks of classwork and field training at the state police academy in Sykesville. Moore addressed the class, saying the calls they respond to will prove their mettle…     “The call that you will get will be in times of trauma, the calls that you will get will be in times of need. The call that you will get will be in times of urgency, the call that you will…

Partnering with a major coal company, a West Virginia nonprofit is using coalfields for agricultural development. Residents in McDowell County are growing food on company land in hopes of revitalizing their economy and gaining access to fresh produce. Jason Tartt, of Economic Development Greater East, says they are leasing 335 acres of land to teach people how to farm in the mountains…    “What we’re doing here is very different from your traditional farm, but it is defining what agriculture is in the region, and we have a long list of things that we could be very good at producing.”

Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission is partnering with the area’s colleges in Cumberland, Frostburg, and Keyser for a college Street Fest. Planned for Saturday, September 6 on Cumberland’s Historic City Center, the event will feature music, games, discounts with student ID, and goodie bags. DDC Program Coordinator Becky McClarran says the fest is downtown’s way to welcome local college students…     “We want to show them what we have, and we thing we have a lot of things they’re going to enjoy. With music venues we have now, and art galleries. We’ve got some great restaurants, and cool boutique shops….

On September 1st, 2025 at approximately 6:25 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 block of Maryland Avenue for an individual refusing to leave a taxi cab. Officers were eventually able to remove the individual from the cab, and later identified the male as Blair Anthony Pinacle. Pinacle was advised to leave the area. Prior to leaving Pinacle removed his genitals, in front of Police and passers-by, and began to urinate. Pinacle was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. He was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and released pending trial at District Court. NAME:…

Cumberland Fire Department and Allegany County Emergency Services dispatch just before 3 a.m. Monday to a residential house fire at 11,113 Locust Grove Road in the Narrows. Fire crews conducting exterior operations. Fire Marshal has been dispatched to the scene.