The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the launch of the Office of Statewide Broadband’s new Maryland Broadband Hub. The online Hub provides access to mapping viewers and links resources for Maryland residents and broadband providers to learn about how Maryland is analyzing data and existing broadband service to plan for increased service and broadband expansion, as required by Maryland Senate Bill 66.  The Hub includes three main components—the Maryland Broadband Explorer, the Data Collection Compare Tool, and a Grant Awards Dashboard—as well as additional resources and frequently asked questions for Marylanders to better understand the State’s plans to…

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced a representative from his office will meet with Eastern Panhandle residents in March to discuss consumer-related issues and answer any potential questions.   “These public events are a great way for consumers to talk one-on-one with our consumer representatives,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Residents can easily get questions answered, learn what is going on in their area and how to keep personal information safe and secure.”   Richard Dennis, a consumer outreach and compliance specialist with the office, will host the events as scheduled below:  March 7: 11 a.m. to noon – Hampshire County Courthouse,…

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, along with a bipartisan coalition of eight other states, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced the filing of a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed merger of The Kroger Company (Kroger) and Albertsons Companies, Inc. (Albertsons).   Kroger and Albertsons are the two largest national supermarket chains. Together, the companies employ approximately 710,000 people nationwide and thousands of people across more than 80 stores right here in Maryland.  “Americans spend more of their income on food than they have in decades. As Attorney General, I will not hesitate legal action to ensure Maryland…

Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin will carry on a Senate custom more than a century old by delivering President George Washington’s farewell address to the nation from the floor of the United States Senate. With an understanding that the future of our nation was larger than any single man or president, Washington announced to the country that he would step aside after two terms in office in 1796. The Senate began honoring President Washington’s birthday in 1896 with an annual recitation of his profound words.  Senator Cardin joins other Maryland Senators including Charles Mathias, Jr., and J. Glenn Beall, having the honor…

The West Virginia Department of Human Services reminds West Virginians that the application period for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program will end on Thursday, February 29. The federally funded program assists eligible West Virginia residents in paying water or wastewater bills. Eligibility for benefits is based on income, household size, and whether the household is responsible for paying water or wastewater bills. To qualify, the household must meet all program guidelines, which include an applicant’s annual income being at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income. Clients with questions should contact their local DoHS office.

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring training Report with Greg Brown – February 26, 2024

On Sunday, February 25th, 2024, at approx. 10pm, the Cumberland City Police responded to Interstate 68 W/B on the crosstown bridge for the report of a motor vehicle crash Once on scene, officers discovered that a Chevrolet Cruze had struck a crash barrier in the area of the downtown exit. The vehicle had then come to rest, blocking the roadway. It was determined that the vehicle had been operating at a speed greater than reasonable and failed to properly negotiate the turn, striking the barrier. A second vehicle was also damaged as a result of being unable to avoid debris…

On Sunday, February 25th, 2024, The Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on James Robert Michael Langway, 35, of Cumberland MD. The summons was in reference to multiple incidents that occurred on February 11th, in the downtown Cumberland area. During these incidents, it is alleged that Langway used rocks to break windows out of several vehicles and business in the area. Langway was served the summons at the Allegany County Detention Center where he is currently being held on other related charges. Arrested: James Robert Michael Langway          Age: 35 Charges: 2 counts of Malicious Destruction of Property <$1000,    …

West Virginia’s Senate is now working with a bill designed to ensure that obscene materials are located in an adults-only section of libraries. Similar to the way video stores used to have adult-only rooms, the legislation is supposed to protect children from exposure to explicit content. While librarians are not exempt from being charged should children come into contact with such content, the law should only impact those who intentionally provide such materials to children.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development released its 2023 Annual Report – the department invested over two billion dollars in FY23 to create more affordable housing, revitalize communities, and support small business. Over $140 million dollars went to community revitalization projects across the state. Small business and nonprofits received over $24 million in grant assistance. Just over $1 billion was invested in 39 affordable housing projects, creating 3,400 units for Maryland families.