The expansion to the property tax and rent rebate program is set to benefit older Pennsylvanians in the Keystone State. House Bill 1100 was recently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, and starting in 2024 it increases the yearly property tax and rent rebate allowance from $650 to $1,000 and raises the income cap to $45,000.  State AARP Director Bill Johnston-Walsh says the program provides financial relief to those who need it most but also demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of an aging population…

Sources out of Baltimore are reporting that Mohammed Choudury, State Schools Superintendent has told the Maryland State Board of Education that he does not intend to pursue a second term.  Appointed in 2021, Choudury came to Maryland from San Antonio, Texas.  The State Board said it intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its Sept. 26 meeting.

There was a bomb threat at the Allegany County Circuit Court this morning. The immediate area has been shut down. Buildings within the area were evacuated and staff have been transported out of the vicinity.  Bomb dogs have searched the building and the Sheriffs Office is on the scene. The all-clear has been given for staff to re-enter the building.

On September 14, 2023 Cumberland Police served a Circuit Court Bench Warrant on Donald Eugene Dockeney. Dockeney was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center and held without bond. Arrest: Donald Eugene Dockeney, age 43, Cumberland Charge: CDS Possession not Canabis

On September 14, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Richard Allen Lowry. The Arrest Warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 19, 2023. Officers from the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Patterson Avenue for a report of theft. The homeowner provided video surveillance capturing the suspect removing the items. The homeowner provided a list and values of the stolen property.  Officers continued their investigation and later developed a suspect. Officers located the stolen property at a local Pawn Shop.  During the investigation Officers located the stolen property and…

Senior Pennsylvanians will soon see financial relief with their property taxes and rent. Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 1100 into law, expanding the state's existing property tax and rent rebate program. AARP State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh says expansion of the program will significantly boost property tax rebates for older adults, lightening the financial load for homeowners and renters. The yearly maximum standard will increase from $650 to $1000 for individuals. The Keystone State is home to almost three-point-five million people age 60 and older.

Governor Wes Moore was in the hot-seat on Tuesday evening when he took questions on education during a town hall on Maryland Public Television.  One question he fielded dealt with opting out younger children from lessons dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity.  Is there an age where that is not appropriate?  His answer put the onus squarely on local jurisdictions to make the decision… Moore did offer advice to jurisdictions that are putting curriculum together that may have sensitive topics…

Governor Jim Justice has announced the launch of the new “YOU CAN” initiative aimed at stopping human trafficking in West Virginia. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where force, fraud or coercion is used to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor against their will.  Trafficking analysts for the West Virginia Fusion Center – Sammy Dow and Paula Yount developed the program to bring awareness to cases in the Mountain State.  Jack Luikart, director of the Fusion Center, explained that the program will educate the community and law enforcement…

Global news service Semafor hosted a sit-down talk with Governor Wes Moore this week.  The governor answered questions on several areas of interest, including his campaign to become Maryland’s first black Governor.  Moore recalled his first trip to the town of Lonaconing while he was campaigning for office… The Governor says his administration is committed to being present in all areas of the state…

Customers shopping downtown for the holidays will be able to save some money with a new discount card being introduced by the Downtown Development Commission.  Executive Director Melinda Kelleher introduced the card at this week’s DDC meeting and said it was a joint effort with Matt Miller of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation… Kelleher says the card has a mix of different businesses represented throughout the downtown area…