The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced special tax relief for Marylanders affected by system errors with the Maryland Prepaid College Trust (PCT) — answering the calls for such relief led by Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), John Sarbanes (MD-03) and David Trone (MD-06). The lawmakers had urged the IRS to allow Maryland taxpayers with PCT accounts to execute additional rollovers without incurring a 10 percent tax penalty. Affected taxpayers can now make additional qualifying rollovers before January 1, 2025 without being subject to additional taxes on the distributions….

UPDATE 3:49pm – I-68 Westbound is now reopened. EARLIER:   An accident near Exit 41 of Westbound I-68 has traffic shut down at this time. Initial reports were responding to a possible three-vehicle accident, and shortly thereafter a second single vehicle accident occurred. Cumberland City Police are directing traffic off of the Seton Drive exit. Try to avoid the area if at all possible.

Businesses in downtown Cumberland have been the spotlight in recent weeks, but the construction also affects those residents who live in downtown. The Cumberland Arms apartment building, a six-story senior living facility at the corner of Baltimore and Liberty Streets, has had its challenges with street access for its elderly residents. Diane Dieter spoke on WCBC's Dave Norman show concerned about the portable lights used to illuminate the street after dark being turned off making walking incredibly dangerous.     Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director for the Downtown Development Commission said they were not aware of any light issues malfunctioning and that the…

District 2 Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger has announced he is retiring at the end of his current term.  The Democrat has represented Baltimore and Carroll counties and part of Baltimore City since his election in 2003. Altogether, Ruppersberger has almost 40 years in public office.  A video statement from Ruppersberger revisited his achievements in office, including helping to secure the new location for the FBI headquarters in Maryland.  He said it is time to pass the torch to ayounger generation of leaders and he looks forward to spending more time with his family.

Garrett County’s Health Department has received funding from the Maryland Department of Health to complete a needs assessment for county school students and families. The assessment will identify missing healthcare needs and barriers affecting these students and families. Funding resulted from the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations that ultimately resulted in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The assessment funding addresses resources beyond the required services for a child’s public school experience. Its intention is to ensure students can access all the assistance they need to succeed.

Civil War enthusiasts should once again be able to access Little Round Top at the Gettysburg National Military Park come late spring.  The historic battle site has been closed since July of 2022 to address overwhelmed parking areas, poor accessibility and related safety hazards. Completed work includes curbing significant erosion and ground restoration.  New signage and trail alignments will improve access to the historical site.

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench warrant on Brandon Izat.  The warrant was issued as the result of Izat violating presentence supervision. He was originally charged with CDS: Possession with the Intent to Distribute PCP/LSD/Hallucinogen.  Izat was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is being held without bond pending his appearance before the court. ARRESTED:  Brandon Michael Izat       AGE:  25          Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANT SERVED On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Logan Aldrich.  The warrant was issued as the…

Hunters and shooters should be aware of a pressing concern around a shortage of black powder.  Used in muzzleloader and other ammunitions, the powder is quickly becoming scarce and pricey.  Rob Fout of the Gun Shop in Ridgeley spoke about the situation with WCBC… Fout recommends that users stock up now and be prepared for the likely shortage in the near future…

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Funding will support a behavioral health workforce and was secured on behalf of West Virginia through the Fiscal Year 2023 funding bill. The Behavioral Health Initiative serves West Virginians of all ages dealing with behavioral and emotional challenges, mental illness, stress, trauma and substance use disorders, and will train and place behavioral health professionals in communities across West Virginia.

Although it looks like Larry Hogan has pretty much put down rumors of a presidential run by endorsing Republican candidate Nikki Haley, he is still remaining vocal about the voter choices available for the presidency.  Speaking recently with Newsnation, former Governor Hogan said that 78% of people polled do not want either Donald Trump or Joe Biden to be President, but the field is slim…