More legal trouble for Governor Larry Hogan’s former chief of staff.  A  new indictment adds a charge of falsifying documents and another wire fraud charge against Roy McGrath, related to a more than $233,000 severance payment he received from Maryland Environmental Service after he became the governor's chief of staff in June of 2020. WBAL reports prosecutors say McGrath created a document that showed Gov. Hogan approved his severance payment, something Hogan denied. McGrath resigned as Hogan's chief of staff after less than three months on the job. He already faces charges of theft, wire fraud wire taping and filing false documents. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added two more monkeypox cases to the state's total, bringing the number of infections to five.  WBAL reports the State Health Department says all of the cases were reported in the National Capital and Baltimore Metro regions. According to ABC, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday on a call with reporters that it will be sending out 296,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine for prevention of the disease for people who have been exposed.

Sheetz, a local convenience store chain, has reduced gasoline prices at its locations through the Fourth of July weekend. WBAL reports the chain said prices for its unleaded fuel would be $3.99 a gallon. The E85 blend, that can only be used by certain Flexible Fuel Vehicles will go for $3.49 per gallon. Sheetz said the prices will be in effect until July 5. The company has more than 500 stores across the Mid-Atlantic states and about 30 stores around western Maryland. The average in Maryland today for a gallon of regular gas is $4.84, nearly a $1 more than…

The Cumberland Police served an Arrest Warrant on Michelle Lynne Morris, age 57, of Cumberland, MD.  The Warrant charged Morris with Violation of Probation.  She was taken to Central Booking for his initial appearance with the District Court Commissioner and was held on a $500 bond. Arrested:  Michelle Lynee Morris  Age: 57 Cumberland, MD Charges:  Violation of Probation   The Cumberland Police served a Arrest Warrant on Jason Myles Roager, age 27 of Cumberland, MD.  The Warrant charged Roager with Violation of Probation for original drug charges.  He was taken to Central Booking for his initial appearance with the District…

With the start of the a fiscal year set to begin Friday, Allegany County will enter FY 22/23  generally holding the line on property taxes, as well as implementing the first income tax cut in nearly a quarter of a century. An increase in tax assessments in portions of Allegany County netted an additional $1.5 million for the county’s coffers. Although the commissioners agreed not to increase tax rates this year, some county residents will end up paying more in taxes as a result of the state assessment increase. While some of those citizens experiencing the assessment related hike have…

A German packaging manufacturer is investing $48 million in a plant in West Virginia and expects to create 100 jobs in Moorefield. Papier-Mettler acquired an industrial building in May for the company's first U.S. production plant. The company manufactures packaging from paper and plastic and is one of the leading makers of flexible packaging in Europe.  Governor Jim Justice…

Hundreds of protests have taken place across the state since Friday in support of abortion rights and there are now legitimate concerns about what could be an influx of women living in abortion restricted states coming to Maryland. Maryland’s abortion providers are sounding the alarm. 26 states across the nation including neighboring West Virginia are all likely to ban or restrict abortion. Dr. Kyle Bukowski is the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Maryland and said there is cause for concern…

Just weeks after a fatal shooting in nearby Smithsburg, Maryland Sixth District Congressman David Trone met with the chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to discuss legislative steps Congress can take to prevent the rise in gun violence. The two discussed the need for universal background checks, raising the legal age to purchase a firearm, and key components in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on Saturday. There are other gun safety measures Trone is pushing for, but he said unfortunately many Republican senators are falling back on the straw…

The annual city of Cumberland fireworks display will take place at Constitution Park on July Fourth, with a celebration featuring live music also planned for Washington Street. The Starfire Corp., based in Benedict, Pennsylvania, will put on the display. The Constitution Park Pool will be open July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and patrons can gain access for half the usual price.  A celebration of Independence Day will also take place on Washington Street next to the Allegany County Library from 6 to 10 p.m.  At a time when fireworks programs across the state, including at Rocky Gap…

Four Garrett County Republicans are seeking the House of Delegates 1A seat that is being vacated by the retiring Wendell Beitzel- and two of those participated in Tuesday night’s Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum. Current County Commissioner and former economic development director for the county Jim Hinebaugh talked about the loss of population and what needs to be addressed to overcome that problem… Candidate Tim Thomas is a business owner, in the lumber industry. His business along with many others were tremendously hurt by the close of the Luke Mill more than two years ago. He said watching…