WBAL reports thousands of Marylanders could face insurance changes if Johns Hopkins and CareFirst don't come to an agreement. More than 300,000 Maryland residents rely on CareFirst as their insurance providers and Hopkins Medicine for their care. But ongoing contract talks may result in those covered being kicked out of their network. Patients have received notice from CareFirst that Hopkins is dropping CareFirst as soon as Dec. 5 if there's no agreement reached on a new contract by then. In a statement, CareFirst says they do not agree it was necessary to put the people they serve in the middle…

West Virginia lawmakers swiftly passed bills during a Monday special session that would invest millions of dollars into road maintenance work and create a program to incentivize businesses that want to utilize renewable energy to come to the state or expand operations. As legislators wrapped up for the day, Republican House Majority Leader Del. Amy Summers announced lawmakers will resume work Tuesday on legislation addressing state abortion law and lowering the state income tax.

As a result of an ongoing labor dispute between CSX Transportation and its labor unions, people may need to make other plans if planning to use public transportation. Starting Friday, the state department of transportation recommends that anyone who uses the Marc Camden or Brunswick lines find alternate ways to get around. Officials say several MTA commuter buses will honor all Marc tickets during this time. Any labor strike that happens would suspend service immediately until a resolution between the parties is reached.  

On Monday, September 12, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Samuel England.  The bench warrant was issued as a result of England violating conditions of his probation.  He was originally charged with Theft less than $100 and Theft $100 to under $1500.  England was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on a $3,000 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Samuel Elijah England      AGE:  27         Cumberland, MD. On Monday, September 12, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on John Brimhall.  The summons was issued as…

The Allegany County Health Department is offering the recently approved Moderna and Pfizer updated COVID-19 booster vaccines. To stay current on vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an updated booster dose at least two months after an individual’s last COVID-19 shot, either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Maryland’s Lt Governor Boyd Rutherford anticipates a move toward annual COVID vaccination shots…

With just four months remaining in his final term as Maryland’s governor and with an eye toward a run for president in 2024,  Larry Hogan has been visiting primary states and political events touting his record in turning around the state’s economy. Hogan said from day one of his administration the focus has been changing the mission of state government to be unabashedly pro-jobs and pro-business- with a highlight being the elimination of what he calls thousands of job-killing regulations. While the overall economic climate in Maryland is solid, Hogan acknowledges that inflation and chain supply issues are creating problems…

After being forced to cancel excursions during Heritage Days weekend due to track damage- the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad should be up and running again by the end of the week. Heavy rains last week caused damage to about 250 feet of railroad ties causing the popular tourist train to be closed for business during one of the busier times of the summer. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said despite that setback the railroad has seen an increase in ridership and interest since the massive Baldwin steam locomotive No. 1309 went into service last fall. He says business is expected to…

Allegany County Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr blasted the Maryland Department of the Environment last week- accusing the state agency of using hardball tactics and threatening fiscal retaliation. The focal point is CSO projects in the area. Municipalities across Maryland are under orders from the state to mitigate antiquated subterranean city plumbing. Those projects will reduce CSO discharges in compliance with a consent decree between local governments and MDE.  Apparently not satisfied with the progress being made, Brodie says the MDE plans to withdraw funding from the Locust Grove pump project. The commissioner says he is calling their bluff…

A notable group of individuals gathered together on Wednesday, September 7,  to celebrate the completion of phases II and III of the Greenway Avenue Stadium renovation project, which included the replacement of the visitors’ side bleachers and the renovation of the track from a 7-lane to an 8-lane track with a new all-weather surface. The home side bleachers at Greenway Avenue were renovated in 2010 and included the replacement of the bleachers, the construction of a new concourse, the installation of new field lights, and the construction of Allegany’s field house.               “When the Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Funds…

Allegany County Public Schools’ dedication to providing an evidence-informed education that prepares students for success in the real world has led it to earn, for a second consecutive year, the annual EVERFI Empowered Seal.               Now in its third year, the EVERFI Empowered Seal is a designation awarded to public school districts that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to comprehensive education strategies on topics such as financial literacy, health, and careers.             “We are extremely pleased that ACPS has been recognized for the second consecutive year for our commitment to whole-child education,” said Dr. Kim Kalbaugh, ACPS Chief Academic Officer….