West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey has filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, now Evernorth Health, and related entities, alleging the pharmacy benefit manager played a central role in the widespread oversupply of opioids to West Virginia. McCuskey says the company conspired with opioid manufacturers to deceptively market opioids and manipulate public perception…      “A central and concealed role in enabling the widespread oversupply of opioid through a combination of intentional conduct, strategic partnerships and calculated intention. Express Scripts helped facilitate the unchecked prescribing, dispensing, and sale of opioids in West Virginia.”

West Virginia is one of five states joining the Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab, an effort to help workers build skills for good paying jobs without having to leave their communities. A $7 million dollar grant from Ascendium Education Group will help create middle-skill credential programs aligned with local workforce needs.  Participating students will prepare for in-demand careers paying at least $15 an hour with benefits while helping communities strengthen their economies and retain talent.

Governor Wes Moore brought some fire in his speech to the Maryland Association of Counties over the weekend. He said Maryland is at a point where it has to move together faster in areas including economy and housing. He also hailed support for Allegany County’s efforts to get FEMA’s decision overturned regarding flood recovery funds…   “Western Maryland understands and the entire state stands with them to say that the decision by FEMA was petty, it was partisan, and it was punishing and we will never stop fighting like hell to make sure that FEMA actually gets this decision right…

Senator Chris Van Hollen was a guest on ABC This Week where he talked about the use of the National Guard to bring crime levels under control in the District of Columbia. Van Hollen said President Trump should give DC the billion dollars it is holding back so the District can hire the officers needed… “We are using resources, national resources – the FBI, the DEA, folks who are supposed to be out and about protecting the country from violent criminals and now they’re spending their time taking down tents of homeless people in the District of Columbia. I would…

On Monday, August 18th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served Criminal Summonses on Darnell Louis Powell II, 27, and Joseph Mark Beeseck, 34, both of Cumberland, MD. Both summonses were in reference to an incident that occurred on August 15th, at a residence in the 500 block of Pearre Ave. During that incident, it is alleged that both males got into a confrontation with a male victim. During the incident, it is alleged that both Powell and Beeseck assaulted the victim, causing minor injuries. On this date, both subjects were served their respective summonses and released, pending trial in District…

A popular waterfall at Ohiopyle State Park is off limits after damage from storms Sunday left some trails impassable and dangerous, according to park officials.  The Cucumber Falls area and Great Gorge Trail are closed for the foreseeable future, according to a post on the park’s social media. Downed trees and other debris are blocking the paths.  The Great Gorge Trail is connected to the Great Allegheny Passage.

The 144th Maryland State Fair opens on Thursday and will remain open over three weekends at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium.  The fair opens on Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday.  The Maryland State Fair decided to move to a three-weekend format in 2022 instead of having it over one span of 12 consecutive days.

Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will release a memoir in September called Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.  Manchin’s book tour will begin in Morgantown Friday, Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at West Virginia University. The book will be released Sept 16.  Manchin, 77, left the Senate last year after deciding not to run for re-election. He changed his registration from Democrat to Independent during his final year in office.

Konnor Griffin, the 19 year old #1 pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in last year's draft, will likely start for Altoona Tuesday at 6 p.m.  Griffin has scored 97 runs this year, stolen 59 bases, hit 16 home runs, and is batting .332.  He will be the youngest player to suit up for Altoona in its history, surpassing Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata with that distinction.  Griffin can play shortstop and outfield.

On August 17th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Christopher Lynn Cage. The warrant was issued as a result of Cage violating conditions of probation on January 23, 2025 for an original charge of acting as a contractor without a license. Cage was placed under arrest and transported to District Court where he was presented before a District Court Commissioner. He was later remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. NAME: Christopher Lynn Cage  AGE: 39  Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Violation of Probation