Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that he and other state Attorneys General, working together with tribal governments, have reached a $350 million fifty-state settlement agreement with Publicis Health, LLC (“Publicis”), a division of the Paris-based global marketing conglomerate Publicis Groupe, S.A. Maryland will receive $7.2 million from the settlement for Maryland to use in its ongoing fight against the opioid crisis. The settlement also requires Publicis to publicly disclose certain communications with drug companies related to opioids and to stop advising drug companies about how to sell DEA Schedule II and III opioids. One of the largest…

 Today, Congressman David Trone (MD-06), officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy for the United States Senate at the State Board of Elections in Annapolis.  Trone’s filing comes as his campaign continues to capture momentum across the state. Yesterday, his campaign released new polling data showing that he maintains a double-digit lead statewide and in geographic areas critical to a successful campaign. He is endorsed by more than 140 elected officials and some of the state’s most powerful unions, including the Maryland State Education Association. Statement from David Trone, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate: “I’m thrilled to take this important step in my…

Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland Department of Commerce finance and tax incentive programs helped create and retain 9,725 direct jobs in Maryland during FY 2023. More than 780 business recipients utilized the department’s programs over the year, investing nearly $166 million of private capital into projects across the state. “One of our top priorities is making Maryland more competitive. Today, we celebrate a big step forward in our work to grow the economy in every corner of our state,” said Gov. Moore. “With help from Commerce’s finance and tax credit programs, we are adding new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and…

The Washington Commanders have found their new head coach, coming from archrival Dallas.  Dan Quinn has reached a verbal agreement to take the  position after two interviews with the team this week.  Quinn was also looking at staying with Dallas for a fourth season, but said he would take the job with Washington if offered to him. It would be the second time Quinn has been a head coach;  previously he led the Atlanta Falcons for 5-plus seasons including one Super Bowl win. The Commanders also talked to the Lions' Aaron Glenn and the Ravens' Anthony Weaver.

Erie Insurance has named Chaney-Buskirk Insurance as one of their top 10 agents company-wide.  The Erie Insurance 2023 Elite Award winner is chosen from over 2,000 agencies.  The recognition is one of the highest honors an agency can earn and reflects a high commitment to quality business and service to customers.  Agency Owner Rod Buskirk said they are grateful for the ability to help so many customers in the tristate area. Chaney-Buskirk Insurance has locations in Wiley Ford, Fort Ashby, and Keyser West Virginia.

West Virginia is taking advantage of the stretch of warmer weather to announce Operation RIP Potholes.  The Division of Highways has planned pothole repairs through the state, asking hot asphalt plants to open and provide supplies for patching and paving.  The recent freeze/thaw cycle of snow and cold temperatures has wreaked havoc on West Virginia roads, many that have been patched temporarily.  The Department of Transportation website will keep the public updated on repair locations.

From Delegate Gary Howell: As we enter the second full week of the 2024 session of the West Virgnia Legislature it is getting busy.  Many stakeholder meetings are being held, in the meetings we work the small details on bills and make compromises to bring a bill to the floor in a form that can pass.  These meetings are important to the process.  As a citizen legislature each with a different background, we are able to bring different views and ideas to bills to make them better. Monday was an extremely busy day for me as it was Tourism Day…

Rt. 40 WB (LaVale) near Starbucks is reopened.  It had been closed due to a motor vehicle crash.  

On Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, the Cumberland City Police responded to the area of Hanover St and Inner Loop Rd for the report of a hit and run motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers located a Nissan Maxima abandoned. The vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree, causing the tree to uproot and heavy damage to the vehicle. Officers then spoke to a witness of the crash who advised they observed a lone female operating the vehicle. After attempting to free the vehicle from the tree, the female left the area on foot. Officers searched the area and…

On Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, the Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on Jennifer Lynn Rohrback, 47, of Cumberland MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on January 25th at a residence in the 100 block of Mechanic St. In the application filed fro by a private citizen, it is alleged that Rohrback stole medication from the victim. Rohrback was served the summons and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested: Jennifer Lynn Rohrback         Age: 47 Charges: Theft Less than $100.