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Business
Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says
Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says One of the nation's major oil companies says it will close 1,000 gas stations. Shell made the announcement in its 2024 Energy Transition Strategy report, saying the measure is “in response to customer needs” and aimed at reallocating those resources towards EV charging stations. Shell said it will close 500 stations in 2024 and the other 500 in 2025. "We believe growth in oil demand is set to slow in the second half of this decade and could start falling in the 2030s because of increasing vehicle efficiency and growth in electric vehicles," the company stated in the report. "Toda…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon In just over a month, what's being called the astronomy event of the decade will occur when a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Many are planning road trips to places where the best viewing conditions are expected for what Space.com says will be "the longest and most visible for the US in 100 years," with a four-minute duration expected beginning…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Federal Health officials are cautioning consumers to avoid certain products that may contain an ingredient known as "gas station heroin."  Neptune Resources LLC announced a voluntary recall of all lots of "Neptune's Fix Elixir," "Neptune's Fix Extra Strength Elixir," and Neptune's Fix Tablets due to the possible presence of tianeptine, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Tianeptine, which has been called "gas station heroin" by some, is not FDA-approved for any medical use, and its presence in the products prompted the nationwide recall. "The presence of tianepti…

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by Zak Failla
News
'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations 'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations
'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations Authorities say that a Maryland man who spent more than four years as an international fugitive attempting to avoid prosecution for stalking a younger co-worker will spend time behind bars. Ranjith Keerikkattil, 35, formerly of Catonsville, left the United States after being found guilty of stalking a junior co-worker before he was re-arrested four years later, authorities announced. On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after being convicted and then failing to appear in court, according to the DOJ. Prosecutors said that Keeri…

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by Zak Failla
Business
BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards
BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards Nearly five million portable blenders sold nationwide are being recalled due to fire and laceration risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that a total of around 4.8 million BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders that can overheat or catch fire. If the blender were to get too hot, the blender blades can break off, creating the hazard. The recall includes blenders sold in a variety of colors and designs, federal authorities noted Recalled items have the serial numbers printed on the bottom of the base along with “blendjet2” and “The Original Portable Blender.”  The…

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by Zak Failla
News
Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC
Surge In Covid-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm, warning that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) could strain healthcare systems across the nation in the weeks ahead. Hospitalizations among all age groups in the last month increased by 200 percent for influenza, 51 percent for COVID, and 60 percent for RSV, the CDC said. Meanwhile, coverage for the seasonal 2023-2024 flu shot is low in all age groups compared with the same period of the 2022–2023 season. Just 17 percent of adults had received the updated COVID vac…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of peaches, plums, and nectarines because of a possible health risk. The HMC Group Marketing, Inc., which does business as HMC Farms, issued the recall for the products sold in retail stores between Wednesday, May 1, and Wednesday, November 15, 2023, and the same date range in 2022, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. The view product label photos, visit the FDA link here. The fruit is being recalled because it can potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometime…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel Senior US State Department official Josh Paul has stepped down from his position amid President Joe Biden's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict overseas, he says. After more than 11 years with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), Paul announced his resignation in an open letter on LinkedIn, citing a promise the Maryland native made to himself that conflicts with the current regime's handling of the ongoing war.   Paul said that he is leaving his position because "in our current course with regards to the continued - indeed, expanded and expedited - provision of lethal …

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by Zak Failla
Weather
Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service
Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service has just released its outlook for the winter of 2023-24.El Niño is in place heading into winter for the first time in four years, driving the outlook for warmer-than-average temperatures for the northern tier of the continental United States, according to NOAA’s US. Winter Outlook, which was released on Thursday, Oct. 19 by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service.  At the same time, the forecast says much of the Northeast has a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook 'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook
'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook Forecasters for AccuWeather have released their projections for the winter of 2023-24. Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok and his team are saying it's shaping up to be much different than last winter, especially across the central and eastern United States, and one month may leave the biggest impression. "February can be an active and intense month," Pastelok said. One of the driving forces this winter will be the strengthening El Niño, which will play a significant role in the weather across the United States throughout the entire winter season.  Earlier report - 'Super'…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast
New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast A new tropical system has developed and is expected to become a major hurricane threatening the East Coast by this weekend. Tropical Depression 13, now in the Central Atlantic is headed on a northwestern path, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm is expected to create "stronger surf and rip currents" along the Eastern Seaboard, from Florida to Maine, AccuWeather said. Depending on the path it takes, the expected time frame for potential impacts to the United States and Atlantic Canada is from Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 16, possibly as a Category 4 hurricane, …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns A new nationwide health advisory has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as cases of potentially fatal flesh-eating bacteria continue to climb. Vibrio vulnificus infections have killed at least 13 people on the Eastern Seaboard this year and cause an estimated 80,000 illnesses annually in the United States. Most people get infected with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, the CDC said in the advisory which was issued on Friday, Sept. 1. Vibrio naturally live in coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, w…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns
These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns Consumers are being warned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately stop using two eye drop products because of potential bacterial or fungal contamination that could cause serious health risks. The advisory covers products distributed by LightEyez Limited, including Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair. "Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection," the FDA said. The Dr. Berne’s and LightEyez eye drop products also con…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed
Covid-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed The first case of the newly identified COVID-19 variant with 30 mutations has been identified in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded BA.2.86 to a “variant under monitoring," citing the "large number of mutations it carries." BA.2.86, which has now been nicknamed "Pirola," was first detected in Israel, and cases have also been identified in the United Kingdom and Denmark. The initial case in the US has been detected in Michigan. The patient, an older person with mild symptoms, is from Washtenaw County, the Michigan Department of Health and Hu…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades
Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed a positive case of locally acquired malaria in a resident who lives in the National Capital Region. On Friday, Aug. 18, officials confirmed that a person has been hospitalized and is in recovery - while stressing that they did not recently travel outside of the US or other states where malaria is more prevalent.  Health officials did not specify the exact location of the malaria case. Thousands of cases of malaria are reported annually in the country, though typically cases occur from people returning stateside from international travel.…

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Travelers in the DMV region looking to get out of town for the long Memorial Day Weekend may want to hit the road as AAA anticipates near record-high travelers for the holiday. With the COVID-19 pandemic truly i the rearview mirror, AAA is projecting that 42.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home, representing a possible 7 percent increase over 2022, marking the beginning of the busy summer travel season. In the region, those looking to get away for the weekend are being advised to leave before noon on Friday, May 26, if they hope to avoid gridlocks and headaches …

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by Zak Failla
News
JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic
Juul Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Labs, Inc. has been ordered to pay $15.2 million to the District of Columbia after a massive settlement across several states. The settlement is the largest litigated settlement that the DC Office of the Attorney General has secured under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, officials said. JUUL Labs, Inc. is the maker of the popular nicotine vape JUUL, which quickly rose in popularity amongst young adults and teenagers over the last ten years, initially available in fruity and mint flavors that were later banned due to highly-addictive qualities. At least 50 percent of the settlem…

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by Annie DeVoe
Lifestyle
Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC
Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is teaming with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an infection linked to select eye drops that have led to multiple deaths and forced others to remove their eyes through surgery. Consumers are being advised to stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products as they continue to investigate a multi-state outbreak of “an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” According to the CDC, infections usually occur in people in the hospital or with weakened immune systems. It is partic…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire A recall has been issued for more than 64,000 vacuum cleaners because they could overheat and catch on fire. Bissell announced it is recalling cordless multi-surface wet dry vacuum models 2551, 2551W, and 25519 because the circuit board inside the vacuum’s battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard. A total of 61,000 of the 64,300 vacuum cleaners being recalled were sold in the United States, and the rest in Canada. Contact Bissell toll-free at 855-417-7001 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, or online at www.bissell.com…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide After a massive winter storm crossed the country, thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled, leaving holiday travelers stranded across the nation, including in the DMV area, according to multiple reports.  Southwest Airlines leads the airlines in the most canceled or delayed flights, with over 3,600 flights in and out of the United States, with an additional 6,120 flights delayed, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.  Southwest canceled the majority of scheduled flights Monday, Dec. 26, which was significantly more than any other airline, FlightAware dat…

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by Annie DeVoe
Business
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs that could potentially have a faulty fuel injector that could lead to fuel spills or potentially leak vapors onto hot engines, posing a fire hazard. The motor company announced a recall of nearly 650,000 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs that were produced between 2020 and 2023 with 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines, according to officials. Of the 650,000 vehicles subject to the recall worldwide, approximately 520,000 were reportedly sold in the US. According to officials, Ford is not advising consumers to stop driving the vehicles, and the …

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by Zak Failla
News
CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive COVID-19 Variant Growing In Northeast CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive COVID-19 Variant Growing In Northeast
CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive Covid-19 Variant Growing In Northeast With more than 300 COVID-19 Omicron sublineages circulating around the globe, a new potentially more contagious variant called XBB is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). XBB is considered more immune-evasive than other Omicron variants, Chief White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said last week. But government officials said they don't think XBB will become a threat at the level of Omicron, which first emerged on the global scene almost exactly a year ago. Though XBB now accounts for just over 3 percent of new cases in t…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday A stretch of sunny, dry days leading up to and including Thanksgiving Day will be followed by separate rounds of wet weather, starting on Black Friday, Nov. 25, according to the National Weather Service. After a one-day reprieve from precipitation on Saturday, Nov. 26, those back on the road and in airports traveling will have to contend with a second round of wet weather on Sunday, Nov. 27. There will be showers and periods of rain starting Friday morning and continuing into the afternoon, followed by clearing in the evening, the National Weather Service said. About a quarter-inch of …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory
Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory It's tough times for Taylor Swift fans who were hoping to purchase tickets for her upcoming tour this week. Ticketmaster has canceled its public on-sale for Swift's "Eras Tour," which was set to open on Friday, Nov. 17. The tour of stadiums across the United States will begin in 2023. "Due to extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems and insufficient remaining ticket inventory to meet that demand, tomorrow's public on-sale for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour has been cancelled," the company tweeted on Thursday, Nov. 17. Due to extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems and…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Nestlé Issues Another Recall Of Cookie Dough Products Due To Potential Presence Of Plastic Nestlé Issues Another Recall Of Cookie Dough Products Due To Potential Presence Of Plastic
Nestlé Issues Another Recall Of Cookie Dough Products Due To Potential Presence Of Plastic Nestlé has issued a new cookie dough recall because certain products may contain plastic. In October, the company announced the recall of some of its ready-to-bake refrigerated NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling because the products may contain plastic pieces. Earlier report - Nestlé Recalls Cookie Dough Product Due To Potential Presence Of Plastic Pieces In an announcement on Thursday, Nov. 3, Nestlé recalled three batches of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® that were produced from Monday, Aug. 1, throu…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Clarks Americas Recalls Women’s Shoes For Potentially Dangerous Chemical Hazard Clarks Americas Recalls Women’s Shoes For Potentially Dangerous Chemical Hazard
Clarks Americas Recalls Women’s Shoes For Potentially Dangerous Chemical Hazard Eight styles of women’s shoes are being recalled across the globe by Clarks due to concerns about toxins inside the product, the retailer announced. The US Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an alert regarding a recall of approximately 113,000 shoes under the "Breeze" style name that were sold stateside and an additional 10,000 in Canada that pose a potential chemical hazard. "Prolonged and direct contact with the shoes’ upper material can expose the wearer to the chemicals benzidine and/or dimethoxybenzidine, which are toxic and can cause adverse health effects,” accordin…

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by Zak Failla
News
Government Contractor In Virginia To Pay $1.1M For Kickback Scheme On Wounded Warriors Program Government Contractor In Virginia To Pay $1.1M For Kickback Scheme On Wounded Warriors Program
Government Contractor In Virginia To Pay $1.1M For Kickback Scheme On Wounded Warriors Program Virginia-based Management Consulting, Inc. (Mancon) has been ordered to pay a million-dollar penalty for a kickback scheme involving the Wounded Warrior Program. Federal officials announced that the Virginia Beach business is being held strictly liable under the Anti-Kickback Act and ordered it to pay a $1,088,803 civil penalty for a years-long scheme. Between 2008 and 2015, prosecutors say that Mancon served as a prime contractor for the United States’ Wounded Warrior Program, and from 2012 to 2015, the subcontractor that Mancon selected to work on its prime contracts accepted $1,088,803 i…

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by Zak Failla
News
Taylor Swift Announces 2023 Tour Dates, Will Not Return To DMV Taylor Swift Announces 2023 Tour Dates, Will Not Return To DMV
Taylor Swift Announces 2023 Tour Dates, Will Not Return To DMV Taylor Swift has announced her long-awaited tour fresh off the heels of her latest album, leaving many DMV fans disappointed with no scheduled shows for the Maryland, Virginia, or DC area.  'The Eras Tour' is Swift's first stadium tour since 2018, and will see 27 stops across the nation. The closest stop to the DMV area on the tour is scheduled in Philadelphia, PA, at Lincoln Financial Field.  I’m enchanted to announce my next tour: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, a journey through the musical eras of my career (past & present!) The first leg of the tour will be in stadiums across the…

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by Annie DeVoe
Politics
'Wes Moore Is The Leader Maryland Needs' Obama Says In New Endorsement For Potential Governor 'Wes Moore Is The Leader Maryland Needs' Obama Says In New Endorsement For Potential Governor
'Wes Moore Is The Leader Maryland Needs' Obama Says In New Endorsement For Potential Governor Democratic Maryland gubernatorial hopeful Wes Moore got a ringing endorsement from one of the country’s most popular political figures. Former President Barack Obama endorsed Moore in a 30-second video that was released on Tuesday, Oct. 25 in advance of the November elections where he is heavily favored to topple Republican Dan Cox to replace current Gov. Larry Hogan. President @BarackObama embodies leadership and service. I am truly humbled to have his endorsement.Early voting starts Thursday and election day is just 14 days away. Maryland, let’s vote like our future depends on it – be…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Investment Property In The Works for Couple After $100,000 Lottery Win Investment Property In The Works for Couple After $100,000 Lottery Win
Investment Property In The Works for Couple After $100,000 Lottery Win A pair of players are one step closer to buying an investment property after winning $100,000 in the Maryland Lottery in two lucky drawings, Maryland Lottery Officials state. The Western Baltimore County duo got their wins on two Pick 5 $1 straight bet quick-pick tickets they purchased two days apart, according to the Maryland Lottery. The Nigeria natives but now U.S. citizens are planning to purchase an investment property in Nigeria to keep close to their roots.  "God bless America!", one of the lucky winners said. The first winning ticket was purchased on Sunday, Oct. 16 and the s…

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by Annie DeVoe
News
13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY 13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY
13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY Thirteen people, including members of China’s security and intelligence services, have been charged with trying to recruit professors and others in the United States to act as agents for their country, federal authorities in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC announced. Tales of international intrigue include allegations that the defendants plotted to steal documents from a federal prosecutor's office to subvert a criminal investigation into a major Chinese company. Some of them are also charged in a spy-versus-spy encounter involving a $41,000 bribe in Bitcoin paid to an American…

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by Jerry DeMarco