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United States

Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Cases of walking pneumonia have spiked significantly, especially among children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning in a brand-new advisory. The agency said increases in M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia infections began late this past spring, peaked in August, and have remained high.  The CDC said it's using various surveillance tools "to better understand any differences in demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes as compared to M. pneumoniae infections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic." The agency said it's also contacting heal…
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Feeling a bit anxious these days? You're not alone. A total of 61 percent of Americans say that the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 5 election has slightly, moderately, or significantly impacted their mental health, according to a brand-new poll published by Forbes Health. “I believe some people’s anxiety comes from past post-election results,” Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor, told Forbes. “Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the results of an election.” About 2,00…
Most Snowfall Expected In These Areas This Winter: AccuWeather Releases Long-Range Outlook Most Snowfall Expected In These Areas This Winter: AccuWeather Releases Long-Range Outlook
Most Snowfall Expected In These Areas This Winter: AccuWeather Releases Long-Range Outlook AccuWeather meteorologists have just unveiled their forecast for the winter of 2024-25 and have released a map of where in the US the most snowfall is expected. In the image above, higher-than-average snowfall is predicted for those areas shown in light blue, with most areas in the Northeast are expected to receive more snow this season than last winter. Areas in the darker shade are expected to see below average snowfall in 2024-25, including in much of the Mid-Atlantic states. Click here for a new, related story: Winter 2024-25 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service …
7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores 7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores
7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is closing hundreds of stores in North America. Parent company Seven & I Holdings said that the 444 locations were “underperforming.” They make up about 3 percent of 7-Eleven's total of around 13,000 outlets in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Specific sites of the stores have not yet been released. In announcing the closures, the company said that 7-Eleven stores saw a 7.3 percent decline in traffic in August, saying a "pullback in consumer spending has persisted beyond prior expectations" that has affected store traffic and sales growth "as consu…
Here's Who Rank As The Richest Maryland Billionaires In New Forbes 400 Report Here's Who Rank As The Richest Maryland Billionaires In New Forbes 400 Report
Here's Who Rank As The Richest Maryland Billionaires In New Forbes 400 Report Former and current sports team owners are among the richest in Maryland, though everyone is still chasing the renowned Lerner family, according to Forbes' most recent ranking of the richest people in America. With an estimated net worth of $5.8 billion, 94-year-old Annette Lerner and her family, which owns the Washington Nationals, as well as Lerner Enterprises in Rockville, are the most wealthy in Maryland, the new report states, though they are being rapidly approached by other moguls in Maryland. According to the report, "Lerner Enterprises is among the largest owners of real estate in t…
This Is Maryland's Most Wealthy Town, New Report States This Is Maryland's Most Wealthy Town, New Report States
This Is Maryland's Most Wealthy Town, New Report States Chevy Chase is more than just a comedic genius. It's also the home to Maryland's most wealthy neighborhood, according to a new ranking. Stacker.com released a new report regarding the most wealthy towns in the US, and the DC suburb earned top marks for its "peaceful, park-like community filled with amenities and conveniences."  The company used the most recent Census Bureau American Community Survey Five-Year Data (as of August) to determine the country's 50 most wealthy towns. Locations were ranked by median household income, with ties broken by the percentage of people annually…
Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport
Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport Nearly $1 million worth of ketamine never made it to the streets in the DMV after a package coming from Amsterdam into Dulles International Airport was intercepted, according to US Customs and Border Protection officials. Last month, nearly 34 pounds of ketamine hydrochloride arrived in an airline’s rushed baggage, but, officers at the airport made sure it did not go any further than that. CBP agriculture specialists initially detected anomalies when they x-rayed the suitcase on Aug. 8 when it arrived from the notoriously liberal nation, and officers were alerted. The anomalies c…
Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs
Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its winter weather predictions for the 2024-25 season. This year's title speaks for itself: "The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecasts a 'Calmer, Gentler' Winter." The Old Farmer's Almanac touts 80 percent accuracy in its forecasts dating back to 1792. Last year, it predicted a winter wonderland. Parts of the forecast seem to contradict the predictions of the Farmer's Almanac, which predicts this winter will be a wet one with "above-normal amounts of winter precipitation and near-to above-normal temperatures" in the Northeast. Snow will be mos…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr., afraid of becoming a "spoiler," said he was suspending his independent presidential campaign and removing his name from the ballot in battleground states as he threw his support behind former President Donald Trump.  "I cannot in good conscience ask my staff to continue to work long hours or my donors to continue to give me their dollars if I believe I have no realistic path to the White House," the former Democrat said in a Friday, Aug. 23, press conference. He said he would remain on the ballot in states already assured to either Trump or Vice President Kamala …
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Vice President Kamala Harris has ended weeks of speculation after naming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  The 60-year-old Walz was a seemingly late entrant to the "veepstakes" but gained popularity after several media appearances went viral.  The chair of the Democratic Governor's Association, Walz was a US Congressman from 2007 to 2019. A former high school social studies teacher, he's served 24 years in the Army National Guard. Harris said she chose Walz because of his dedication to working-class families.  One of the things that stood out …
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee President Joe Biden has just announced he is pulling out of the 2024 race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. In a letter to "My Fellow Americans" released just before 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, Biden said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” The news comes amid concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's health, which were loudly …
Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate
Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate Former President Donald Trump unveiled his vice presidential running mate late Monday afternoon, July 15.  US Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, age 39, was announced as the pick by Trump on Truth Social just ahead of his appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The post reads as follows: "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. J.D. honorably served our Country in the Ma…
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada The Costco Wholesale Corporation has announced membership hikes in the US and Canada for the first time in seven years, according to a news release by the company issued on Wednesday, July 10.  Costco opened the release sharing a June sales growth in the US of 5.6%, which is higher than the past 44 weeks of just 4.4%, the company experienced a decrease in revenue internationally.  On the heels of sharing that news, the company made the announcement about raising the membership fees in both the US and Canada beginning Sept. 1.  Annual memberships are rising $5 making them $65…
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine A massive reward has been offered by federal authorities in Maryland as they attempt to track down a man wanted for cyberattacks targeting Ukraine.  On Wednesday, June 26, a $10 million reward was offered by the FBI, which is looking to arrest 22-year-old Amin Timovich Stigal, who is among the agency's most wanted.  According to the feds, Stigal is wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal cyber activities between August of 2021 and February of 2022, during which he conspired to commit computer intrusions targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure. “Amin Timo…
Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where
Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where Red Lobster has abruptly closed dozens of locations across the United States. According to a Bloomberg, the fast-casual seafood restaurant has considered filing for bankruptcy. The following locations are listed as being temporarily closed on the Red Lobster website, with some set to be auctioned off. MD: Columbia, Laurel, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg NJ: Ledgewood, Lawrenceville, East Brunswick, Bridgewater PA: Erie VA: Newport News, Williamsburg, Colonial Heights TAGeX Brand, which bills itself as the world's largest after-marketplac…
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years You may soon get a view of a rare spectacle. According to the NOAA National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) began on Wednesday, May 8. CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. It's the first time a G4 Watch has been issued since January 2005. The watch says CMEs may linger into Sunday, May 12. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora (…
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…
'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…
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…
'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…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
'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'…
Stolen Kia Driver Kills Popular Pair In Fiery Hit-Run Maryland Crash, Police Say Stolen Kia Driver Kills Popular Pair In Fiery Hit-Run Maryland Crash, Police Say
Stolen Kia Driver Kills Popular Pair In Fiery Hit-Run Maryland Crash, Police Say Police have identified a pair from Cameroon who emigrated to the United States and settled in Maryland before being killed by a hit-and-run driver late last month. John Fombi, 42, of Bladensburg, and Hyattsville resident Emmaculate Enoh, 34, were driving home from work in late August when they were hit by a driver in Prince William County who fled the scene, leaving the two behind, according to their families. A driver in a stolen Kia was traveling north on Landover Road when it struck a second car attempting to make a turn onto the roadway. Both the Kia and the Toyota Camry that was hit, w…
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, …
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…
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…
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…