Convicted Killer Gets Harsh Sentence For Armed Robbery Of Parkinson's Patient In Maryland Convicted Killer Gets Harsh Sentence For Armed Robbery Of Parkinson's Patient In Maryland
Convicted Killer Gets Harsh Sentence For Armed Robbery Of Parkinson's Patient In Maryland A Baltimore man with a chilling past as a convicted murderer has been handed a 20-year sentence after robbing a former co-worker suffering from Parkinson’s disease at gunpoint. Keith Curtis, 57, who served time for the brutal 1995 killing of a retired Johns Hopkins professor, was sentenced to 20 years for robbery and firearm possession by a Baltimore City judge, who went 10 years beyond the sentencing guidelines, authorities announced.  The decision was based on Curtis’ violent history and failure to reform, the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office said. The November 2023 robbery …
Dad Kills Son, 4, On Christmas Eve In Baltimore Before Shooting Himself: Police Dad Kills Son, 4, On Christmas Eve In Baltimore Before Shooting Himself: Police
Dad Kills Son, 4, On Christmas Eve In Baltimore Before Shooting Himself: Police A Baltimore mother is reeling weeks after the father of her child shot and killed their 4-year-old son on Christmas Eve before turning the gun on himself.  Mark Jones, 30, is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center after being arrested in the days following the holiday in connection to the fatal shooting of Jacobi Sa'Fiir Marcelle during an incident in Rosedale, according to police. Officers responded to a home at around 6:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 to the unit block of Breslin Court, where there was a reported domestic-related assault that culminated with in …
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease The Food and Drug Administration has proposed moving nutrition labels to the front of most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices, officials said. The FDA officially unveiled its proposal requiring front-of-package nutrition labels, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat chronic diseases, which affect about 60 percent of Americans and account for $4.5 trillion in annual health care costs. The proposed "nutrition info box" would display saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content i…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says It turns out the human ear got off to a fishy start. Literally. A fascinating new study reveals that the mammalian outer ear has its evolutionary roots in the gills of ancient fish.  This surprising discovery sheds light on how structures can adapt over millions of years to serve entirely new functions. Published in Nature by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the study connects the elastic cartilage in mammalian ears to the same rare tissue found in fish gills.  To explore this link, scientists used gene enhancers — DNA sequences that control tissue development.…
Maryland Man Who Withheld Drugs From 'Dopesick' Women Forced Into Prostitution Gets Prison Time Maryland Man Who Withheld Drugs From 'Dopesick' Women Forced Into Prostitution Gets Prison Time
Maryland Man Who Withheld Drugs From 'Dopesick' Women Forced Into Prostitution Gets Prison Time A 36-year-old Maryland man who used women's' drug dependency to compel them to participate in commercial sex work for him up and down the East Coast will spend nearly two decades in prison, federal authorities announced. William O’Neil Murray III pleaded guilty in August 2024 to sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion over the course of several months in several states. On Monday, Jan. 13, Murray was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison and also ordered to pay his victims nearly $95,000 in restitution. “This sentencing is a powerful reminder that the FBI Richmond team will tir…
Convicted Sex Offender In MD Sentenced For Illegal Reentry After Deportation To Guatemala: Feds Convicted Sex Offender In MD Sentenced For Illegal Reentry After Deportation To Guatemala: Feds
Convicted Sex Offender In MD Sentenced For Illegal Reentry After Deportation To Guatemala: Feds A Hyattsville man convicted of sexually abusing a minor in Maryland is heading to federal prison after illegally reentering the country following his deportation, officials said. A judge sentenced 48-year-old Erbeth Gomez-Delgado to 24 months in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of reentry after deportation during a three-day trial in November 2024, according to the US Attorney's Office. Gomez-Delgado was first encountered by US Customs and Border Patrol on July 29, 2016, crossing the Rio Grande in Texas without inspection.  Officials deported him to Guatemala the same day,…
Find Out How MD Ranks Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study Find Out How MD Ranks Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study
Find Out How MD Ranks Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study Massachusetts leads the U.S. as a place for raising families and two other Northeast states are among the nation's best, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of best and worst states to raise a family on Monday, Jan. 13. The personal finance website ranked each state on family-friendliness, evaluating factors like housing affordability, healthcare quality, job security, and education. Massachusetts claimed the top spot, excelling in education and healthcare. The state boasts the nation’s best public schools, the highest rate of children with health insurance, and …
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It A celestial event 160,000 years in the making will grace the night sky this week, as Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) makes its rare appearance.  Expected to be the brightest comet in nearly 20 years, it could shine as brightly as the planet Venus, offering a spectacular sight for skywatchers. Until now, the comet has only been visible in the Southern Hemisphere. However, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, including those in the US and Europe, will get their chance to view it as it travels back toward the Sun. The best time to catch a glimpse of the comet is around half an hour before sunr…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
Parks And Rec Employee In DC Who Killed 13-Year-Old Karon Blake Learns Prison Fate In Court Parks And Rec Employee In DC Who Killed 13-Year-Old Karon Blake Learns Prison Fate In Court
Parks And Rec Employee In DC Who Killed 13-Year-Old Karon Blake Learns Prison Fate In Court A District man who gunned down a 13-year-old boy during a chaotic confrontation over a string of car break-ins is headed to prison for over 12 years, officials announced. Jason Lewis, 42, a former DC Parks and Recreation employee, was sentenced this week, to 12 ½ years behind bars for the shooting death of Karon Blake, a middle schooler, during an early-morning incident on Quincy Street NE in January 2023, according to federal prosecutors. The case rocked the city when Lewis, armed with a loaded handgun, stepped outside his home around 4 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2023, after spotting two people break…
Maryland Man Convicted Of Fatally Stabbing Cousin's Dog During Family Dispute Maryland Man Convicted Of Fatally Stabbing Cousin's Dog During Family Dispute
Maryland Man Convicted Of Fatally Stabbing Cousin's Dog During Family Dispute A Prince Frederick man is facing up to six years behind bars after being convicted of stabbing his cousin’s dog during a family argument, officials said. On Friday, Jan. 10, 39-year-old Mark Roosevelt Fields was found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty and dangerous weapons charges by a Calvert County jury after a two-day trial, according to prosecutors. The case unfolded when Fields reportedly killed his cousin’s dog following a heated dispute. The brutal incident shocked the local community and led to his arrest. Fields is currently being held without bond at the Calvert County Detentio…
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
State Officials Quarantine Maryland Farm After Bird Flu Detected At Poultry Farm State Officials Quarantine Maryland Farm After Bird Flu Detected At Poultry Farm
State Officials Quarantine Maryland Farm After Bird Flu Detected At Poultry Farm State officials are on high alert after detecting a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) case at a commercial broiler operation in Maryland, marking the first incident in the state since 2023 and the third in the Delmarva region this month. Routine testing at a Caroline County poultry farm has uncovered a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, state officials announced Friday, Jan. 10.  The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has quarantined the farm, with all birds from the infected flock being depopulated to prevent further spread. “This is the first commercial HPA…
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms The future of TikTok in the United States is facing a critical juncture as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to delay a looming ban on the popular video-sharing app. On Friday morning, Jan. 10, the Court heard oral arguments regarding the Biden administration's law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance to separate from TikTok, and whether or not it's in violation of the First Amendment. ByteDance, which is headquartered in China, has until Jan. 19 to separate from the video-sharing app under the law passed last year over national security concerns. Noel Francisco argued on be…
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know A virus causing cold-like symptoms is making its seasonal rounds, and health officials are urging everyone to take preventive measures.  With no vaccines or specific treatments currently available, vigilance is key to avoiding infection of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is key. HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat.  However, certain groups—young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe complications, including lung infe…
Man Ejected, Killed In Head-On Collision On Route 97 In Maryland (DEVELOPING) Man Ejected, Killed In Head-On Collision On Route 97 In Maryland (DEVELOPING)
Man Ejected, Killed In Head-On Collision On Route 97 In Maryland (Developing) A deadly head-on crash in Maryland left one man dead and several others injured early Thursday morning, police say. Howard County police are investigating a fatal head-on crash that occurred around 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, on Route 97 near Roxbury Road in Glenwood. Investigators say a 2004 Honda Pilot traveling northbound crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado before striking a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.  The impact caused a rear passenger in the Honda to be ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and front passeng…
Teen Behind 129-Page Manifesto Detailing School Shooting Plans In Maryland Convicted Teen Behind 129-Page Manifesto Detailing School Shooting Plans In Maryland Convicted
Teen Behind 129-Page Manifesto Detailing School Shooting Plans In Maryland Convicted A 19-year-old high school student who had plans to commit a school shooting in Montgomery County was convicted of making threats of mass violence, authorities announced on Wednesday. Rockville resident Alex (Andrea) Ye was arrested last year following an investigation after the FBI notified Montgomery County Public Schools about a 129-page "manifesto" authored by the teen. His arrest came after  a concerned associate contacted 911, when the two were communicating on Instagram when Ye sent the manifesto, which referenced a potential attack on both a high school and an elementary sc…
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes As wind-whipped wild fires spreading over thousands of acres ravage Los Angeles, many have shared their devastating experiences on social media, including a host of celebrities. The first blaze erupted late Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Since then, hundreds of homes have been reduced to ashes, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and thousands evacuated. Over 1,000 structures and 25,000 acres have been destroyed. Panicked motorists abandoned vehicles in streets as they rushed to flee the inferno in apocalyptic scenes that seemed like something in…
Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash
Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash A cherished local mother who hosts a talk show sharing stories of survival and resilience will have a tale of her own after a Christmas Day crash left her with broken bones and shattered dreams. The woman, known for her inspirational show "Just Talk with Justice," was gearing up to start a dream job this January as a Prince George's County Parks and Rec Facility manager, though fate had other plans for her and her young daughter. Instead of celebrating the holiday and the new dream job, Justice and her daughter, Lydia, spent it in an area hospital after both were injured in the crash, …
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community
Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community A social worker in the DMV known for changing others' lives is now in need of help to reclaim his own.  David Thurston, who has spent years supporting others through some of life's toughest moments, was brutally assaulted, leaving him with severe dental injuries and a broken sense of self, according to his brother. According to a friend of Thurston, "the attackers beat him pretty badly and stole his coat and backpack.  "While he is mostly okay, has extra coats, and is getting emotional support from his family, the attackers messed up his teeth pretty badly."  The attack, wh…
MD Among Top 5 States In Cancer Research, Driven By Leading Institutions MD Among Top 5 States In Cancer Research, Driven By Leading Institutions
MD Among Top 5 States In Cancer Research, Driven By Leading Institutions Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport 2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport Two unidentified bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night, Jan. 6.  The airline confirmed the news in a statement released on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, noting that the bodies were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working c…
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
FBI Releases New Video, Evidence Of Suspect Placing Pipe Bombs Day Before Jan. 6 Riot FBI Releases New Video, Evidence Of Suspect Placing Pipe Bombs Day Before Jan. 6 Riot
FBI Releases New Video, Evidence Of Suspect Placing Pipe Bombs Day Before Jan. 6 Riot Four years later, and the curious case of a possible would-be bomber who placed devices the Democratic National Committee HQ the day before the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection remains unsolved, officials say. The FBI posted previously unreleased video of a suspect who placed pipe bombs near the headquarters for the RNC and DNC in DC.  Between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021, federal investigators say that an unknown person placed two pipe bombs in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. Officials said that one was placed in an alley behind the headquarters of the RNC on Fir…
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …
Governor Declares State Of Emergency As Maryland Battles Winter Storm Governor Declares State Of Emergency As Maryland Battles Winter Storm
Governor Declares State Of Emergency As Maryland Battles Winter Storm Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency as the region battles a major winter storm that is blanketing parts of the state with upwards of a foot of snow. State government were shut down on Monday, Jan. 6, as the storm moves through, bringing hazardous conditions and extreme cold.  I have declared a State of Emergency in Maryland in preparation for the incoming winter storm.For alerts, text "MdReady" to 211-631. Stay warm, stay safe, and let's take care of each other, Maryland. pic.twitter.com/7wEY6HONFb — Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) January 6, 2025 Officials…
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…