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…
PA Teen Charged For Killing Maryland Native Gym Coach, US Army Vet In Crash PA Teen Charged For Killing Maryland Native Gym Coach, US Army Vet In Crash
PA Teen Charged For Killing Maryland Native Gym Coach, US Army Vet In Crash A Lancaster teenager has been charged in a crash that killed a US Army veteran in East Petersburg Borough last year, authorities announced on Thursday, Jan. 9. The 17-year-old, of the 100 block of North Reservoir Street, is accused of causing the April 7, 2024, crash that left 74-year-old Malcolm Parker of Lancaster dead, according to Northern Lancaster County Regional Police. The teen has been charged in juvenile court with Homicide by Vehicle and three summary traffic offenses. Police said the crash happened at the intersection of Main and New streets just before 2 p.m. Parker, original…
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…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …
Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse
Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse A Charles County man will spend decades in prison for his role in an ambush murder of a 46-year-old man outside a Bryans Road firehouse following a birthday celebration more than three years ago, authorities announced. La Plata resident Ryan Lamont Bell, 38 was sentenced to 35 years in prison in connection to the fatal shooting of Leon Nathaniel Inabinett, Jr. in June 2021 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. His co-conspirator, Jahad Karim Frierson, 27, was found guilty last month following a nine-day trial,…
Temporary Caregiver Accused Of 'Grooming, Predatory Behavior' In Maryland Learns Prison Fate Temporary Caregiver Accused Of 'Grooming, Predatory Behavior' In Maryland Learns Prison Fate
Temporary Caregiver Accused Of 'Grooming, Predatory Behavior' In Maryland Learns Prison Fate A man who groomed and sexually abused a young boy in Maryland will spend decades behind bars, the Charles County State's Attorney announced on Friday. Delorean Andre Romond Skinner, 38, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted by a jury in October of sexual abuse of a minor and second-degree rape involving his actions with a victim who was 12 years old at the time while purportedly "caring" for the boy. In September 2023, an officer with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office spoke with the 13-year-old victim’s father, who alleged that his son was sexually abused by Skinn…
Two Airlifted To Trauma Centers After Multi-Vehicle Crash In Maryland: State Police Two Airlifted To Trauma Centers After Multi-Vehicle Crash In Maryland: State Police
Two Airlifted To Trauma Centers After Multi-Vehicle Crash In Maryland: State Police Two people were flown to regional trauma centers after a serious three-vehicle crash Thursday morning  in St. Mary's County, according to Maryland State Police. The crash was reported shortly before noon on Jan. 2, when the driver of one vehicle made an unsafe lane change, on Three Notch Road near Corporate Drive, colliding with another vehicle and causing both to overturn, police said.  The driver of a third vehicle involved was not injured. The driver of the at-fault vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Shock Trauma in Baltimore by Trooper 7. Meanwhil…
Man Convicted In Three Indecent Exposure Trials In Maryland: Prosecutors Man Convicted In Three Indecent Exposure Trials In Maryland: Prosecutors
Man Convicted In Three Indecent Exposure Trials In Maryland: Prosecutors A Maryland man will spend years behind bars after being found guilty of three separate indecent exposure incidents in Montgomery County, authorities announced. Steven Randolph, 34, was sentenced following three bench trials that were held on Thursday, Jan. 2 to more than four years in prison after exposing himself to employees at area businesses. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, early on Thursday, Oct. 31 last year, the Rockville resident walked into Olney Ledo's Pizza in the 3400 block of Olney Laytonsville Road while employees were prepping the restaurant for the d…
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Chestnut Hill College and Holmdel High School are mourning the loss of alumnus Billy DiMaio ’22, a standout lacrosse captain and respected community leader, who was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1. DiMaio, 24, of Holmdel, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. As captain of the college’s lacrosse team in his senior year, he was known for his leadership, determination, and positive influence on teammates and peers. Posted by Billy Dimaio on Monday, July 31, 2023 "We are devastat…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, along with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, and Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler were in New Orleans hours before the deadly pickup truck attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Dunne, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, shared photos on social media of herself, Skenes, and Chandler enjoying the New Orleans nightlife. In one image, the group is seen inside a bar, smiling and seemingly enjoying their evening. Shortly after, Dunne posted another photo of New Orleans with a broken heart emoji, indicating h…
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Jeremi Sensky, a 51-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, survived the New Orleans attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1, despite being struck by the vehicle and suffering severe injuries. Sensky, who uses a wheelchair, was struck by the pickup truck during the attack in the French Quarter, breaking both legs and ejecting him from his chair, his daughter Heaven Sensky Kirsch told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 2. “By the grace of God, he is alive,” Heaven said. “He’s currently in surgery. I want people to know my dad is alive, full of life, resilient, and I’m sure he’l…
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Ryan Quigley, a 2020 Princeton University graduate and former classmate and coworker of Tiger Bech, was injured in the deadly New Orleans pickup truck attack early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Quigley, a Lansdale Catholic High School graduate from the Class of 2016, was hospitalized following the attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, including Bech’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Quigley and Bech both worked at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, a financial services firm in New York, and had remained close since their time at Princeton. Ryan Quigley Facebook/Ryan Quigley @ryan.quigley.3…