Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Rabies Alert Issued After Cat Tests Positive For Virus In Area Neighborhood Rabies Alert Issued After Cat Tests Positive For Virus In Area Neighborhood
Rabies Alert Issued After Cat Tests Positive For Virus In Area Neighborhood The Frederick County Health Department is cautioning that a cat in Thurmont has tested positive for rabies. An alert was issued on Friday, Dec. 27 advising the community that a cat from the 10th block of East Moser Road in Thurmont has a confirmed case of the virus, after it was taken in on Christmas Day. The cat - described as  a tortoiseshell domestic shorthair female, approximately 2 to 3 years of age, no collar, no spay scar, and no ear tip - was euthanized due to unexplained wounds and showing multiple symptoms of rabies infection. Following the positive test, the Health Dep…
El Salvadoran Man With Violent Past Jailed For Virginia Shooting Over Video Game Console El Salvadoran Man With Violent Past Jailed For Virginia Shooting Over Video Game Console
El Salvadoran Man With Violent Past Jailed For Virginia Shooting Over Video Game Console Game over. A man who fired a bullet into a Leesburg teen's bedroom during an argument over a video game has received a harsh sentence above guidelines, authorities announced on Friday. Emerson Josue Martinez Alvarenga, 20, was sentenced in Loudoun County Circuit Court to three years in the Virginia Department of Corrections after being convicted of: Maliciously shooting at an occupied building; Two counts of possession of a firearm by a non-citizen not lawfully present in the United States; Two counts of brandishing a firearm. The charges stem from a June 29, 2023, shooting at a…
Man With Severe Burns Found Dead At Buddhist Temple In Virginia (DEVELOPING) Man With Severe Burns Found Dead At Buddhist Temple In Virginia (DEVELOPING)
Man With Severe Burns Found Dead At Buddhist Temple In Virginia (Developing) A death investigation is underway after a man was found with severe burns inside a Buddhist temple in Woodbridge on the day after Christmas, authorities said. Prince William County police responded around 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 to the Watt Buddhacheya Mongkol Buddhist Temple in the 3900 block of Old Bridge Road to investigate, according to the Prince William County Police Department. Members of the temple discovered the body of a 48-year-old man in a bedroom on the premises, police said. The man, a known temple member who stayed there, was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings …
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Nurse, Fed Pen Lt. Convicted Of Ignoring VA Inmate's Medical Crisis That Killed Him: Officials Nurse, Fed Pen Lt. Convicted Of Ignoring VA Inmate's Medical Crisis That Killed Him: Officials
Nurse, Fed Pen Lt. Convicted Of Ignoring VA Inmate's Medical Crisis That Killed Him: Officials A federal prison lieutenant and nurse in Virginia have been convicted after ignoring an inmate’s medical crisis that led to his death, authorities announced. Former Lt. Shronda Covington, 49, and Registered Nurse Tonya Farley, 53, both of Chesterfield, were on duty at the Federal Correctional Institution in Petersburg on Jan. 9, 2021, when a 47-year-old inmate - only identified as W.W. - began showing clear signs of a neurological emergency. Instead of getting help, Covington and Farley ignored W.W.’s worsening condition — including incontinence, inability to talk, and frequent falls — leav…
Former Top Cop From VA Convicted Of Tipping Off Proud Boys Leader, Lying To Investigators: Feds Former Top Cop From VA Convicted Of Tipping Off Proud Boys Leader, Lying To Investigators: Feds
Former Top Cop From VA Convicted Of Tipping Off Proud Boys Leader, Lying To Investigators: Feds A former top cop in DC flipped the script on his duties, leaking sensitive information to a Proud Boys' leader and obstructing justice during an ongoing investigation, federal officials announced. Shane Brian Lamond, 49, of Stafford, was convicted this week of obstructing an investigation into the Dec. 12, 2020, destruction of a Black Lives Matter (BLM) banner and for later making false statements to federal law enforcement officials. Among those lies, federal officials said, included denying that he tipped off Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the national chairman of the Proud Boys, to th…
Worker Killed After Being Trapped By Partial Building Collapse In Northwest DC (UPDATED) Worker Killed After Being Trapped By Partial Building Collapse In Northwest DC (UPDATED)
Worker Killed After Being Trapped By Partial Building Collapse In Northwest DC (Updated) A worker had to be rescued in Northwest DC on Monday morning when a row home partially collapsed and left them trapped, officials say. Shortly before 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 23, a DC Fire and EMS spokesperson issued an alert advising of a collapse of a two-story row house with entrapment in the 1100 block of V Street NW. As of noon on Monday afternoon, the worker was still trapped inside, according to the agency. Collapse with entrapment 1100 block V St NW. significant collapse rear of 2 story row house with a worker severely trapped. Working to shore and secure hazard area. Rescue operation…
Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden
Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden In a historic move just two days before Christmas, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, including individuals with ties to Virginia.  Their sentences have been reclassified from execution to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, the White House announced. This clemency decision aligns with President Biden’s long-standing opposition to the federal death penalty, except in cases of terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder. Biden’s administration imposed a moratorium on federal executions upon taking office, effectively halting the prac…
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In DC Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In DC
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In DC New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
Stalker In Maryland Who Stalked, Shared Revenge Porn Of DC Ex Convicted: Feds Stalker In Maryland Who Stalked, Shared Revenge Porn Of DC Ex Convicted: Feds
Stalker In Maryland Who Stalked, Shared Revenge Porn Of DC Ex Convicted: Feds A Maryland man is facing years behind bars after being found guilty of stalking, threatening, and targeting his ex-girlfriends in a campaign of harassment that included shooting at one of their homes. Nahvarj Mills, 31, of Brandywine, was convicted this week in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on 24 counts, including: Cyberstalking; Unlawful publication of sexually explicit images; Assault with a dangerous weapon; Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; Unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors said Mills targeted two women between November 2023 and Januar…
Man Who Called For Ride About Possible STD In Virginia Gets Prison Time For Motel Shooting Man Who Called For Ride About Possible STD In Virginia Gets Prison Time For Motel Shooting
Man Who Called For Ride About Possible STD In Virginia Gets Prison Time For Motel Shooting The man responsible for a shooting at a Maryland motel will spend decades in prison, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office announced in Prince William County. Ishmeal McGriff was sentenced this week to 28 years in prison, with eight years suspended and 20 years to serve, followed by a term of supervised probation when he is released, according to authorities. The incident unfolded on March 26, 2023, outside the Econo Lodge in Dumfries, when Prince William County Police oficers responded to reports of a shooting and found that McGriff had called a friend to take him to the hospi…
Virginia Nurse Admits To Distributing Videos Showing Rape, Sexual Abuse Of Minors: Feds Virginia Nurse Admits To Distributing Videos Showing Rape, Sexual Abuse Of Minors: Feds
Virginia Nurse Admits To Distributing Videos Showing Rape, Sexual Abuse Of Minors: Feds A Virginia nurse practitioner admitted to distributing child pornography, including videos depicting the rape and abuse of young boys, federal officials announced on Thursday. Lucas Allen Fussell, 42, of Onley, entered his plea this, Dec. 18, in US District Court in DC, according to US Attorney Matthew Graves, pleading guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography. Authorities said that between December 2023 and February 2024, Fussell used an encrypted messaging app to exchange explicit material with another person whose devices were later seized and searched by the FBI. During th…
Peeping Tom Linked To Eight Incidents In Same Fairfax County Neighborhood At Large, Police Say Peeping Tom Linked To Eight Incidents In Same Fairfax County Neighborhood At Large, Police Say
Peeping Tom Linked To Eight Incidents In Same Fairfax County Neighborhood At Large, Police Say Recognize him?  An alert has been issued by the Fairfax County Police Department as they attempt to identify and track down a Peeping Tom linked to nearly a dozen incident in Idylwood over the course of several months. In April, officers were called to the 2100 block of Evans Court in Idylwood, where there was a reported peeping call, when a woman said she spotted a man watching her through a window. Through the investigation, detectives from the department's Sex Crimes Unit were able to link the same man to seven additional cases that were reported between 5:40 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
NTSB Report Sheds Light On Plane Crash That Killed Fairfield County Pilot, Animal Rescuer NTSB Report Sheds Light On Plane Crash That Killed Fairfield County Pilot, Animal Rescuer
NTSB Report Sheds Light On Plane Crash That Killed Fairfield County Pilot, Animal Rescuer The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report detailing the events leading up to a plane crash in Windham, NY, that claimed the life of a Virginia pilot dedicated to rescuing dogs in need. The crash occurred on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m. The single-engine Mooney M20J, piloted by 49-year-old Seuk Kim of Springfield, VA, was traveling from Harford County Airport in Maryland to Albany International Airport when it went down in a remote, wooded area of Greene County, as previously reported by Daily Voice. According to the NTSB report, t…
Robbers Who Terrorized Convenience Stores In Maryland, DC To Spend Years Behind Bars: Feds Robbers Who Terrorized Convenience Stores In Maryland, DC To Spend Years Behind Bars: Feds
Robbers Who Terrorized Convenience Stores In Maryland, DC To Spend Years Behind Bars: Feds A Prince George’s County man will spend more than a decade behind bars after admitting to a string of armed robberies across DC and Maryland, authorities announced Wednesday. Andrew Trayvon Hale, 27, formerly of Bowie, was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in 11 armed robberies, including discharging a firearm during one of the crimes, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Hale, along with his co-conspirator Antoine Javon Hare, terrorized convenience stores between June 19 and July 23, 20…
Reward Offered After Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Virginia Reward Offered After Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Virginia
Reward Offered After Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Virginia A $5,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the owner of a dog that had to be put down after being abandoned in Virginia earlier this month. Animal control officers in Arlington are still seeking the public's assistance after the severely neglected dog, discovered in critical condition near South Walter Reed Drive in early December, died despite emergency rescue efforts. The Arlington Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) reported that "Walter," a brown and tan dog with cropped ears, was found Wednesday, Dec. 4, around 8 p.m. near the intersection of 14th Street South and Walter…
Teen Motorcyclist's High-Speed Getaway Ends Due To Dead Battery In Virginia: Sheriff Teen Motorcyclist's High-Speed Getaway Ends Due To Dead Battery In Virginia: Sheriff
Teen Motorcyclist's High-Speed Getaway Ends Due To Dead Battery In Virginia: Sheriff An 18-year-old on a motorcycle tried to outrun the law but didn’t account for his dead battery—or a determined deputy, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. On Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, a deputy was on patrol along Telegraph Road when he noticed a Suzuki motorcycle missing a license plate, leading to a series of unfortunate events for Fredericksburg resident Jonathan Cruz.  As the bike turned onto Midway Road, the deputy activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop; however, Instead of stopping, the rider spun around and sped off, ignoring the deputy’s command…
Bomb Threat Scrawled On Porta-Potty Door Prompts Evacuation At Virginia Construction Site: PD Bomb Threat Scrawled On Porta-Potty Door Prompts Evacuation At Virginia Construction Site: PD
Bomb Threat Scrawled On Porta-Potty Door Prompts Evacuation At Virginia Construction Site: PD A bomb threat discovered on a construction site in Prince William County led to an early morning evacuation, though police say the threat was ultimately deemed not credible. Officers were called at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to the 11500 block of Hayden Road in Manassas, when an employee reported a threat was written on the door of a portable bathroom, prompting concern, officials said. According to the Prince William County Police Department, as a precaution, the building was evacuated while officers investigated, though no other threats or suspicious markings were found, and the sc…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans A new national poll from Emerson College reveals a startling trend among young American voters: More respondents aged 18 to 29 believe the targeted assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was acceptable than those who do not. The poll highlights a sharp generational divergence on the issue. A total of 41 percent of voters aged 18-29 find the killer’s actions acceptable, 24 percent somewhat acceptable and 17 percent completely acceptable), while 40 percent find them unacceptable. Noting that 68 percent of voters overall reject the killer’s action, Spencer Kimball, executiv…
DC Convict Admits To Daytime Murder Of Woman Committed While On Release For Robbery: Feds DC Convict Admits To Daytime Murder Of Woman Committed While On Release For Robbery: Feds
DC Convict Admits To Daytime Murder Of Woman Committed While On Release For Robbery: Feds A Washington, DC man has admitted to gunning down a woman in broad daylight on a busy street in Southeast DC, officials announced. Johnwann Elliott, 31, pleaded guilty on Dec. 16 to second-degree murder while armed and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for the 2022 killing of 37-year-old Nikia Young, the US Attorney's Office said. Elliott’s plea deal calls for a 21-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release, pending court approval.  According to investigators, Elliott exited a Metro bus near Minnesota Avenue and White Place SE at around midnight. on Marc…
Virginia Man Convicted Of Elaborate $185K Cryptocurrency Scheme To Help Fund ISIS: Feds Virginia Man Convicted Of Elaborate $185K Cryptocurrency Scheme To Help Fund ISIS: Feds
Virginia Man Convicted Of Elaborate $185K Cryptocurrency Scheme To Help Fund ISIS: Feds A Virginia man who funneled nearly $200,000 in cryptocurrency to ISIS operatives overseas is facing decades behind bars following his conviction on federal terrorism charges. Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, was convicted by a federal jury for his role in a scheme to provide financial and logistical support to ISIS, officials announced Monday. Prosecutors said Chhipa used social media to raise funds, collected money both electronically and in person, converted it to cryptocurrency, and sent it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.  Those funds were …
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
DMV Jeopardy! Stars Stumble: Tough Week Under Bright Lights Ends In Defeat DMV Jeopardy! Stars Stumble: Tough Week Under Bright Lights Ends In Defeat
DMV Jeopardy! Stars Stumble: Tough Week Under Bright Lights Ends In Defeat Who is... The DMV's Best? Turns out none of them after falling flat under the bright Jeopardy! lights. Three local contestants from Maryland and Virginia stepped up to the podium, but all three went home empty-handed, leaving the DMV without a champion. The week kicked off on Monday, Dec. 9, with Vienna ESL teacher Lisa O'Donnell taking on Boston's Bill McKinney, a vice president of restaurants and bars. McKinney cruised through the competition, winning a few games before his controversial exit on Friday. On Wednesday, Hyattsville tax accountant Sam Nguyen couldn’t clinch a victory, while …
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense The man accused of gunning down a health insurance titan on a bustling New York City street is now at the center of another storm— this one inside a courtroom.  Facing a murder charge that could lead to life in prison, Luigi Mangione has turned to one of the most seasoned legal minds in the country to fight for his freedom. Enter Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the former Manhattan prosecutor who’s now tasked with defending the 26-year-old Mangione against allegations of ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.  With…