DC Man Charged With Killing Maryland Driver He Apparently Didn't Know, Motive Remains Mystery DC Man Charged With Killing Maryland Driver He Apparently Didn't Know, Motive Remains Mystery
DC Man Charged With Killing Maryland Driver He Apparently Didn't Know, Motive Remains Mystery Brian Vasquez Rodriguez never made it out of the driver's seat. Nearly two weeks after the 33-year-old was found shot to death behind the wheel of his car in Maryland, two men have been arrested on murder charges, though investigators still don't know what led to the killing. Officers found the Adelphi resident shortly after 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, inside his vehicle on the 2200 block of Lewisdale Drive in the Hyattsville area, according to Prince George's County Police. Rodriguez had been shot and could not be saved. For the next 10 days, homicide detectives worked the case before …
Three Cats Needed Oxygen After Flames Broke Out Inside Virginia Home: Fire Officials Three Cats Needed Oxygen After Flames Broke Out Inside Virginia Home: Fire Officials
Three Cats Needed Oxygen After Flames Broke Out Inside Virginia Home: Fire Officials A forgotten stove turned into a six-figure problem for a Virginia family. A Friday morning fire in Loudoun County caused more than $170,000 in damage, displaced nine people and left one of the family's four cats dead, officials said. Crews were called to the 100 block of Garfield Road in Sterling at approximately 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 18, where firefighters found smoke pushing from the first floor and roofline of the two-story home. The homeowner had already escaped. Firefighters knocked down the flames in the kitchen and searched the home to make sure the fire had not spread. Then attentio…
His 21st Birthday Became A Murder Mystery. 23 Years Later, Police Make An Arrest His 21st Birthday Became A Murder Mystery. 23 Years Later, Police Make An Arrest
His 21st Birthday Became A Murder Mystery. 23 Years Later, Police Make An Arrest For 23 years, the killing of Joshua Wayne Crawford never went away. Now, a Maryland man has been arrested in the cold case murder of Crawford, who was found dead on what would have been his 21st birthday, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, Sept. 18. Tavon Jamar Willis, 46, of Frederick, was taken into custody after a grand jury returned an indictment Friday morning connecting him to Crawford's 2003 murder, according to the sheriff's office. Crawford was found murdered inside his Exeter Court apartment on July 2, 2003. He would have turned 21 that day. The Maryland…
Third Floor Of Virginia Motel Became Protected Drug, Sex Marketplace, Feds Say Third Floor Of Virginia Motel Became Protected Drug, Sex Marketplace, Feds Say
Third Floor Of Virginia Motel Became Protected Drug, Sex Marketplace, Feds Say The third floor wasn't just another place to spend the night. Federal prosecutors say it became the moneymaker at a Virginia motel, where rooms cost extra for guests who wanted a protected place to buy and sell drugs or engage in commercial sex. Now, the woman who helped run it is headed to federal prison for more than a decade. Kosha Sharma, 53, who operated the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries with her husband, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 17, to 10 years and 10 months behind bars for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and managing a drug-involved premises, according to federal prosecutors.…
Attempt To Pass Turning Car Ends In Deadly Virginia Crash Into Parked Tractor-Trailer: Police Attempt To Pass Turning Car Ends In Deadly Virginia Crash Into Parked Tractor-Trailer: Police
Attempt To Pass Turning Car Ends In Deadly Virginia Crash Into Parked Tractor-Trailer: Police It was an attempt to get around a turning car. It ended with a 21-year-old driver dead in Virginia. Sayed Mohammad Hamed Shams, of Manassas Park, was killed shortly before 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, when his Toyota Corolla went off Hansen Farm Road in Bristow and crashed into a parked tractor-trailer, according to Prince William County Police. Investigators say Shams was heading north when the driver ahead of him began making a right onto Wellingford Road. Shams tried to go around. Police say he crossed the double yellow lines to pass the turning vehicle, but lost control of the Co…
NYU Langone, UPMC To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals NYU Langone, UPMC To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals
NYU Langone, Upmc To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals Two major New York and Pennsylvania health systems will stop providing gender-affirming medical care to minors under agreements reached with the US Department of Justice, federal officials announced Friday, Sept. 18. NYU Langone Hospitals and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC, agreed to stop providing puberty blockers, hormones, and surgical procedures to patients younger than 18, according to the DOJ. NYU also agreed to pay $8.5 million, while UPMC will pay $950,000 as part of the resolutions, the department said. The agreements resolve investigations into potential vio…
Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles
Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles More than 200,000 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs are being recalled because a significant problem can cause them to lose steering control. Volkswagen Group of America issued the recall for about 208,724 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Sept. 11. The affected vehicles include 2018 Volkswagen Tiguans, 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlases, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3s. The problem involves a bolt that holds the steering rack in place. The bolt can corrode and break, potentially damaging the steering rack and causing drivers to lose steering control. …
Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow
Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow The battle over what media outlets get through the White House gates has sharply escalated. President Donald Trump announced on Friday afternoon, Sept. 18, that he was immediately banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. Trump disclosed the directive in a post on his Truth Social account. He accused all three organizations of repeatedly publishing or broadcasting inaccurate coverage of him and his administration. The post did not explain how the ban would be enforced, which White House spaces or events it would cover, or whether journalists from the three organizations had a…
State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In VA State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In VA
State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In VA America is divided over what belongs in the breakfast bowl, but one colorful contender has left its rivals eating dust. CSP Global analyzed Google Trends data to identify the most-searched cereal in every state and Washington, DC, from January 2025 through January 2026. The findings measure relative search interest, not purchases or consumption. Froot Loops took the cereal crown, finishing first in 13 states. It dominated searches across much of the South, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina. Its closest competitors were not close. Cheerios and Rice Krispies each led in …
Nearly 40-Year Career Ends Suddenly As Maryland Police Chief Marc Yamada Resigns Nearly 40-Year Career Ends Suddenly As Maryland Police Chief Marc Yamada Resigns
Nearly 40-Year Career Ends Suddenly As Maryland Police Chief Marc Yamada Resigns Maryland has lost one of its top cops somewhat unexpectedly. Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada resigned effective immediately on Friday, Sept. 18, abruptly ending a nearly four-decade career with the department. County Executive Marc Elrich confirmed the resignation on Friday, saying he accepted Yamada's decision and naming Assistant Chief Darren Francke as acting chief. No reason for Yamada's sudden departure was provided. “I want to thank Chief Yamada for his nearly four decades of dedicated service to Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Police Department,” Elrich said.…
Amazon Customers Could Get More Money As $2.5B Settlement Expands: See Who Qualifies Amazon Customers Could Get More Money As $2.5B Settlement Expands: See Who Qualifies
Amazon Customers Could Get More Money As $2.5B Settlement Expands: See Who Qualifies Amazon Prime customers could get more money as a major $2.5 billion federal settlement expands. The Federal Trade Commission announced on Thursday, Sept. 17, that Amazon will speed up and broaden payments to eligible consumers under the settlement reached in September 2025. The online retail giant was required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and provide up to $1.5 billion in refunds to consumers. Amazon was accused of enrolling millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly making it difficult for customers to cancel. More than $845 million had …
No Juice For The Chick: Grand Opening, Free Food For A Year Derailed By One Big Problem No Juice For The Chick: Grand Opening, Free Food For A Year Derailed By One Big Problem
No Juice For The Chick: Grand Opening, Free Food For A Year Derailed By One Big Problem Maryland, we have a problem. Chicken Salad Chick was preparing to finally open its long-awaited Olney restaurant on Wednesday, Sept. 23, complete with five days of giveaways and free food for some of its earliest customers. There’s just one fairly important thing missing. Electricity. The owners of the new restaurant at 18209 Village Center Drive in the Olney Village Center announced that the grand opening has been delayed until at least mid-October because they are still waiting for power. And they aren't hiding their frustration. “Olney Chick Friends...WE HAVE A PROBLEM,” owners Jim S…
Car Tears Through Dream Salon, But Four Stylists Are Already Back Behind Chairs Car Tears Through Dream Salon, But Four Stylists Are Already Back Behind Chairs
Car Tears Through Dream Salon, But Four Stylists Are Already Back Behind Chairs Years went into building their dream. It took seconds to tear through it. An allegedly drunk driver crashed into a Maryland salon shortly before 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, ripping through the front of the building and leaving four stylists without the workplace they spent years creating. The crash happened at The Babe Cave in the 29900 block of Point Lookout Road, where firefighters arrived to find the vehicle lodged in the front porch and entryway, according to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. The Babe Cave Mechanicsville Fire Department via GoFundMe A util…
Duncan Sheik Dies At 56: Hitmaker, Broadway Composer Leaves Young Daughter Duncan Sheik Dies At 56: Hitmaker, Broadway Composer Leaves Young Daughter
Duncan Sheik Dies At 56: Hitmaker, Broadway Composer Leaves Young Daughter A defining voice of ’90s pop who found an acclaimed second act on Broadway has gone silent. Singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik died Thursday, Sept. 17, at a Manhattan hospital. He was 56. His family announced his death in a statement on his Instagram account. "It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik," the family said. "The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater."  View this post on Instagram His mother, Suzanne Sheik, told People t…
Woman Convicted In Death Of Super Bowl Sports Anchor Who Lost Wife, Left Behind Baby Woman Convicted In Death Of Super Bowl Sports Anchor Who Lost Wife, Left Behind Baby
Woman Convicted In Death Of Super Bowl Sports Anchor Who Lost Wife, Left Behind Baby A woman has been convicted in the death of a 27-year-old sports anchor who was found dead while covering Super Bowl LIX. A Louisiana jury found 49-year-old Danette Colbert guilty of negligent homicide and racketeering on Thursday, Sept. 17. She was charged in the death of Adan Manzano, a reporter and anchor for Telemundo Kansas City. Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. He was in the New Orleans area to cover Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The 27-year-old was discovered face down on a pil…
$14M DC Medicaid Scheme Turned Minutes-Long Calls Into Full-Hour Bills, Feds Say $14M DC Medicaid Scheme Turned Minutes-Long Calls Into Full-Hour Bills, Feds Say
$14M DC Medicaid Scheme Turned Minutes-Long Calls Into Full-Hour Bills, Feds Say Millions of dollars. Thousands of claims. And some of the care allegedly never happened at all. A Maryland nurse admitted on Thursday, Sept. 17 to taking part in a sprawling $14 million DC Medicaid fraud scheme involving mental health services for children and teens, federal prosecutors said. Bowie resident Vera Nyiawung, 34, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit health care fraud after prosecutors said workers padded the length of phone calls, recycled patient notes and billed Medicaid for services that were never provided or were grossly inflated. And investigators say …
Teen Pulls Gun On Classmate, Demands Cash In Maryland High School Bathroom: Police (UPDATED) Teen Pulls Gun On Classmate, Demands Cash In Maryland High School Bathroom: Police (UPDATED)
Teen Pulls Gun On Classmate, Demands Cash In Maryland High School Bathroom: Police (Updated) A reported gun inside a Maryland high school bathroom turned out to be part of something much larger. Three teens are now facing charges after police say a 15-year-old Northwest High School student pulled a handgun on another student and demanded money during an armed robbery on Thursday, Sept. 17. Montgomery County Police were called to the Germantown school at approximately 12:35 p.m., initially prompting a search for the armed student and a Secure status that kept students and staff inside. Police now say the incident began when a 15-year-old student was approached by another 15-year-ol…
Accused Killer Of Beloved Soccer Coach Captured After Leaving Maryland Motel (UPDATED) Accused Killer Of Beloved Soccer Coach Captured After Leaving Maryland Motel (UPDATED)
Accused Killer Of Beloved Soccer Coach Captured After Leaving Maryland Motel (Updated) The search for Nicholas Njuki's accused killer is over. A 21-year-old man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of the beloved soccer coach was arrested in Maryland on Thursday, Sept. 17, four days after the deadly encounter outside a sports bar. Shayan Solimani Damabi, of Gaithersburg, was taken into custody after leaving a motel in the city by Montgomery County Police officers assigned to the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Police said he was arrested without incident. Solimani Damabi had been wanted on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a v…
Oreo Haunts Candy Aisles With New Halloween Treat: See What It Tastes Like Oreo Haunts Candy Aisles With New Halloween Treat: See What It Tastes Like
Oreo Haunts Candy Aisles With New Halloween Treat: See What It Tastes Like A new Oreo treat is putting a spooky twist on the classic cookies-and-creme flavor for Halloween. Oreo Cookies and Creme Filled Ghosts are now being sold at major retailers nationwide. The ghost-shaped candies feature a dark chocolatey shell filled with Oreo cookie pieces and creme. The seasonal treat was created by Frankford Candy, a Philadelphia company that has partnered with other brands on shaped candy products. The Oreo Ghosts are sold in 7-ounce bags and come with about 21 individually wrapped candies. Unlike a traditional Oreo, the new candy has a smoother texture than f…
New Show Starring Judge Judy's Son 'Adam's Law' Now Airing On CBS New Show Starring Judge Judy's Son 'Adam's Law' Now Airing On CBS
New Show Starring Judge Judy's Son 'Adam's Law' Now Airing On CBS A former Hudson Valley, NY district attorney is following his famous mother, Judge Judy, into the television courtroom.  “Adam’s Law,” starring former Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy, the son of Judge Judy Sheindlin, premiered its first season on Monday, Sept. 14, according to CBS Media Ventures.  The nationally syndicated courtroom program was created by Sheindlin, who is handing the gavel to her son after building one of television's best-known courtroom franchises. Levy brings more than 25 years of legal experience to the show, including two terms as Putnam Count…
College Volleyball Player Dies Weeks After Blood Disorder Diagnosis: These Were Her Symptoms College Volleyball Player Dies Weeks After Blood Disorder Diagnosis: These Were Her Symptoms
College Volleyball Player Dies Weeks After Blood Disorder Diagnosis: These Were Her Symptoms A Massachusetts college volleyball player has died two months after revealing that a rare blood disorder had left her in critical condition. Amanda Elizabeth Mack died Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 9:16 p.m., according to an announcement posted by her family to her Instagram account. She was 20 years old. Mack, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter who previously played at Eastern Kentucky and attended IMG Academy, announced May 9 that she would continue her career at Holy Cross. Just over two months later, Mack revealed that she had been diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia.  Aplastic anemia is …
Homeland Threat: Russian Hit Squad At Large After Brazen US Murder Plot, DOJ Says Homeland Threat: Russian Hit Squad At Large After Brazen US Murder Plot, DOJ Says
Homeland Threat: Russian Hit Squad At Large After Brazen US Murder Plot, DOJ Says A suspected Russian hit squad reached across the Atlantic in search of recruits for a deadly mission on US soil, federal prosecutors say. Five people allegedly working for Russian intelligence tried to recruit individuals in the US to track and kill a prominent Russian dissident believed to be living in the Washington, DC, area, according to an indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice. The defendants remain at large. The alleged network offered a US resident between $1,000 and $1,500 to photograph and record two locations associated with the intended victim, court documents say. A…
Stormy Stretch Will Feature Rounds Of Rain, Chance For Localized Flash Flooding Stormy Stretch Will Feature Rounds Of Rain, Chance For Localized Flash Flooding
Stormy Stretch Will Feature Rounds Of Rain, Chance For Localized Flash Flooding Dry skies won't last long as a more active pattern takes shape across the region. The National Weather Service says high pressure will bring mainly dry conditions to much of the region Friday, Sept. 18, with sunshine returning from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania into southern New England. AccuWeather's forecast for Friday, Sept. 18, shows pleasant conditions across much of the Northeast after an unsettled stretch. AccuWeather That breather will largely hold through Saturday, Sept. 19, before clouds increase and the first significant round of rain approaches from the west.…
Investing Legend Warren Buffett Announces Major Change After Decades Building Berkshire Investing Legend Warren Buffett Announces Major Change After Decades Building Berkshire
Investing Legend Warren Buffett Announces Major Change After Decades Building Berkshire Warren Buffett is taking another step back from the business empire he spent decades building. The 96-year-old is retiring as Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman, effective immediately, the company announced Friday, Sept. 18.  He becomes chairman emeritus and remains a director, according to Berkshire’s announcement and shareholder letter. His son, Howard G. Buffett, a Berkshire director since 1993, will succeed him as chairman. Greg Abel continues as CEO, keeping responsibility for running the company. “Father Time always wins,” Warren Buffett wrote to shareholders. The move follows Buff…
Tom Cruise Comes Clean In New Interview: 'The Rumors Are True' Tom Cruise Comes Clean In New Interview: 'The Rumors Are True'
Tom Cruise Comes Clean In New Interview: 'The Rumors Are True' Tom Cruise has spent decades surrounded by stories about his famously demanding approach to making movies. Now, the Hollywood superstar is confirming that at least one of them is true. Cruise, 64, addressed his reputation in a wide-ranging GQ interview published Tuesday, Sept. 15, saying he expects a great deal from the people who work with him and makes no secret of it. "Even when I was a kid, they were like, 'Oh, come on, Tom. You're so intense,'" Cruise told the outlet. "I'm like, 'I don't know what to say. I am intense.' " The actor said that intensity did not begin with "Top Gun," "Mi…
Frozen Dessert Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Hidden Hazard Frozen Dessert Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Hidden Hazard
Frozen Dessert Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Hidden Hazard A frozen dessert sold nationwide is being recalled because an unwelcome crunch may be hiding inside. Danone USA is voluntarily recalling So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints because their cashew pieces may contain small stones or other hard objects, according to the company announcement posted on the FDA website. Consumers should not eat affected pints. The company is offering a replacement coupon or refund. The recall covers pints with best-by dates on or before April 3, 2028. The listed product identifiers are UPC 744473476138 and SKU 136603. The…
This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says
This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says An overlooked calculation could leave workers with less money each payday or an unwelcome surprise when they file their taxes. The IRS recommends checking federal income tax withholding at least once a year. Its free online Tax Withholding Estimator helps employees determine whether their employers are taking the right amount from their pay. Withhold too little, and a worker could face an additional tax bill and possibly penalties. Withhold too much, and take-home pay shrinks while more money goes toward a potential refund. The agency’s withholding guidance highlights several situations th…
National Cheeseburger Day 2026: Where To Score Free Burgers, Tasty Deals National Cheeseburger Day 2026: Where To Score Free Burgers, Tasty Deals
National Cheeseburger Day 2026: Where To Score Free Burgers, Tasty Deals Fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants are celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with plenty of deals! National Cheeseburger Day in 2026 falls on Friday, Sept. 18. The annual holiday celebrates one of the most popular foods in the US. Several restaurants claim to have invented the cheeseburger, according to National Day Calendar. One origin story says Lionel Sternberger dropped a slice of American cheese on a sizzling hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, restaurant called The Rite Spot in 1926. Other claims to cheeseburger fame include O'Dell's in Los Angeles, Kaelin's Restau…
Bike Valet Stabbed Co-Worker 12 Times Outside Audi Field Before Soccer Match, Feds Say Bike Valet Stabbed Co-Worker 12 Times Outside Audi Field Before Soccer Match, Feds Say
Bike Valet Stabbed Co-Worker 12 Times Outside Audi Field Before Soccer Match, Feds Say Wali Shabazz did not take kindly to a perceived slight from a co-worker at Audi Field. The 51-year-old District resident was convicted following a stabbing incident involving a co-worker who showed up to work late one afternoon, according to federal authorities. According to prosecutors, Shabazz and Gross were scheduled to work at a bike valet service outside Audi Field on April 27, 2024, just before a DC United match. The two barely knew each other. Gross showed up very late for his shift and attempted to apologize to the other valets. Everyone acknowledged him except Shabazz, prosecutor…
No Lights, No Helmet Before High-Speed Motorcycle Crash Outside Maryland Dunkin': Police No Lights, No Helmet Before High-Speed Motorcycle Crash Outside Maryland Dunkin': Police
No Lights, No Helmet Before High-Speed Motorcycle Crash Outside Maryland Dunkin': Police No lights. No helmet. A 25-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured in Maryland late Wednesday night after police say he was speeding when he slammed into an SUV turning into a Dunkin' location. The crash happened at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 near Annapolis Road and Parkside Boulevard in Severn, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Investigators say the 25-year-old Severn man was riding a 2020 Dong Fing CSR motorcycle east on Annapolis Road at a high rate of speed when a 2016 Ford Escape began turning left into the Dunkin' in the 2700 block. The motorcycle…
Speed, Alcohol Eyed After Passenger Ejected, Killed In Maryland Rollover Crash: Sheriff Speed, Alcohol Eyed After Passenger Ejected, Killed In Maryland Rollover Crash: Sheriff
Speed, Alcohol Eyed After Passenger Ejected, Killed In Maryland Rollover Crash: Sheriff One person never made it out alive. A passenger was ejected and killed in a violent Maryland rollover crash on Wednesday evening, Sept. 16, while two others escaped with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said. Wicomico County Sheriff's deputies and Mardela Volunteer Fire Department crews were called to the area of Norris Twilley Road and Norfolk Drive in Delmar at approximately 5:14 p.m. following reports of an injury crash. Investigators say the vehicle went off the road and overturned multiple times. One of the passengers was thrown from the vehicle dur…