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The Extinct Megatooth Shark Megalodon Armored its Teeth with Zinc

The Extinct Megatooth Shark Megalodon Armored its Teeth with Zinc

Strong teeth are essential for many animals, especially those that eat hard foods such as bone or shell. To understand how tooth strength evolved in giant sharks, we studied fossil teeth from the extinct megatooth shark Otodus megalodon and its ancestor, O. obliquus. We focused on the outer enameloid layer of the teeth, which is the shark...
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What Residents and Businesses Must Do After a Snowstorm in St. Mary’s County

What Residents and Businesses Must Do After a Snowstorm in St. Mary’s County

After a snowstorm, residents and business owners in St. Mary’s County have clear legal responsibilities when it comes to snow and ice removal. County law spells out who is responsible, what must be cleared, and how quickly it must be done — and there are penalties for ignoring it. What Must Be Cleared Property...
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St. Mary’s and Charles County Schools CLOSED – Calvert Opening on 2 Hour Delay for January 29th, 2026

St. Mary’s and Charles County Schools CLOSED – Calvert Opening on 2 Hour Delay for January 29th, 2026

St. Mary’s County – Schools Closed – Code 4 for Staff – January 29, 2026 Prince George’s County – Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are closed. All Offices are closed. Emergency personnel only must report to work. Meal distribution will open… Anne Arundel County – Due to continuing...
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Calvert County Attorney Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun in Road Rage Incident Caught on Video

Calvert County Attorney Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun in Road Rage Incident Caught on Video

Liza Sue Castles, 59, a local attorney from Huntingtown, has been charged with first-degree assault and reckless endangerment following an alleged road rage incident in which she reportedly pointed a handgun at another driver, according to court documents filed in Calvert County District Court. The charges stem from a January 21, 2026, encounter on...
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Huntingtown Native Serving with Navy fighter Squadron to Support Super Bowl LX Flyover

Huntingtown Native Serving with Navy fighter Squadron to Support Super Bowl LX Flyover

During the 2026 Super Bowl national anthem performance, members of four U.S. Navy tactical squadrons will conduct a unified flyover with members of the Air Force. Lt. Cmdr. Dewayne Hooper, a native of Huntingtown, Maryland, is among those supporting the Feb. 8 flyover above Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The eight-aircraft flyover formation...
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Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

St. Mary’s County – All Schools and Offices are closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Code 3 for staff. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations Prince George’s County – Closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Thursday, January 29, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are...
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Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

St. Mary’s County – All Schools and Offices are CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Code 3 for staff. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations Prince George’s County – Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Thursday, January 29, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are closed. All...
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NAS Patuxent River Operating under Restricted Access Due to Weather Monday, January 26, 2026

NAS Patuxent River Operating under Restricted Access Due to Weather Monday, January 26, 2026

Due to weather conditions, NAS Patuxent River will maintain its operational status of Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel Monday, January 26, 2026. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons. The NAS Patuxent River Child and Youth Programs, Commissary and Navy Exchange will be closed...
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Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026 Due to Weather

Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026 Due to Weather

ST. MARY’S COUNTY – All St. Mary’s County Public Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a Code 3 for employees. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations and Maintenance Emergency personnel will follow the established protocol. Thank you and stay safe. CALVERT COUNTY...
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Formalizes Permanent Restrictions for Aircraft in Reagan National Airport Airspace Following Crash That Killed 67 People

U.S. Transportation Secretary Formalizes Permanent Restrictions for Aircraft in Reagan National Airport Airspace Following Crash That Killed 67 People

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is formalizing permanent restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift from operating in certain areas near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), unless these aircraft are conducting essential operations. These restrictions were put in place immediately following the American Airlines...
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NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons Under Restricted Access

NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons Under Restricted Access

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD.: Due to forecasted weather conditions, NAS Patuxent River has updated its operational status to Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel beginning 12:01 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons. The NAS Patuxent River Commissary...
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Southern Maryland Braces for Major Winter Storm: What You Need to Do Now

Southern Maryland Braces for Major Winter Storm: What You Need to Do Now

Southern Maryland is on track for a significant winter storm starting late Saturday and lasting into Monday — with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and Arctic cold that could keep temperatures below freezing for days after the storm passes. Officials have issued a Winter Storm Warning for our region, and neighboring jurisdictions including D.C....
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St. Mary’s County Announces Closures and Service Changes Ahead of Winter Storm

St. Mary’s County Announces Closures and Service Changes Ahead of Winter Storm

St. Mary’s County is preparing for significant winter weather as a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from January 23 to January 24, followed by a Winter Storm Warning from January 24 through January 26. Forecasts call for heavy mixed precipitation, including 5 to 10 inches of snow and sleet, with up to a...
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Auditions Begin for CSM’s Spring Production of ‘Into the Woods’

Auditions Begin for CSM’s Spring Production of ‘Into the Woods’

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Associate of Arts Theater and Dance program invites aspiring performers to take the stage and audition for its spring production of “Into the Woods” on Tuesday, January 20, or Thursday, January 22. Auditions are open to CSM students and members of the community. The classic Broadway musical follows...
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PG County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scheme During COVID-19 Pandemic

PG County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scheme During COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Isiah Lewis, 35, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 53 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a conspiracy and scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) and California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD). Kelly O. Hayes,...
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Are You Prepared for the Cold and Snow? National Weather Service Warns As Major Snowstorm Incoming

Are You Prepared for the Cold and Snow? National Weather Service Warns As Major Snowstorm Incoming

Winter Storm Watch in Effect – WHAT…Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible. WHERE…DC, and portions of central, northeast, northern, Southern Maryland, and Central and Northern Virginia. WHEN…From Saturday evening...
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Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Returns Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Lexington Manor Passive Park, Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities Available!

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Returns Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Lexington Manor Passive Park, Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities Available!

The St. Mary’s County Government Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) will host Southern Maryland’s very own Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from noon – 4 p.m. at Lexington Manor Passive Park in Lexington Park, MD Celebrate the start of spring at this free family event held at St. Mary’s County’s premiere arts park, featuring a...
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Annual Appraiser Fair Taking a One-Year Break in 2026, Set to Return in 2027 at St. Clement’s Island Museum’s New Facility

Annual Appraiser Fair Taking a One-Year Break in 2026, Set to Return in 2027 at St. Clement’s Island Museum’s New Facility

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division will not hold the popular Appraiser Fair in 2026 due to construction of a brand-new museum facility at St. Clement’s Island Museum. The long-running event will return in January 2027, in the new modern museum building. The Appraiser Fair provides an opportunity for the public to learn the value of...
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Governor Moore Announces $73.7 Million for Community Revitalization and Economic Development Projects in Proposed FY 2027 Budget

Governor Moore Announces $73.7 Million for Community Revitalization and Economic Development Projects in Proposed FY 2027 Budget

Governor Wes Moore announced $73.7 million in his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget to fund 252 projects through the six state revitalization programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The investments in county and municipal governments, community development organizations, and other community institutions and partners will support projects and activities...
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Leonardtown Business Association Seeks Vendors for Vintage Vibes Weekend

Leonardtown Business Association Seeks Vendors for Vintage Vibes Weekend

Leonardtown Business Association is now accepting vendor applications for its upcoming Vintage Vibes Weekend, taking place May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vendors specializing in antiques, collectibles, vintage goods, retro décor, apparel, records, and other unique finds are encouraged to apply. This event celebrates timeless style, nostalgia, and the charm of...
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Health Department Now Offering No-Cost Vaccines Through Maryland’s Free Adult Vaccine Program

Health Department Now Offering No-Cost Vaccines Through Maryland’s Free Adult Vaccine Program

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering recommended adult vaccines at no cost to eligible Maryland residents through the Maryland Free Adult Vaccine Program. This statewide initiative expands access to immunizations for uninsured and underinsured adults ages 19 and older by reducing financial barriers to preventive care. The program is designed to give adults...
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United States Secret Service’s New Trainer Courtesy of Presidential Helicopters Program Office

United States Secret Service’s New Trainer Courtesy of Presidential Helicopters Program Office

In June 2025, the Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) delivered and installed a retired and refurbished VH-3D helicopter, bureau number 159351 (BUNO 351), to the United States Secret Service (USSS). The agency received the aircraft at the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC) in South Laurel, Maryland, fulfilling its need for a new training...
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February 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

February 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

Birding events, special activities for members, and live music highlight February at the Calvert Marine Museum. The month’s lineup also includes family-friendly programs, educational tours, and seasonal celebrations for visitors of all ages.  For the full calendar of February events, visit our website www.calvertmarinemuseum.com CMM Celebrates the Year of the Horse – According to the Chinese...
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U.S. Navy Demonstrates AI-Enabled Autonomy for Future Collaborative Combat Aircraft

U.S. Navy Demonstrates AI-Enabled Autonomy for Future Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Navy recently completed a second successful demonstration advancing multi-platform coordination of autonomous systems, an essential step toward developing future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The Dec. 11 event at Point Mugu Sea Range in California focused on maturing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for CCA, which are intended to extend the reach of carrier air wings and deliver scalable, cost-effective platforms capable of operating...
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Olympian Tanya Hughes to Deliver Keynote at 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Olympian Tanya Hughes to Deliver Keynote at 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan.19, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The celebration takes place in the Great Room of the College’s Campus Center. Breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. and costs $17.85 at the door. The...
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