Charles News

Governor Moore Announces the Lower Bills and Local Power Act to Combat Rising Utility Costs and Deploy Affordable Local Energy

Governor Moore Announces the Lower Bills and Local Power Act to Combat Rising Utility Costs and Deploy Affordable Local Energy

Governor Wes Moore today announced the Lower Bills and Local Power Act as part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s 2026 legislative agenda. Focused on securing an affordable and reliable energy future for Maryland, the legislation introduces measures to secure financing for local clean energy projects, modernize the electric grid, and provide additional direct energy bill...
Read More »

Leadership Southern Maryland Announces Selection of the LSM Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2026

Leadership Southern Maryland Announces Selection of the LSM Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2026

The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Board of Directors is pleased to introduce the 30 talented Southern Maryland professionals selected for the LSM Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) Class of 2026. From Calvert County – Renee Arnold, Sponsored Programs Coordinator, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Zanna Clayton, Settlement Officer, Eagle Title Emma Donaldson, Assistant...
Read More »

Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Regrets to Announce Death of Past Chief and Life Member John “Teddy” Lundstrom

Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Regrets to Announce Death of Past Chief and Life Member John “Teddy” Lundstrom

The Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. regrets to announce the death of Past Chief and Life Member John “Teddy” Lundstrom. At the age of 81, Teddy passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 after a brief battle with lung cancer with his wife and daughter by his side. Teddy served...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

UPDATE: 43-Year-Old Waldorf Man Killed After Hit and Run; Police Seeking 1997-2005 Dark Blue Buick Regal

UPDATE: 43-Year-Old Waldorf Man Killed After Hit and Run; Police Seeking 1997-2005 Dark Blue Buick Regal

UPDATE 1/27/2026: On Monday, January 26, 2027, at 6:28 p.m., officers responded to the area of Gallery Place for the report of a body in the roadway. When officers arrived, they located an adult male who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle; the driver did not stay on the scene. A preliminary...
Read More »

Firefighter MAYDAY Results in Non-Life-Threatening Injury During Garage Fire in La Plata

Firefighter MAYDAY Results in Non-Life-Threatening Injury During Garage Fire in La Plata

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 6:32 p.m., firefighters from La Plata VFD and surrounding departments responded to the 7000 block of Hawthorne Road in La Plata, for the reported garage on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 1-story 10×20 garage with fire throughout. During fire suppression operations, one member...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

7-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After Sledding Accident in Waldorf

7-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After Sledding Accident in Waldorf

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Christina Place in Waldorf, for the reported traumatic injuries. 911 callers reported a 7-year-old male was sledding, when he struck a heat pump and was now having difficulty moving. Crews arrived on the scene and found the child...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

2nd House Fire Within 8 Hours in Charles County Displaces Three Occupants, No Injuries Reported

2nd House Fire Within 8 Hours in Charles County Displaces Three Occupants, No Injuries Reported

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., firefighters from Charles County responded to the 2000 block of Liverpool Point Road in Nanjemoy, for the reported house on fire. 911 callers reported all occupants are out, with multiple dogs accounted for but one cat possibly still inside. Crews arrived on the scene to...
Read More »

UPDATE: State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

UPDATE: State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

UPDATE 1/25/2026: Firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County are responding back to the residence at 7:45 a.m., due to multiple 911 callers reporting the house is on fire again. Crews arrived on the scene and confirmed fire through the roof of the residence again and began making entry to extinguish the fire. Firefighter...
Read More »

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....
Read More »

Card Skimming Device Discovered at Waldorf 7-Eleven

Card Skimming Device Discovered at Waldorf 7-Eleven

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after officers recovered a card skimming device attached to a point-of-sale terminal at the 7-Eleven on St. Ignatius Drive on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The device was an overlay skimmer, designed to fit over a legitimate card reader and closely mimic the original terminal while unlawfully capturing...
Read More »

Public Warming Centers Available January 23-27, 2026

Public Warming Centers Available January 23-27, 2026

St. Mary’s County, Maryland is currently under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday, January 24, 2026, until Monday, January 26, 2026. Due to impactful winter weather in the forecast, St. Mary’s County Government is announcing the availability of warming centers for the public from Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Residents who need to take refuge in a warm...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Father and Son After Losing Everything to House Fire in Mechanicsville

UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Father and Son After Losing Everything to House Fire in Mechanicsville

UPDATE 1/22/2026: GoFundMe can be found by clicking here. Fortunately, the homeowners escaped without injury. “The father and son are seeking any donation, no matter the size, with everything going directly toward helping him and his son cover essentials and regain stability. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping them in...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

Two Displaced, No Injuries Reported After Garage Fire in Waldorf

Two Displaced, No Injuries Reported After Garage Fire in Waldorf

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at approximately 5:50 a.m., firefighters from Waldorf and surrounding departments responded to the 3500 block of Catskill Street in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. 911 callers reported the garage on fire, with all occupants out of the structure. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from...
Read More »

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...
Read More »

Early Morning Green House Fire in Mechanicsville Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

Early Morning Green House Fire in Mechanicsville Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

On Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, and Second District were dispatched to the 41100 block of Bishop Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a greenhouse complex fully engulfed and quickly spreading to two nearby...
Read More »

Volunteer Fire Departments in 17 Maryland Counties Get $167,314 for Rural Wildfire Protection

Volunteer Fire Departments in 17 Maryland Counties Get $167,314 for Rural Wildfire Protection

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service is providing Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties across the state. The funded projects help volunteer fire companies enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities. For the 2025 grant cycle, finalized in December, the Maryland Forest Service is providing $167,314...
Read More »

Three Transported to Trauma Center, Two Others Transported After Serious Crash With Entrapment and Ejection in Waldorf

Three Transported to Trauma Center, Two Others Transported After Serious Crash With Entrapment and Ejection in Waldorf

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:42 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 7000 block of Bensville Road in White Plains, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle collision with multiple trapped and one ejected. The incident was...
Read More »

Governor Moore Announces Legislative Action to Safeguard Vaccine Access for Marylanders with Vax Act of 2026

Governor Moore Announces Legislative Action to Safeguard Vaccine Access for Marylanders with Vax Act of 2026

“Governor Wes Moore announced the Vax Act as part of the governor’s legislative agenda during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. The legislation is a direct response to the Trump-Vance Administration’s efforts to discourage access to vaccines and undermine trust in vaccine science.” “The federal government’s rapid shifts and the unnecessary confusion surrounding vaccine policy...
Read More »

Police Investigating Death of 25-Year-Old Man After Possible Overdose in Waldorf

Police Investigating Death of 25-Year-Old Man After Possible Overdose in Waldorf

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, at approximately 8:05 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 6000 block of Grizzly Bear Court in Waldorf, for the reported possible overdose and one not breathing. 911 callers reported a 25-year-old male was not breathing after a possible overdose, with family members administering NARCAN to...
Read More »

Newburg Woman Sentenced for Filing False Sexual Assault Report Against St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy

Newburg Woman Sentenced for Filing False Sexual Assault Report Against St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy

Destiny Jordan Pellegrini, 26, of Newburg, was sentenced to jail time and probation after pleading guilty to filing a false statement with law enforcement, according to court records from the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Pellegrini was charged with one misdemeanor count of making a false statement to a peace officer under Maryland...
Read More »