Prince George’s News

Secretary’s Message: Maryland Fights for Stronger Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Secretary’s Message: Maryland Fights for Stronger Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Last week, Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff joined representatives from other jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to recommend proposed changes to the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement based on the public feedback we received this year. The updates to this important agreement took place at the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Management Board retreat in Harrisburg,...
Read More »

Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Maryland Clarifies Potential from a Muddy Term

Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Maryland Clarifies Potential from a Muddy Term

A secret to restoring the Chesapeake Bay is just waiting to be unearthed. In the maritime state of Maryland, dredging is done routinely to keep waterways navigable by removing shoals and making sure channels are deep enough for boats to pass. But the materials removed from the waterways — sediment, sand, mud — have...
Read More »

UPDATE: 17-Year-Old Indicted, To Be Tried As Adult After Crashing Stolen Vehicle Into Innocent Mother, Killing Her and Injuring Her Young Child

UPDATE: 17-Year-Old Indicted, To Be Tried As Adult After Crashing Stolen Vehicle Into Innocent Mother, Killing Her and Injuring Her Young Child

UPDATE 10/8/2025: Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced that Michael Collins age 17, has been indicted on charges including theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle, rogue and vagabond, and conspiracy to commit unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle, in connection to the fatal accident that...
Read More »

UPDATE: Guatemala Man Illegally in United States Indicted for Gruesome Murder of Missing 19-Year-Old Dacara Thompson

UPDATE: Guatemala Man Illegally in United States Indicted for Gruesome Murder of Missing 19-Year-Old Dacara Thompson

UPDATE 10/7/2025: Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced today that Hugo Hernandez-Mendez has been indicted on charges, including common law murder, tampering with physical evidence, and burying/disposing of a body in an unauthorized place, in the death of 19-year-old DaCara Thompson. “Today’s indictment marks a critical step in the criminal justice process,”...
Read More »

Fire Prevention Week 2025 – Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home

Fire Prevention Week 2025 – Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home

The Bay District Volunteer Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week™ 2025 this week with a clear message for the community: “Charge into Fire Safety™.” This year’s national campaign, which runs through October 11, centers on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries – the powerful energy sources commonly found in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, power...
Read More »

Maryland Casinos Generate $151.5 Million in Gaming Revenue During September 2025

Maryland Casinos Generate $151.5 Million in Gaming Revenue During September 2025

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $151,535,608 in revenue from slot machines and table games during September 2025. The statewide total was down $7,975,301 (-5.0%) compared to September 2024. Casino gaming contributions to the state during September 2025 totaled $64,949,631, a decrease of $7,802,791 (-10.7%) compared to September 2024. The September 2025 contributions included...
Read More »

Waldorf Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Commercial Armed Robbery Spree

Waldorf Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Commercial Armed Robbery Spree

U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Daniel Michael Harris, Sr., 44, of Waldorf, Maryland, to 14 years in federal prison for committing four armed robberies while using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the...
Read More »

Former PG County Officer Awarded $2.35 Million After Jury Finds His Termination Violated His Civil Rights and Was Retaliatory

Former PG County Officer Awarded $2.35 Million After Jury Finds His Termination Violated His Civil Rights and Was Retaliatory

On October 3rd, 2025, a Federal Jury awarded $2.35 million to former Prince George’s County Police Officer Mohamed Magassouba after the verdict found Magassouba’s 2021 termination was “retaliatory” and had “violated his civil rights.” “After an eight-day federal civil rights trial, the jury returned a $2.35 million verdict in favor of our client, Chief...
Read More »

UPDATE: PG County Man Sentenced to 80-Years After Robbery Attempt Leaves His Accomplice and Victim Dead

UPDATE: PG County Man Sentenced to 80-Years After Robbery Attempt Leaves His Accomplice and Victim Dead

UPDATE 10/7/2025: Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson has announced that 24-year-old Christopher Jamar Jenkins has been sentenced to 80 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of first-degree murder on May 16, 2025, in the shooting death of 23-year-old Xavier Matthews and 26-year-old Karon Moore. Jenkins was also convicted of conspiracy...
Read More »

MVA Introduces New Symbol on Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards to Support Marylanders with Hidden Disabilities

MVA Introduces New Symbol on Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards to Support Marylanders with Hidden Disabilities

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) joined legislative leaders and community advocates today to unveil Maryland’s new driver’s license and ID card design featuring an optional Hidden Disability symbol. Under House Bill 707 / Senate Bill 618, Marylanders with hidden disabilities, such as developmental and intellectual disabilities, may voluntarily add...
Read More »

UPDATE: Spotted Lanternfly Sighted in St. Mary’s County; Ways to Remove and Prevent! Kill and Report If Spotted

UPDATE: Spotted Lanternfly Sighted in St. Mary’s County; Ways to Remove and Prevent! Kill and Report If Spotted

UPDATE 10/7/2025: Since updating this article on September 30th, 2025, St. Mary’s County is receiving many sighting reports of the Spotted Lanternfly, especially in Northern parts of the county near Mechanicsville, Chaptico, and Seventh District. The photo below was posted by the Goldpetal Farms Maryland in Chaptico, St. Mary’s County, MD on October 7th,...
Read More »

Moore Announces Launch of Loan Program for Essential Employees Who Are Working Without Pay During Federal Government Shutdown

Moore Announces Launch of Loan Program for Essential Employees Who Are Working Without Pay During Federal Government Shutdown

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of the Maryland Department of Labor’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program. Now accepting applications, the program provides financial support to Maryland residents who are “excepted” federal employees (also called “essential”), meaning they are required to continue working during a federal government...
Read More »

October 2025 Events at CSM

October 2025 Events at CSM

Emily Creswick Writer’s Process Series: Chris Ankney (Poet) – October 7, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Learning Resource Center (LR Building), Writing Center (Room 211), La Plata Campus at 8730 Mitchell Road in La Plata. This month, CSM welcomes poet Chris Ankney, a tenured English professor at the college and award-winning writer whose work explores a...
Read More »

Early Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens October 16th throughout Maryland

Early Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens October 16th throughout Maryland

The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season will be open Oct. 16-18 statewide. Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 20-25 for antlerless deer only.  “The early muzzleloader season is a great opportunity enjoy the colors of autumn while putting venison in the freezer,” Maryland...
Read More »

16-Year-Old Charged in Murder of 58-Year-Old Landover Man

16-Year-Old Charged in Murder of 58-Year-Old Landover Man

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified and charged a suspect in connection with a murder that occurred in the unincorporated section of Bowie. The suspect is a 16-year-old male from Mitchellville. He’s charged with the murder of 58-year-old Coleman Williams of Landover. The suspect is charged as an adult. On September...
Read More »

Deer, Other Wildlife Activity in the Fall Increases Maryland Drivers’ Collision Risk

Deer, Other Wildlife Activity in the Fall Increases Maryland Drivers’ Collision Risk

Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. The shortening of daylight hours, called the photo period, triggers white-tailed deer breeding season. During this time, deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day and night in search of a mate....
Read More »

Human Remains Found at Piscataway Stream Valley Park Ruled Homicide, Police Seeking Information

Human Remains Found at Piscataway Stream Valley Park Ruled Homicide, Police Seeking Information

Prince George’s County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a homicide after human remains were located at a park in Fort Washington in July of 2025. Extensive efforts are underway to identify the victim. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this...
Read More »

GoFundMe Started for Next Step Produce After Accidental Fire Causes Over $1 Million in Damages

GoFundMe Started for Next Step Produce After Accidental Fire Causes Over $1 Million in Damages

UPDATE 10/02/2025: On October 1, 2025, at approximately 10:18 P.M., firefighters from Maryland and Virginia responded to 10615 Benton Road in Newburg,for the reported structure on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a 100′ x 75′ Produce Barn fully engulfed in flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and no animals were harmed....
Read More »

College of Southern Maryland Celebrates Reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center

College of Southern Maryland Celebrates Reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center

Nearly 100 faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the College of Southern Maryland’s Dr. Elaine Ryan Library in the Learning Resource Building on the La Plata Campus on September 17, 2025, to celebrate the reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center, a resource dedicated to preserving and sharing the region’s history. The day’s...
Read More »

Sterling-Backed Legislation Creating a New Felony Crime for Concealment of Death and Dismemberment Becomes Law

Sterling-Backed Legislation Creating a New Felony Crime for Concealment of Death and Dismemberment Becomes Law

Legislation strongly supported and championed by St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, House Bill 674 / Senate Bill 394, Criminal Law – Concealment of Death and Disturbing and Dismembering Human Remains, is enacted into law today, October 1st, 2025. This new statute is a criminal felony punishable by up to five years in...
Read More »

Governor Moore Announces Resources for Federal Workers as Team Maryland Stands United in Response to Federal Government Shutdown

Governor Moore Announces Resources for Federal Workers as Team Maryland Stands United in Response to Federal Government Shutdown

Governor Wes Moore today announced support and resources available to help meet the needs of federal workers who live in Maryland and are impacted by the federal government shutdown. The renewed surge of resources and support comes as President Trump and Congressional Republicans have failed to reach an agreement to keep the government open, continuing...
Read More »

Maryland Department of Natural Resources to Begin Fall Trout Stocking for 2025

Maryland Department of Natural Resources to Begin Fall Trout Stocking for 2025

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin its annual fall trout stocking program the first full week in October. The program will bring thousands of hatchery-raised rainbow, brown, and golden rainbow trout to streams and impoundments across the state. This initiative provides recreational fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill...
Read More »

First Responders in Charles, and Prince George’s County Awarded Grants for New Equipment

First Responders in Charles, and Prince George’s County Awarded Grants for New Equipment

During the September 25th, 2025, Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue meeting, the Charles County Dive Team presented grant details that will provide them new technology with an underwater drone for search and rescue missions. CCDR received the $15,000 grant from the DC Fire and EMS Foundation, Legacy on Ice, to help offset...
Read More »

Maryland’s Black Bears More Active in Fall

Maryland’s Black Bears More Active in Fall

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which...
Read More »

Former Law Enforcement Officers Convicted in Connection With Arson and Bank, Wire, And Mail Fraud Conspiracy

Former Law Enforcement Officers Convicted in Connection With Arson and Bank, Wire, And Mail Fraud Conspiracy

A federal jury found Philip James Dupree, 41, of Pikesville, Maryland, and Mark Ross Johnson, Jr., 38, of Camp Springs, Maryland, each guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, arson, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud. Dupree, a former Fairmount Heights Police Department officer, and Johnson, a former Prince George’s...
Read More »