Man who received historic first pig-to-human heart transplant in Maryland dies

BALTIMORE, MD—David Bennett, the 57-year old patient with terminal heart disease who made history as the first person to receive a genetically modified pig’s heart, passed away yesterday afternoon on March 8, the University of Maryland Medical Center has announced. Bennett received the transplant on January 7 and lived for two months following the surgery. His condition began deteriorating several […]

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Federal laboratory testing has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) on a Maryland poultry farm. Following an investigation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed a Cecil County sample tested positive for HPAI. The Maryland case comes one week after a HPAI positive […]

Attorney General Frosh announces $6 billion settlement with owner, controller of OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma

BALTIMORE, MD—Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has announced that Maryland, joined by seven other states and the District of Columbia, reached a $6 billion settlement with the Sackler family. The agreement, reached after weeks of mediation in the wake of his successful challenge to the former $4.325 billion Purdue bankruptcy plan that released the Sackler family from all liability for […]

Fitbit recalls one million smartwatches due to burn hazard

BALTIMORE, MD—Fitbit is recalling around one million smartwatches sold in the U.S. due to a potential burn hazard. The recall involves only the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch. It was sold with a polyurethane band and has a 1.4-inch color LCD screen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions says the lithium-ion battery in the Ionic smartwatch can overheat, posing a burn hazard. […]

Health alert issued for meat products containing recalled FDA-regulated seasoning mix

WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is issuing a public health alert for various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products containing a Food and Drug Administration regulated seasoning mix that has been recalled by the producer, PS Seasoning of Iron Ridge, Wis., due to concerns that the seasoning mix may contain undeclared wheat. FSIS is issuing this […]

Community voices concerns over proposed new recycling facility in White Marsh

UPDATE: The plans for an organic recycling facility on Philadelphia Road have been dropped. Original story below… —— WHITE MARSH, MD—Neighbors and community members are voicing concerns over a new, proposed recycling facility in the White Marsh area. The White Marsh-Cowenton Community Association reported this week that PEH Organics Recycling, Inc., the new owners of the property located at 11235-11239 […]

Water main repairs to interrupt service in Seven Courts community on Monday

NOTTINGHAM, MD—A broken water main in the Seven Courts community will be repaired on Monday. On February 28, the Department of Public Works will be repairing a ruptured line in the area of 9312 Seven Courts Drive (21236). Officials say the repair will require shutting down water service to twenty residences and three hydrants beginning mid-morning and extending into the […]

Masks to become optional at all Baltimore County Public Schools on March 1

TOWSON, MD—It’s official. Masks will become optional at all Baltimore County Public Schools on March 1st. BCPS made the announcement on Friday evening. Earlier this week, the Maryland State Board of Education lifted the statewide mask mandate. On Friday, the Maryland General Assembly’s AELR Committee agreed with the decision. BCPS officials say additional information will be sent to all families […]