Lucky Lottery Player Takes Home $29K EZPLAY Jackpot in Marblehead

Marblehead, OH — One lottery player is celebrating a big win this week after purchasing an EZPLAY® Going Pro ticket and winning $29,408.

The winning ticket was bought at Cleats Marblehead, 6801 E Harbor Rd.

After mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 28 percent, the winner will receive approximately $21,173.76.

EZPLAY® Going Pro is a progressive jackpot game where the jackpot increases with every ticket purchased.

• Anne Arundel County Police Department Celebrates Graduates of the 97th Recruit Class

  ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD—The Anne Arundel County Police Department proudly announced the graduation of their 97th Recruit Class. The ceremony, which took place earlier today, marked the culmination of an intensive 34-week training academy for the new officers.

  This year's class was notable for its diversity, including recruits from the LaPlata Police Department, Queen Anne's County Sheriff, and the Annapolis City Fire Marshal's Office. The graduates have undergone rigorous training and preparation, equipping them with the skills necessary to serve as guardians of the community.

  In a heartfelt message on their official Facebook page, the Anne Arundel County Police Department expressed pride and congratulations to the new officers: "You have accomplished your dream, your vision, and your goal of becoming a police officer. You are servants and guardians of the community. We are all very proud of you."

• Georgia Police Called After Two Maryland-Bound Families Spotted Packed Into Back of Moving Truck

  GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Police Department has addressed public concern following a widely circulated social media video depicting people riding in the back of a moving truck. The footage prompted numerous inquiries, leading to an official investigation and statement by the police.

  According to the police, the video captured two families, totaling eight individuals including two juveniles, who were found in the back of the van. Upon inspection, the occupants were not in distress, tied up, or showing signs of poor health. They communicated to the officers that they were en route from Alabama to Maryland, moving for a new job opportunity, and the truck contained their personal belongings.

  The driver of the truck was cited for a safety violation, specifically for allowing passengers to ride in the cargo area without seatbelts. Following the stop, the officers assisted the families by taking them to a local business where they could arrange for safer transportation to continue their journey to Maryland.

  The Gwinnett Police Department confirmed that there was no evidence of any criminal activity, such as human trafficking, related to this incident. The situation was resolved with the families making alternative travel arrangements.

• Annapolis Man Charged with Multiple Assault Counts Following Altercation

  ANNAPOLIS, MD—A confrontation on the evening of June 26 led to the arrest of Derick McLeod, 55, after he allegedly brandished a handgun during a dispute. The incident occurred around 8:00 PM in the 1000 block of President Street, Annapolis.

  According to police reports, officers were called to the scene following reports of an armed subject. Upon arrival, they encountered the victim on the front steps of his apartment, where the altercation with McLeod had taken place. The victim reported that during the verbal dispute, McLeod pulled a black handgun from his waistband and provocatively told him, "Come talk to me boy."

  McLeod was apprehended at the scene without further incident and was subsequently transported to the local detention center. He faces charges including two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment.

  The circumstances that led to the altercation are still under investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.

• New York City To Decriminalize Jaywalking Over Racism Claims

  NYC Councilwoman Proposes Decriminalizing Jaywalking to Address Racial Disparities

  NEW YORK CITY, NY—New York City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse has sparked a significant debate with her proposal to decriminalize jaywalking, highlighting a racial disparity in the enforcement of current laws. A report by the NYC Transportation Committee revealed that jaywalking tickets are disproportionately issued to Black and Latino New Yorkers, raising concerns about potential racial bias in policing practices.

  In 2023, 467 jaywalking summonses were issued, with 92 percent of these going to Black or Latino individuals. This stark disproportionality raises questions, as there is no evidence to suggest that these communities commit over 90 percent of jaywalking infractions. Councilwoman Narcisse pointed out the clear discrepancy, emphasizing that it is unlikely that "only Black and Latino jaywalkers ever jaywalk."

  “Press reports and data analysis from the council have found that jaywalking tickets are disproportionately given to Black and Latino New Yorkers.Has there been any analysis or review to determine the cause of this disparity?Certainly, no one can claim that only Black and Latino jaywalkers ever jaywalk, so I just want to understand this a bit better," "Mercedes Narcisse said.

  The distribution of summonses is notably uneven across the city. Three police precincts—Washington Heights' 33rd Precinct, central Brooklyn's 79th Precinct, and Upper Manhattan's 28th Precinct—accounted for nearly a quarter of all jaywalking tickets, almost exclusively to Black or Latino pedestrians. This enforcement pattern does not align with areas where pedestrian injuries are most frequent, suggesting that the current jaywalking laws might not primarily serve public safety.

  Supporters of decriminalization argue that eliminating penalties for jaywalking could reduce unnecessary police interactions with Black and Latino communities, potentially fostering a fairer application of law enforcement. However, opponents worry that such a change might compromise pedestrian safety, despite evidence suggesting that the decriminalization of jaywalking does not necessarily lead to more dangerous conditions for pedestrians.

  The debate over jaywalking laws in NYC is set against a backdrop of broader discussions on policing and racial equity in the United States.

• Fire Damages Single-Family Home in Cumberland

  CUMBERLAND, MD—A structure fire severely damaged a one-story single-family home on Tuesday evening at 12413 Shadoe Hollow Road. The blaze, which is still under investigation, was reported by a neighbor at approximately 8:00 PM.

  The primary response was handled by the Bowmans Addition Volunteer Fire Company, which deployed 50 firefighters to the scene. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. According to the fire department, the fire originated along the roofline of the residence.

  Homeowners Tyler Bennet and Gwyneth Nixon were fortunate as there were no injuries reported. The smoke alarm in the home had activated, potentially alerting the occupants and preventing any harm. However, the property did not have a fire sprinkler system installed.

  Damage to the structure is estimated at $10,000, but thankfully, the contents of the home were not affected. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with further details pending as authorities work to determine the source and potential preventability of the incident.

• Trump Shares Savage Bidenica Sleep Aid Parody on Truth Social

  Trump's Latest Ad Takes Comedic Aim at Biden with "Bidenica" Parody

  Donald Trump has unveiled a new political ad that humorously targets President Joe Biden, suggesting he relies on a fictional medication called "Bidenica" to handle the pressures of his presidential responsibilities. The skit, first aired on Fox News during the Jimmy Failla show, titled "Bidenica," mimics the format of a pharmaceutical commercial and is filled with light-hearted jabs and satirical commentary.

  The commercial begins with soothing background music and a voiceover introducing "Bidenica" as a miracle solution that helps Biden manage his duties. It features exaggerated clips of Biden appearing bewildered and slow, which swiftly shift to scenes of him energetically engaging in presidential activities after supposedly taking the pill.

  The ad creatively blends humor with political criticism, using fictitious testimonials and exaggerated side effects to underscore its points. For instance, one segment claims "Bidenica" contains a blend of confusion and forgetfulness, humorously marketed as beneficial for calming overactive minds.

  The ad aims to entertain while critiquing Biden's presidency, focusing on perceived gaffes and policy decisions. The commercial concludes with a caution about "side effects," including rampant lying and an inability to secure the southern border, further satirizing Biden's tenure.