Calvert County
Maryland State Police Aviation Saves Boater in Chesapeake Bay: On July 19, 2025, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) conducted a critical aerial hoist rescue in the Chesapeake Bay, saving one of three victims after their boat overturned 300 yards offshore. The Maryland State Police Aviation team, operating Trooper 7 from their California, Maryland base, swiftly responded to a distress call, showcasing their expertise in search and rescue operations.
Calvert County Unveils 5-Year Economic Growth Plan: Calvert County, Maryland, took a significant step toward economic growth on July 22, 2025, when the Sage Policy Group presented a new five-year Economic Development Plan to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners in Prince Frederick. The plan, spanning fiscal years 2026 through 2031, aims to foster sustainable economic growth while preserving the county’s rural character.
Southern Maryland Heritage Sites Gain Maryland Heritage Grants: The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area announced that seven heritage tourism organizations in the region have been awarded Maryland Heritage Grants totaling $368,675 through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) for fiscal year 2026.
Life Without Parole for Holbrook in Shymanski Killing: On July 18, 2025, Brandon Ross Holbrook, 49, of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, received a life sentence without parole in Calvert County Circuit Court for the murder and dismemberment of Washington, D.C., photographer Joseph Shymanski. Judge Mark S. Chandlee imposed the maximum penalty under Maryland law following Holbrook’s conviction on April 9, 2025, after an eight-day trial. The Holbrook sentencing marks the culmination of a high-profile case that began with Shymanski’s death on September 3, 2023.
Charles County
Waldorf Man Killed in Post Office Road Crash: On July 21, 2025, at 3:58 a.m., a fatal crash occurred on Post Office Road near Leonardtown Road in Waldorf, Maryland, claiming the life of a 27-year-old man. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Operations Unit responded to the scene of a two-vehicle collision involving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse.
Teen’s 2021 Murder in La Plata Remains Unsolved: On May 22, 2021, at approximately 11:36 p.m., 18-year-old Jazmiah Zyri Nelson was fatally shot while riding a four-wheeler with two acquaintances in the 600 block of Pomonkey Way, La Plata, Maryland. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the Jazmiah Nelson shooting, offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. Detectives believe the incident was not random and are urging the community to provide tips to help solve the case.
La Plata Addresses Wastewater Plant Violations with Upgrades: The Town of La Plata is taking decisive steps to address violations at its wastewater treatment plant, working closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to ensure compliance with stringent environmental standards.
Hospice of Chesapeake Welcomes New Board Members: On July 22, 2025, Hospice of the Chesapeake announced the appointment of Vanessa Aburn, Dr. Tom-meka Archinard, and Laural Brinkley to its board of directors. Based in Pasadena, the Hospice of the Chesapeake board oversees the state’s largest independent not-for-profit hospice, serving Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s counties with hospice, supportive, and grief care services.
St. Mary’s County
Burfield Retires, Zematis Leads NAS Patuxent River: On July 17, 2025, Naval Air Station Patuxent River held a change of command ceremony, marking the transition from Capt. Douglas Burfield to Capt. Mark Zematis as commanding officer. The event also celebrated Burfield’s retirement after 27 years of naval service. Held at the air station, the ceremony underscored the leadership continuity and mission focus of NAS Patuxent River, a critical hub for naval aviation research and testing.
Mother Gets 14 Years for Child’s Death in DUI: On July 22, 2025, Ashley Nicole Nolan, 28, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with 14 years of active incarceration, for a drunk driving collision that killed one of her children and seriously injured two others. The sentencing, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, followed a single-vehicle crash caused by Nolan’s decision to drive under the influence. The case was heard in St. Mary’s County, with Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier representing the state and the Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presiding.
St. Mary’s Tacklebox Reports Hot Fishing Spots: On July 22, 2025, Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox shared an exciting fishing report, noting a surge of redfish, bluefish, and cobia in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters. Anglers in St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River are seeing puppy drum, slot reds, and bull reds at typical locations, alongside strong catches of speckled trout, bluefish, and cobia. This fishing report underscores a vibrant summer season, with clear waters boosting opportunities after recent rains subsided.
Deputy Shoots Armed Suspect in California, MD Chase: On July 23, 2025, at approximately 6:10 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred in California, Maryland, at the San Souci Plaza, a retail center familiar to St. Mary’s County residents. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a search warrant when the incident unfolded, resulting in a 19-year-old male suspect being shot and wounded.
State of Maryland/National
Maryland DJS Enacts Strict Rules for Juvenile Repeat Offenders: On July 3, 2025, Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) implemented a new juvenile detention policy requiring mandatory detention for teens wearing ankle monitors who are arrested for serious crimes, such as gun charges. The directive, announced by Acting Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino, responds to law enforcement’s calls for stricter measures to address repeat juvenile offenders. This policy shift, effective immediately, marks a significant change from previous practices where detention was optional, even at police request.
Energy bills likely to tick up again in 2026 after electricity auction clears at maximum price: Consumers in a 13-state region that includes Maryland could see their electric bills rise another 1.5% to 5% starting in the summer of 2026, after a key electricity auction cleared at its maximum price Tuesday.
Justice Department, conservative law firm set sights on Maryland voter registrations: Maryland elections officials face the potential of a federal investigation and a separate federal lawsuit led by local, state, and national Republicans over allegations of improperly maintained voter rolls.
Moore’s office pushes back against lawmakers, as reparations feud continues: Gov. Wes Moore (D) and his staff met regularly with lawmakers to discuss a bill creating a reparations study commission, and expressed concerns about the bill that the governor subsequently vetoed, his office insisted Monday.
