More than 100 Baltimore City firefighters responded to the blaze Monday at 3355 Keswick Road shortly after 3:30 p.m., containing flames to the building’s third floor, officials said. Crews established a collapse zone because of the structure’s age and masonry construction. By Tuesday morning, the fire appeared to be out.

“They don’t make buildings like this anymore,” Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos said in an email to The Baltimore Sun. “It is a solid building, there are hardly any more like it anywhere, and the quick work of our fire department contained the damage.”

The entire roof of the structure was destroyed by the fire. The offices inside the building all have significant water damage, said Ramos, who represents that district.

“I spoke with a representative from the owner, and they will restore the building. It is not coming down,” Ramos said.

No residents were affected, and all the people who work in the building made it out safely, fire officials said.

‘French Renaissance chateauesque’

The Castle, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 28, 2001, has long stood as a symbol of North Baltimore’s architectural heritage.

Designed by architect Henry Brauns, one of the founders of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Northern District Police Station was built in a “French Renaissance chateauesque” style, according to archives by the Maryland National Register Properties.

The complex includes a three-story station house with a hipped slate roof and dormers, connected to a two-story former cellblock at the rear. Attached to the main building are hipped-roof garages that once served as livery buildings, adjoining an L-shaped structure containing the original clerestoried stable and a flat-roofed garage.

Together with a separate brick garage on the southern edge of the lot, the interconnected buildings form a courtyard — now used for parking — accessed from West 34th Street through an arched passage between the two former livery buildings. The complex features brick walls on a granite base, brownstone trim and wrought-iron roof cresting. Its symmetrical Keswick Road façade is flanked by two-story turrets and detailed with stained-glass transoms, keystoned brownstone arches and carved stone pilasters.

Inside, the structure retains much of its historic fabric, including plaster walls with wood wainscoting, pressed-tin ceilings, a central wrought-iron stair and a third-floor gymnasium that remained in use before the fire.

The building is considered one of Baltimore’s best-preserved examples of late 19th-century Victorian architecture, reflecting an era when the city invested heavily in civic architecture.

After serving as a police station for more than a century, the building was restored and converted into apartments and studio spaces in the early 2000s.

“It commands the Hampden skyline for blocks around and acts as a picturesque backdrop for the Miracle on 34th Street [Christmas lights display],” said Drew Suljak, a senior associate at Baltimore-based Marshall Craft Associates, Inc., whose architectural offices are in nearby Clipper Mill. He added that the building’s “decoration and scale make it a standout from its surrounding context, and an icon of the neighborhood.”

Firefighters worked for hours Monday evening to prevent the flames from spreading through the structure. Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. emergency crews also responded, and Keswick Road remained closed between 33rd and 34th streets through Tuesday morning.

The fire at the Castle was also the second major blaze in the area in three days.

On Friday, a warehouse caught fire in Remington, displacing several residents. Fire officials said crews arrived before 2 p.m. to the 400 block of West 23rd Street and evacuated at least 23 people from nearby homes.

Fire Department spokesperson John Marsh said strong winds posed challenges for firefighters battling blazes in both Hampden and Remington. The causes of both fires is currently under investigation.

The blaze marked another difficult moment for the Hampden community, which has suffered a series of devastating fires in recent years. In October 2024, a five-alarm fire just a block away on the 3400 block of Keswick Road killed longtime residents Matthew and Kathy Schmale, both 63, and destroyed or condemned at least 10 rowhouses. The deaths prompted renewed calls for fire safety and historic preservation in the neighborhood.

In May 2023, a two-alarm fire tore through eight rowhomes and damaged two others on the 800 block of Union Avenue in Hampden, displacing 22 residents, the Baltimore City Fire Department said. One person was taken to a hospital with minor burns, fire officials said at the time.

Kevin Richardson contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

Rothstein was commissioned into the Army in 1986 and went on to serve in the Chemical Corps and Military Intelligence. His assignments included senior intelligence posts at the Pentagon and the National Security Agency, as well as deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rothstein later commanded Fort George G. Meade, overseeing more than 200,000 personnel. Following his retirement in 2014, he worked in economic development and served two terms as a Carroll County commissioner.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore appointed him in July to lead the department.

The conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

What message do you hope to send this Veterans Day, especially in this volatile political climate?

As a veteran, this day holds deep personal meaning. It’s a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. I want Maryland’s veterans and their families to know they are not alone. In challenging times, our focus remains on unity, service and ensuring that every veteran and military family in Maryland knows we will leave no one behind.

Many veterans struggle to access federal benefits. How is the department helping to simplify that process?

Last year alone, we secured over $54.4 million in federal VA benefits for more than 6,000 Maryland veterans, dependents and survivors — a 20% increase over the previous year, with a 95 percent VA approval rate.

I encourage every veteran to schedule a benefits checkup today to ensure they’re receiving the support they deserve. And I challenge all Marylanders to reach out to someone who has worn the uniform and ask if they’ve connected with a VA service officer recently. A simple conversation can make a life-changing difference.

What are some of the challenges facing Maryland veterans right now?

One of the greatest challenges veterans face is the loss of mission and purpose that comes when you take off the uniform. For many of us, service gives our lives structure, direction and meaning. When that changes, it can leave a real void. I’ve been through that transition myself, and I know it takes time to find your next mission.

Another hurdle is translating military experience into civilian employment. Many veterans don’t realize how valuable their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills are — or how well they fit in today’s workforce. That’s why we’re working closely with employers and state partners to help make those connections and expand opportunities for gainful employment across Maryland.

As a veteran, this issue is deeply personal to me. Too many of our brothers and sisters in arms continue to struggle in silence. I did, too. I’m proud to say that today I feel great, and that’s because of the care and support I received through the VA.

At the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, we’re working every day to address this stigma and strengthen coordination with the VA, the Department of Health’s Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans and nonprofit partners through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.

This partnership brings together leaders from across Maryland to identify at-risk veterans, improve care transitions and promote connection. We’ve trained more than 400 partners statewide in military cultural awareness and mental health support — equipping them to better understand and respond to the unique needs of veterans and their families.

We’re also working to break the stigma surrounding these invisible wounds, expand access to care and ensure that no one who served ever feels alone in this fight.

What about veterans who might not be connected to traditional support networks?

Partnership is at the heart of how we serve Maryland’s veterans. No single agency can meet every need, so we’re focused on breaking down silos and building connections across state, local and nonprofit partners. Through initiatives like Maryland Joins Forces, we’re bringing together government agencies, county veteran commissions, community organizations and service providers to share information, host outreach events and develop coordinated solutions.

5 new laws to benefit veterans, service members in Maryland

Maryland’s veteran population is diverse and includes many service members who are women and part of minority groups. How is the department meeting their needs?

Through our Women Veterans and Inclusion Program, which has been active for several years, we’re ensuring every veteran has a seat at the table and sees themselves represented in everything we do.

What role do you see for Maryland’s younger generation of veterans?

How can Marylanders support veterans and their families?

First and foremost, two words mean the most: Thank you. Always take a moment to thank those who have served — and don’t forget their families. When someone thanks me for my service, I say, “Thank you for giving me a reason.” That simple exchange says everything about Veterans Day, connection and gratitude.

In today’s challenging times, one of the most meaningful and impactful ways Marylanders can make a difference is by contributing to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. The fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to Maryland veterans and their families facing temporary hardships. It relies on generous donations from the public to help cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgage and utilities.

We’ll continue strengthening our Service and Benefits Program so veterans and their families receive the benefits they’ve earned, while expanding community partnerships that meet needs at the local level. We’re also focused on growing the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, which provides direct support to veterans facing hardship.

Above all, we’ll keep listening to our communities and building collaborations that make a real difference. When we work together — state agencies, local partners and nonprofits — we can reach every veteran and family who needs us.

And as always, life is good.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

Officers were called around 11:07 p.m. to the 3100 block of West North Avenue to check on the well-being of an individual, police said. When they arrived, officers found a 33-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite medical efforts, police said.

Homicide detectives are investigating and ask anyone with information to call 410-396-2100. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

The plan is intended to bring together the state’s diverse horse community — from racing to recreation — under a single framework. A steering committee of state agencies and industry representatives will lead the effort, focusing on seven key areas: policy, collaboration, economic development, advocacy, education, sustainability, and animal welfare.

The committee will include representatives from thoroughbred and standardbred racing, sport horses, trail riders, jousters, and therapeutic riding programs. It will report its recommendations and overall goals to Moore and the General Assembly next year.

“Maryland’s horse industry is a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage, agriculture, and economic vitality,” Moore said in a statement. “This strategic plan will bring together all facets of the equine community to ensure the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Maryland has more horses per square mile than any other state, according to legislative research cited in a news release. The industry supports more than 28,000 jobs and $1.24 billion in wages, the governor’s office said. It also helps maintain open space and draws visitors to events such as the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said the plan “ensures that all sectors have a seat at the table to build a unified vision for the future.”

The initiative comes as the state moves forward with a $400 million redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course. Funded through state bonds, the project will temporarily move the Preakness Stakes to Laurel Park in 2026 before returning to a new Pimlico facility in 2027.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X @ToddKarpovich.

Maryland State Police did not make available the breakdown of crashes from that same period last school year, but the calendar years have had a slight decrease. Between January and October of this year, there have been 1,510 crashes involving school buses, compared to 1,605 during the same period in 2024.

The 2024-’25 school year had the most statewide over a seven-year period, with 1,928, according to police.

“A single school bus accident is one too many. Unfortunately, the bus-related collision rate has remained relatively consistent across Maryland,” said Thom Pryor, managing partner of a national catastrophic personal injury, car accident and wrongful death law firm.

Recent crashes

Several recent crashes in Maryland have resulted in major impacts to area schools.

An 11-year-old student was killed Oct. 11 in Aspen Hill after colliding with a school bus while riding her bicycle, police said. Despite life-saving efforts, Summer Lim, a student at Earle B. Wood Middle School, was pronounced dead at the scene. No one on the bus was injured.

On Sept. 18, a crash involving two cars and a Harford County school bus near C. Milton Wright High School killed 16-year-old Blake Elliott. Her boyfriend and classmate, Zach Griffin, was seriously injured.

An SUV collided with a school bus near Featherbed Elementary School in Lochearn on Oct. 29, sending the car’s driver to the hospital, according to Baltimore County Police. All 22 children aboard the bus were safely evacuated, police said.

Also in Baltimore County, which rolled out new school bus traffic cameras last year, seven students were hospitalized with minor injuries after a bus heading to Windsor Mill Middle School crashed Oct. 6.

According to national and local data, the vast majority of serious injuries and fatalities in school bus-related crashes typically involve other vehicles or pedestrians rather than students riding the bus itself.

‘Continued vigilance’

In response to school crash figures, Dan Strollo, executive director of In Control Family Foundation, a nonprofit offering the nation’s first state-certified, closed-course, hands-on crash-prevention training, wrote in an email, “This is very concerning, but not surprising.

“Crash rates in many categories are trending towards record highs. While school buses remain among the safest modes of transportation out there, if all the other vehicles on the road are crashing more … it’s not surprising that school buses are among those involved and in some cases responsible for the crashes.”

Josh Benson, an attorney and legal expert on accident cases, echoed Strollo, saying the number of school bus crashes in Maryland is “alarming but not unexpected.”

He added that school districts can still face liability for injuries sustained by students in a crash involving a school bus, regardless of whether the overall increase is considered significant.

“For school bus crashes, even minor collisions can result in widespread injuries, making it especially important that these modes of transportation are as safe as possible,” Benson said.

In a statement to The Baltimore Sun, the National Safety Council, a nonprofit public service organization, also said school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation. However, “continued vigilance is essential. Everyone – from drivers to school officials to policymakers – plays a role in ensuring children arrive safely at school and back home each day.”

State laws

Why are school buses so safe? In Maryland, regulations require that school buses receive two types of inspections. The intensive, “bumper-to-bumper” Type A inspection is done annually, and the less-involved Type B, which can be administered by the school system or owner, is done semi-annually, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

School buses also get special privileges on the road. Drivers approaching a stopped school bus with activated red lights must stop at least 20 feet away, regardless of direction, according to state law. If a physical barrier, such as a median, separates traffic, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop until the lights are turned off.

As schools throughout the region head into the busier winter months, officials emphasize that maintaining safety will require vigilance from bus operators, motorists and parents alike.

“The addition of bus camera enforcement and improved compensation, training, and recruitment of drivers to meet demand are making an impact on safety and helping to protect our children,” Pryor said “There is always more work to be done to improve safety on our roads, but the recent changes are moving things in the right direction.”

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the cutbacks, which take effect Friday, are needed to maintain safety amid a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers worsened by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The FAA oversees more than 44,000 flights daily and said the restrictions would remain in place “as long as necessary.”

Two other regional hubs, Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National, are also on the FAA’s list, released Thursday, which also includes, among other major hubs, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles.

“The timing is particularly bad as it coincides with the busy travel period leading up to Veterans Day and Thanksgiving,” said Ragina C. Ali, public and government affairs manager for AAA in Maryland and Washington. “Because Maryland is part of the Washington National Capital region and home to major airports, the impacts could include fewer available flights, ripple effects on connecting flights and more uncertainty with travel plans.”

The administration directed airlines to reduce flight schedules across the national system during the government shutdown, starting this week. The FAA is working with airlines to implement this plan and adjust flight schedules to ensure the safety of the national airspace system.

“Due to the ongoing government shutdown and nationwide air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA has directed airlines to reduce flight schedules beginning Friday, Nov. 7,” American Airlines said in a statement. “Flights on Thursday, Nov. 6, will operate as planned. We expect the vast majority of our customers’ travel will be unaffected, and long-haul international travel will remain as scheduled.”

American said customers whose flights are affected will be contacted directly, and urged travelers to monitor flight status updates on the airline’s website and mobile app.

Southwest Airlines, the largest carrier at BWI, issued a statement to The Baltimore Sun saying it is making scheduling adjustments to comply with Federal Aviation Administration-directed flight reductions. While most flights will operate as planned, customers with travel booked through Nov. 12 may change their plans at no cost or request a refund, regardless of whether their flight is affected, the airline said. Southwest will notify impacted travelers directly.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees,” the company said, urging Congress to resolve the impasse and restore the nation’s airspace system to full capacity.

A BWI spokesperson directed all inquiries to the FAA, but the airport did release a statement: “The BWI Marshall Airport website also provides information related to flights and security checkpoint wait times. BWI Marshall Airport appreciates travelers’ patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Safety remains the top priority.”

Ocean City resident John Burke said he is worried about his son being able to make it home for Thanksgiving from college. Burke’s son, a University of Mississippi student, would have to fly from Memphis to BWI and then travel by car to the Eastern Shore.

“He said if his flights are canceled, he just won’t come home for Thanksgiving,” Burke said. “That would be upsetting, obviously. It’s a 19-hour drive from Ole Miss.”

AAA advises travelers to book flexible tickets that allow for free changes or cancellations and to allow extra time for check-in and connections. The organization also recommends checking the Transportation Security Administration’s website for the latest airport security information.

The partial government shutdown has strained many federal operations, particularly at airports where staffing shortages have deepened. Air traffic controllers and TSA workers are required to report to work as essential employees but are not being paid. Many have taken second jobs or called out sick, according to union officials.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said its members missed their first full paychecks last week. Several airlines, including United, Delta and American, have provided meals for unpaid federal workers at airports nationwide.

“This shutdown has real consequences for these hard-working American patriots,” NATCA President Nick Daniels said in a statement. “With each passing day, controllers become more distracted by the risk of receiving a zero-dollar paycheck on Oct. 28, despite working 40 hours per week and, in many cases, mandatory overtime due to the controller staffing shortage.”

Robert Katz, a private pilot based in Texas and a Republican, told The Sun on Thursday that he doesn’t believe the government shutdown “has anything” to do with air traffic control staffing.

That issue long predates the now 36-day closure, he said, and with their salaries and guaranteed backpay, the shutdown is “more an inconvenience than anything else” to air traffic controllers.

“I believe that the Trump administration is trying to leverage air traffic control not being paid, TSA not being paid, as political leverage to further their agenda in this whole government shutdown fiasco,” he said.

Due to the lapse in funding, the FAA said it was not responding to “routine media inquiries.”

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had to take these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference Tuesday.

Luke Parker and the Associated Press contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

The modest gain came despite broader economic concerns tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown, widespread layoffs, and uncertainty in consumer spending. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the economy could lose as much as $14 billion if the shutdown continues for another month.

Peter Morici, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland’s School of Business, said the impact of missed federal paychecks was only beginning to be felt in late October.

“There was probably some optimism that lawmakers would reach a deal,” he said. “We could see more consequences in November and December.”

Morici added that Maryland’s economy is more diverse than it was two decades ago, with “considerable strengths” in technology and biomedical research helping to sustain consumer activity.

Dr. Stephen Walters, a fellow with the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Applied Economics, added that it’s not uncommon to see gambling increase when the economy struggles.

“Bad times can be good for gambling,” Walters said. “In economics jargon, gambling can be an “inferior good” — meaning that when our incomes fall, some of us are more likely to roll the dice.”

Breaking down the numbers

The casinos collectively generated $162.1 million from slot machines and table games in October, representing a $1.5 million increase from the same month in 2024.

State contributions from casino revenue totaled $69.6 million, an increase of 1.5%. Of that amount, $50.2 million went to the state’s Education Trust Fund, which supports public education programs.

Through the first four months of fiscal 2026, which began July 1, casino gaming revenue has reached nearly $650 million, down 2.1% from the same period in fiscal 2025. State contributions for the year to date total $279.1 million, a 1.4% decline from the previous year.

Casino revenue also supports local jurisdictions where facilities are located, along with Maryland’s horse racing industry and programs benefiting small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Among individual casinos, MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County led the state with $67.9 million in revenue, down 1.9% from October 2024. Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County followed with $59.7 million, up 1.7%.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore saw one of the largest gains, with revenue rising 12.7% to $15.5 million. Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County reported an 11.1% increase to $8.1 million.

Hollywood Casino Perryville brought in $6.4 million, down 10.5%, while Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County saw a modest uptick of 0.7% to $4.4 million.

Ryan Butler, senior analyst at Covers, an online betting site, said a small year-over-year change in casino gambling revenue over one month isn’t unusual. Even if broader economic factors stayed steady, casino revenues would still fluctuate due to the industry’s nature — some months, gamblers simply lose less than others.

For October, Butler said it’s too soon to gauge how the federal government shutdown or other economic pressures might affect Maryland’s casinos. While the state has been hit hard by prior layoffs and ongoing furloughs, these factors are likely to have little effect on overall gambling revenue. Most casino income, he noted, comes from a relatively small group of high-income players — people who are not government workers and don’t rely on SNAP benefits.

“A prolonged economic downturn, continued mass layoffs, or an unexpectedly lengthy government shutdown could impact casino gaming in the months ahead,” Butler said. “For now, a slight increase in casino revenue should not be interpreted as an indication of larger trends.”

Casino, gaming activity remains steady

Shawn DuBravac, president and CEO of the Avrio Institute, an economic research firm based in Washington, said Maryland’s modest 1% year-over-year increase in gaming revenue reflects the resilience of discretionary spending even as economic pressures mount. Historically, casino and gaming activity tends to remain steady — and sometimes rise slightly — when households feel financially constrained, he said.

Still, DuBravac cautioned that the recent gains may be fragile. Federal layoffs and cuts to programs such as SNAP could impact lower- and middle-income households, which drive much of the state’s gaming activity.

“October typically benefits from the overlap of the NFL season, baseball playoffs and other events that draw visitors to integrated resorts,” he said. “Those crowds can spill over onto the casino floor, which might help explain the uptick in October.”

Since fiscal 2011, Maryland’s gaming industry has contributed $17.7 billion to schools, public health and safety, and community grants, according to state reports. That total includes revenue from the Maryland Lottery, casino gaming, sports wagering, and fantasy sports.

The bulk of the proceeds — more than $6.4 billion over 15 years — has been allocated to education through the Maryland Education Trust Fund and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the state’s comprehensive education reform policy enacted in 2021.

Less than 1% of casino revenues, or $4.4 million in 2025, supports Maryland’s problem gambling fund.

Concerns have grown over the rapid expansion of mobile sports wagering, which has surged since 2022 and is expected to increase further during the NFL season. Counselors warn of a new wave of teenage and young adult men at risk of developing gambling disorders.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

Both directions of Maryland Route 2 at Annapolis Harbor Center Drive were shut down around 2 a.m. as crews responded to the fire, which also brought down power lines and caused outages in the area. Drivers were forced to find alternate routes until the scene was cleared.

All lanes reopened by about 5 a.m., ahead of the morning rush hour.

As of 7 a.m., Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.’s map showed just over 200 outages in the region.

The incident followed a day of strong winds across the region Wednesday as a cold front moved through. Annapolis saw gusty conditions through the afternoon and evening, and a gale warning was in effect for nearby waterways for much of the day.

Thursday’s weather is expected to be calmer and more pleasant, with sunshine and a high near 57 degrees. Winds could still gust up to 21 mph. Skies will remain mostly clear Thursday night, with a low around 42 and light, southerly winds after midnight.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

A bomb threat temporarily halted flight operations Tuesday morning at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after officials received reports of a possible device on board a United Airlines flight arriving from Houston.

The plane, United Flight 512, landed safely around 11:30 a.m. and was directed to a remote area of the airport. All 89 passengers and six crew members were evacuated as law enforcement searched the aircraft, officials said.

Runway operations resumed about 12:50 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad responded to the threat and found no hazards.

But some of the threats were explicitly tied to elections.

In New Jersey, officials investigated emailed bomb threats targeting polling stations in seven counties, including Passaic, considered a key swing county. New Jersey had one of the most-watched gubernatorial races, where Democrat Mikie Sherrill edged out Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli after a contentious campaign.

State election officials said no credible threats were found. A judge granted a one-hour extension for voters to be able to cast ballots at some polling places.

Some polling locations in Manhattan received messages containing threats of a “terroristic nature,” CBS News reported. No disruptions to voting in New York were reported as a result of the threats, sources said.

Authorities and security experts said the threats underscored growing concerns about politically motivated violence during an already-tense election season.

“What we’re witnessing today, from the assassination of Charlie Kirk to the sniper attack on an ICE facility, to the bomb threats that forced evacuations on Election Day, are all symptoms of the same underlying disease,” said Eric O’Neill, a former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative and founder of The Georgetown Group, a Washington-based risk consultancy and competitive intelligence firm.

“We’ve allowed political anger to become a moral crusade. When people start to believe their opponents are evil rather than simply wrong, violence becomes easier to justify.”

Bomb threats disrupted voting during last year’s presidential election, mostly in battleground states. Bomb threat hoaxes also circulated in Springfield, Ohio, last year after Donald Trump during the campaign amplified false claims of Haitian immigrants there abducting and eating pets.

Schools have also been targets, with historically Black colleges and universities receiving threats in particular in the wake of conservative activist Kirk’s killing.

Brian Higgins, founder and CEO of New Jersey-based Group 77, a security assessment, planning, training and consulting firm, said Election Day bomb threats come amid a surge in toxic political rhetoric.

“You can find examples in statements by some who say they are ‘happy’ or ‘pleased’ that Charlie Kirk was murdered,” said Higgins, who is also an adjunct faculty member at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “The most disturbing is the open support for Kirk’s killing and, in extreme cases, the encouragement of more violence.”

“There is no easy answer, and that mindset cannot be changed quickly,” he said. “After a school shooting, there’s often a discussion asking, ‘How can this happen?’ But it doesn’t happen overnight. These are deep-seated beliefs and a hardened mindset.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said Wednesday that the agreement resolves allegations that Patapsco, whose legal business name is Granite MD Opco, violated the Maryland False Health Claims Act by providing poor care to residents whose treatment was paid for through Medicaid.

Under the settlement, Patapsco will pay $100,000 in restitution to the state’s Medicaid program and another $100,000 to fund a four-year quality improvement plan. The plan will include oversight from a third-party monitor conducting regular performance evaluations under the supervision of the Attorney General’s Office.

“When nursing facilities fail to prevent worsening wounds, repeated preventable falls, or opioid overdoses, these aren’t isolated mistakes – they’re symptoms of systemic failures that hurt Maryland’s most vulnerable,” Brown said in a statement. “Our Strike Force approach empowers multiple state agencies to provide immediate help to residents in crisis while securing years of independent monitoring to fix broken systems.”

Officials at Patapsco Healthcare were not immediately available for comment.

‘Serious deficiencies’ identified

The investigation by the office’s Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit uncovered serious deficiencies at Patapsco, including inadequate wound care that led to hospitalizations, failure to provide proper nutrition and hydration, numerous preventable falls and incidents of opioid overdoses among residents.

Investigators said those failures amounted to defrauding taxpayers who paid for residents’ care through Medicaid. As part of the settlement, the facility must allow state access to medical files, staff and corporate records and make improvements if problems persist or risk renewed legal action.

The investigation relied on Maryland’s Long-Term Care Strike Force, a multi-agency team that includes Adult Protective Services and the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The team conducts unannounced site visits at facilities where serious care concerns have been reported.

The Strike Force previously led to a $1.28 million settlement with Elkton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center over similar issues.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 25% from the state.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.