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Zak Failla

Assistant Managing Editor

zfailla@dailyvoice.com

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Equal parts Lois Lane, J. Jonah Jameson and Vicki Vale, Zak! has traveled from coast-to-coast covering small and big town community news in both in print and online for nearly a decade since his graduation from the award-winning Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in 2010.

Before settling into the Hudson Valley, Zak! previously spent time in the New York Daily News newsroom and worked for hyperlocal digital news outlets on Long Island. He wrote sports for The Ithacan and The Ithaca Journal before taking his talents to the Pacific Northwest, where he served as the sports editor at the Shoshone News-Press until heading back east to work with Daily Voice.

Zak Failla's Contributions

Police & Fire
Harwood Man Accused Of Shooting Missing Dog In Anne Arundel County, Police Say Harwood Man Accused Of Shooting Missing Dog In Anne Arundel County, Police Say
Harwood Man Accused Of Shooting Missing Dog In Anne Arundel County, Police Say A Maryland dog owner’s worst fears have come true after police say her missing Belgian Malinois, Maisie, was shot and killed — and the man allegedly responsible has been identified. Robert Anthony Harley, 70, of Harwood, was charged Thursday, May 8, with animal cruelty in connection to the suspected killing of Maisie, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Maisie disappeared on Sunday, April 20, and the dog's owner told police she believed Maisie had been shot. Detectives took over the case and identified Harley as the suspect, officials said. Following consultation with t…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Elmo's LinkedIn Goes Viral After Federal Layoff — Yes, You Read That Right Elmo's LinkedIn Goes Viral After Federal Layoff — Yes, You Read That Right
Elmo's LinkedIn Goes Viral After Federal Layoff — Yes, You Read That Right Even Elmo isn't immune to cuts by the Trump administration.  With the president canceling certain grants that will greatly impact PBS, the historic puppet is looking for a job, according to a hilarious — and sad — "LinkedIn" post that went viral on social media.  Elmo’s LinkedIn update has me 😫😫😫 pic.twitter.com/mSJnw5k3Xz — Amanda Litman (@amandalitman) May 8, 2025 "Unfortunately, Elmo was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts," the post on a since-deleted account reads. "Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad. Elmo loved his time at Sesame Str…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Speeding Driver Was Going 20+ MPH Over Limit Before Fatal Crash In Woodbridge, Police Say Speeding Driver Was Going 20+ MPH Over Limit Before Fatal Crash In Woodbridge, Police Say
Speeding Driver Was Going 20+ MPH Over Limit Before Fatal Crash In Woodbridge, Police Say A Virginia driver is behind bars after police say his speeding killed a woman in a two-car crash on a busy Woodbridge roadway last week. Luis Alejandro Anariba, 23, of Woodbridge, was arrested on Wednesday, May 8, and charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving, Prince William County Police announced. The fatal collision happened just before 7 p.m. on May 1, at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street, according to investigators. Anariba was behind the wheel of a 2020 Honda Civic, traveling more than 20 mph over the posted 45 mph speed limit when he slammed in…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Harford County School Officials Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge Harford County School Officials Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge
Harford County School Officials Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge School officials in the region are sounding the alarm after a disturbing social media trend has reportedly reached students — one that could cause fires, chemical exposure, or even explosions. Harford County Public Schools issued a warning to families on Thursday, May 8, after learning that some students may be trying a viral online challenge that involves sticking metal objects like paperclips or pencil lead into the USB ports of school-issued laptops. “This action can cause toxic chemical release if the battery is compromised, explosions, and more,” officials said in a message sent to all…

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by Zak Failla
News
Metallica Triggers Mini-Quake At Virginia Tech With ‘Enter Sandman’ Metallica Triggers Mini-Quake At Virginia Tech With ‘Enter Sandman’
Metallica Triggers Mini-Quake At Virginia Tech With ‘Enter Sandman’ Metallica put on an earth-shaking show at Virginia Tech this week. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers took the stage Wednesday night, May 7 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, where upwards of 60,000 fans showed up for the "seismic event."  When the opening chords of "Enter Sandman" played, officials reported that the energy from the stadium registered ground motion around a mile away, according to multiple reports. "The night the earth shook," Virginia Tech Athletics posted on social media.  Thanks for jumping with us, Metallica! Come back anytime 🤘 Posted by Virginia Tech Athle…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says
Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says Too fast, too furious. A pair of car thieves were caught after a wild pre-dawn pursuit across Calvert County that ended with spike strips, K9 warnings, and a standoff in a stranger’s driveway, authorities said. Emmanuel Adjapong Mellish, 21, of Silver Spring, and Ryan Eveard Moses Lowe, 20, of Bowie, were arrested early Thursday morning, May 8, after allegedly leading deputies on a chase in a stolen SUV tied to a string of vehicle break-ins and thefts. It all started on May 4, when deputies were called to Wildfire Lane in Owings around 7 a.m. after a 2016 white Dodge Journey was stolen fro…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say A teenager was busted with a loaded handgun on a Maryland high school campus Thursday afternoon, officials said. Police in Gaithersburg arrested a 15-year-old student after they say he brought a loaded, privately manufactured firearm — also known as a ghost gun — onto school grounds. The incident happened around 1:11 p.m. on May 8 at Gaithersburg High School, located on Education Boulevard, according to the Gaithersburg Police Department. Officers were called to the school after administrators raised concerns, officials said.  During their investigation, a Community Engagement Office…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican
New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican President Trump welcomed the new pope — though Pope Leo XIV hasn’t always welcomed him. As recently as three weeks ago, Pope Leo XIV — formerly known as Chicago's Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69 — shared articles and news on social media critical of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and some of the administration's hard-line stances. Tweets condemning Trump date back to 2015, when he shared a story from the Washington Post about Trump's "anti-immigrant rhetoric."  In February, Prevost slammed Vance, stating that "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others," wi…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition ‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition
‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition If you’ve ever dreamed of life under the Big Brother lens, now’s your shot. An open audition for the popular CBS reality show is being held in Virginia, offering area residents the chance to try to become "Head of the Household."  Casting producers are coming to Rivers Casino Portsmouth on Friday, May 9, in search of standout personalities ready to compete on Season 27 of the long-running series.  The in-person open call runs from 10:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the casino’s location: 3630 Victory Blvd. in Portsmouth. The one-day event gives potential houseguests the chance to meet c…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot
Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot Burgers. Shakes. Fries. Repeat. Wayback Burgers is getting ready to flip its first patties in Newport News as the popular burger chain opens its third Virginia location on Friday, May 9, inside Patrick Henry Mall. The new eatery — located at 12300 Jefferson Ave — brings 25 new jobs to the city and marks another step in the brand’s sizzling expansion along the East Coast.  "Featuring a dedicated order counter and access to shared seating, this location is designed for quick, satisfying meals in a vibrant food court environment—perfect for guests on the go or those looking to enjoy a ca…

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by Zak Failla
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