Federal authorities say a Cockeysville man has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for setting a house fire for a homeowner who fell behind on his mortgage payments.

Baltimore County fire officials say a discarded cigarette on a patio caused a 2-alarm fire at a rowhome in the Parkville-Carney area.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is rolling out at least six new Supercenters in Maryland as it tries to capitalize on an economy-weary public's appetite for discounts.