Pig Heart, Brewery Expansion, Holocaust Survivor, Firefighters' Funeral: Top MD News 2022

MARYLAND — This year was one for the books in Maryland. Patch covered it all, from business updates and community leaders to elections and disasters.

We highlighted uplifting news like a brewery that overcame the pandemic and a Holocaust survivor who shared his mother's art. Maryland also bonded together through tragedies like fallen firefighters, the death of a man who got a pig heart transplant, an apartment explosion and an active shooting.

Patch's feature stories covered the memorial for a diplomat killed riding a bicycle, a man who witnessed a tornado and a classic restaurant that's persevering through inflation. We also explained why Maryland is considering building a third span of the Bay Bridge, and noted that the state elected its first Black governor.

Here are the biggest stories of the year:

Crooked Crab Brewing Overcomes Pandemic, Expands Taproom

An Odenton brewery overcame the pandemic and is selling more beer than ever. What's next? The business expanded its taproom and added a pizza kitchen.

To read our exclusive interview announcing the plans, click here. To see our follow-up photos after the renovation, click here.

Holocaust Survivor Shares Mom's Art, Family's Story On Remembrance Day

An Annapolis man survived the Holocaust. On Remembrance Day, he shared his mother's artwork and his family's story.

Baltimore Firefighters' Funeral: Watch The Service

Three fallen firefighters were hailed as heroes during their joint funeral service at the Baltimore Convention Center. The trio died battling a blaze in January.

MD Man Who Received The World's First Pig Heart Transplant Dies

David Bennett, 57, made medical history after he received the world's first genetically modified pig's heart in January. He died in March.

Cox Concedes, Moore Declares Victory As MD's First Black Governor

Republican Dan Cox conceded to Democrat Wes Moore Wednesday afternoon in the Maryland governor's election. Moore declared victory Tuesday evening as the Associated Press projected that he would become the state's first Black governor. Moore promised to unite a divided Maryland in a time of political division.

Silver Spring Apartment Explosion Ruled Accidental, Chief Says

MOCO Fire and Rescue wrapped up its investigation after an explosion at the Friendly Garden apartments. No human remains were found.

Suspect In Active Shooting Killings Identified, Charged With Murder: Police

Three people were killed and one critically injured in a June shooting at Columbia Machine in Smithsburg.

Memorial Bike Ride, Ghost Bike Installation Honor Bethesda Resident

"It is unconscionable to me that Sarah would have been safer braving air strikes in Kyiv than on the streets of Bethesda," her husband said.

Bowie Tornado Witness Says 'Thank God Nobody Was Hurt' When Tree Fell

John Dallas watched a tornado uproot a 50-foot tree and snap powerlines in his backyard. "Thank God nobody was hurt," the Bowie man said.

Chick And Ruth's Conquers Inflation, Shipping Delays Of Pandemic

Chick and Ruth's is battling inflation and shipping delays. The Annapolis deli has persevered and kept its family vibe.

New Bay Bridge Span: Public Comment Period Closes, 3rd Span Inches Closer To Reality

A proposal for a third span of the Bay Bridge is gaining steam. Marylanders shared their opinions through town halls and comment forums.

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Politics

• MD Legalizes Weed, Updates On Referendum Vote Counts: AP
• Marilyn Mosby Can't Afford To Fully Fund Legal Defense, Judge Finds
• Trucker Convoy From MD Circles DC, VA As Group Meets Senators

Good Business News

• Chris's Charcoal Pit Reopening, Relocating To Edgewater After Tornado
• Cannabis Dispensary Superstore Opens In New 10K Square Foot Location
• Sailor Oyster Bar Fire: Annapolis Raises Nearly $70K For Restaurant

Business Closures

• Lista's Grill Closes As Owners Retire, Cite COVID-19 Volatility
• Shoreline Seafood Closes After 40 Years In Gambrills
• Seafood Market Closes After 44 Years Of Serving Annapolis: Report

Crime And Safety

• MD Gun Violence Prevention Groups Wage Campaigns To Reduce Gun Deaths
• 2 Sisters Who Graduated From Holton-Arms Killed In Vacation House Fire
• Man Arrested Near Kavanaugh Home Convinced By Sister To Call 911

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