Good News: Idol Top 8, Playground To Honor Family, Cult Ice Cream

Good news stories in the past week include a Towson University singer makes the top 8 on "American Idol," a Ravens star extends his contract, a cult favorite ice cream shop opens its first Maryland location, and fundraising is under way to build a playground in honor of a mom and her two children killed when a plane crashed into their house. Plus, a Gambrills man is vying for the title of "Sexiest Vegan Next Door," the counties that gained the most population, a Potomac grad is drafted by the Washington Redskins, there's one more day to visit the Annapolis Sailboat Show, and more in our roundup of good news stories from Maryland's Patch sites this week.

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Here are this week's good news headlines:

• Cult Favorite Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Coming To Bethesda Row
• American Idol Singer Compares Towson To Reality TV
• Justin Tucker Signs 4-Year Contract Extension: Baltimore Ravens
• Fundraiser To Build Playground In Honor Of Mom, 2 Sons
• Toxic Teen Culture Museum Created By B-CC Students Opens April 26
• PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door Could Be Gambrills Man
• Unity Rally At Towson University Takes Stand Against Hate
• MD Weekend Events: Tacos N' Taps, WineFest, Free Outdoor Yoga
• Dwayne Haskins Of Potomac Drafted By Washington Redskins
• Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show: Hours, Where To Park, Music Acts
• Twinkle The One-Eyed Cat Looking For Her Owner
• Fourth Friday In Bel Air To Take Place Of First Friday
• Anne Arundel County Ranked 5th For Population Growth In Maryland
• Montgomery County Ranks 3rd For Population Growth In Maryland
• Baltimore County Is 3rd Largest County In Maryland: Census
• Howard County Is 5th Largest County In Maryland: Census
• Harford County Is 8th Most Populous Maryland Jurisdiction: Census
• Stevenson University Lists Greenspring Campus 'To Explore'
• Blast Advances To Eastern Conference Finals
• 11 Graduate From HCC Paramedic Program
• Review: 'West Side Story: The School Edition' at Rockville HS
• TU Commencement Speaker Is Expert On Education And Race
• HdG Weekend: Citywide Yard Sale, Pyrex Fest, Black-Tie Gala
• Review: 'The Wiz' At Clarksburg High School
• South Shore Elementary Educator Named Teacher Of The Year