TikTok Ban By State, Stuck Cargo Ship, REAL ID Delay: Top MD News

MARYLAND — Top news stories this week in Maryland included: the deadline for REAL IDs to board domestic flights was again pushed back; federal officials criticized the pilot of a plane who crashed into a transmission tower; a Maryland emergency order bans the use of some Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms, including TikTok, for some executive branch platforms and devices; and the pilot of a massive cargo ship that ran aground in Chesapeake Bay earlier in the year was faulted for his cell phone use at the time.

Plus, leaders called the recent burglary and vandalism at Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Potomac another example of “racist and hate-filled vandalism”; a singer from Anne Arundel County made it to the semifinals of the TV competition show "The Voice"; police found a woman's decomposing body when they went to arrest a suspect in a fatal gas station shooting; and more in our roundup of top news stories from Maryland's Patch sites this week.

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Here are some of this week's top news headlines:

REAL ID Deadline Extended Again: What It Means For MD Residents

Residents of Maryland have an additional 24 months to obtain their REAL IDs, which will be necessary to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings, after the Department of Homeland Security extended the enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025.

Ship Pilot Used Cell Phone Before Vessel Got Stuck In Bay: New Report

A pilot's license was suspended last week after their ship got stuck in the Chesapeake Bay earlier this year, reports said. Officials also accused the pilot of using their cell phone right before the ship was grounded near Pasadena, where it would remain lodged for over 35 days.

Elrich Condemns 'Racist' Vandalism At Historic Black Church In Potomac

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich called the recent burglary and vandalism at Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Potomac another example of “racist and hate-filled vandalism” in the county.

• Video Shows Suspects In Burglary Of Historic Church In Potomac: Police

Rockville Man's $50,000 Powerball Ticket Nearly Ends Up In The Trash

A Rockville man, who has been playing lottery games since he first came to America from Greece more than 42 years ago, was so used to losing that he nearly threw out a winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000.

Maryland Bans TikTok From State Platforms, Devices: Gov. Hogan

A new state of Maryland emergency order bans the use of some Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms, including TikTok, for some executive branch platforms and devices as a move to enhance cybersecurity, Gov. Larry Hogan said.

Severna Park Singer Eliminated From "The Voice" In Semifinals

Severna Park singer Parijita Bastola was voted off "The Voice" on Tuesday night. The 17-year-old performer captured the hearts of Anne Arundel County as she reached the semifinals of NBC's popular singing contest.

Pilot Who Crashed Into Electrical Tower Struggled With Weather: NTSB

A pilot who crashed his small plane into an electrical transmission tower told investigators poor visibility that night hindered his ability to judge the location of the airport he was headed to and how low his aircraft was before the accident, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Decomposing Body Found As Police Arrest Accused Gas Station Shooter

When Montgomery County Police went to the home of a man accused of fatally shooting a Dash In store worker in Silver Spring, they found a decomposed body. The suspect has been charged with murder, and more charges are possible, police said.

Also Worth a Look Today

• MD Residents Should Consider Masking Up For The Holidays: CDC
• Annapolis Is One Of Best Christmas Towns In USA: Travel + Leisure
• Gourmet Cinnamon Roll Shop From 'Shark Tank' Opening Soon In Gambrills
• 2 Men Fatally Shot, $25K Reward Offered For Information: Police
• LIDL MD Recall Of Chocolate Advent Calendar For Salmonella Risk
• Antisemitic Incidents Prompt HCPSS Superintendent To Speak Out
• School Bus Service To Resume For 850 Anne Arundel Students Next Week
• Former Firefighter Sentenced After Facing Arson Charges

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