Community Corner
Best of 2012: Most-Read Stories in Maryland
Maryland had its own horrific shootings in 2012, but it wasn't a year all about bad news. Remember Zaching, dinosaur footprints and the lawless Batman?
The end of the year is an opportunity to look back at the news that had us riveted in Maryland. Here are Patch's most-read stories of 2012:
Blue State Politics: Referendum Wins in Maryland Make National Headlines
Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A dominant state Democratic Party, a progressive electorate and other factors converged in Maryland on Election Day to bring passage of same-sex marriage, in-state tuition for some illegal immigrants and expanded gambling.
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Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Two Young Women Dead in Ellicott City Train Derailment
Two young women one week away from going back to college died at the site of a CSX train derailment in Ellicott City.
A 15-year-old was accused of shooting another student in Perry Hall High School's cafeteria on the first day of school.
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'Zaching': Maryland Teen With Brain Cancer Inspires Web Phenomenon
A viral web sensation was born in support of Zach Lederer, a local politician's son who thought he had beaten cancer at age 11 but faced a renewed challenge in 2012.
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An Episcopal priest and an employee were the victims of a shooting in an Ellicott City church.
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Dinosaur Footprints of Deadly Flesh Eaters and Spike-Toed Iguanodon Found at NASA Goddard
Goddard scientists study outer space on land where dinosaurs once roamed, including fierce carnivores, and newly discovered dino prints prove it, according to a dinosaur tracker.
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Police Charge 12-Year-Old in Toddler's Killing
A 12-year-old boy was charged and sentenced in the beating death of a 2-year-old girl who was staying at his family's home.
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Video Depicts Laurel Police Hitting Handcuffed Man
The Laurel Police Department investigated an incident involving an officer striking a handcuffed man at a bar. The NAACP called for the officer's removal.
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Police Charge Teen in Pasadena Murder
Police charge two teens, then drop charges against one in an unusual twist.
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Bel Air Teen Accused Of Murdering Father
Robert Richardson III stands accused of murdering his father in Bel Air in January. Richardson allegedly shot his father before dumping his body in Aberdeen.
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Grandson Faces Charges in Grandparents' Homicides
Sudbrook Park resident Matthew Long, 31, was being held without bail in the Baltimore County Detention Center after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the Sept. 10 deaths of his elderly grandparents, Vaughn and Marjorie Pepper.
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A man who jumped off the South River Bridge in Anne Arundel County was the father of a 28-year-old woman who did the same just four days prior, according to sources close to the family.
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Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Coming to Life
Where Wegmans goes, people will follow.
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PHOTOS: Westboro Protest Unites Glen Burnie Community
A community found out it could come together in the face of criticism by Westboro Baptist Church, which held a rally and called teen girls "whores."
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White Student Union Speaker Preaches Racial Separation
Jared Taylor said he hoped to spread a message about the importance of racial separation during a meeting of prospective members of a planned White Student Union at Towson University.
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Batman Has Moving Violations
A man dressed as Batman was caught by police with a Batmobile without tags but he was revealed as a Baltimore County businessman who visits children in hospitals to lift their spirits.
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Prince George's County Police arrested a police impersonator after he pulled over an off-duty police officer.
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Lululemon Killer Norwood: 'I Am Truly Sorry'
Just before being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Brittany Norwood gave a tearful apology to the family of the woman she was convicted of killing.
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Multiple Stabbing Leaves Many Injured Outside New Red Rock Cafe
Police said nearly 100 people were involved in an altercation that broke out at the New Red Rock Café.
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McDonough Blames 'Black Youth Mobs' for Inner Harbor Violence
The Inner Harbor area of Baltimore City is being terrorized by "black youth mobs" and city and state officials are "covering it up," according to Baltimore County Republican Pat McDonough.
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African President Reportedly Purchases Potomac Home
An African leader reportedly purchased a home in the DC suburb of Potomac.
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Kippah-Wearing Student Told to Prove Religion
The parents of a Jewish student at Northwood High School said the principal asked them to provide a letter from a rabbi justifying the kippah their son wore to school.
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Daycare Teachers Fired After Toddlers Wander Off
Teachers at a Bethesda daycare center were fired after a mother said four toddlers wandered off and were rescued by a Good Samaritan.
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Hampden Takes DIY Approach to Crosswalks
Hampden residents and businesses grew tired of asking the city to repaint a street following a repaving project, so a citizen took matters into his own hands.
