By Patch Staff
What you may have missed in a big week of news in disasters, politics, crime and everything local.
Freight Train-Truck Collision Causes Explosion, Shuts Down Area East of Baltimore
A CSX freight train collided with a waste-hauling truck in an industrial area east of Baltimore, derailing 15 rail cars, damaging nearby buildings and causing an explosion that could be felt for miles. The truck driver, who was trapped briefly, was injured. Watch video of the moment of impact by clicking here.
Investigators: Train Blasted Horn 17 Seconds Before Impact
The National Transportation Safety Board says the truck began to cross the tracks three seconds prior to the collision that caused a fireball that damaged buildings and shook the area. See photos of what officials said could have been a much worse disaster.
Referendum Effort to Reinstate Death Penalty Falls Short
A statewide petition effort to overturn a bill ending the death penalty in Maryland has fallen thousands of signatures short of an initial legal hurdle. "There was just no natural constituency of people who supported the death penalty," a key supporter of the petition said.
3 Navy Football Players Investigated in Sexual Assault
The Naval Academy is investigating three Navy football players in an alleged sexual assault, according to reports. Military.com reports officials are not identifying the three players involved, when the investigation began or when it could be completed.
Former Baltimore County Executive Named Maryland Transportation Secretary
Gov. Martin O'Malley announced the appointment of former Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith as the new secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation.
MD Housing Dept. Relocating to Prince George's
DHCD will be the first major state agency with a location in the county.
County Libraries, Schools Gain Funding as Prince George's Passes $2.7 Billion Budget
Council increases funding for libraries, declines to fund new Board of Education administrative positions.
Marines Rule Human Error Caused Nevada Explosion
The Marines say human error is to blame in the March mortar explosion in Nevada that killed seven Marines, including Severna Park native Lance Cpl. William Taylor Wild IV. As a result of the investigation, several officers were relieved of their duties.
Report: Gaithersburg Man Accused of Hatchet Killing Appears in Court
A Gaithersburg man accused of using a hatchet to kill his 25-year-old friend tried to cover up the crime and gave police at least three versions of what happened, officials said.
Rescue Officials Warn of Deadly Potomac River Currents
Stay out of the water at Great Falls Park, rescue officials warn. The river's currents can be deadly.
Audit Shows Prince George’s County Public Schools Misused More than $150,000 in Funds
Federal audit reveals appliances, watches and more paid for with stimulus funds.
Possible Rabid Groundhog Attacks Dog in University Park
University Park police are urging residents to take precautions when encountering sick or aggressive wildlife.
Rockville Metro Shooter Sentenced
A Rockville teen was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a May 2012 double shooting at the Rockville Metro station.
Police Installing More Speed Cameras Near Schools
Baltimore County police received approval to install speed cameras at 13 additional school zones.
Officials Break Ground on Towson University Project in Harford County
A degree from Towson University got a lot closer to home for Harford County residents. Officials were on hand for the groundbreaking of Towson University's new project on the campus of Harford Community College near Bel Air.
Baltimore Police Officer Charged with Aiding Drug Dealers While in Uniform
Federal charges have been filed against Baltimore police officer Ashley Roane of Pikesville, accused of providing armed protection for heroin dealers and advance notice of search warrants. Her roommate also was charged.
Residents Voice Frustrations Over Bus Rapid Transit Plan for Bethesda/Chevy Chase Area
Curbside, bus-only lanes are proposed for Wisconsin Avenue between Bradley Boulevard and Friendship Heights, while median bus-only lanes are proposed through Bethesda.
Hall of Fame Rockville Prep Basketball Coach Stu Vetter Resigns
"I'm looking forward to other coaching opportunities, other camp opportunities, other business opportunities," coach Stu Vetter, 61, said. "I'm not retiring."
Woman Dead After Scooter, Truck Collide in Elkridge
A 26-year-old woman is dead after being hit by a box truck while riding a scooter in Elkridge.
Thieves in Elkridge Targeting Specific Car Part
Howard County police reported more than a dozen car burglaries in a single night. The burglar wanted the same thing from each vehicle.
Rockville Couple Featured in 'Marriage Boot Camp: Bridezillas'
Rockville newlyweds will round out the roster of "the most outrageous" couples from the WE tv reality series Bridezillas in the a new series called Marriage Boot Camp: Bridezillas.
Sisters' Gluten-Free Cookie Sale Raises Nearly $300 for Animal Rescue, Celiac Awareness
The money raised by the girls' gluten-free cookie sale will benefit animal rescue and celiac awareness efforts.
Teen Drowns in Scott's Cove in Howard County
A bystander called 911 after hearing the 15-year-old boy cry for help. He had been swimming in a restricted area.
Police Arrest 18 in North Laurel Prostitution Sting
The suspects allegedly approached undercover officers and offered money for sex.
Riverdale Park Town Center Open House Set for June 6
Douglas Development has partnered with town and county agencies to seek potential tenants for its vacant storefronts.
College Park Launches Summer Ad Campaign to Attract Residents
Officials are hoping to reach DC commuters and university employees who live out of town.