State Sen. Will Smith’s former aide charged with stealing from scholarship fund

Plus: More stores able to sell liquor as of Tuesday; Driver in critical condition after early Wednesday crash

January 23, 2025 6:00 a.m. | Updated: January 23, 2025 11:24 a.m.

A former legislative aide to state Sen. Will Smith (D-Dist. 20), who represents Silver Spring in the Maryland General Assembly, has been charged with stealing $20,000 allocated for legislative scholarships. Esther Dikongue-Bayighomog worked for Smith between 2020 and 2023 and faces one count of operating a theft scheme worth between $1,500 and $25,000, one count of felony theft and three counts of illegal access to a computer. [The Baltimore Sun]

More stores in county able to sell liquor

Private retailers that sell beer and wine will now be able to sell liquor after a Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) decision on Tuesday. About 400 stores — up from 27 — will be eligible for a permit. [WUSA9]

Driver in critical condition after hitting parked car

A driver was hospitalized and in critical condition Wednesday after crashing into a parked vehicle earlier in the day on the 9800 block of Cedar Lane, according to preliminary police investigations. Cedar Lane was closed between I-495 and Saul Road Wednesday morning, officials said. [WJLA]

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