Bowie Insider - Issue #106: Exploring TikTok Usage Across Maryland

Exploring TikTok Usage Across Maryland

As of the latest data, Maryland boasts a significant number of TikTok users, reflecting the platform's popularity nationwide. In cities like Baltimore, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville, TikTok enjoys widespread use, particularly among younger demographics. While specific user counts per city are not publicly disclosed, the engagement levels indicate a robust and active user base.

An estimated breakdown of Maryland TikTok users:

TikTok is primarily used for:

1. Entertainment: Users watch and share humorous and creative videos. 2. Social Networking: Connecting with friends and meeting new people. 3. Education: Learning new skills through short, instructional videos. 4. Brand Marketing: Companies and influencers promote products and services. 5. News and Trends: Staying updated with current events and viral trends.

The United States government has considered banning TikTok for several reasons, they are as follows:

1. National Security Concerns: Fears about data privacy and the potential for foreign surveillance.

2. Data Privacy: Concerns over the handling of personal information by the company.

3. Influence on Minors: Anxiety about the platform's impact on young users' mental health and content exposure.

4. Spread of Misinformation: The rapid dissemination of unverified information that can lead to widespread misinformation.

5. Economic Security: Worries about the economic implications of a foreign company possessing vast amounts of U.S. user data.

How do you feel about a TikTok ban?

Act Now: Enroll in Marketplace Coverage with the New Special Enrollment Period

On January 27, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced a temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage due to the end of the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition, commonly known as "unwinding." This SEP allows affected consumers to enroll in Marketplace health insurance outside the usual Open Enrollment period. To participate, individuals must apply or update their application on HealthCare.gov from March 31, 2023, to July 31, 2024, and verify their last date of Medicaid or CHIP coverage within this timeframe. Eligible consumers have 60 days from application submission to choose a Marketplace plan, with coverage starting on the first of the month following plan selection. While unwinding-related renewals were expected to be completed by mid-2024, many states may extend these timelines, prompting CMS to extend the SEP deadline to November 30, 2024, to accommodate these delays. This extension is optional for State-Based Marketplaces.

For more information

Bowie Baysox's Dynamic Start Spearheaded by Fabian's Grand Slam

The Bowie Baysox are off to an electrifying start this season with memorable victories, including two dramatic walk-offs. This past weekend, John Rhodes hit a game-winning single in the 10th inning to clinch a 5-4 victory over Altoona. The excitement continued with Jud Fabian's grand slam in the ninth inning of the following game, securing a 6-2 win. Fabian, boasting a .310 average and a .944 OPS, has made significant contributions early in the season.

Attendance at Prince George's Stadium has been strong, with crowds of 7,159 and 7,988 on consecutive days, reflecting a growing fanbase. Currently, the Baysox hold an 8-6 record, ranking third in their league with a plus-12 run differential, leading in both runs scored and team OPS. Their team ERA is also competitive.

Frederick Bencosme, Collin Burns, and Anthony Servideo have been pivotal in the middle infield, with Bencosme hitting an impressive .365 and driving in 12 runs over 13 games. His defensive skills have been notable, earning praise from team staff.

The team is also managing injuries effectively, with Samuel Basallo preparing to return as catcher following a stress fracture. Other players, like Silas Ardoin and Connor Pavolony, have stepped up, contributing solid batting performances and defensive play.

Overall, the Baysox are showing promise with a blend of strong hitting, strategic plays, and defensive versatility, setting a high standard for the season ahead.

For full game details

When you want to send a gift that makes a lasting impression try 3D Crystal Picture gifts. It is the perfect way to commemorate any occasion. They are perfect for graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, say I Love You and more. Best of all this gift won’t wilt or melt, plus it’s the perfect size for a desk, fireplace, dresser, armoire or credenza.

Order today. Save with coupon code 3DPICGIFT

Want to sponsor this section?  📧 Email the Bowie Insider

Today is the last day to support the families impacted by recent home fires in Bowie.

The Bowie Mayor and City Council Gift Card Drop Off for the Bowie families impacted by the recent home fires. Show your support. Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way. 8:30AM - 4:30PM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

April 22

• FY25 Budget Virtual Listening Session - Listen online at 6:30PM

• Earth Day Tree-ts, Patuxent Nursery, 2410 Crain Hwy

  Bowie, 7:00AM - 5:00PM

• EARLY morning run - Bowie, 15480 Annapolis Rd Bowie

  9:30AM - 10:30AM

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0–2, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road 11:00AM - 11:30AM

April 23

• An Agenda for Economic Justice in Prince George’s County - Virtual Event, 10:00AM

• Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness, 16500 White Marsh Pk Dr, Bowie 9:00AM

• Women, Wealth and Wisdom: Balancing Income, Health...

  South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 2:00PM - 3:00PM

• Celebrating the Military Child : A Reading Event for Active Military/Veteran Families, South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 6:30PM - 7:30PM

April 24

• Fairy Tale Fun At Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Drive

  Bowie, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• "Community Matters" With Police Chief Dwayne A. Preston, Fairmont At South Lake 620 Fairmont Drive Bowie 7:00PM - 9:00PM

• Volunteers Needed to Help Transplant Pollinator Seedlings, Kenhill Center near the community garden 2614 Kenhill Dr Bowie, MD 20715 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Teen Action Group (TAG), South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd Bowie 4:30PM - 5:30PM

• Retirement in Uncertain Markets, Rip's Country Inn 3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, 6:30PM - 8:30PM

• Broadway Song and Dance - Presented by ArtStream South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd Bowie 3:30 - 5:00 PM

• Wednesday Night Classic Jam Old Bowie Town Grille, 8604 Chestnut Ave Bowie 7:00PM

April 25

• Pollinator Garden Cleanup at the Kenhill Center, Kenhill Center 2614 Kenhill Drive Bowie, 9:00AM - 10:30AM

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0–2, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:15PM - 2:45PM

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2–3, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 11:00AM - 11:30AM

• AARP Smart Driver Course™, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr Bowie, 9:45AM to 3:00PM

• Retirement In Uncertain Markets, Rip's Country Inn 3809 Crain Highway Bowie 6:30PM - 8:30PM

April 26

• Low Keys at Old Bowie Town Grille, Old Bowie Town Grille, 8604 Chestnut Ave Bowie 7:00PM - 10:00PM

• Bond Academy Conference, 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie 8:00AM

• DOPE LOVE Listening Party, 5 Sisters Restaurant12617 Laurel - Bowie Road Laurel 6:00PM - 9:00PM

• "Shadow Hour" at Bowie Playhouse in Whitemarsh Park 16500 Whitemarsh Park Drive Bowie 8:00PM

• On Kee Jazz Presents: Jazz in the Black Box, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 7:00PM

April 27

• Walk MS: Bowie 2024, Bowie Town Center 1506 Emerald Way Bowie 9:00

• SAT Prep Bootcamp, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 10:30AM - 1:30PM

• Tai Chi at Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Dr, Bowie 10:00AM

• The Ultimate Home Buyer & Seller Brunch & Learn, Century 21 Envision 1318 Crain Highway Bowie 11:00AM - 12:30PM

• Brick & Stone Masons and PCC, IMI/BAC John J Flynn International Training Center 17101 Science Drive, Bowie 6:30AM - 2:30PM

• Joe Clair and Friends presents the Bangin’ in Bowie Comedy, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie various show times

👉️Having an event? Click Here to add it to our calendar. 👈️ 

Meme of the Day

Become a Bowie Insider Sponsor

Are you a new or existing business looking to reach the Bowie Insider community? We have advertising opportunities to showcase your business to thousands of Bowie area residents. Sponsorships include:

• Section banners

• Logo placement

• Section sponsors

• Directory listings and more.

👉 Reach out to us at [email protected]