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Community Corner

A Diversity Dialogue + MD BOE Vote For Statewide Masking Mandate

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Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Rise and shine, Laurel! It's Tuesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Laurel today.

First, today's weather: Rain in the evening and overnight. High: 83 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. A local man is dead after police said he crashed while driving the wrong way on a highway in Columbia. According to Howard County police, the crash happened around 12:30 a.m. Monday on state Route 175. Alejandro Herrera Guzman was driving a Nissan Altima and traveling west in eastbound lanes when he hit a Jeep Renegade. According to police, Guzman was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. (Associated Press)
  2. The Maryland Stop Opioid Overdose Strategy launched town hall meetings last week to address ways to combat the health crisis that has skyrocketed during the pandemic. According to Robin Rickard, director of Maryland's Opioid Operational Command Center, the meetings are a chance for Marylanders to talk about their struggles and hear methods for helping opioid users. Rickard said the town halls explore what works and what isn't working following the worst year on record for overdose deaths. (Public News Service)
  3. The Maryland State Board of Education voted for a statewide in-school masking mandate on August 26 as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. For the mandate to be finalized, the state board's decision would need approval from the state's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR). Once finalized, the mandate would be in effect for up to 180 days. State Board President Clarence Crawford and the vast majority of board members said masking was critical for keeping children safe in schools. (WYPR)

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Today in Laurel

  • The Elephant We Don't See: A Diversity Dialogue - Michelle Hamiel and Kyla Hanington discuss equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism with books as a launch point. This month's selection is "Coming of Age in Mississippi" by Anne Moody. (7:00 p.m.)
  • August Backstage Party hosted by Old Glory Harley-Davidson - Our End of the Month Party is here! Stop by to listen to DJ MacFlyte, play some games and eat some food! Space is limited so make sure you sign up to reserve your spot! (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Power Walking at Fairland Regional Park - Walking is great for your physical and mental health. Learn how to establish a walking routine and connect with others who have similar fitness goals. Participants can walk at their own pace on a route determined by the instructor. Registration for each class is required via Parks Direct. (8:00 a.m.)
  • Crafternoon - Enjoy a morning of crafting. Weather permitting, limited to the first 15 participants ages 5-12 years with adult. Materials will be provided. (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Laurel Patch Notebook

  • City of Laurel - Government: Thank you to all who participated in the City of Laurel and O-Six Ryderz MC backpack giveaway this weekend. It was a huge success! Hopefully those school supplies will get your school year off to a great start. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm a Bowie area resident with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Laurel Daily? You can reach me at Laurel@Patch.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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