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Community Corner

🌱Gov. Hogan Vetoed Gerrymandered Map + MD Nonprofits Struggle

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Laurel.

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Milder with clouds and sun. High: 52 Low: 42.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. It looks like Maryland Racing Commission's patience with the ongoing track issues at Laurel Park has run out. During a contentious meeting on Tuesday, Maryland Racing Commissioner Konrad Wayson said he is "shocked" to be "back here again." The Commission appears to be willing to take control of the situation. Commission chairman Michael Algeo said they "have an obligation to act." According to Algeo, horses will not run again "until it's safe to run." This decision comes on the heels of eight horses dying on Laurel Park's extensively renovated main track. (theracingbiz.com)
  2. According to Maryland Nonprofit survey data released last week, minority-led nonprofits struggled greatly during the pandemic. This is due to a lack of government funding and catastrophic losses on every income source. Hoping to gain solutions to this distress, over 215 nonprofits and individuals are calling for state administrators to allocate $1 billion of Maryland's reported budget surplus to aid struggling nonprofits. (WTOP)
  3. Governor Larry Hogan recently vetoed the "antidemocratic, gerrymandered congressional map" passed along party lines by the Maryland General Assembly. He called on the Biden administration to immediately add the State of Maryland to its lawsuit against Texas for violations of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Gov. Hogan also urged lawmakers to take action on emergency crime legislation during the special session. The governor is said to be fighting on "behalf of all the people of Maryland who value fairness and integrity in our elections and in our political system" which is why he vetoed these maps. (Maryland.gov)

Today's Laurel Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Laurel!

Today in Laurel:

  • Parent's Night Out: Shrek—Every parent needs a night out! Take that time and bring your child to The Thrifty Teacher for a night of fun! Bring your child already in their pajamas so that they are ready to jump into bed when they get home. Your child will be guided through a Gingerbread painting, have pizza for dinner, and then enjoy Shrek the movie (rated PG). Limited spots remaining! Register today. (5:30 p.m.)
  • Luann de Lesseps: A Very Countess Christmas!—See Luann de Lesseps,"The Real Housewives of New York City" fan favorite, has played to sold-out crowds across the country. Now, she is helping ring in the Holiday Season, with her own special brand of cheer. The show will be helmed by popular Director, Richard Jay-Alexander and the legendary Billy Stritch serves as her Musical Director/Arranger. "The Countess" is promising plenty of fun, great music and surprises! (6:30 p.m.)
  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Re-opened on 9701 Fort Meade Road in Laurel! (8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
  • AFI European Union Film Showcase Festival—The AFI European Union Film Showcase continues its tradition of bringing the best in European cinema to Washington, D.C.-area audiences. This year's selection includes 53 films from all 27 EU Member States, 11 of the top contenders for this year's Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and 13 U.S. and North American premieres. (11:15 a.m.)
  • Christmas Walk of Wonder—Hosted by Bethany Church, this special holiday event provides an outdoor journey through thousands of Christmas lights and a fanciful forest of themed Christmas trees telling the story of Jesus Christ's birth. A live animal nativity will bring Bethlehem to Ellicott City as attendees enjoy performances of live musicians and original music videos recorded by the Bethany Church Music Ministry and shown on a 20 foot screen. Kids of all ages will have fun skating on the synthetic ice rink. Flavorful concessions will be available for purchase featuring hot foods, drinks, and tasty treats. Reservations are required to secure path entry time. (5:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • City of Laurel - Government: Congratulations to the Laurel Stallions 7-and-under team. They just won the American Youth Football National Championship in Florida! The team won on a last second touchdown and remained undefeated for the season. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Police Department: Last-minute holiday shopping? Slow down. #BeTheDriver who is always aware of pedestrians in crosswalks and parking lots. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: What do you really know about how the new infrastructure bill will impact the City of Laurel? Check out this story from Laurel TV. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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.

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

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