Controversy Erupts over Book Review Committee at Harford County Board of Education

Controversy Erupts over Book Review Committee at Harford County Board of Education

<sub>Harford County Board of Education Vice President, Melissa Hahn, has identified six books that she and other parents deem inappropriate for county schools. The books include "Gender Queer," "Flamer," "Lawn Boy," "All Boys Aren't Blue," "A is for Activist," and "Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human." Most of the books center around LGBTQIA+ themes and gender identity. Hahn clarified that they are not attempting to ban books, but rather want educational and age-appropriate materials in schools.

The controversy arose following concerns about the formation of a new book review committee. However, school officials clarified that the committee is not intended to review books but instead evaluates the way the school system purchases and evaluates reading materials. Hahn revealed that the six books she mentioned are currently in middle and high schools in the county, with some also being present in elementary schools.

Two of the books, "Gender Queer" and "Lawn Boy," have been challenged in numerous school districts across the country for their sexually explicit content. "Gender Queer" was banned in 56 school districts between July 2021 and December 2022, while "Lawn Boy" was challenged in at least 35 school districts. Several books on the list have also faced challenges in neighboring counties.

Amidst the controversy, Superintendent Sean Bulson clarified that the book review committee is not a ban committee but a work group representing various stakeholders to evaluate the process of evaluating and selecting library materials. The formation of the committee drew criticism from community members who accused the school board of lacking transparency and suggested that it was influenced by conservative political action group Moms For Liberty.</sub>

Maryland Residents Challenged by New Gun Regulations

_{Maryland is implementing new gun laws following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated the state's previous regulations. The changes, which aim to address concerns about the constitutionality of the laws, include restrictions on gun possession, carry locations, and storage.}

_{Gun control advocates are pleased with the legislation, but there have been challenges from those who view the laws as too restrictive. Federal lawsuits have been filed, and a federal judge has made modifications to the legislation. Maryland residents need to familiarize themselves with the new regulations to ensure compliance.}

Maryland Homebuilder Accused of Misappropriating Consumer Payments

<sub>Maryland Attorney General Takes Action Against Homebuilder for Failing to Complete Construction

The Maryland Attorney General has recently filed a cease-and-desist order against a Harford County homebuilder, Korey Homes Building Group, and its principals, Korey Wayne Smith and Kenneth W. Smith. The order accuses the homebuilder of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from consumers without completing their construction projects. In addition to violating the Consumer Protection Act, the order charges Korey Homes with misappropriating consumer payments and engaging in unfair trade practices.

The Maryland Consumer Protection Division is seeking injunctive relief, restitution, economic damages, and civil penalties from Korey Homes and its principals. The order comes after the homebuilder forfeited its status of good standing in 2019 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy during the same year. This is not the first time Korey Homes has faced legal scrutiny for failing to make payments, as a subcontractor previously filed a negligence action against the company for non-payment.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized that building a house requires significant time, commitment, and money, making it a dream for many families. Consumers should be able to trust their builder to fulfill their promises and provide lawful services. An administrative hearing on this matter is scheduled to begin on December 6th.</sub>

Shots Fired near Edgewood High School after Football Game

<sub>Gunshots were heard near Edgewood High School following a football game, resulting in the immediate arrest of two suspects. However, there are still others being sought in connection with the incident. Deputies present at the game were alerted to the shooting as students were leaving the area. It has been determined that the shots were fired in close proximity to the front of the school, but not near the stadium. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Evidence confirming that a shooting took place was found at the scene, and charges against the arrested individuals are currently pending. The investigation into the incident continues.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who has any information about the incident to contact Detective Ross at 443-409-3555. The Sheriff’s Office also extends its appreciation to parents, students, and school staff for their calmness and assistance in ensuring the orderly dispersal of the crowd.</sub>

October 04 Mystery & Macabre Kensington Book Buzz Virtual

October 04 Walk Maryland: Walk and Wellness Event Street

October 05 FAFSA Application Workshop Bel Air

October 06 An Evening of Jazz: BLAKE MEISTER, BASS Bel Air

October 06-08 The Ramble Festival Darlington

October 07 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Aberdeen

October 07 4-H Fall Fest and Open House Street

October 07-08 Stellar Con 2023 Bel Air

October 17 Meet the Author: Mark Dawidziak Abingdon

October 19 Choose Hope Celebration Gala Belcamp

October 21 8th Annual Spooky Soiree Edgewood

October 22 SUPERSTAR: The Carpenters Reimagined Bel Air

October 27 Sneaker Ball Luxe Edition Edgewood

Joppatowne Misses Opportunities as Edgewood Secures Victory

<sub>Edgewood and Joppatowne high school football teams had a unique experience as part of the Ravens RISE High School Football Showdown. Instead of their usual pregame routine, the players gathered under inflatable tents in the end zone, enveloped in a captivating atmosphere created by smoke machines. The presence of Ravens linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Tavius Robinson added to the excitement, as they addressed the teams and shared their own high school experiences. The event left a lasting impression on the players, inspiring them through the presence of professional athletes.

Clowney, a graduate of South Pointe High in South Carolina, and Robinson, an alumnus of Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute in Canada, motivated the players to give their all on the field. Clowney reminded them to seize every opportunity, while Robinson emphasized the uniqueness of Friday night football games, urging them to treasure their time in high school. The visit from the Ravens linebackers left the teams visibly energized, with some players even shedding tears of joy. The presence of successful athletes who had also come from high school football was a humbling experience for these young athletes.

The impact of the Ravens players' visit was evident once the game began. Edgewood took an early lead with a well-executed drive resulting in a rushing touchdown. Their quarterback also contributed to the scoring. On the other hand, Joppatowne struggled to find their rhythm and made several mistakes that hindered their progress, including fumbles. Edgewood's dominance was reflected in a halftime score of 20-6, although they missed opportunities to further extend their lead.

Despite their early lead, Edgewood coach Keith Rawlings emphasized the need for his team to maintain their momentum. While praising the team's ability to stop Joppatowne's running game, he highlighted areas that needed improvement. Joppatowne had chances to narrow the gap, but their failure to capitalize on those opportunities ultimately led to a demoralizing defeat. Despite the loss, Joppatowne coach Albert Goode III praised his team's resilience and determination in the second half, recognizing that football is a team sport that requires all players to perform effectively.

The Ravens RISE High School Football Showdown not only provided an exciting game but also offered opportunities for community engagement. Attendees participated in raffles and had the chance to nominate deserving female student-athletes for an award. The chosen recipient will win game tickets and a VIP experience at a Ravens' home game. Overall, the event was a memorable experience for Edgewood and Joppatowne, allowing them to taste a bit of the NFL. The presence of professional players and the electrifying atmosphere created a unique and inspiring environment for these young athletes.</sub>

_{Final Score: Edgewood 32 - Joppatowne 12}

Ravens Football

Ravens are now 3-1-0 this season as they look forward to taken on the Steelers next week in Pittsburgh!

Injury-ridden Baltimore Ravens overcome adversity to defeat the Cleveland Browns

<sub>In a dominant performance, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns with a score of 28-3. Despite missing key players due to injuries, including two starting receivers and their left tackle, the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson led the team to victory. Jackson ran for two touchdowns, threw for two more, and made the Browns' defense look ineffective. His exceptional plays and leadership sealed the Ravens' win and propelled them to the top of the AFC North standings.

The Browns, already without injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, started rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who struggled in his NFL debut. Thompson-Robinson threw three interceptions, was sacked four times, and failed to generate any significant offense. The Browns' offense only gained 166 yards the entire game, with 53 of those yards coming during a meaningless final drive. The absence of key players, including star running back Nick Chubb, and the underperformance of their rookie quarterback contributed to the Browns' defeat.

Despite being short-handed due to injuries, the Ravens relied on Lamar Jackson's exceptional skills to secure their victory. Jackson's ability to make plays, even when the initial play broke down, impressed his teammates and coaches. Ravens coach John Harbaugh commended Jackson's performance and acknowledged that he brings his full skillset to every game. With this win, the Ravens took sole possession of first place in the AFC North, while the Browns struggled to find their rhythm without their injured starters.</sub>

Orioles Baseball

Baltimore Orioles Split Series with Boston Red Sox in Regular-Season Finale

<sub>Tanner Houck pitched an impressive game for the last-place Boston Red Sox, leading them to a 6-1 victory over the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles in their regular-season finale. Houck threw six innings of one-hit ball, allowing only a single by Anthony Santander in the sixth inning. The win resulted in a series split for the Red Sox against the Orioles, who have home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.

While Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde expressed disappointment in their performance in the final game, he praised his team for their strong play throughout the season. The Orioles finished with a record of 101-61, tied with the 1971 team for the fourth-most wins in club history. The team will now have a well-deserved break before returning to prepare for the Division Series opener on October 7.</sub>

_{Baltimore went 7-6 against Boston this year.}

Join the Baltimore Orioles in Paying Tribute to Baseball Icon Brooks Robinson

<sub>Baltimore Orioles Set to Honor Late Legend Brooks Robinson with Public Memorial

On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Baltimore Orioles will hold a public memorial at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to pay tribute to the late Orioles legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Brooks Robinson. This event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., aims to celebrate Robinson's immense contributions to the Orioles organization, the city of Baltimore, and the sport of baseball.

To accommodate fans, the Orioles have arranged complimentary parking in Lots A/B/C, with entrance via Gate E. The parking lots will open at 8:30 a.m., providing ample time for attendees to arrive before the memorial starts at 10:00 a.m. This event will not require tickets, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to join.

Brooks Robinson, a renowned third baseman, passed away on Tuesday at the remarkable age of 86. Throughout his impressive 23-year career, he remained loyal to the Orioles, leaving an indelible mark on the team. Even after retiring as a player, Robinson continued contributing to the organization as a coach, broadcaster, and Special Advisor Liaison.

In honor of Robinson's legacy, the Orioles have suggested that, instead of sending flowers, fans can make donations to The Constance and Brooks Robinson Charitable Foundation. Donations can be directed to 2 Railroad Avenue, Glyndon, MD, 21071.</sub>

Rest In Peace Brooks Robinson (1937 - 2023)

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