🌱 Baltimore County Bag Ban Debate + BCPD-Involved Shooting + Book Ban

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Catonsville Daily — here to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Catonsville Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Catonsville long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; windy, colder. High: 32 Low: 12.

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Here are the top three stories in Catonsville today:

1. At a work session meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31, Baltimore County Councilmembers debated the controversial bag ban bill. Some wanted Baltimore County businesses to be barred from using plastic bags due to the environmental impact, including fouling waterways and overloading landfills. Others said the proposed bill would put an undue burden on businesses and shoppers alike. A vote for the bag ban legislation is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 6. (Baltimore Fishbowl)
2. The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred in nearby White Marsh on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Detective J. Trenary, a 16-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, and other detectives with the Baltimore County Police Department’s Criminal Apprehension Support Team were conducting surveillance on an SUV. Trenary shot the driver, an adult man, in the upper body while trying to apprehend him. As of Feb. 2, the driver remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Neither the detectives nor the police vehicles had cameras to record the incident. (Fox Baltimore)
3. Members of the Republican Women of Baltimore County and the Patriot Club of America have been lobbying to remove two books, "Lawn Boy" and "Gender Queer," from Baltimore County School Libraries for over a year. Jolie McShane, a member of the Republican Women of Baltimore County, said, "This is not a book-banning exercise. This is asking to get pornography and obscene books out of our schools where they do not belong." A Baltimore County Public Schools academic officer said that "removing the book would create a less LGBTQ+ supportive school environment." (Fox Baltimore)

Today in and around Catonsville:

• Teen Time At Catonsville Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Live Music At Cross Street Market In Baltimore (5:00 PM)
• The Vibe At The CIVIL In Baltimore (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• ilyAIMY and Ayreheart are performing live at the Catonsville Clubhouse at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11! You can buy tickets and learn more here. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)
• Need a fun diversion from the winter blues? Check out "Shadowbox Vision Boards" at the Catonsville Clubhouse on Saturday, Feb. 4! Participants will be given a cigar box, canvas board, and materials to create unique shadowbox vision boards. You can learn more about the event and buy tickets here. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)
• Congratulations to Jordan Negley, who will continue his baseball career at the Community College of Baltimore County – Catonsville! (Cedar Cliff Athletics via Twitter)

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Events:

• Antwerpen Automotive Career Fair (February 7)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 8)
• No Place Like Home (February 25)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!