🌱 Local Posed As Police To Rob & Torture + Meteor Shower Tonight

Hello again, Catonsville! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Catonsville Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Catonsville Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local 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.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 65 Low: 50.

Here are the top three stories today in Catonsville:

1. Four Baltimore-area men, including one from Catonsville, are facing federal charges for posing as police officers, carjacking, assault, and robbery from May 3 through Aug. 26, 2021. According to the indictment, 32-year-old Franklin Jay Smith of Catonsville and the three other men dressed as police officers to get the victims out of their vehicles. The suspects allegedly used a blowtorch to burn the victims to get information about the check-cashing businesses where the victims worked. Smith and his accomplices then robbed the check-cashing businesses, according to the indictment. Smith is expected to have his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on May 2, 2022. (Baltimore Sun)
2. According to NASA, the Lyrid meteor shower is the first of the spring meteor showers, and it produces about 15 or 20 shooting stars an hour. And historically it has produced bright Lyrid fireballs that leave large dust trails that last for several seconds. The National Weather Service reported that tonight, Apr. 21, is one of the best nights to view the Lyrid meteor shower because the skies will be mostly clear. Tomorrow, Apr. 22, the skies will be mostly cloudy according to the National Weather Service. Unfortunately, the UMBC Observatory near Catonsville has suspended in-person viewing because of COVID-19 precautions. But NASA said to go to any "dark sky location" and "lie flat on your back with your feet facing east" to see the meteor shower. (Patch Maryland)
3. Celebrate Earth Day at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, located at 300 Oella Avenue in Catonsville, on Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022. Adults and children will learn how to create fun projects from recycled materials, including a hydroponic garden to take home. Registration is required. (Catonsville Patch)

Today in Catonsville:

• Weekly Food Pantry At Women of Valor Office (11:00 AM)
• Poetry Open Mic with Patti Ross At Catonsville Clubhouse (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations Sam Jaudon from Catonsville for face-off and ground ball career-highs! Sam won 18 of 21 faceoffs and scooped up a game-best 14 ground balls! View the link for the full story. (The Southern Maryland Chronicle)
• A new exhibit is coming to the Catonsville Clubhouse in May! "Degrees of Separation" explores proximity and spatial relation, and how that affects an individual’s ability to understand, experience, and engage. Click the link for more information. (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Community Self-Defense: Adults and Teens (Ukraine benefit) (April 24)
• D.C.Temple Public Open House (April 28)
• Add your event

Loving the Catonsville Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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!