🌱 County Redistricting Plan Blocked +Will BCPS Go Mask-Optional?

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get this day started. Here's everything going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Milder; a little morning rain. High: 52 Low: 27.

Here are the top three stories today in Catonsville:

• On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked a redistricting plan from the Baltimore County Council that included just one majority Black council district. County officials were ordered to adopt a new plan by March 8. Five of seven districts in the plan that was approved by the County Council in December were majority white and another had a 46.17 percent white plurality. According to U.S. Census Data, nearly 30 percent of Baltimore County residents are Black and nearly half are people of color. (Maryland Matters)
• Just a day after the Maryland State Board of Education voted to make school masking a local issue, the Baltimore County Board of Education says it will look at "a different metric" when deciding whether to allow its schools to go mask optional. Superintendent Darryl Williams said masks will become optional in schools and offices across the County on "the first day after Baltimore County has the 14 consecutive days of COVID-19 case rates in the moderate or low transmission levels." At least three Board of Education members reportedly voted in favor of a Mar. 1 date for the district to go mask optional. (WBALTV)
• Catonsville Chef Rehan Khan of Umami Mediterranean Kitchen in Catonsville is one of the finalists of 2022 Maryland Chef of the Year. Online voting will determine the winners and will take place until Feb. 28. Only one vote per person will be counted, according to organizers. (EIN)

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Today in Catonsville:

• Love Month Brunch Event (Women Only) - Women of Valor Office (11:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Join speaker Katrina Browne, director/producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North, for John L. Rabb Lectures in Contemporary Theology tomorrow on Zoom. (Patch)
• Last night, Jennings Cafe hosted local artist David S. Kirby, who began his month-long art residency in the Catonsville restaurant. His work will be displayed around the cafe and available for purchase. (Instagram)
• Baltimore County Police Department is hosting a hiring event tomorrow at the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center. Learn more in this livestream from Cpl. Wright from the BCPD's Employment Section. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Lornwood Daycare Closing/Renovation Sale. Everything Must Go (February 26)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Brilliant, Bold, Confident, Beautiful Girls Support Group Struggling with Self-Esteem Issues (March 9)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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!