🌱 Laurel Daily: Horse Racing Resumes + Loaded Handgun At School

Hello, people of Laurel! It's me, Diane Witek, your host of the Laurel Daily. Here are the top 4 stories in Laurel today.

First, today's weather:

Variably cloudy and breezy. High: 63, low: 50.

Here are the top stories in Laurel today:

1. Horse racing resumes at Laurel Park after suspension to address fatal injuries. Horse racing will resume Thursday afternoon at Laurel Park Race Track after a nearly two-week suspension. View video. (CBS Baltimore)
2. 15-year-old student was charged for bringing a loaded handgun to Howard County High School. A student at Reservoir High School in Fulton was arrested and is charged with bringing a gun into the school on Tuesday, Howard County Police said. (CBS Baltimore)
3. Chesapeake native’s dreams are coming true at NASA astronaut training. Andre Douglas has wanted to explore space since he was 7 and loved watching science fiction movies with his father. Twenty-eight years later, the Western Branch High School graduate is 1 of 10 members of NASA’s 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class, an elite group chosen from more than 12,000 applicants nationwide. Douglas will start a two-year NASA training program in January, which could qualify him for future trips to the International Space Station, the moon and even Mars. (Virginian-Pilot)
4. Howard County launches new efforts to combat bus driver shortage. "Throughout this pandemic, businesses and organizations have faced challenges with employee turnover and recruitment. We’re seeing this issue across industries, including transportation. To continue ensuring excellent service to our community — so that many of our residents can get to work, to the grocery store, and to their doctor's appointment, we must recruit and retain drivers. Our goal has always been to increase the reliability and accessibility of transportation here in Howard County for people of all abilities — and the efforts we’ve outlined today are a step forward to address this driver shortage," said Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive. (Howard County Government)

From our sponsor:

Hey Laurel, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Laurel:

• CMIT Winter Wonderland Movie Night (NHS). (6 p.m.)
• Laurel’s Christmas Trees: A Collections Conversation. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Anne Arundel County Police: "Package thefts can happen anywhere at any time. Take these simple steps to lower your chances of being victimized by these thieves!" (Instagram)
• Laurel Police Department: "It is important to us that our entire department is trained to help others if ever needed. Every member of the LPD takes part in CPR and AED training and certification to include all of our civilian employees." (Facebook)
• City of Laurel - Government: "City of Laurel Offices, including the Passport Office will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Refuse and recycling schedules are also affected by the holidays." (Facebook)
• City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development: "January is right around the corner — are you prepared to make the switch from single-use plastic bags to environmentally friendly bags? The City is here to help!" (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 3 Gear Games / 3 Gear Studios. (Visit website)
• Add your business here.

Events:

• 14,000+SF Potomac Manor Online Auction, Real Estate & Furniture. Located at 11804 Centurion Way, Potomac. (Dec. 16)
• Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD’s Sunniest Blooms. FTD Flowers . (Dec. 21)
• Winter Break Art Camp. Located at The Thrifty Teacher, All Saints Road, Laurel. (Dec. 27)
• Add your event.

Loving the Laurel 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.
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at alexiswritesforpatch@gmail.com

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Diane Witek

About me: Impassioned Writer, Website Designer, Social Media Marketer and newly proclaimed Baker. Lover of nature and animals of all kinds.