Maryland
Cracker Barrel ‘refused service’ to special education students at Maryland restaurant, school says
“I don’t have the option of being quiet about these things,” parent Stacey Campbell said after speaking out on the incident.
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A field trip for special education students to a Cracker Barrel in Maryland this week has resulted in outcry from teachers and parents.
On Tuesday, a group of 11 students and seven staff members from Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools District were “refused service” at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Waldorf, Maryland, Superintendent Maria Navarro said in a statement. The outing was a part of community-based instruction for students at the district’s Dr. James Craik Elementary School. The instruction allows students in special education programs to perform practical skills and socialize with the public.
The Cracker Barrel general manager told teaching staff the restaurant “cannot accommodate to your group” and that the restaurant should be removed from the approved list of restaurants for community-based instruction, Charles County Public Schools special education teacher Katie Schneider told parents in an email, which has been shared online.
Stacey Campbell told USA TODAY that her autistic, non-speaking 9-year-old son, who goes by “JoJo,” attended the outing on Tuesday.
“I saw red,” Campbell said about when she read Schneider’s email.
“JoJo” attends Charles County Public Schools’ ACHIEVE, a regional program in Charles County that serves students in kindergarten through age 21 with “significant cognitive disabilities.” Students in the school district’s ACHIEVE and SOAR (regional program for students with Autism) programs attend community-based instruction outings once a month between November and May, Campbell said.
What happened at the Cracker Barrel?
In her statement, Navarro said Charles County Public Schools staff notified the Waldorf Cracker Barrel of the group’s size and purpose of its visit, but they were told reservations were unnecessary.
Though the group did not ultimately dine-in, the restaurant did permit the students and staff to place a carryout to-go order, Schneider said in her email to parents.
“During this time, the servers were blatantly rude to our staff and ignored all of our students, Schneider continued in her email. “Refusing to serve them, they did not even ask if our students wanted a drink or anything. Our students were so well behaved and sat at the tables patiently, which you know can be hard, waiting for their food and drinks to-go.”
After about an hour of waiting, Schneider said the students were moved to wait outside on the school bus. They ate the lunch back at the elementary school. Schneider did not immediately respond for comment about the experience when contacted on Friday afternoon.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Cracker Barrel said a “staffing challenge” led to impacting the group’s experience.
“At Cracker Barrel, we strive to create a welcoming environment for all our guests, and we understand that a recent visit by this group to our Waldorf location fell short of those expectations,” the statement reads. “A staffing challenge that day led to the closure of part of our second dining room, creating confusion that impacted the group’s experience. We take this matter seriously and are working directly with the group’s leadership to better understand what happened, extend our apologies and make things right.”
Parent organizes protest at Cracker Barrel
In response to this week’s events, Dustin Reed, whose 7-year-old daughter Madelynn attended the community-based instruction outing, has organized a protest to occur at the Waldorf Cracker Barrel on Sunday afternoon. Madelynn attends the districts’ SOAR program.
“I can’t put into words how I felt − anger, sadness and worry,” Reed told USA TODAY about learning of what happened at the restaurant. “I’ve battled wanting to protect (and) shield her from the world but not forgetting why we’re doing this. I’ve spent more time crying over her and praying she never has to experience this again.”
Reed said he hopes the protest sheds light on the fact that just because some children have different abilities, it doesn’t make them less than anyone else.
Screenshots of Schneider’s email, shared by Campbell in a public Facebook group, have garnered a lot of attention, with the post boasting nearly 300 shares, as of Friday afternoon. Campbell said she doesn’t have much of a social media presence, but she felt obligated to share her son’s experience.
“I don’t have the option of being quiet about these things,” Campbell said.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 20, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 20 drawing
09-17-36-47-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 20 drawing
Midday: 9-0-3
Evening: 2-5-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 20 drawing
Midday: 3-9-2-7
Evening: 7-1-6-4
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 20 drawing
Midday: 8-1-3-5-6
Evening: 5-1-8-0-5
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 20 drawing
9 a.m.: 11
1 p.m.: 11
6 p.m.: 04
11 p.m.: 05
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 20 drawing
01-12-21-25-26, Bonus: 36
Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MultiMatch numbers from April 20 drawing
06-11-19-31-32-38
Check MultiMatch payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 20 drawing
04-29-35-40-43, Powerball: 21
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Keno
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.
Claiming by Mail
Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:
Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center
1800 Washington Boulevard
Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21230
For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.
Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less
Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:
- Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
- MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
- Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
- Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
- Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
- Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.
When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
- Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
- Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
- Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.
CHESTER, MD. (WBFF) — Maryland State Police have charged a Queen Anne’s County man with attempted murder in connection with a trooper-involved shooting in Chester last week.
Police said Preston Scott Carter, 21, of Chester was arrested and, after consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Queen Anne’s County, charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and related assault charges. After being treated at a local hospital, Carter was transported to the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond, police said.
The shooting happened at about 3:40 p.m. on April 16, when troopers from the Centreville Barrack responded to the unit block of Sherman Way in Chester for a reported disturbance. A 9-1-1 caller told police a man with a knife was making threats, according to Maryland State Police.
ALSO READ | Abingdon man convicted of first-degree murder, firearm charges in wife’s death
Troopers met with the complainant when they arrived. While a trooper was making contact with the complainant, police said a man later identified as Carter advanced toward the trooper while wielding a knife. The trooper then fired her agency-issued firearm, striking him.
Police said medical treatment was immediately administered at the scene and Carter was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center. No other injuries were reported.
The trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, in line with department policy and standard procedures.
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The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, and the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also conduct an investigation.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 9-7-6
Evening: 9-9-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 8-9-6-5
Evening: 5-4-6-8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 4-1-8-4-3
Evening: 3-8-7-7-7
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 19 drawing
9 a.m.: 13
1 p.m.: 15
6 p.m.: 08
11 p.m.: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
06-19-27-30-36, Bonus: 12
Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Keno
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.
Claiming by Mail
Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:
Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center
1800 Washington Boulevard
Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21230
For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.
Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less
Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:
- Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
- MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
- Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
- Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
- Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
- Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.
When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
- Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
- Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
- Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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