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Maryland
It just got tougher to ban books in Maryland school libraries
Maryland’s school board on Tuesday approved changes in state regulations to align with a law that prevents removing books from school libraries without due process.
The move adds another layer of protection for school library books in Maryland amid attempts by conservative activists to pull books they view as inappropriate. The change will go into effect after a regulatory review process.
Last year, state lawmakers passed the Freedom to Read Act. It prevents school and public library books from being removed because of an author’s background as well as partisan, ideological or religious disapproval.
Under the law, school systems are required to implement a policy that explains how members of the public can challenge a book they disapprove of. And school systems cannot remove a challenged book until after the review process is complete.
The law and state regulation do not cover classroom books or materials.
The Freedom to Read Act was a response to attempted book bans in public school districts, including in Carroll County, where a local Moms for Liberty chapter, a conservative parental rights group, campaigned to remove library books that it considered inappropriate. It resulted in the temporary removal of over 50 books. Some stayed off the shelves for good after a review process. Carroll’s school board also tightened its policy so that no textbooks or library books deemed sexually explicit could be available in the schools.
Parents and educators who opposed those moves argued that decisions about books should be left to the professionals — librarians.
Carroll County commissioners threatened to pull funding from its local library system because library staff advocated for the bill in Annapolis. The commission president even referred to the Freedom to Read Act as an anti-Carroll County bill.
Tuesday’s vote by the state school board was unanimous.
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The proposed changes in the state regulation include updated definitions, examples of professional development available to school library staff, and the need for schools to have a certified librarian on staff.
Kimberly Cowles, the state’s educational program specialist for school library media, said at the meeting that she doesn’t see the Freedom to Read Act as something that’s for or against book bans.
“It just adds transparency to the whole process, so parents and teachers, or whoever has an objection to a book, that they know exactly what the process is,” she said.
Josh Michael, head of the state school board and the executive director of the Sherman Family Foundation, a financial supporter of The Banner, affirmed that although Maryland has a culture of local control when it comes to its school systems, it is important that the standards set by the state are upheld.
About the Education Hub
This reporting is part of The Banner’s Education Hub, community-funded journalism that provides parents with resources they need to make decisions about how their children learn. Read more.
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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