Maryland
Demonstrators protest Maryland Cracker Barrel after special needs students denied service
Cracker Barrel accused of refusing to serve special needs students
11 special education students and seven staff members from Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools were refused service at a Waldorf Cracker Barrel during a community-based instruction outing.
unbranded – Newsworthy
A crowd of community members gathered under gray skies Sunday afternoon outside the Maryland Cracker Barrel where a group of special needs and autistic children were denied dine-in service earlier this month.
The demonstrators held signs reading “treat us equally” and “inclusion is a right not a privilege.” A couple wore shirts and sweatshirts with rainbow puzzle pieces, a symbol of autism awareness.
“God loves and accepts everyone! Why can’t Cracker Barrel?” another sign read.
Earlier this month, a group of 11 students and seven staff members from the Charles County Public Schools District were denied dine-in service at the Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland, Superintendent Maria Navarro said in a statement. The field trip was a part of community-based instruction for students in special education programs, allowing them to perform practical skills and socialize with the public.
The students attend Dr. James Craik Elementary School and belong to the district’s ACHIEVE program, for students with “significant cognitive disabilities” and SOAR program, for students with autism.
‘Can we eat now?’
A chant rang out among the protesters – one man with a bullhorn called out “can we eat,” while others responded, “now.”
The group broke into other chant soon after: “Treat us equally,” and “our kids matter.”
Less than a half hour after the protest began, dozens more people had joined, some with their children, covering the block next to the restaurant’s entrance.
‘Treated as human beings’
When Johnna Penrod found out about Cracker Barrel’s treatment of her daughter, who is nonverbal, and 10 of her classmates, it confirmed her already-existing fears that her daughter would struggle to be accepted out in the world.
“We should be treated as human beings, not as less than because we’re different than the average person,” said Penrod, 29, at the protest outside the restaurant on Sunday. Penrod wore a sweatshirt reading, “#CanWeEatNow,” which she said she had made for the protest.
Penrod’s husband, Dustin Reed, organized the protest when she was left dissatisfied after a meeting with Cracker Barrel executives about the incident. “They didn’t support anything that we said,” she said. “They even called our teachers liars during the meeting.”
Penrod, of nearby White Plains, said the demonstrators were a mix of friends, family, strangers and community members. “I’m very happy that it’s gotten the light that it has,” she said. “For the most part, things like this don’t come to light. It just gets ignored.”
“We are here to let the world know that everyone should be created equally, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”
Protesters block traffic
Dozens of demonstrators marched across the road outside the Cracker Barrel, blocking traffic as they chanted, “Treat us equally” and “our kids matter.”
Several cars honked in unison and support.
“There’s only two sides—equality and the other side,” one woman shouted.
What happened at the Cracker Barrel?
According to Navarro, ahead of the school group’s visit, Charles County Public Schools staff notified the Waldorf Cracker Barrel of the group’s size and purpose of its visit. But they were assured reservations were unnecessary.
Upon arrival, the Cracker Barrel general manager told teaching staff the restaurant couldn’t accommodate the group and asked for the location to be removed from an approved list of restaurants for community-based instruction field trips, Charles County Public Schools special education teacher Katie Schneider said in an email to parents.
Though the group did not dine in, the restaurant permitted the students and staff to place a to-go order. Schneider said as the group waiting inside the restaurant for the food, “servers were blatantly rude to our staff and ignored all of our students.”
After about an hour of waiting, Schneider said the students moved to wait inside the school bus outside. Ultimately, the group ate its lunch back at the elementary school.
Cracker Barrel dismisses 3 employees, opens investigation
In a statement, Cracker Barrel pushed back on Navarro’s claim that the group was refused service, adding that a staffing shortage led to the closure of the restaurant’s second dining room.
In response to the events with the school group, the restaurant’s general manager and two employees were let go, Cracker Barrel told USA TODAY. The franchise also opened an internal investigation, interviewing guests and other employees.
On Dec. 9, Cracker Barrel executives met with Charles County Public Schools staff and parents to discuss how the group was treated at the restaurant, with some parents expressing disappointment about the emotional meeting.
“We strive to create a welcoming environment and great experience for guests of all abilities, and we have a zero-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination,” Cracker Barrel said in a statement on Tuesday. “We apologize for not meeting our standards and failing to provide these students and teachers with the hospitality for which Cracker Barrel is known.”
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 18, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing
24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 9-4-0
Evening: 9-3-4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 8-3-0-6
Evening: 7-2-1-2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 5-3-8-8-7
Evening: 6-7-3-8-9
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 18 drawing
9 a.m.: 03
1 p.m.: 14
6 p.m.: 10
11 p.m.: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 18 drawing
06-20-33-34-36, Bonus: 11
Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 18 drawing
02-38-45-53-63, 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.
Buzz Williams has brought the number of new players joining the Maryland Terrapins next season to eight.
The Terps have the nation’s No. 8 freshmen recruiting class, consisting of four players including five-star small forward Baba Oladotun. Now, they have just as many transfer portal additions.
Their latest acquisition is forward Maban Jabriel, who previously spent two years with Queens University of Charlotte, a member of the ASUN.
Jabriel announced his commitment to Maryland on his Instagram account:
During his sophomore campaign with the Royals, Jabriel played in all 35 games, mainly off the bench, and averaged 7.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 19.8 minutes.
Shooting is Jabriel’s greatest strength. At 6’9″, he has the size to win battles close to the basket, but the Waterloo, Ontario native can score from all over the court.
Jabriel shot 49.5% from the field, 43.2% from deep, and 77.4% at the free throw line last season. The Terps can certainly use the help after being the worst shooting team (40.7% overall) not just in the Big Ten, but across all the Power conferences.
The rest of Maryland’s transfer class looks like this:
- Tomislav Buljan – power forward who averaged 13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists for New Mexico last season.
- Robert Jennings II – power forward who averaged 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists for Oklahoma State in 2024-25 (injured most of last season).
- Bishop Boswell – combo guard who averaged 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for Tennessee last season.
Put together, the Terps currently have the No. 4 incoming crop of players, according to 247 Sports. That figure was as high as No. 1 this offseason and could rise back up with additional moves.
Maryland is confirmed to be keeping at least three players from last season: Rakease Passmore, who redshirted due to injury, along with Andre Mills and George Turkson Jr.
Pharrel Payne also wishes to return but is waiting for his medical hardship waiver to be approved by the NCAA.
That leaves Buzz with three scholarship spots to fill – either with more transfers or the undecided members of last year’s team, Myles Rice and Guillermo Del Pino.
Players only have until this Tuesday, April 21 to enter the portal, so a decision for both Rice and Del Pino will be made soon.
Maryland On SI will continue to cover the Terps’ transfer portal transactions as they occur.
More from Maryland On SI
Stay up to date with the Terrapins by bookmarking Maryland On SI and follow us on Twitter.
Follow
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 17, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 17 drawing
38-43-44-49-62, Mega Ball: 08
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 17 drawing
Midday: 2-2-6
Evening: 5-7-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 17 drawing
Midday: 6-8-3-7
Evening: 4-4-9-3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 17 drawing
Midday: 0-3-7-6-8
Evening: 1-5-3-9-6
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 17 drawing
9 a.m.: 04
1 p.m.: 07
6 p.m.: 07
11 p.m.: 12
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 17 drawing
08-15-17-26-28, Bonus: 19
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.
-
Florida5 minutes agoSNAP benefits will be changing in Florida starting Monday
-
Georgia11 minutes agoGeorgia on nobody’s mind: The Dawgs are under the radar, and that’s a compliment
-
Hawaii17 minutes agoLarge section of Aloha Stadium demolished as project proceeds – West Hawaii Today
-
Idaho23 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on April 18, 2026
-
Illinois29 minutes ago5 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois from Friday’s storms
-
Indiana35 minutes agoAn Indiana district turned to voters to fund more preschool seats. Here’s what happened next.
-
Iowa41 minutes agoVote: Who Should be Iowa’s High School Athlete of the Week? (4/19/2026)
-
Kansas47 minutes agoKansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits