Russett's Juliette Whittaker advances to the Women's 800M Olympics Finals today in Paris, France. The 20 year old Stanford University junior and 2021 - 2022 Gatorade  National Player of the Year in Maryland for Girls Track & Field, will compete in a competitive field beginning at 3:30PM EST today.

Rev. Herbert Watson, the longtime pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church (Hanover), passed last week due to pancreatic cancer according to his wife. Watson served for over 45 years in ministry and was a well known presence in the community and the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Watson, a native of Baltimore City, also served as police chaplain, and supported numerous causes throughout the community. Funeral arrangements are still pending as of this posting.

Congratulations to our friend Major Daniel Rodriguez on his promotion. Rodriguez, the former Captain for the Western District in Anne Arundel County, leads the County's SWAT response and is widely credited with creating a more responsive community-police collaboration model in Russett, Severn, Hanover, and Odenton.

Anne Arundel County Police have responded to two, fatal car accidents along Route 198 within the past twenty-four hours. In the first incident, police say that Jeff Charles of Laurel was killed near Laurel Racetrack Road around midnight when his Jeep Wrangler, for reasons that are currently unknown, "crossed into the eastbound lanes while continuing to travel westbound. The Jeep jumped the curb and struck a guardrail before going airborne." Police say that Charles was ejected from the vehicle and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. In a second, unrelated incident some eleven hours later, 37 year old David Pulaski of Rockville was struck and killed while crossing Route 198 at Old Annapolis Road. Pulaski was also pronounced deceased at the scene. The Traffic Safety Section for Anne Arundel County Police is investigating both incidents.

Retired Army Colonel Mike Rogers, Candidate for Congress, Condemns Trump's NATO Remarks. Receives National Endorsement from Bipartisan "With Honor" Group. By Russett Reader Staff Columbia,MD Standing with about a dozen fellow veterans in the shadow of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mike Rogers took the opportunity to condemn Donald Trump's recent remarks to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to topple member countries of the NATO alliance. "For generations now, NATO has stood on the front lines of protecting Democratic ideas around the globe. I've had the honor of serving with many soldiers from NATO countries who have placed their lives on the line to fight against Russian aggression where ever it may exists. Trump's remarks are astounding in its foolishness and serve as another reminder about why we need to turn up the vote in this election," said Rogers. Rogers is a retired Army Colonel. Rogers' remarks follows a prized endorsement for his Congressional run by "With Honor" which supports veterans committed to finding common ground solutions in Congress. The group's advisory board counts among its members former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, barrier breaking General Nadja West, and former Senate Democrat Leader Tom Daschle. The "With Honor" endorsement follows a recent endorsement for Rogers' Congressional campaign by "Democrat Serves." Rogers said he is "absolutely honored" to be endorsed by the bipartisan group. He says that there is a hunger in this country right now for proven leaders who can work across the aisle on important issues. "I think the 'With Honor' endorsement acknowledges a lifetime of my work fighting for our Democracy, voting rights, and women's rights. I've worked on these issues during my time in the Maryland General Assembly. I've supported protections for fire fighters in Maryland, worked to increase pay for teachers, and fought for a living wage and affordable housing. During my youth, my family at one time had to rely on America's safety net. So, I don't come to the struggles of everyday Americans as a stranger. I intend to bring the same fight as your next member of Congress," said Rogers. Rogers concluded his remarks by pressing Congress to fully fund aid to Ukraine. He said as the Chair of the Veterans Caucus in the Maryland General Assembly, that he is proud of the patriotic work that so many Maryland veterans are contributing on behalf of Ukraine. "Right behind me, here at the U.S. Naval Academy, are future officers who will continue to lead the fight for our values as a country. We should be mindful of their sacrifices and I will most certainly be an advocate for them in Congress. Ukraine matters as does voting rights, women's rights, and access to opportunity and education. We've got to get this right for the young leaders behind me. I appreciate them as I'm sure all of Maryland does." Rogers is running for Congress in Maryland's Third Congressional District which includes the cities of Annapolis, Severn, Hanover, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Fulton, Columbia, Clarksville, and Ellicott City.

By Russett Reader Staff Columbia,MD Standing with about a dozen fellow veterans in the shadow of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mike Rogers took the opportunity to condemn Donald Trump's recent remarks to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to topple member countries of the NATO alliance. "For generations now, NATO has stood on the front lines of protecting Democratic ideas around the globe. I've had the honor of serving with many soldiers from NATO countries who have placed their lives on the line to fight against Russian aggression where ever it may exists. Trump's remarks are astounding in its foolishness and serve as another reminder about why we need to turn up the vote in this election," said Rogers. Rogers is a retired Army Colonel. Rogers' remarks follows a prized endorsement for his Congressional run by "With Honor" which supports veterans committed to finding common ground solutions in Congress. The group's advisory board counts among its members former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, barrier breaking General Nadja West, and former Senate Democrat Leader Tom Daschle. The "With Honor" endorsement follows a recent endorsement for Rogers' Congressional campaign by "Democrat Serves." Rogers said he is "absolutely honored" to be endorsed by the bipartisan group. He says that there is a hunger in this country right now for proven leaders who can work across the aisle on important issues. "I think the 'With Honor' endorsement acknowledges a lifetime of my work fighting for our Democracy, voting rights, and women's rights. I've worked on these issues during my time in the Maryland General Assembly. I've supported protections for fire fighters in Maryland, worked to increase pay for teachers, and fought for a living wage and affordable housing. During my youth, my family at one time had to rely on America's safety net. So, I don't come to the struggles of everyday Americans as a stranger. I intend to bring the same fight as your next member of Congress," said Rogers. Rogers concluded his remarks by pressing Congress to fully fund aid to Ukraine. He said as the Chair of the Veterans Caucus in the Maryland General Assembly, that he is proud of the patriotic work that so many Maryland veterans are contributing on behalf of Ukraine. "Right behind me, here at the U.S. Naval Academy, are future officers who will continue to lead the fight for our values as a country. We should be mindful of their sacrifices and I will most certainly be an advocate for them in Congress. Ukraine matters as does voting rights, women's rights, and access to opportunity and education. We've got to get this right for the young leaders behind me. I appreciate them as I'm sure all of Maryland does." Rogers is running for Congress in Maryland's Third Congressional District which includes the cities of Annapolis, Severn, Hanover, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Fulton, Columbia, Clarksville, and Ellicott City.

SPONSORED POST. Paid for by Mike Rogers for Congress Maryland Retired Army Colonel | PTSA President | Pop Warner Football Coach | State Delegate Donate at Mike Rogers for Congress website

Former Russett Resident Elyscia Jefferson continues her journey tonight on NBC's "The Voice" after a stellar "Blind Audition." Jefferson belted out Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T." in front of an enthusiastic crowd. She received a standing ovation and three, turned chairs with the lone holdout being John Legend. Legend said that the lamented his choice and compared Jefferson's talents to the pop singer Brandy. "What I love about you is that laid-back vibe. It kind of reminded me of Brandy in a way because Brandy has that way of just sounding like it's effortless to her," said Legend. Country music legend Reba McEntire made an impassioned case for Jefferson to join her team offering that she was inspired by the 20-year old singer. After additional pitches from judges "Chance the Rapper" and "Dan and Shay," Jefferson selected McEntire. Elyscia will take the next step in her journey to stardom tonight with a "Battle Round" audition against fellow contestant Ashley Bryant on NBC beginning at 9EST/8CST. #Maryland #Russett #Elyscia @elyscia_sings

Season 25 of NBC's "The Voice" made its debut two weeks ago and a former Russett resident, Elyscia Jefferson, is making a bid for the attention of judges John Legend, Reba McEntire, and Chance the Rapper. Jefferson will be one of hundreds of contestants vying for the $100,000 cash prize and an opportunity to land a recording contract with some of the country's biggest music stars. Her audition for "The Voice" follows a previous audition for "American Idol' during the pandemic. The 20 year-old singer and North County High School graduate said that there aren't too many details that she could offer at the moment about her experience on the new season of "The Voice" but added that her time on the show was a memorable one. "The auditions take place over two weeks and you have an opportunity to learn so much during that period of time. It's definitely an experience that I will always remember. Hopefully everyone can tune in for the next few weeks and like what they see." Jefferson recently held a listening party at Keystone Korner in Baltimore, MD to debut some original tunes and cover classics like "Can't Help Falling in Love." She says that she wants her music to inspire and uplift others and cites her roots in the church as the biggest influence on her music. "I'm inspired by artists like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Brandy, and others but also by gospel music as well which is very inspirational. I'm just following my dreams and passion and hope that I can lift people up in the process." Jefferson is the second Russett resident to showcase her talents on a national platform. She follows former Russett resident Jayna Brown who appeared on Season 11 of America's Got Talent in 2016. Elyscia's music can be heard on most platforms including Apple and iHeart Radio. Jefferson, who is the niece of former North County High School principal Eric Jefferson, will make her national debut on NBC's "The Voice" on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 8PM.

National Publication Huff Post Warned Black Voters About Mark Chang and Other Far-Right Republicans Switching Parties to Win Democratic Seats. No Evidence That Mark Chang Graduated from Morgan State University. Mark Chang's past a Republican Party leader is under fire after casting himself as a champion of Civil Rights. In a public forum, and in local news outlets, Chang falsely claimed that an unnamed African American organization discriminated against him by denying him entry to a meeting. Chang claimed that it was this experience that led him to finally be a champion of civil rights. In his version, Chang cited his alleged experience as part of his origin story and cast himself as a type of victim. Chang said that "no one stood up for him" and that the encounter sent him to a "dark place." The organization in question documented and submitted evidence that Chang fabricated his claim about discrimination and noted that Mark Chang was never invited to attend the private, invitation-only event. A diverse crowd of 70 community leaders and school board officials attended the invite-only meeting to discuss the elimination of equity bonuses for teachers at schools like Meade High School and the disproportionate number of African-American boys either cited, arrested, or expelled from Meade for various infractions. Mark Chang, along with several officials in the County, was never invited to the private event due either to votes or actions that were in direct conflict with the values of the symposium and its African-American constituency according to organizers. Organizers noted Chang's past as a leader for the Republican Party in Anne Arundel County and his work as a trusted advisor for MAGA extremist County Executive John Leopold.  The disgraced Leopold was forced from the County Executive's seat after several lawsuits by women accusing him of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Leopold also collected illegal dossiers on local, civil rights leaders. "Leopold's illegal dossiers on Black leaders and abhorrent treatment of women wasn't enough to send Mark to a 'dark place' or even enough for him to resign. Mark Chang's loyalty to the disgraced John Leopold says everything you need to know about his duplicity. Mark is the Jussie Smollett of Maryland Politics." Chang was promptly fired by the new administration that replaced Leopold. Organizers also highlighted that Chang never fought for the equity program that was eliminated by the school district nor did he fight to help support African American boys at Meade HS disproportionately arrested or cited for minor infractions. More telling they say, is that Chang first ran as a Delegate in District 32 as a Republican and lost.  Thereafter, Mark Chang switched parties in a self-serving effort to win the seat as a Democrat. In a national profile about political extremism in Maryland, the Huffington Post warned voters about Mark Chang and other Maryland Republican extremists who were switching parties in an attempt to dump Democratic voters (Don't Be April Fooled by Far-Right Activists Dressed Up as Democratic Candidates). Rumors that Mark Chang graduated from HBCU Morgan State University are also under scrutiny. We could not formally verify that Chang graduated from Morgan State University. Public records from the Maryland General Assembly show that Chang, as a so-called "Democrat," routinely voted with extremist Republicans to OPPOSE every major civil rights reform during his first term: Mark Chang voted against HB124-15 which expunged certain records for convicted felons. Mark Chang voted against HB121-15 which repealed mandatory minimum sentences which adversely impacts Latinos and African Americans. Mark Chang voted against HB1418-17 which reduced sentencing disparity and offered drug treatment as an alternative to jail. Mark Chang voted against HB1083-17 which guaranteed access to women's healthcare and family/reproductive planning services. Mark Chang has noted his immigration heritage but he voted against HB1362-17 which restricted law enforcement from asking anyone about their immigration status. Civil rights leaders have said that Chang's assertions about racial discrimination is distasteful and embarrassing in light of his voting record and his loyalty to "the disgraceful" Republican John Leopold. Leaders have said Leopold's administration routinely bullied Black leaders. Mark Chang is one of three former Republicans who have filed to run for US Congress in Maryland's 3rd Congressional District as "Democrats." One is former Republican nominee for state Senate Don Quinn who's past leadership as a Republican is also under blistering criticism from local leaders and bloggers. The other is Juan Dominguez who briefly flirted with a run for US Senate. Dominguez previously served as a Republican office holder in Bogota, NJ as a colleague of controversial Republican mayor Steve Lonegan.

A father and son from Laurel, MD are being celebrated for their life saving heroics onboard a Southwest Airlines flight from BWI to West Palm Beach, FL. Andrew Ashley and son Tony were lauded by American Red Cross officials who presented both of them with the American Red Cross National Merit Award. Signed by the President of the United States, the national award is given to those going above and beyond to administer life saving measures to someone in need. Photo credit: Kyla Clark The American Red Cross is always in need of volunteers for important community work. Contact Kristi Giles at 703-584-8400 at the American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region for more information.

National Publication Huffington Post Warned Black Voters About Mark Chang and Other Maryland Republicans Switching Parties to Win Democratic Seats Mark Chang's past a Republican Party leader is under fire after casting himself as a champion of Civil Rights. In a public forum, and in local news outlets, Chang falsely claimed that an unnamed African American organization discriminated against him by denying him entry to a meeting. Chang claimed that it was this experience that led him to finally be a champion of civil rights. In his assertion, Chang whined that "no one stood up for him" and that the encounter sent him to a "dark place." The organization in question documented and submitted evidence that Chang fabricated his claim about discrimination and noted that Mark Chang was never invited to attend the private, invitation-only event. A diverse crowd of 70 community leaders and school board officials attended the invite-only meeting to discuss the elimination of equity bonuses for teachers at schools like Meade High School and the disproportionate number of African-American boys either cited, arrested, or expelled from Meade for various infractions. Mark Chang, along with several officials in the County, was never invited to the private event due either to votes or actions that were in direct conflict with the values of the symposium and its African-American constituency according to organizers. Organizers noted Chang's past as a leader for the Republican Party in Anne Arundel County and his work as a trusted advisor for MAGA extremist County Executive John Leopold.  The disgraced Leopold was forced from the County Executive's seat after several lawsuits by women accusing him of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Leopold also collected illegal dossiers on local, civil rights leaders. "Leopold's illegal dossiers on Black leaders and abhorrent treatment of women wasn't enough to send Mark to a 'dark place' or even enough for him to resign. Mark Chang's loyalty to the disgraced John Leopold says everything you need to know about Mark's duplicity." Chang was promptly fired by the new administration that replaced Leopold. Organizers also highlighted that Chang never fought for the equity program that was eliminated by the school district nor did he fight to help support African American boys at Meade HS disproportionately arrested or cited for minor infractions. More telling they say, is that Chang first ran as a Delegate in District 32 as a Republican and lost.  Thereafter, Mark Chang switched parties in a self-serving effort to win the seat as a Democrat. In a national profile about political extremism in Maryland, the Huffington Post warned voters about Mark Chang and other Maryland Republican extremists who were switching parties in an attempt to dump Democratic voters (Don't Be April Fooled by Far-Right Activists Dressed Up as Democratic Candidates). Rumors that Mark Chang graduated from HBCU Morgan State University are also under scrutiny. We could not formally verify that Chang graduated from Morgan State University. Public records from the Maryland General Assembly show that Chang, as a so-called "Democrat," routinely voted with extremist Republicans to OPPOSE every major civil rights reform during his first term: Mark Chang voted against HB124-15 which expunged certain records for convicted felons. Mark Chang voted against HB121-15 which repealed mandatory minimum sentences which adversely impacts Latinos and African Americans. Mark Chang voted against HB1418-17 which reduced sentencing disparity and offered drug treatment as an alternative to jail. Mark Chang voted against HB1083-17 which guaranteed access to women's healthcare and family/reproductive planning services. Mark Chang has noted his immigration heritage but he voted against HB1362-17 which restricted law enforcement from asking anyone about their immigration status. Civil rights leaders have said that Chang's assertions about racial discrimination is distasteful and embarrassing in light of his voting record and his loyalty to "the disgraceful" Republican John Leopold. Leaders have said Leopold's administration routinely bullied Black leaders. Mark Chang is one of two former Republicans who have filed to run for US Congress in Maryland's 3rd Congressional District as "Democrats." The other is former Republican nominee for state Senate Don Quinn who's past leadership as a Republican is also under blistering criticism from local leaders and bloggers.