Maryland officials are inviting Eastern Shore residents to help shape how the state spends prescription opioid settlement funds during a public town hall this evening.  The Maryland Office of Overdose Response will host the virtual meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. for residents of Eastern Shore counties including Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Caroline counties.  State officials are seeking public input on how settlement money should be used to reduce overdoses and expand access to recovery services.   The town hall is open to the public, and registration is not required to attend. Residents who wish to speak are encouraged to register in advance through the Maryland Office of Overdose Response at stopoverdose.maryland.gov .   

The Easton Police Department responded to the 100 block of Blake Street in Easton for a report of shots fired.  While on scene, officers conducted an investigation, and identified the alleged suspect as Kyjae Curtis-Melice Matthews, 24, of Cambridge. Matthews was placed under arrest, and faces charges of first degree assault, second degree assault, handgun violations, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held without bond pending a court appearance. 

The Kent County Public School Board of Education unanimously approved a new student cell phone policy during its recent meeting to eliminate device distractions during the school day. Effective for the current academic year, the administration-recommended policy aligns Kent County with the legislative mandate of the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act.  The policy applies districtwide to all school levels—including elementary, middle, and high schools.  and under the district’s draft guidelines, devices must remain entirely powered off, secured, and stored away from the morning bell until the end of the school day.