If This Had Been A Real Emergency ... Ellicott City Today

Another beautiful day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 66 degrees with some fog in the morning, then clear, sunny skies. Tonight, cloudy and a low temperature near 66 degrees.

FEMA is conducting the first nation-wide emergency alert test with the Federal Communications Commission today. The test will occur at 2 p.m. and will be similar to other tests. You know the ones: "BEEEEEEP!" This is the first time, however, that the entire nation will experience the test at once. The 30-second alert will be broadcast on radio, TV and other media.

What's in store for the future of Ellicott City? The General Plan task force is meeting tonight in Laurel to talk about planning and development throughout the county. The Plan discusses land use, transportation, public facilities, housing and environmental protection for the next 20 years. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road.

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And ... On this day in 1934, Carl Sagan was born. Sagan, the host of "Cosmos," Sagan was a firm believer in the existence of extra-terrestrial life and well known for his references to the "billions and billions" of stars in the universe. Sagan died in 1966. Read his New York Times obituary online.