Clarksburg man arrested in Peeping Tom incident at Bethesda high school

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in a Peeping Tom incident at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda. Students found a video camera in the control booth of the school's theater. Looking at the contents, they discovered videos filmed in the girls' changing room of the theater. James Mulhern III, 43, of Clarksburg was arrested, having allegedly been identified from video that showed him placing the camera in the changing room. Mulhern is a media services technician at the school. He has been charged with sex abuse of a minor. 

Police investigate hate speech at Seneca Valley HS in Germantown

Montgomery County police are investigating vandalism that allegedly included hate speech at Seneca Valley High School at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. Police were called to the school Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, when the graffiti was discovered in a bathroom at 12:40 PM. Officers say that the graffiti they saw in the restroom included an anti-Semitic message. 

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village

When they lose the knife, they have to resort to bare hands. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we're heading back to one of the highest crime streets in Montgomery County, Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village. Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery there at 2:31 PM on March 29, 2026. Two suspects assaulted and stole property from the adult male victim.

Police describe the suspects only as a male and a female. If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Gaithersburg's newest 7-Eleven to hold grand opening April 17

You're invited to celebrate the opening of the newest 7-Eleven in Gaithersburg this Friday, April 17, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The new store is located at 10003 Fields Road, near Sam Eig Highway and Rio Lakefront. Guests will enjoy exclusive deals, giveaways, and more. Celebrate finishing your taxes with a Big Gulp and a Big Bite Hot Dog with everything on it...if you have any money left after Wednesday.

Lakeforest Mall redevelopment breaks ground in Gaithersburg

Demolition of Lakeforest Mall is well underway in Gaithersburg, but an official groundbreaking ceremony was held today at the property for what is to replace it. Developer WRS, Inc. was joined by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, former Gaithersburg mayor and current County Council member Sid Katz, and current Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman to officially fire the starting gun on construction of what WRS describes as a "mini-city." The $1.2 billion project will deliver 1600 residential units by three homebuilders, an upgraded Lakeforest Transit Center, and over 470,000-square-feet of retail and restaurant space. Initial tenants will include Sprouts Farmers Market, Home Depot, and a Landmark Theatres cineplex. 

It's shameful what Montgomery County officials and later owners of the property allowed to happen to Lakeforest Mall this century. It was an upscale mall when it opened, and - much like White Flint Mall - to see it being demolished even before the older and less-fancy malls in Bethesda and Wheaton is a sheer travesty. You have to be truly bad at governing to be this good at destroying communities and their crown jewels like this. 

Pour out an Orange Julius for Lakeforest Mall. It was too good for us. We didn't deserve it, after repeatedly electing people who allowed the mall and surrounding area to become overridden by crime. And in terms of what mall owners could control, it was clear that the most recent set of landlords were determined to tear down the mall to reap maximum real estate transaction profit, the community be damned.

Today begins a new chapter for the property. The developer has many challenges ahead, including the aforementioned neighborhood crime, and to deliver a water feature that is as well-integrated and successful as the one at well-ensconced competitor Rio Lakefront. "This is more than just a construction project; it is the rebirth of a community anchor," WRS Inc. Principal Kevin Rogers said in a statement this afternoon. "We aren't just building buildings; we are creating a destination where people can live, work, and thrive without being dependent on their cars. We are proud to deliver a project that honors the legacy of Lakeforest while looking firmly toward the future of Gaithersburg."

Photo courtesy WRS Inc.

Hobby Lobby opening June 1 in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County's first Hobby Lobby store is currently expected to open on June 1, 2026 at 15750 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center in Gaithersburg, a spokesperson for the big box crafts and decor chain said yesterday. Barring any construction or permitting setbacks, the chain plans to host a grand opening event that day. Formerly home to Best Buy, the building is positioned on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville, and is right by off ramps from I-270. 

This is arguably the most-anticipated retail opening of 2026 in Montgomery County. There is pent-up demand among MoCo residents who have never had a local Hobby Lobby store to shop at. But there is also the vacuum left by the closure of local JOANN Fabrics and Crafts stores, including the Gaithersburg location. Construction continues on the Gaithersburg Hobby Lobby, but completion is now within sight.

Fatal shooting in Darnestown

Montgomery County police are investigating a homicide that took place this morning in Darnestown. Police were called to the scene of a shooting in the 12000 block of Carrington Hill Drive at 5:55 AM. Upon arrival, officers and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service personnel found the shooting victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside his residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say there are no suspects in custody, and no suspect descriptions, at this time. They have not released the name of the victim, as they have not been able to contact all relevant family members to notify them of the death. The Major Crimes Division, Homicide Unit is proceeding with a full investigation.

Montgomery County government liquor store burglarized in Germantown

One of the Montgomery County government liquor sales monopoly stores was burglarized late last month in Germantown. The burglary took place at Kingsview Wine & Liquor at 18323 Leaman Farm Road in the early morning hours of March 27, 2026. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the store. They determined merchandise had been taken from inside.

Police describe the suspects only as a White or Hispanic male of unknown age, and two additional males of no further description. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale puts skyrocketing electric bills in spotlight

Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale speaks with
supporters about their high electricity bills in Baltimore 

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale, a Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, used the backdrop of Geresbeck's Food Market at the Hawthorne Plaza shopping center in Charm City today to demonstrate the devastating impact of the state's skyrocketing energy bills on businesses and residents. During a press conference, he noted the grocery store's electric bill had nearly doubled in only the last 30 days. Its latest monthly electric bill? A whopping $57,000.

"I don't know how you survive this," Hale said of the crushing additional cost burden on businesses. Such costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, adding to the already absurdly high prices that are pummeling Americans from coast to coast. Hale warned that demand for electricity will only increase during the heat of summer, and that will come with enormous cost to every consumer.

Hale showed a second electric bill, this one from his own grandson. His grandson's monthly bill increased from $185.80 to $528.51. "This is a huge, huge, huge issue affecting everybody in our state," Hale said.

Alluding to current Maryland Governor Wes Moore's non-stop national TV appearances, as Moore pursues a presidential campaign, Hale asked why Moore isn't answering questions from his constituents instead of from TV personalities. "Who's in charge here? He's on Meet the Press or Face the Nation, but who's facing Marylanders, you know? Where is he? And he's just not here. He's running for president of the United States."

"People are moving out of the state," Hale continued. "Businesses are moving out of the state. And we're going to have fewer people retiring in our state." He again cited a recent poll that found that over 60% of Marylanders are either in the process of leaving the state, or are seriously considering such a move.

"We just can't stand this," Hale said. "We need to replace this man as fast as possible." Arguing that Moore sees the state as a mere stepping stone for his national and world power aspirations, Hale drew a comparison with his own campaign's political goals. "Maryland is not a stepping stone for us. Maryland is where we all live, and we can't stand to have this anymore."

Moore and Democrats who control the state legislature have recently tried to divert attention away from the policies and laws they passed that are largely responsible for the spike in energy costs. They ordered the closure of eight power plants across the state, mandated expensive purchases of "clean" power, and implemented a literally-Communist EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on electric bills, an extra tax that Moore hiked further last year. Now they are attempting to seize on the astroturf anti-data-center movement, by falsely blaming AI for the financial destruction they themselves have wrought on communities and businesses statewide.

"I'm going to make sure that we reopen the plants that have been closed," Hale vowed. "We need to get this state reopen for jobs."

Armed robbery in broad daylight in Montgomery Village

Even lunchtime isn't safe anymore in Montgomery County. County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Montgomery Village on March 23, 2026. The robbery was reported on an unspecified block of Apple Ridge Road at 12:40 PM. Police say two suspects approached the victim, and one of the two displayed a firearm. They took property from the adult male victim and fled on foot.

Police describe the suspects only as two Hispanic males of unknown age. If you have any information about this case, call police at (301) 279-8000. This continues the recent, disturbing trend of violent crimes being committed during broad daylight hours in Montgomery County.

Gaithersburg Hobby Lobby construction update (Photos)

Here's a look at the construction progress on the first Hobby Lobby store in Montgomery County at 15750 Shady Grove Road in the 270 Center, on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. The interior fit-out is still blocked from view, but we can see the exterior alterations being made to the former Best Buy facade. A look at the Hobby Lobby website shows the large inventory of Easter products, as an example of the chain's seasonal merchandise. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Matan Cos. breaks ground on new strip mall in Gaithersburg

Matan Companies broke ground on the latest addition to its commercial development on the former Leidos site at the corner of MD 355 and Montgomery Village Avenue in Gaithersburg today. Construction will now commence on a 10175-square-foot strip mall at 715 Progress Way. It will join two fully-leased 198,000-square-foot Class A buildings, also developed by Matan Companies, whose tenants include AstraZeneca, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and Daikin Comfort Technologies Distribution, Inc., and two pad sites occupied by Chick-fil-A and Sheetz. The latter two have drawn tremendous traffic to the property, and corporate officials at Sheetz have publicly expressed their satisfaction with the success of their first Montgomery County location here.

Three pad sites remain available, along with the inline spaces available in the future strip mall. "We’re excited to continue expanding this dynamic destination in Gaithersburg," said James Matan, Director of Leasing for the Matan Companies, said in a statement this morning. "With strong existing traffic generated by Chick-fil-A and Sheetz, along with excellent accessibility, this site offers an ideal opportunity for retailers."

Montgomery County police arrest 2 in Germantown grocery store shooting

Montgomery County police have arrested two suspects in the March 20, 2026 shooting inside a grocery store in Germantown. One person was wounded in the shooting, which took place inside the Giant supermarket at 18331 Leaman Farm Road at 8:40 PM. Both suspects were armed, police say, and one of them fired multiple shots inside the store while chasing the victim.

Marcus Isaiah Jovon Braithwaite, 19, of Germantown and Demba Tandia, 16, of Montgomery Village have been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Braithwaite is being held at the County jail pending a bond hearing. Tandia was located in Sterling, Virginia, and is awaiting extradition to Montgomery County. Police have released surveillance camera footage of the incident.

Clarksburg shooting leaves 2 victims seriously injured

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a shooting in Clarksburg at 10:52 AM this morning. The shooting was reported in the 13220 block of Catawba Manor Way. Officers responding to the scene found two male victims suffering from serious injuries. No suspect is in custody at this time, police say.

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village yesterday afternoon, March 29, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 9600 block of Lost Knife Road at 2:31 PM Sunday. According to police, two suspects physically blocked a vehicle. Assaulting the driver, they ripped his watch off his wrist and fled on foot. Police have not released a description of either suspect.

Maryland silica factory closing, production relocating to South Carolina

There goes another one. Evonik Corporation will close its Maryland factory in Havre de Grace, and relocate its production of silica to South Carolina. The closure will eliminate 34 jobs, according to a filing the chemical firm submitted to the state on Wednesday. While the company explains its strategic move with buzzphrases like "economies of scale," there are several obvious reasons why the grass appears much greener in the Palmetto State if you are running a business enterprise.

Industrial electricity rates in South Carolina are 22% less than in Maryland. This is largely due to the forced closure of eight power plants by Maryland elected officials, who have also mandated the purchase of ever-increasing amounts of "clean power," such as solar or wind. In addition, the state has socked energy utility customers with an EmPOWER Maryland fee, that funds a Marxist program that subsidizes the purchase of energy efficient equipment by lower income customers. The end result is that Maryland now imports the majority of its electricity from out-of-state, naturally at greater cost than it had been provided from those shuttered in-state plants. Not to mention that Maryland ratepayers are now receiving record-high monthly power bills.

Maryland's corporate tax rate is 8.25%. South Carolina's is 5%. Doh!

Last year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Democratic-controlled legislature established a 3% tech tax. By comparison, IT consulting, custom coding, and systems design are not taxed in South Carolina.

Finally, Maryland’s average annual pay for chemical engineers is approximately $121,012 to $140,708. In Charleston, the average is roughly $93,975 to $128,000, according to Indeed.com.

Heckuva job, Brownie!

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale blasts Wes Moore's floundering Key Bridge rebuild

"I heard a noise, it's that close to me," Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale recalled of the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore two years ago today. The Republican businessman and Charm City resident's home was within earshot of the catastrophe that unfolded on March 26, 2024. Two years later, progress on the construction of a replacement bridge has stalled as the cost of the project ballooned fivefold under the administration of Governor Wes Moore (D). Running afoul of federal funding guidelines, and Moore's relentless personal attacks on President Donald Trump, have led to the possibility that former president Joe Biden's vow to pick up 100% of the tab is now in serious jeopardy. Hale scheduled a press conference within sight of the bridge yesterday to excoriate Moore for the lack of progress, 24 hours ahead of the predictable Moore media blitz.

"It's a bridge that I've used pretty much all of my life," Hale told reporters Wednesday. "I'm from around here. This is my house right here," he added, gesturing toward his home. The neighborhood around the former bridge connection "is hurting, because it takes forever to go from here to over there," Hale said.

Hale argued the floundering rebuild is "emblematic of a governor that's really not paying attention to this whatsoever. He'll smile and say that he is, but he's not. And what you see is anger on both sides of the bridge, all around [Anne Arundel and Baltimore] County and just, the citizens here are extremely upset and don't like the idea that we're not getting this done. There's no end in sight for this thing to be done."

"We are a ship without a rudder," Hale charged of Moore's leadership of the state, saying the current governor's attention is largely consumed by his quest for the presidency in 2029. He announced that in lieu of a workable solution from the Moore administration, "I have a plan."

"I'm going to have the bureaucrats involved, the engineers, and the construction companies involved in this whole process, and see what they can do," Hale said. "And if they don't have a reasonable explanation, they're not going to last long in my administration." He suggested the state turn to Maryland-based firms that do similar work around the world to rebuild the bridge, saying he knows they are qualified because he has hired many of them for his own projects. "I've talked to a bunch of people, and they're standing by, ready to do it." 

Hale cited the outflow of residents and wealth from Maryland to other states in recent years. Voters are "now telling me, 'If you don't win, we're moving,'" Hale recounted. A recent poll found that over 60% of Maryland residents are either in the process of leaving the state, or are considering a move. "We can't continue to have this happen," Hale said.

"We don't have economic development. We don't have job creation. We are the worst in the nation for job creation," Hale explained, noting that as a private sector businessman, he has created tens of thousands of jobs. By "every metric you can think of, we're failing," Hale said. "I don't intend to fail. I intend to make things better. Help is on the way."

Teen stabbed aboard bus in Germantown

A teenage boy was stabbed during an altercation that began on a bus in Germantown Tuesday night, March 24, 2026. The 14-year-old victim was involved in an argument aboard the bus with a group of juveniles known to him that turned violent. He suffered a single stab wound, and managed to walk to a nearby grocery store, where he called 911 at 8:13 PM. The boy was transported to a local hospital, where police say his wound was determined to be non-life-threatening. 

Montgomery County police officers combed the nearby area, and located the alleged knife-wielding assailant. The 16-year-old suspect was arrested. Police say they are continuing to investigate the incident, but that there is no further danger to the community.

Police officer shoots alleged gunman who fired at cops in Montgomery Village

A Montgomery County police officer shot an alleged gunman who police say fired two shots at officers first in Montgomery Village yesterday, March 24, 2026. The officers were proactively patrolling in the high crime area of Lost Knife Circle Tuesday afternoon. While in the vicinity of Montgomery Village Plaza on Contour Road, they observed suspicious activity, and approached an adult male suspect to investigate. The suspect took off running, and attempted to seek refuge in an apartment complex on Lost Knife.

As officers turned a corner at the complex in pursuit, the suspect allegedly fired two shots at them. One County officer returned fire, striking the suspect. They provided first aid to the suspect, who was then transported to a local hospital in stable condition. He is expected to survive. 

Officers recovered a handgun at the scene. No injuries were reported beyond the suspect. The officer who fired the shots has been placed on administrative leave, and the Major Crimes Division is conducting the investigation into the shooting. Police said this is an active and ongoing investigation, and that the suspect’s identity and charges will be released when they become available.

Armed robbery at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg yesterday, March 23, 2026. The robbery was reported on Grand Corner Avenue at 12:30 PM. According to police, the victim was approached by two suspects who brandished a firearm and demanded his headphones. The victim complied, and the suspects fled on foot.

Police describe the suspects only as two juveniles. It was not explained how they managed to evade the many surveillance cameras in the vicinity. Another shocking daylight violent crime, a disturbing new trend in Montgomery County.

Quincy's Golf & Social opens in Gaithersburg

Quincy's Golf & Social is now open at 245 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. The restaurant offers golf simulators and employs the Trackman system. Customers have posted positive reviews online, earning the restaurant a 4.7 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews, and 5 stars out of 5 on Yelp. Beyond providing a dining and entertainment experience year-round, it's also a great place to tee off when the weather is not optimal for the real thing. 

Update on Sheetz construction at Walnut Hill Shopping Center (Photos)

Construction on the second Sheetz convenience store and mega gas station in the MD 355 corridor is advancing quickly at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 733 S. Frederick Avenue. The familiar building design and roofline are now visible. There's an interesting Sheetz Site Safety sign I have included a picture of below. It looks like the store could be open by summer at this point.

Construction begins on Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen in Gaithersburg

Construction has begun on Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen at 212 Boardwalk Place at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg. A construction wall has been erected over the storefront. The Florida-based restaurant presents the culinary artistry of Chef Rachid Eido, a native of Beirut. Chef Rachid studied at at the prestigious Culinary School of Beirut, and has worked at top hotel kitchens at the Intercontinental Hotel in Beirut, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.

J. Crew Factory to open at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

J. Crew Factory is coming soon to Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The outlet arm of the preppy apparel brand has posted signage in the storefront windows at 20-A Grand Corner Avenue. J. Crew Factory will open in "Winter 2026," according to the signage. Very similar to Gap Factory, J. Crew Factory is not a liquidation outlet of past-prime J. Crew clothing, instead carrying a line of clothing designed specifically for Factory stores. 

What's the difference? Mostly in the materials used. They're going to be lower-quality but also much lower priced. The genuine wool sweater or scarf you might buy at J. Crew, for example, could be made of synthetic fabrics at Factory stores. So it's a way to get J. Crew styling for less, but the pieces might not last you as long as The Real Thing. How can you immediately recognize a Factory item on the resale market? J. Crew Factory items will have two tiny diamonds or dots on the brand label.

Sam's Car Wash proposed for Damascus

Sam's Car Wash could be coming soon to Damascus, if the local chain receives permission from the Montgomery County Planning Board. Yes, in anti-business Montgomery County, businesspeople apparently can't just open a car wash without jumping through Marxist government hoops. These hoops include a list of demands from government that sound like a cross between Soviet central planning and a mafia shakedown.

The car wash is proposed for 26203 Ridge Road (MD 27), currently the site of a bank building. Sam's would demolish most of the bank, but retain part of it for office space. Existing driveways would be consolidated into one two-way curb cut for ingress and egress. 

The proposed facility is a fully-automated express car wash with automatic gates and license plate readers. "A loader will guide the customer onto the conveyor" to enter the wash tunnel, the planning staff report says. Operating hours would be 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. 

Planning commissioners will review the conditional use request at their Thursday, March 26, 2026 meeting. Staff are recommending approval of the car wash with a massive list of conditions, including the County restricting the hours of operation to the aforementioned schedule, a stipulation that no more than 4 employees may be on-site at any time, forcing the company to enter a "surety and maintenance agreement" with the Planning Board in order to receive a building permit, and forcing the company to pay the County for the full cost of constructing an 8' bike lane, a 6' street buffer, and a 2' widening of the existing sidewalk. 

And we wonder why the Montgomery County economy is moribund!

Aggravated assault at gas station in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a gas station in Germantown on March 6, 2026. The assault took place at the Exxon station at 21101 Frederick Road at 8:23 PM. Three suspects displayed an unspecified weapon, and physically assaulted the victim.

Police describe the suspects only as three Black males of unknown age. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Montgomery County under severe storm threat Monday

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center portends trouble for the Washington, D.C. suburbs and central Maryland tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026. Many meteorologists are saying the NWS prediction is showing the highest chance of a tornado or derecho event they've seen in many years. The NWS predicts there is a 15-29% chance of a tornado in Montgomery and Frederick Counties Monday. The "moderate" designation means "widespread severe storms are likely," with severe weather most likely between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Such a forecast underscores the importance of monitoring weather forecasts and NWS bulletins over the next 36 hours. Make sure to bring indoors or secure any objects in your yard or on your balcony that could be lifted by high winds. Replace batteries in flashlights and transistor radios as needed tonight, try to fully charge your cellphone, and ensure you have at least half a tank of gas. A few days' supply of non-refrigerated snacks and water bottles can't hurt. Finally, have a plan for all occupants of your home to quickly move to the basement or lowest level of your house if you receive a Tornado Warning on your phone.

Ed Hale endorsed by boilermakers union in Maryland governor race

Dan Weber of Boilermakers Local 45 (left) with
Republican candidate for Maryland Governor Ed Hale

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale, a candidate for Maryland Governor, has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and the Boilermakers Local 45 Zone #193 unions. "Your efforts to support unions in our fight for good jobs and a just economy help our members and the millions of workers who depend on a strong labor movement," IBB Director of Government Affairs Cecile Conroy wrote in a letter informing Hale of the coveted labor endorsement. "As always, we thank you for your friendship and support of working families."

"Maryland was built by WORKERS — not politicians," the Republican candidate said in announcing the endorsements yesterday. "I’m very grateful for their endorsement. These skilled tradesmen build the ships, power plants, and infrastructure that keep our economy running. As Governor, I’ll always stand with the men and women who build things."

Hale began his career at Bethlehem Steel in Dundalk, where he joined the Ironworkers Union. After moving to another job at the Port of Baltimore, he founded Hale Intermodal Trucking Company, and Port East Transfer. The latter company became the largest employer at the port, and laid the groundwork for the Hale Companies, a trade and logistics firm that incorporated barge and additional truck companies under its umbrella. The Hale Companies also built 343 buildings. 

Hale's massive success in business gave him the ability to win a proxy battle for control of the Bank of Baltimore. His $1.4 million investment led to his appointment as CEO of the bank. Hale parlayed his banking experience into the founding of his own financial institution, 1st Mariner Bank. By 2011, his new bank sported 24 branches, and $1.2 billion in assets. He then purchased the Baltimore Blast soccer team, and has invested millions in revitalization projects in Baltimore, including Canton Crossing, which boasts the only Target in the City of Baltimore and a Wonder food hall. The 20-acre development replaced a brownfield left behind by an ExxonMobil oil refinery, and has won multiple awards.

Incumbent Governor Wes Moore (D) by contrast, has so far fallen flat in economic development and job creation in his first term, despite having been touted as a Wall Street-connected business genius by the local and national press. A budget surplus he inherited from his GOP predecessor Larry Hogan quickly vanished and became a structural deficit under Moore's leadership. Amid gathering fiscal storm clouds, Moore refused to abandon the massive cash-burning Blueprint for Maryland school funding initiative. As a result, the state lost its coveted AAA bond rating. 

Moore hiked taxes and fees, and introduced new ones, including a massive tech tax that has failed to raise the revenue expected because many companies left the state rather than pay it. His vow to quickly rebuild the Key Bridge, destroyed by an out-of-control ship, has spiraled into a fiasco of inaction and skyrocketing cost overruns. Moore has spent the majority of his first term attempting to raise his national profile for a presidential run by attacking Donald Trump, which severely backfired when Trump yanked away the planned Maryland FBI headquarters, the federal blank "100%" Key Bridge construction check promised to Moore by Joe Biden, and the state's National Guard air wing in retaliation.

The inertia, malaise, and affordability woes hammering Marylanders have created an opening for a successful businessman like Hale to make a compelling case to voters. Those voters are also receiving the highest monthly energy bills in the nation, a result of Moore's acquiescence to the Democrat-controlled forced closure of 8 power plants in the state, mandates of clean power purchases, and a massive EmPOWER surcharge added to electric and gas bills. Moore had recently approved an increase in that surcharge so large that utility companies sent written notice to customers to inform them that the charge was coming from the state, not the utilities. Hale has said he would reopen the shuttered plants and expand nuclear energy capacity in the state.

Suspicious activity in Montgomery Village leads to arrest of two

Lost Knife Circle in Montgomery Village is one of the highest crime addresses in Montgomery County, so it's good to hear County police were "conducting proactive enforcement" in that area this past Monday evening, March 9, 2026. Around 7:00 PM, officers observed suspicious activity involving a vehicle parked outside of an unspecified commercial establishment on Lost Knife. They quietly pursued the vehicle, and when the driver made a moving violation, conducted a traffic stop in the 17500 block of Towne Crest Drive. 

Searching the vehicle, officers allegedly recovered a firearm and narcotics. 78-year-old James Curtis Avant, of Bowie, and 29-year-old D’Andre Michael Wiggins, of Germantown, were arrested and charged with multiple drug and handgun-related offenses. 

Montgomery County government enters the grocery business before Zohran Mamdani

Montgomery County's Marxist County Council has beaten Zohran Mamdani at his own game. Before the New York City mayor could even acquire a site for his first government-run grocery store, his fellow travelers on the Montgomery County Council are poised to launch a government-run grocery wholesale business. It's a two-part scheme. 

Part 1 involves the County awarding one lucky bidder $550,000 in taxpayer funds to build, stock and operate a wholesale grocery warehouse. The government-funded wholesale operation would sell to "schools, senior centers, hospitals, food banks and correctional facilities," according to a press release from Councilmember Andrew Friedson.

Part 2? Friedson is taking a victory lap in proclaiming Montgomery County will be the first jurisdiction in the region to join the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Local Food Procurement Challenge. Activating the Montgomery County Anger Translator, we can convert that word salad program name into the English language: The County will mandate the purchase of local farm produce by its "departments and agencies" with "public dollars" on the basis of geography, rather than stretching tight "local dollars" (a.k.a. taxpayer funds) by purchasing the cheapest products from anywhere.

The move continues two longstanding Council trends: socialism, and jacking up the cost of government by continually reducing the number of suppliers of a product or service. These include numerous laws mandating the preference or outright mandate that all bidders or sellers must be minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned. Likewise, some of the laws have excluded bidders or service providers who do not meet a particular ideological or politically-correct profile determined by the Council.

It doesn't take a Harvard economist to tell you that when you reduce the number of bidders, the cost of the winning bid automatically increases. It's called market economics, and it's only one small reason the County budget has doubled in just the last decade. Equally obvious is that the more public dollars funneled into the grocery business by the County, state, and federal government, the more local grocery prices increase. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale vows to cut vehicle registration fees, gas tax

Baltimore resident Ed Hale, running for governor of Maryland as a Republican, is proposing a significant reduction in the state's vehicle registration fees. The fees, massively increased recently by current Governor Wes Moore and the Democrat-controlled state legislature, are now so high that the state has been forced to offer a payment plan to residents already cash-strapped by high housing and grocery prices. "The cost is ridiculous," one resident complained in a video released yesterday by the Hale campaign. "They wanted me to pay almost $400!" "It's awful," a vehicle owner at the Reisterstown Road Motor Vehicle Administration office in Baltimore said. "Who can afford it? It's too much money."

The skyrocketing fees are "just another way to grab money from you," Hale said at a press conference outside the MVA office. Hale has vowed to cut vehicle registration fees back to the level they were before Moore hiked them. He is also proposing to reduce the state's gas tax, as well as Moore's tire tax.

"We know you have to get to work," Hale said. "We know you have to get the kids to school and to practice. The tire tax, gas tax, registration fees and vehicle emissions fees are outrageous and I'll bring this situation under control."

Assault at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police were called to the Rio Lakefront development Saturday afternoon, March 7, 2026, after someone was allegedly assaulted there. The assault was reported in the unit block of Grand Corner Avenue at 2:40 PM Saturday. It took place in a parking lot on that block. Another shocking broad daylight violent crime brought to you by the pro-criminal, anti-police Montgomery County Council. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Montgomery County Animal Services shelter reaches critical capacity for large dogs

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is issuing an urgent appeal for community support as the shelter faces an unprecedented space crisis. In a span of just three days—from March 4 to March 6—the facility took in 29 dogs, pushing the total canine population over 100 and exceeding the shelter’s capacity for care. The situation has reached a tipping point, threatening the shelter's long-standing commitment to animal welfare, and avoidance of euthanasia based solely on space limitations.

With dogs arriving faster than staff and volunteers can safely place them, available kennels have become extremely limited. MCASAC is calling on residents who are able to adopt a large dog to visit the shelter as soon as possible. Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested individuals should be prepared to take their new pet home the same day. Visitors are asked to bring a leash and collar to facilitate the process.

If you can take a big dog in for a short stay until the crisis is over, residents can join the MCASAC temporary foster program at no cost. The shelter provides all necessary supplies to those willing to open their homes to a large dog temporarily.

Visiting hours at the shelter are 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The shelter is closed on Mondays. MCASAC is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.

Operated by the Office of Animal Services, MCASAC is Montgomery County’s only open-admission municipal shelter. It provides 24-hour emergency response and promotes responsible pet care through education and outreach. For more information on the adoption process or to view available animals, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.