Ed Hale racking up endorsements in Maryland governor race

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale has picked up the endorsement of several prominent Maryland Republicans as the June 23 primary election rapidly approaches. Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R - District 7a) and her district colleague Ryan Nawrocki (R) announced they are backing Hale at a press conference. Nawrocki picked up on one of Hale's signature issues, lowering utility bills, by noting that Governor Wes Moore's electric bill relief plan provides less than $13 a month to ratepayers. "Not even the price of a gumball," Nawrocki said.

Hale has also pulled off something of a coup in earning the endorsement of his biggest primary rival's own 2022 running mate. Gordana Schifanelli ran for lieutenant governor that year on a ticket with Dan Cox, who is running again this year with a different running mate, Rob Krop. Schifanelli not only isn't running alongside Cox this time, but has come out in support of Hale. An attorney from Queen Anne's County, Schifanelli retains a significant statewide following from that high-profile 2022 race and her own independent activism. 

At a separate press conference, Schifanelli touted Hale's "wisdom, his experience, his knowledge in business." Referring to Hale's rags-to-riches success story, and the moribund state of the Maryland economy, Schifanelli responded to the biggest critique of Hale by his primary opponents: his recent party switch from Democrat to Republican. "I don't care if he was a Democrat, or if he's a Martian, for that matter, if he has experience to fix this economic disaster," she said. Szeliga also took that attack line head-on, recalling that Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump were once Democrats.

Car stolen from apartment complex in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex in Germantown yesterday, May 25, 2026. The vehicle was parked outside of a building in the 13400 block of Daventry Way. Police believe the vehicle was taken sometime between 7:00 PM Sunday night, and 1:00 AM Monday morning. They say that the owner "accidentally left the keys inside" the vehicle.

Strong-arm robbery at gas station in Montgomery Village

"Crime is down" in Montgomery County, and if you don't believe it, just ask the afternoon cashier at the BP gas station in Montgomery Village. Three juveniles entered the station's convenience store at 5:15 PM on May 11, 2026. They proceeded to physically assault the cashier, and pocket some merchandise, to boot. Montgomery County police were able to locate and arrest one of the three youths.

Police are still looking for the other two juveniles, who remain at-large. They are described only as two Black males aged 13-14. Yet another violent crime taking place in broad daylight in Montgomery County, a disturbing recent trend.

Police investigate shots-fired incident in Montgomery Village

Several Montgomery Village residents called 911 last night and reported hearing gunfire in the 18500 block of Locust Point Court. Montgomery County police were dispatched to the scene at 10:16 PM Thursday, May 21, 2026. Officers arriving at the scene were able to locate evidence that weapons had been discharged in that area. No injuries were reported, and no suspects are in custody at this time.

Gaithersburg approves signage for Kitchen Social

Kitchen Social has received approval for the signage it has proposed for installation at its Downtown Crown location from the City of Gaithersburg. The restaurant chain had to request an exemption, because the dimensions of the signage exceed the standards laid out in the Downtown Crown master plan. Branham Sign designed the signage, which will consist of the main sign above the entrance, and two pedestrian-facing blade signs. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission approved the signage at its meeting last night. Kitchen Social is expected to open this summer at 203 Crown Park Avenue.

Rendering courtesy Branham Sign

Airsoft guns fired inside Germantown McDonald's

An Airsoft-toting posse rolled up on a McDonald's in Germantown and treated diners to an eight gun salute yesterday afternoon, May 19, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, seven or eight male suspects entered the restaurant at 12982 Middlebrook Road at 5:00 PM Tuesday. They allegedly were carrying Airsoft guns, which they proceeded to fire inside the restaurant, and outside in the parking lot. Police have not released descriptions of the suspects involved.

Woman surprised by intruder in her Gaithersburg apartment

Crime is down in Montgomery County! Sure, Jan. A woman returning to her apartment in Gaithersburg yesterday was surprised to find an intruder inside. Montgomery County police say the intruder, whose gender and description were not detailed, was hiding inside the apartment in the 9800 block of Mahogany Drive when the woman returned home at 5:12 PM Monday. According to police, the intruder left the apartment after being discovered, and did not physically harm the woman. The suspect presumably remains at large.