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."

Montgomery County Councilmember Shebra Evans hosting town Hall in White Oak March 12

Recently-appointed Montgomery County Councilmember Shebra Evans (D - At-Large) will host a town hall-style "listening session" on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the White Oak area of Silver Spring. It will be held at the White Oak Community Recreation Center at 1700 April Lane from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Evans was appointed to serve the remainder of former Councilmember Gabe Albornoz's term through this November. Albornoz abruptly resigned last year just past the date that would have triggered a special election for the seat, a deeply cynical ploy that had many crying foul play, and which did little to improve the Council's besmirched image as a poor model of good government, "democracy!" and civic responsibility.

Pickpocket strikes at convenience store in Takoma Park

Takoma Park City police responded to a report of a pickpocket at a convenience store Friday evening, March 6, 2026. The theft was reported at a store in the 900 block of Merrimac Drive at 7:47 PM Friday. There is a 7-Eleven store located at 900 Merrimac Drive. When stopping for a Big Bite hot dog with everything on it, don't forget to watch your wallet, keeping it in a front pants pocket when possible.

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.

Einstein High School burglarized in Kensington

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a high school in Kensington on February 28, 2026. The burglary was reported at Albert Einstein High School at 11135 Newport Mill Road at 7:15 PM. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the school. However, they could not find evidence that any property was stolen by the burglar(s). 

Police have no suspect descriptions at this time, and did not indicate how the suspects evaded surveillance cameras at the school. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Armed robbery on residential street in Kensington

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery on a residential street in Kensington on February 27, 2026. The robbery was reported at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Prospect Street at 6:34 PM. Two suspects displayed an unspecified weapon, and took property from the two juvenile male victims.

Police describe the suspects only as three Hispanic males between the ages of 14 and 16. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Maryland Governor candidate Dan Cox proposes property tax limit

Dan Cox, a Republican candidate for Maryland Governor, has proposed placing a limit on property taxes in the state. The proposal would prevent the assessed property value calculated by the state from increasing above the price the current homeowner paid for the house at the time of purchase. Cox's running mate, Rob Krop, announced the platform plank on social media yesterday. "We need to stop taxing families out of their homes," Krop said.