Maryland law leaves McDonald's large fries lovers holding the bag

Maryland McDonald's customers ordering medium and large french fries are finding out Ronald has a brand new bag. Instead of the iconic red cardboard medium and large fry containers, those orders are now being handed out in paper bags, at least at some Golden Arches locations in Montgomery County. Some customers say the weight and portion size of the bagged fries are less than those served in the cardboard containers. But it's not simply a shrinkflation attempt alone by McDonald's. It turns out that Maryland passed a law in 2024 that mandated the retirement of cardboard fry sleeves forever.

The George "Walter" Taylor act was presented to the public as a bill almost no one would oppose. It would ban the sale and use of firefighting foam that contained "forever chemicals." This would reduce health risks and impacts for firefighters, and who could disagree with that? Well, it turns out another provision was hidden in the bill, one that applied a similar restriction to food packaging. Cardboard fry containers often are lined with a chemical coating that resists grease, and that supposedly contained a forever chemical. Cardboard was out, and the bill was signed into law by former Governor Larry Hogan.

I found the fry transition has been underway in a few other nanny states for at least a couple of years. Like so many nutty laws paased by the Maryland legislature and Montgomery County Council, this was yet another plagiarized from the great state of California. Now, thanks to both local legislative bodies, we not only have paper straws that melt and ruin the taste of your drink, but potentially smaller fry portions for the same high price.

McDonald's swears that the portion size is the same. Fast food packaging experts have noted that the shape difference, and dimensions of the opening of the new bag, together make it more difficult to stuff the same amount of fries into the bag as filled the cardboard. The jury is out. Your mileage may vary. And it will be something to watch in the coming weeks and months - please share your experience in the comments below.

More signs of Hakim 1 Stop Shop in Silver Spring

More "coming soon" signage has been installed at the future Hakim 1 Stop Shop at 8433 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. This signage is placed where the convenience store's permanent signage will eventually go, above the storefront. Alas, the windows are still covered, so the status of the interior fit-out of the store remains a mystery for now. The sign has some nice images of downtown Silver Spring and the dome of the U.S. Capitol.

Armed robbery in Glenmont Forest

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in the residential neighborhood of Glenmont Forest on February 14, 2026. The robbery was reported at the intersection of Grandview Avenue and Newton Street at 7:53 PM. According to police, one male suspect displayed an unspecified weapon, and his male accomplice physically assaulted the adult male victim. They proceeded to take his money and flee on foot.

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

Renovations ahead for Chick-fil-A in Olney

Chick-fil-A at 18115 Georgia Avenue in Olney will be making minor renovations to the restaurant this spring. Outdoors, a new order pick-up canopy will be installed. The dumpster enclosure will be relocated. And a new employee break room will be constructed. The restaurant is expected to remain open during the renovations.

Takoma Park hotel maid finds bullet in room

A maid cleaning a hotel room in Takoma Park on February 10, 2026 found a bullet left behind. Takoma Park City police were called to the Quality Inn at 7411 New Hampshire Avenue at 6:41 PM. Officers determined the bullet was a live round. It has been impounded by the department.

Armed robbery in downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in downtown Silver Spring on February 15, 2026. The robbery was reported at Ellsworth Place mall at 8661 Colesville Road at 5:49 PM. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery. An assault was also reported during the same incident.

Assault at movie theater in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a movie theater in downtown Silver Spring on Valentine's Day night. The assault was reported at a theater in the 8600 block of Colesville Road at 11:56 PM Saturday. AFI Silver Theatre is located at 8633 Colesville Road.