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.

Colesville Smoke & Vape opens in Silver Spring

Colesville Smoke & Vape is now open in downtown Silver Spring. The smoke shop has filled the vacant Record Exchange space at 8642 Colesville Road, in the Danshes Building. As you can see, the vintage display windows are not currently being utilized. I can't find any website or social media accounts for the shop as of this writing, but Montgomery County residents are likely familiar with what they will find in these stores, which have become ubiquitous over the last decade.

Seafood in the Buff open during renovations in Wheaton

Seafood in the Buff is getting a makeover at 12132 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton. But the restaurant remains open for business as the work is performed. Hours of operation remain the same, as well. The seafood boil menu isn't changing either, but the restaurant will get a new look and atmosphere. And Fish Fry Friday is back!

Auto parts theft rampage in Silver Spring

Thieves are prowling neighborhoods near the Capital Beltway in Silver Spring. The South Four Corners area has been a particular focus of this recent theft spree targeting auto parts. Typically, they are seeking airbags and catalytic converters. Thefts were reported from vehicles parked on the following residential streets on May 21 and 22, 2026:

The 9300 block of Ocala Street in Branwell Park, the 10000 block of Reddick Drive in Sunset Terrace, the 9910 and 10000 blocks of Tenbrook Drive in Argyle Club Estates, the 500 block of Gilmoure Drive in Dawn Village, the 9100 and 9300 blocks of Wire Avenue in Sligo Park Hills, the 1000 block of Roswell Drive in Sunset Terrace, the 9100 block of Eton Road in Highland View, the 500 block of Harding Drive in South Four Corners, the 10100 block of Markham Street in South Four Corners, the 9000 block of Providence Avenue in Highland View, the 10100 block of Kinross Avenue in South Four Corners, the 1000 block of Strout Street in Argyle Forest, and the 10000 block of Grayson Avenue in South Four Corners.

I've also heard from residents in Aspen Hill that at least 8 vehicles were broken into there around the same time last week. In that case, the thieves were apparently targeting valuables. To protect yourself to the extent possible during these high-crime times, make sure your car doors are locked and all valuables are removed from the interior. Park in a well-lit spot, if possible. Have your catalytic converter etched with identification, or have an anti-theft shield installed over it (Toyota Prius is a favorite model of catalytic converter thieves). To discourage airbag thieves, time travel back to the 1990s and install The Club on your steering wheel.

White Oak Day 2026 set for Saturday, June 6

Save the date! The 14th annual White Oak Day will soon be upon us on Saturday, June 6, 2026. It will be held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the White Oak Community Recreation Center at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring. Get ready for four hours of food, fun, music, games and local vendors, and celebrating this phenomenal community of White Oak. Admission is free, just the right price for these tough economic times.

Burglar kicks down front door of home in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary in the Hillandale Heights area of Silver Spring last night, May 21, 2026. The alleged intruder gained access to a home in the 10300 block of Royal Road at 8:00 PM Thursday by kicking the front door down, police said. They did not specify what, if anything, might have been taken from inside the house. But police said the suspect left the scene in a getaway vehicle. A description of the suspect has not been released at this time. 

Royal Farms to host soft opening event with free meals ahead of opening in Silver Spring

It's deja vu all over again as Royal Farms will try for a second time to open its new convenience store and mega gas station in the Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring. As it did before its scuppered May opening, Royal Farms will host a soft opening prior to the June 1 grand opening of the store at 9475 Georgia Avenue. What's in it for you? A free meal! 

Just sign up for a timeslot during the soft opening on May 27 and 28, 2026. Then go to the Silver Spring Royal Farms and arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled time. Have your ticket printed out, or ready to show on your phone screen. When it is your scheduled time, go into the vestibule of the store entrance, or to the tent at the side of the store, and a Royal Farms "ambassador" will guide you to receiving your free meal. Let's hope that free meal includes their famous fried chicken!