Van Hollen officially seeking to replace Schumer as Senate Majority Leader

Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen has officially announced his intention to challenge New York Senator Chuck Schumer for the role of Majority Leader in that body, when their party assumes control of both houses of Congress in January. The contest sets up the first test of the increased political power of the Democratic party's progressive and Democratic Socialist wings, newly earned in this month's blowout victories over Republicans in both bodies. "Democrats, we won the majority. But we still need to win the trust of the American people," Van Hollen wrote on X yesterday. "We can’t return to the status quo. If you agree, join us at https://chrisforleader.com."

Van Hollen has picked up a number of endorsements, including that of actor and activist Mark Ruffalo. Colleagues and soon-to-be colleagues who are backing Van Hollen include Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI), Peggy Flanagan (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN). Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich also threw his support behind Van Hollen Saturday. On the labor front today, Van Hollen has received the endorsements of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM), and the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

Image via Chris Van Hollen on Facebook 

Juvenile suspects won't be charged in assault in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault in the Rockshire area on November 3, 2026. The assault took place in the 2500 block of Lindley Overlook between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. According to police, two juveniles assaulted the lone victim. The identities of the two suspects are known to police. However, due to the suspects' age, Maryland law prevents either from being charged in the assault, police said.

Mark Ruffalo endorses Maryland's Chris Van Hollen for Senate Majority Leader

Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo has endorsed Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D) for Majority Leader, as Democrats prepare to take power in the U.S. Senate in January. Van Hollen has "the energy, care, moral centering and strength we need for all the work that lies ahead," Ruffalo wrote on X this morning. "Van Hollen for incoming speaker," he concluded, mistaking the position for the U.S. House of Representatives majority leadership office. The high-profile Hollywood endorsement comes as the progressive and Democratic Socialist wings of the Democratic Party scored record wins in the 2026 elections, and are now leveraging that political capital to oust New York Senator Chuck Schumer as Democratic leader in the Senate.

Maryland "is facing an energy crisis," utility Pepco says

"Maryland is facing an energy crisis," electric utility Pepco warned in a message to customers Thursday. "When demand for electricity is high and supply is limited, it puts pressure on the system and can increase costs," the message said, advising that customers "may see changes in your energy bill" as the region enters the winter months. The utility again has attempted to explain that many of the surging costs are not its responsibility, such as the taxes and fees imposed by Montgomery County and Maryland state governments. It specifically mentioned the EmPOWER Maryland fee that the Maryland legislature recently hiked again. Politicians hope that you will think Pepco is charging you these fees, which is part of the impetus for the utility to inform customers to the contrary.

Moreover, the impact of the state forcing the closure of 8 power plants continues to be massive. Maryland is now forced to import electricity from out-of-state at higher rates, because it can no longer generate enough power from its remaining power plants to meet demand. Montgomery County and Maryland elected officials have tried mightily to scapegoat data centers as the cause of high energy bills, but the fact is that there are currently zero megascale data centers in our state. No, it's our elected officials themselves who have done this to us, and the problem will soon be impossible to ignore any longer, as energy demands lead to blackouts.

Mlux Nail Spa now open in Rockville

Mlux Nail Spa is now open at 121 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Located in the heart of the Rockville Town Center area at the Rockville Metro Plaza building, the upscale nail and head spa not only offers free parking in the garage and lot at the rear of the property, but is also just steps away from the Rockville Metro station and The Square at Rockville. Inside, the salon is spacious and super-clean.

Services offered include a full suite of nail manicures, pedicures, enhancements, decoration, and spa treatments. Mlux also offers waxing; lash and brow lift, tint, and lamination; luxury head spa treatments; body massage, and combination packages. Appointments can be booked online. Mlux has already earned rave reviews online, with a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews, and a perfect 5-star rating on Yelp.

Winterwood, Just Cozy, See's Candies open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Three seasonal retailers have just opened ahead of Black Friday at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda: Winterwood, Just Cozy, and See's Candies. The first two are brand-new, and See's is an annual holiday tenant at the mall, returning once again for 2026. Here's a look at each one:

Winterwood is filled with the Christmas spirit. Shoppers are greeted by a Christmas tree bearing the message "Merry Christmas," a welcoming wave from a Christmas light-wrapped Groot, and a Santa-hatted Goofy seated inside the entrance, ready to lead a round of Christmas carols with his book in hand. The shop features all kinds of Christmas decor, much of which appears to be handcrafted. Stockings, snow globes, tabletop displays, and Christmas tree ornaments are among the items for sale. Look for Winterwood on Level 1 of the mall, between Warby Parker and Lilly Pulitzer.

See's Candies is back, but has downsized to a kiosk this year. It does make it easier for shoppers passing by to see exactly what they have to offer. One tends to think of their famous chocolate assortment gift boxes. But here you will also see Molasses Chips, Assorted Lolly Pops, hot cocoa mix, Victoria Toffee, and branded mugs. Find out why See's has been in business for 105 years at their kiosk on Level 1 of the Macy's wing, near Lilly Pulitzer.

Just Cozy features loungewear, knit hats and mittens, leggings, slipper socks, and blankets. Everything you need to stay warm and comfortable for the holidays. Just Cozy was founded in London, Ontario - where they know a bit about cold winters - in 2014. Look for Just Cozy on Level 1 of the mall, next to Urban Outfitters.

Police called after assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a hotel after someone was allegedly assaulted there early yesterday morning, November 9, 2026. The assault was reported at a hotel in the unit block of Helen Heneghan Way at 1:35 AM Monday. That is the Cambria Hotel Rockville at 1 Helen Heneghan Way in Rockville Town Center.