Flood watch in effect until 2:00 PM today for Central Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Montgomery County and Central Maryland to the border with Pennsylvania. It is in effect from 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM this afternoon, September 6, 2022. There is the possibility of rainfall of 2-3" during this time, with potential totals up to 5" in some areas, due to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms.

Expect creeks, streams, rivers and flood-prone areas to experience high water levels and overflows. If you see high water in the road ahead, do not attempt to drive through it. Turn around and find an alternate route.

Donald Trump praises Maryland governor candidate Dan Cox, continues Larry Hogan feud at Pennsylvania rally

Maryland governor candidate Dan Cox at
Trump rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

President Donald Trump handed Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan a humiliating defeat in the July Republican primary, when his gubernatorial endorsee Dan Cox decisively beat Hogan's handpicked candidate, Kelly Schulz. But Trump is not finished with Hogan yet, who continues to explore a presidential run in 2024 - likely against Trump. And so it was that Hogan was once again on Trump's mind at Trump's jam-packed rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania over the Labor Day weekend.

Trump, as expected, weighed in again on the August FBI raid of his Mar-a-Lago home, divulging new details of how agents ransacked the bedroom of his teenage son, Barron. And he responded to President Joe Biden's Thursday speech in which the President called the 74,223,369 Americans who voted for Trump "a clear and present danger" to the country. 

But about 90 minutes into the rally, Trump's thoughts turned to the state just south of where he was speaking. He began by calling Cox "a man I'm very proud of. He's got a tough race, but I'm very proud of him. Because you have a RINO governor in Maryland. His name is Larry Hogan."

The crowd let out a cascade of boos at the mention of Hogan. "I think he wants to run for president," Trump continued, before deploying his favorite stump-speech insult about Hogan's physical appearance. "I said you got to look in the mirror first; it's not going to work. Not going to work," Trump said to guffaws from the audience. 

"But he's a real RINO," Trump continued. "And he doesn't want [Cox], because this man is all for our country. His name is Dan Cox, and he beat, he beat Larry Hogan's candidate by, like, 20 points with my endorsement. And he's doing fantastically." 

Trump speaking about his endorsee for
Maryland governor, Dan Cox (left);
Cox stands to acknowledge applause from
the crowd

Trump then turned toward where Cox was sitting just beyond the stage. "Dan," he said, "congratulations."

But Trump couldn't resist returning to his favorite East Coast punching bag, Hogan, once again. "And Larry Hogan - and this is my fault, I'm sorry, Dan - but Larry Hogan is not going to be supporting you, only because I am supporting you. So, I don't know what that means, but I can tell you that Maryland has a great man running, and I hope you're going to do well and we'll be out there helping you, okay? Thank you very much. Good. I have a feeling you'll do very well."

Photos via Dan Cox for Governor campaign

Montgomery County Executive candidate Reardon Sullivan releases new campaign ad

Reardon Sullivan, the Republican nominee for Montgomery County Executive, has released a new campaign ad. "Montgomery County has changed," he says as the ad begins. "We were once the premier county in the country, but now violent crime has skyrocketed in our neighborhoods and schools. Our police are not supported, and can't do their jobs." 

Sullivan accuses the County's public school system of "pushing radical social agendas," instead of "the real lessons our children need to learn." He notes the trend of businesses leaving the county or closing, and the financial impact of that on County revenues. Alluding to the disatisfaction of a majority of Democratic primary voters with the incumbent executive, Sullivan asks, "[D]o you really want another four years of Marc Elrich?"

The ad ends with an appeal for voters to make their choice based on the areas of agreement residents have about the future of the County, as opposed to on the basis of party labels. “Now voters have a clear choice to make in the General Election," Sullivan said in a statement announcing the video this morning, "and I ask all voters for their support and their vote so together we can put Montgomery County back on the right track.”

Rockville Dodge dealer sells out of Hemi V8 Chargers, Challengers as models enter their final year

Three weeks ago, Dodge announced it would be phasing out its gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger muscle cars after the 2023 model year. Hemi fans are apparently taking action now, to ensure they get one of the last cars that will be produced. DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rockville at 755 Rockville Pike is now temporarily sold out of Hemi V8 versions of both vehicles, as of yesterday. Some V6 models are still in-stock, as you can see above, until the next V8s are delivered. After special versions of both cars are produced for 2023, the Charger and Challenger will be replaced with an electric sports car for the 2024 model year.

Rockville fatal stabbing suspect arrested

Montgomery County police announced they have arrested a suspect in the multiple stabbings that occurred last night on Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Two adult males were allegedly stabbed by the suspect, and one of them was pronounced dead. Scorpio Alexander Standfield, 31, of no fixed address, has been charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault and first-degree murder. His bond status has not been divulged by police.

The incident began when Rockville City and Montgomery County police, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service units, responded to a report of a stabbing in the 700 block of Hungerford Drive at 9:55 PM Saturday. Responders found an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The victim provided a description of the assailant, and was then transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Officers identified the suspect as Standfield, whom they found in the 900 block of Hungerford. Standfield possessed evidence linking him to the crime, detectives said, without identifying if that included the weapon used. While investigating the scene on those two blocks, officers noticed a second adult male sitting in a vehicle in the 800 block of Hungerford, who was also suffering from a stab wound. That second male victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division are asking anyone who has information about this stabbing and homicide to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.   

Aggravated assault with gun in King Farm area of Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault involving a firearm in the King Farm neighborhood yesterday afternoon, September 2, 2022. The assault was reported in the 1600 block of Piccard Drive at 2:00 PM Friday. That is a residential street with townhomes on one side, and the Ingleside at King Farm retirement community on the other.

Rockville teardown leads to sale of $1 million+ new-construction home

A teardown project in Rockville has led to the sale of the resulting $1,099,000 new construction home. Located at 920 Grandin Avenue in the Janeta subdivision, the home features six bedrooms, and four-and-a-half baths. Is this a harbinger of the future entry price for this neighborhood of mostly-modest homes? Below is the house that was demolished to make way for the new home.