Maryland governor proposes 75-cent fee on retail, food deliveries

One proposal in Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's FY-2026 budget that he, understandably, did not mention in his press conference yesterday is a new 75-cent fee on retail and food deliveries. Given the popularity of such purchases by people of all income levels, this regressive fee could quickly add up for already-struggling Maryland residents. Moore's presentation gave another official declaration that Maryland's economy is - like Montgomery County's - moribund and stagnant. His budget director gave a Powerpoint presentation with slides confirming Maryland's economic growth has "significantly underperformed national growth" since 2017, as has its job growth. With grocery, insurance, and home prices remaining massively-high, why would the state now pile on by socking it to working-class people ordering a hamburger or a t-shirt for delivery?

Economic growth - moribund!

Also hidden from the governor's speech was a proposal to more than double the emissions test fee for vehicles. The emissions test program is already a massive grift for the state, forcing owners of recent vehicle models to take a test that predictably finds their car meets the standards. Maryland isn't even properly maintaining the equipment for the test now, as the scanner on the self-test machine was broken the last time I went, forcing drivers to manually type their personal information into the computer.

Job growth - moribund!

Sports gamblers would also be victims of highway robbery under the new budget. In a proposal that was actually presented at the press conference, Moore suggested doubling the tax on sports betting from 15% to 30%. So that big $1000 win Joe Six Pack had on the baseball game will be whittled down to $700 right "off the bat." Better cancel that plan to have a burger delivered after the game, Joe - you just can't afford it! Meanwhile, your representatives in Annapolis are laughing all the way to the bank.

Maryland and Montgomery County have
the highest tax burden in the D.C. region...
...but their revenue is stagnant. Given that clear
end result, does it make sense to increase
taxes even further?

YogaSix opening studio at Cabin John Village in Potomac

A new fitness option is coming to the neighborhood around Cabin John Village in Potomac. YogaSix has leased a space in the shopping center at 7951-D Tuckerman Lane. The chain touts its commitment to providing accessible instruction for total beginners. Each of its locations in the region are operated by independent franchisees. The Cabin John studio is anticipated to open this spring; "coming soon" signage has been posted in the windows of its future storefront.

Robber gang jumps child in Rockville

A child was jumped by four robbers in the Twinbrook area of Rockville on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024, Montgomery County police allege. The juvenile victim was in the 13000 block of Twinbrook Parkway at 10:26 AM, when he was suddenly assaulted by the four male suspects, who took property from him. Police describe the strong-arm robbers only as four males of unknown age. If you can identify any of the four suspects, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Rockville shoplifter arrested after slamming employee into display case

Rockville's finest caught one of the many suspects plaguing retail businesses in Montgomery County these days, with an assist from a few Good Samaritan shoppers at the store. The alleged shoplifter attempted to steal items from a store in the 1500 block of Rockville Pike on the afternoon of January 6, 2025. When he was confronted by an employee of the store, he slammed the employee into a display case, and attempted to flee.

Several customers of the store helped the employee subdue the suspect, and held him until Rockville City police arrived at the store. Police took the suspect into custody at 4:14 PM.

McDonald's gutted in surprise renovation at Cabin John Mall (Photos)

The venerable McDonald's at 11301 Seven Locks Road inside the Cabin John Mall in Potomac has been gutted inside. According to signage posted at the restaurant, it is temporarily closed for renovations. No reopening date has been posted, but one of the signs says that the remodeling will take a few weeks to complete. A second, more optimistic sign says "a few days," but that's a bit too optimistic from what you can see here. But overall, the renovation sends a very positive message to customers that the ownership wants to provide a brand new dining room experience for them.

This McDonald's almost closed a couple of years ago, but agreed to stay at the mall after outcry from its many loyal customers. It looks like they are now updating the store for the long haul, with a sneak peek at the new interior visible in the photo above. Customers are being directed to the Montgomery Mall McDonald's while the renovations take place. Yes, Cabin John Village has Shake Shack - but Shake Shack doesn't have the Big Mac! Or America's favorite fries.

Police called after assault at Rockville grocery store

Rockville City police were called to a grocery store last Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025, after someone reported having been assaulted there. The assault was reported at 6:53 PM at a supermarket in the 1800 block of Rockville Pike, near the Twinbrook Metro station. There is a Safeway store on that block. An individual was accused of shoplifting in the same incident.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Montgomery Mall Lunar New Year events in Bethesda

The last 12 months may have been the quickest in history, and the Lunar New Year is already almost upon us again. For 2025, Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda will host a Lunar New Year celebration in partnership with the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) on January 25th and February 8th, from 10:40 AM to 3:00 PM on both days. Attendees will join in celebrating the Year of the Snake with a range of family-friendly activities. As you can see in the photos here, decorations are already in place. The following events will be held in the Nordstrom wing of the mall on Level 1:

January 25:

• Dragon Parade: A dragon parade will kick off the festivities at 10:40 AM.
• Opening Remarks: Meet the Dragon at Center Court for opening remarks from CCACC, Westfield Montgomery, and local dignitaries.
• Cultural Performances: Enjoy a diverse array of performances, including lion and dragon dances, musical performances, singing, folk dancing, opera, kung-fu & martial arts, Tai-chi, folk sports, Guzheng, and harmonica.
• Interactive Activities: Participate in hands-on crafts like traditional Chinese painting & calligraphy, flour doll making, paper cutting, origami, henna tattoos, and more.
•  Clothing Drive: Bring gently-used or new clothing to donate to Interfaith Works. In return, receive a "hongbao" (lucky money) to redeem at participating retailers within Westfield Montgomery.

February 8 - Lantern and Riddle Festival:

• Dragon Parade: Another exciting dragon parade will commence at 10:40 AM.
• Cultural Performances: More captivating live performances.
• Crafts and Riddles: Engage in creative activities, and test your wits by solving riddles written on colorful lanterns. Successful riddle-solvers will receive a special "hongbao."

All events are free to attend, but you are asked to RSVP online, so Westfield can get a sense of how many people will be participating in the activities, to know what quantity of materials will be needed, for example.