Grocery stores take aim at antiquated Maryland liquor laws again

Several grocery chains in Montgomery County are once again enlisting customers in the struggle to overturn the antiquated liquor laws that prevent them from selling beer and wine in Maryland. Signage paid for by the Consumer Freedom Coalition prompts customers to contact their legislators in Annapolis to support bills that would allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine, but not liquor. However, once again, the machine is prevailing in the state capital, and those bills appear unlikely to pass during this session.

The effort had the support of Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who was eager to back a popular cause to distract from the new taxes and fees in the FY-2026 state budget, but was opposed by powerful Democrats on committees that first had to approve the bills to move them to the floor for a wider vote. Harris Teeter was the loudest advocate for the change during the administration of previous Governor Larry Hogan, but the campaign stalled when the pandemic hit, and liquor law changes became focused on assisting bars and restaurants by allowing take-out cocktails, for example. Safeway has joined Harris Teeter in the 2025 push for the bills. Yet neither major corporation has been able to influence enough Maryland Democrats to sign on to supermarket sales, and those same Democrats have yet to pay a price at the ballot box for their continued defiance of the popular will on the matter.

Rockville's newest streets named for notable Black figures in Montgomery County education

The newest roads in the City of Rockville have been constructed in its newest neighborhood, the Farmstead District at 16144 Frederick Road. Street signs have been installed on the completed streets, and they have been named for notable Black figures in Rockville history, particularly in the field of education. 

Nina Clarke Drive recalls a granddaughter of slaves who graduated from the Rockville Colored School in 1934, and would become the first African-American supervisory resource teacher in the integrated county school system. By 1968, Clarke was the principal at Aspen Hill Elementary School in Rockville.

George Thomas Road is named for Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr., founder of the Saturday School program in Rockville, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. Begun in 1986, the program has since provided instruction to thousands of students at 12 sites across the County. This was the capstone of a career at MCPS, and in the U.S. Air Force before that.

Odessa Shannon Way pays tribute to the first Black person to be elected to public office in Montgomery County. Shannon was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Education in 1982.

Henson Norris Street commemorates a founding member of the Rockville Colored School Board. The board raised funds to construct and open the original Rockville Colored School in a two-room schoolhouse in 1876. It was located on what is today the parking lot of the Snowden Funeral Home.

Speaking of construction, the homes at Farmstead District continue to reach completion at the new development, which is a partnership between EYA and Pulte Homes. A sign shows how many of each model have sold, and how many remain.

Fugitive caught in Rockville

A fugitive with outstanding arrest warrants on other charges made the mistake of exposing himself in Rockville on March 24, 2025. Rockville City police were called to investigate the incident at the intersection of Wootton Parkway and Tower Oaks Boulevard at 1:58 PM. Officers determined that the suspect, a 36-year-old adult male, had outstanding warrants for trespassing and failure to appear in court. He was taken into custody.

Assault at Rockville Metro station

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at the Rockville Metro station early Friday morning, March 28, 2025. The assault was reported at the station at 1:27 AM Friday. It reportedly occurred in the parking lot area of the station.

Rockville scammers threaten violence to get victim's money

A Rockville resident was threatened with physical violence if he did not turn over money from his bank account to an anonymous online bank scammer, Rockville City police report. The incident began when the male victim, a resident of West End Park, met the male suspect online on March 19, 2025. When the suspect allegedly demanded the victim purchase gift cards for him, the victim declined. The victim then began receiving threats of physical harm via text message from unknown senders. Police say that the original male suspect was ultimately able to make five fraudulent withdrawals from the victim's bank account later that day. 

"Ultimate Wagyu experience" coming soon to Rockville

Beef lovers in Rockville must prepare themselves for "the ultimate Wagyu experience," coming soon to the Twinbrook Quarter development. Genki Wagyu Shabu House will open later this year at 870 Festival Street. Signage posted at the location promises the "ultimate unlimited Wagyu experience" for diners. Wagyu, which is comprised of the four primary breeds of Japanese cattle, is among the most-expensive meats in the world.

Rockville dog walker accosted with racist threats

A person walking a dog in Rockville was accosted with verbal threats, which were deemed "racially motivated" by Rockville City police. The victim was walking the dog in the 100 block of First Street at 8:00 AM on March 18, 2025. An unknown male suspect began shouting at the victim. Police have not released a description of the suspect at this time.