Armed carjacking in Rockville

City of Rockville police are searching for a vehicle stolen at gunpoint this morning. At 3:38 AM in the 200 block of Congressional Lane, three black males allegedly put a gun to the victim's head, and drove away with the victim's wallet and white 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander's license plate is Maryland tag number 6CP4813. Police ask you to call 911 immediately if you see this car.

Montgomery County Council approves FY-2022 budget with property tax increase

Property taxes will increase for almost all Montgomery County residents in the fiscal year starting July 1, 2021, under the $6 billion FY-2022 budget approved by the County Council yesterday. The tax hike comes at a time when many residents and businesses have been struggling during the pandemic's economic downturn. 

Also hitting residents' wallets in the budget: parking fee increases in Bethesda and Wheaton, and the expansion of parking enforcement hours in Silver Spring and Wheaton, which will begin in January 2022. All nine councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the budget and tax increase.

McDonald's BTS Meal arrives in Rockville (Video+Photos)

The McDonald's BTS Meal officially arrived nationwide yesterday. In partnership with the K-pop boy band, the meal includes a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a medium Coca-Cola, and two sauce packets: Cajun and Sweet Chili. 

While most media outlets have lauded the sauces as both being new to the United States, McDonald's actually offered Sweet Chili sauce some years back. The Cajun sauce is brand new, however. Watch my in-depth review on YouTube.

BTS fans have reacted enthusiastically to the promotion on social media, but there has been significant dissatisfaction among them that McDonald's did not provide BTS-branded packaging for the meal nor any BTS-themed prize, cards or toys in the United States. Some overseas countries have received special packaging for their BTS meals, which led some fans to ask why an American restaurant chain did not provide this BTS packaging for its American customers.

Taco Bamba sets opening date in Rockville

Opening day for Taco Bamba at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike is finally in sight. Chef Victor Albisu announced yesterday that the tacqueria's first Maryland location will open next Friday, June 4, 2021. Like the other Taco Bamba locations, this one will have menu items exclusive to, and inspired by, its location. 

Among the exclusive menu items you will find at this Taco Bamba are the MoCo CRAB (griddled crab melt, spicy mayonnaise, vinegar coleslaw, and mini fries), the First Lady of Maryland-inspired "Mrs. Hogan" (kalbi pork, gochujang, kimchi bacon fried rice, cucumber, and radish), and the Fredneck (BBQ pork carnitas with morita slaw).

At the bar, the focus will be on agave spirits, including a margarita-style drink made with kiwi, Fresno pepper, lemon and mezcal. Taco Bamba will be open 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Car stolen from Rockville apartment building

City of Rockville police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle outside an apartment building Monday afternoon. The vehicle was reported stolen from an apartment complex in the 400 block of Blandford Street around 4:06 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville Swim Center loosening pandemic restrictions

Pandemic restrictions continue to loosen in Rockville and across the country. Among these are several changes in protocols at the Rockville Swim Center, located at 355 Martins Lane. 

Effective now, no face coverings are required in outdoor areas at the center, except for when checking in for an outdoor reservation. Masks are still required indoors, including in the gym, except while in the water.

Beginning this Saturday, May 29, 2021, reservations will no longer be needed for the outdoor Fitness and Recreation Pools, indoor North Pool, or Fitness Room. Users may return to sharing a lap lane with others in these areas, without limitations on the number of swimmers per lane. 

Use of the center will also no longer be restricted to City of Rockville residents and facility members, also effective May 29. The whirlpool and sauna remain closed for the time being.

Regal Cinemas Rockville reopens (Video+Photos)

The projectors and popcorn makers are running again at Regal Cinemas Rockville Center at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue in Rockville. A fresh set of movie posters is on display promoting the latest, and future, films. 

The cineplex has been closed for the last year due to the pandemic, but is reopening with a set of protocols it calls CinemaSafe. Regal is also promoting Regal Unlimited, a program that allows to see unlimited movies for a monthly fee, at a sizable display in the lobby. Members also save 10% on concessions.