Local News: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
Council Committee meetings on April 30 and May 1, Link
Why does the County Council have such bad budget options and who's really in charge of MCPS budget? by Nora Gordon, April 29, 2026 Link
Fani-Gonzalez to Elrich: "It's your time to move on," Montgomery Perspective, April 29 2026 Link
Jawando releases detailed budget changes, Montgomery Perspective, April 29 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: This proposal fails efficient and effective good government three ways: 1) $100 million (70 plus 30) for unspecified program cuts that do not reduce the structural deficit, including call these swamp gas cuts; 2) $39 million additional draw on reserves; 3) Continues over $130 million above market pay raises that increase the structural deficit.
Budget talks continue as Council delays vote on collective bargaining agreements, Montgomery Community Media, April 29, 2026 Link
Glass bill would add screening for DHS agents looking to join MoCo police, Bethesda Magazine, April 27, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
Opinion: Montgomery County must stop passing the buck on school infrastructure, Bethesda Magazine, April 29, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne at MCTL: It's not passing the buck. They each have a different job. Its important to remember that MCPS capital comes from county bonds which are debt service limited to 10% of general fund spending under the charter. MCPS prioritizes, the Executive fits it in with other county project priorities, and the Council decides. The problem is CEs Leggett and Elrich with Council support squandered decades of capital on low return projects based on political objectives. Now the cupboard is bare.
Minor shoot at Blake High School, The Banner, April 29, 2026 Link
Work to begin on new school rating system to replace current star system, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Most homeschoolers also use an array of resources, data shows, the 74 million, April 29, 2026 Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
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"The bill enables any person or organization discriminated against by the state or local board of elections and municipalities to sue, he said."
Maryland Gov Wes Moore loves going fast. Government doesn't. The Banner, April 29, 2026 Link
Kanaiyah's law among 200 bills signed into law, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Maryland has more EV chargers than ever - but not everywhere, Bethesda Magazine, April 29, 2026 Link
State to 'off ramp' Key Bridge contractor as work continues, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Blue cities (and the State of Maryland) dole out homeless relief based on race and gender, Free Beacon, April 28, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
McClain Delaney looks to benefit from experience in District 6 race, FrederickNewsPost, April 29, 2026 Link
Police Union issues non-incumbent endorsements, Montgomery Perspective, April 29, 2026 Link
MCGEO issues a vote of no confidence on Sheriff Maxwell Uy, Bethesda Magazine, April 29, 2026 Link
Maryland voting maps face more scrutiny after Supreme Court ruling, Baltimore Sun, April 29, 2026 Link The Maryland Freedom Caucus said in a statement that the Supreme Court ruling revealed the state’s Voting Rights Act to be “little more than a symbolic bill” and will “invite endless litigation.”
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
Ben Sasse wants you to love your neighbor not your political party, Washington Examiner, April 29, 2026 Link Sasse explained: “I think your fundamental political community is your neighborhood, and your city hall and may be even your state legislature. And right now, we are sacrificing a lot of our national politics to weird folks who want their main community to be their political tribe at a federal level, and that should be like the ninth thing, or the 15th thing you care about, not the first or second thing.”
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Ann Guthrie Hingston
Local News: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
Should we restructure the county income tax? Montgomery Perspective, April 28, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Fair pushes back on proposed August 17 MCPS school start, MoCoShow, April 27, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Council passes amended Unmask Ice Act, April 28, 2026 Link
From Rockville to Wall Street X-energy announces IPO, ThinkMoCo, April 28, 2026 Link
AEI Housing Market indicators: Property assessment resource, March 2026 Link
Montgomery County to announce lease for Silver Brewery and Mosaic Pizza for Wheaton headquarters building, April 28, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
Juvenile in custody after armed robbery at Einstein High School stadium, MoCoShow, April 28, 2026 Link
Wootton Group appeals MCPS closure of Wootton High School, Montgomery Perspective, April 28, 2026 Link
Youth apprenticeships build a stronger bridge from school to work to adulthood, by Bruno Manno, the 74million, April 27, 2026 Link
Public schools now cost 50% more per student than private schools, Committee to Unleash Prosperity, April 28, 2026 Link
Hearing Recap: "Leveling down how equity policies undermine excellence and harm students," House Committee on Education and the Workforce, April 28, 2026 Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
State dumps Key Bridge rebuild contractor, The Banner, April 28, 2026 Link
Thousands of Marylanders downgraded health plans on ACA marketplace amid rising premiums, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Maryland property search tool is back online nearly two weeks after cyber attack, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Maryland's $80M in federal flood mitigation funds back on track after Judge doubles down, WYPR, April 23, 2026 Link
Baltimore Sun editorial board talks ideological diversity during TV Townhall, Baltimore Sun, April 27, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
Competing TV ads in Congressional District 6, Montgomery Perspective, April 28, 2026 Link
Moore to announce first eight primary endorsements, Maryland Matters, April 28, 2026 Link
Ed Hale to release military records challenges Gov Moore to do the same, FoxBaltimore, April 27, 2026 Link
Teachers Unions contribute a combined $1Billion toward left leaning political activism, National Review, April 28, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
Former Fauci adviser Dr. David Morens indicted for allegedly concealing COVID related records, National Review, April 28, 2026 Link
DEI Programs cost the US economy $94 Billion a year, Committee to Unleash Prosperity, April 28, 2026 Link
Report: $186 billion in federal payment errors likely an undercount, The Center Square, April 28, 2026 Link
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Ann Guthrie Hingston
Local News: Monday, April 27, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
April 28: County Council meets to review FY 2027 compensation and benefits of all agencies, Link
May 12: County Council holds public hearing on increasing county income taxes, Link
Councilmember Jawando releases budget framework for working families, April 27, 2026 Link
Jawando releases plan to balance budget with no property tax increase, Montgomery Perspective, April 27, 2026 Link
Silver Spring residents oppose MoCo plans for bus rapid transit lanes on Colesville Road, Bethesda Magazine, April 27, 2026 Link
Gaithersburg Book Festival warns of fraudulent emails targeting authors, MoCoShow, April 27, 2026 Link
County's air quality rated "C" by American Lung Association, Montgomery Community Media, April 27, 2026 Link
MCPS weekend crime summary highlights thefts, school incidents, and violent crimes across districts, MoCoShow, April 27, 2026 Link
Armed robbery at Montgomery Mall on April 27, 2026, Robert Dyer, Bethesda Row, Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
Maryland House Speaker calls for permanent ban on proected utility rates, Montgomery Community Media, April 27, 2026 Link
Maryland utility PEPCO shrinks rate increase request after passage of utility relief act, WYPR, April 24, 2026 Link
Maryland joins lawsuit against EPA for failing to follow rules on airborne fine particulate matter, Maryland Matters, April 25, 2026 Link
Moore dodges questions about work on Wall Street, Axios, April 27, 2026 Link
Eric Stalwell placed on leave from UMD law school board, The Banner, April 27, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
Ana Sol switches from Jawando to Glass, Montgomery Perspective, April 27, 2026 Link
CASA in Action begins independent expenditures, Montgomery Perspective, April 27, 2026 Link
McClain Delaney to Trone "Stop misleading Maryland voters," Bethesda Magazine, April 24, 2026 Link
The Democratic Party has turned on Israel, Washington Examiner, April 27, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
As E-bikes proliferate, regulations and misunderstandings abound, Governing, April 27, 2026 Link
Major aviation overhaul in the US: Insights from the Summit, Daily Signal, April 25, 2026 Link
How Trump Administration is ending the 'immoral' orphan tax, Daily Signal, April 26, 2026 Link
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Ann Guthrie Hingston
Local News: April 24, 25, 26 2026
COUNTY NEWS
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SEE Listed at end: County Council and Committee Meetings: April 27- May 13, 2026 |
Review of what Montgomery County received from the 2026 General Assembly session by Marc Elrich, April 24, 2026 Link
Should county compensation increases be reduced? Part Two, Montgomery Perspective, April 24, 2026 Link
MC Planners want to make sure everyone benefits from the Purple Line, GGWashington, April 25, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: Author has some bad ideas for promoting east Silver Spring which has been devastated by Purple Line delays. No doubt this reflects Planning Dept strategies and hopefully the Council will override these ideas. Note that nowhere in this article does the author indicate how many more transit riders there will be. That's because most will come from canibalizing bus ridership. Nor does the author cite how much any of the strategies will increase resident incomes or jobs. She does talk about higher home assessments. We'll see.
County investing nearly $10 M for sidewalk construction, MoCoShow, April 24, 2026 Link
County Executive weekly newsletter, April 24, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Council public hearings on May 5 and June 9, 2026 Link
After local arrest, MoCo officials warn of illegal car rallies, street takeovers, Bethesda Magazine, April 24, 2026 Link
Police arrest boy, 13, for reckless dirt bike driving in Bethesda Row, Bethesda Magazine, April 24, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
MCPolice tells County Council, MCPS: We can't cover all the schools, Bethesda Magazine, April 24, 2026 Link
MCPS receives $6M grant to train staff to become licensed teachers, MoCoShow, April 24, 2026 Link
MCPS Principal named Maryland's national distinguished Principal of the Year, MoCoShow, April 23, 2026 Link
Teach young people grammar of self-governance, Washington Examiner, April 24, 2026 Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
Maryland taxes rise for most in 2026 under new federal policies, Southern Maryland Chronicle, April 20, 2026 Link
MD loses 5.5K jobs in February as Moore seeks to grow the economy, The Daily Record, April 23, 2026 Link
Top State Attorney says he is leaving over sanctuary laws and taxes, FoxNews, April 24, 2026 Link
Sudden cannabis reclassification leaves Maryland industry, regulators confused, Maryland Matters, April 23, 2026 Link
State's $25K payment to EV nonprofit attracts auditors scrutiny, Maryland Matters, April 23, 2026 Link
Maryland could have identified lead inspections sooner, auditors say, Maryland Matters, April 23, 2026 Link
After the confetti, Maryland lawmakers return to other jobs after the legislative session, Maryland Matters, April 25, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: This literacy program pilot test was designed in collaboration with the Black and Brown Coalition. They didn't get mentioned. The secret sauce was mandatory parent communications by teachers. This should be done at all grade levels.
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
Action in Montgomery quizzes MoCo candidates on its "people's agenda," Bethesda Magazine, April 23, 2026 Link
"Buying and Lying": McClain Delaney attacks Trone over reelection claim, Montgomery Perspective, April 24, 2026 Link
GOP Republican Gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale rallies supporters at Timonium fundraiser, FoxBaltimore, April 21, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
Immigration court rules DACA is no longer automatic block to deporting 'Dreamers,' Washington Times, April 25, 2026 Link
Illegal immigrants and temporary visitors give birth to 9% of US babies, Washington Times, April 23, 2026 Link
How the SPLC, once a defender of civil rights became a liberal attack dog, Washington Examiner, April 25, 2026 Link
UK Pro-Life groups hail great victory as assisted suicide legislation fails, National Catholic Register, April 24, 2026 Link
America at 250: Our lost opportunity, Commentary, May 2026 Link
Local News: April 21, 22, 23, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
April 24: County Council Meetings: Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee will review the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget and an executive regulation to extend the date for departments and offices to develop a racial equity action plan Link
Changing the math, EPICofMOCO, April 21, 2026 Link
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Residents speak out against any tax increases in the proposed budget, Montgomery Community Media, April 21, 2026 Link Metro's board to vote on budget bill that calls for fully automated trains on red line, WJLA, April 22, 2026 Link
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Exclusive: Federal push to fix the DMV's worst traffic chokepoints, Baltimore Sun, April 22, 2026 Link (National #1 = American Legion Bridge.)
MoCo announces $1.7M in security grants for nonprofits at risk of hate crimes, Bethesda Magazine, April 21, 2026 Link
Activists say Germantown library should remove books linked to controversial Hindi group, The Banner, April 22, 2026 Link
New "montgomerycountymd.gov" website launched, Link
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Massachusetts Avenue 70 year old church hits the market for $15M, Bethesda Magazine, April 23, 2026 Link
Metro fare evasion losses hit $50M in fiscal 2025, Source of the Spring, April 23, 2026 Link
MCPD Report: Auto Thefts, robberies across all police districts on April 20 Link
Setting an example: MoCo Council bans private immigration detention centers, Bethesda Magazine, April 21, 2026 Link
Demolition of Clarksburg's COMSAT building underway, Bethesda Magazine, April 20, 2026 Link
Glass moves to ban taxpayer funded bulk printings near elections, Montgomery Perspective, April 21, 2026 Link
Poolesville warns of suspicious email sent from official account, MoCoShow, April 20, 2026 Link
Montgomery County's population decline raises concerns for future, The Sentinel, April 23, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
Without a Board of Education vote, Superintendent Taylor has added Jeffrey A. Krew, LLC to the list of MCPS outside law firms to represent MCPS in special education matters. Parents Coalition of MD, April 22, 2026 Link
Awful options: MCPS considers starting school August 20, Bethesda Magazine, April 21, 2026 Link
Maryland launches hiring campaign for 60+ teacher coaching positions, MoCoShow, April 20, 2026 Link
Why blue state governors should sign up for new Federal scholarship tax credit, the 74million, April 21, 2026 Link
Our kids and communities need real grass fields. Should we rely on science or sales pitch? Montgomery Perspective, April 21, 2026 Link
Accountability is the broccoli of education reform. States must eat more of it, by Jeb Bush, The 74million, April 19, 2026 Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
Maryland among states most expensive to raise children, Baltimore Sun, April 23, 2026 Link
Transportation reforms stuck in neutral, The Banner, April 22, 2026 Link
Board holds line on property tax rate though bills will likely increase, Maryland Matters, April 22, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: This is the 11% haircut the state takes on Montgomery County property revenues. What we get for it: "Revenue from the state property tax is used to repay money borrowed through state bonds. Shortfalls are covered by general fund revenues. The revenue collected does not fully cover the cost of borrowing. In fiscal 2027, the state is expected to collect nearly $1.2 billion in property taxes, about $320 million short of the state’s debt service burden for the year, according to an analysis by the Department of Legislative Services." This is mismanagement by the state. The county could do better, although that will require a change in leadership that is focused on strategic plans and outcomes to get more bang for the buck. We could tell the state to let us manage the 11% (over $200 million) in a way that reduces our demand for state bonds and associated debt service. In fact let each county make the business case for fully returning control of property taxes to local governments, and let the state keep income taxes. Let us prove we can manage our money better than the state.
Maryland housing has become a major problem, poll says, The Banner, April 21, 2026 Link
Baltimore waste processing will cost $38.5M to fix, The Banner, April 20, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
Churn in the statehouse should make for interesting and crowded legislative races, Maryland Matters, April 23, 2026 Link
2 School Board members are running for County Council. Will their positions haunt or help? The Banner, April 23, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: Yang and Silvestre had key roles in previous Supt McKnight's hiring and recommended MCPS budgets that grew the structural deficit without improving low income student reading or math proficiency significantly.
CD6 Mail, Montgomery Perspective, April 23, 2026 Link
Council members start to align around Executive candidates, Montgomery Perspective, April 22, 2026 Link
Balcombe and Luedtke endorse Friedson for County Executive, Bethesda Magazine, April 23, 2026 Link
County Executive candidates lay out vision for East County, Bethesda Magazine, April 21, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: The idea of locating a 4th Montgomery College campus ats the White Oak site has two downsides. One it will cost money we don't have in the CIP, and two it could squeeze out effort to add business offices to the site. Instead of making Montgomery College more accessible for certain east county residents who could go to the Takoma Park campus, we should be looking at ways to improve the math and reading proficiency of east county residents. That will make many more residents eligible for University of Maryland degrees and other universities, and will make others job ready for the business we are promised will go to White Oak. I just hope the Tax Increment Financing the Council approved (advance assignment of property tax revenues to fund White Oak infrastructure) isn't wasted on things that have no return on investment. We'll see.
Sierra Club endorses challenger over veteran Sen King in District 39, Bethesda Magazine, April 21, 2026 Link
Moderately MoCo Candidate Introduction series:
Prabu Selvam, Candidate for Council at-large, April 20, 2026 Link
Ryan Spiegel, LD 17 Candidate, April 23, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
When the Tax Base walks out the door, Governing, April 21, 2026 Link
To get to a flat tax, tax the tax-exempt, Committee to Unleash Prosperity, April 23, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: The author rhetorically asks why non-profit hospitals and universities are exempt from taxes, and notes: "It is no coincidence that these are the two sectors that have seen the steepest price increases for consumers and a never ending flow of explicit taxpayer subsidies on top of their tax benefits." Correct, it is no coincidence. Its public policy, and yes organizations come in second behind Fed, State and Local governments for union organization. Again, not a coincidence. Like so many tax policies intended to social engineer investments, exemptions to hospitals and universities have failed in effectiveness. Compared to private clinics (although success reflects the fact that you're not getting a random lottery pick doctor, and higher income patients are healthier), and private universities (far superior to the dismal 6 year 50% graduation rate of public schools) alternatives the exempt service providers lose. But, are these exempt organizations at least efficient? Well yes in a way, because they have far more customers in the unit cost denominator. Do their average costs then come in lower? Well, that's a tricky question. If you add to tax subsidies other public subsidies like losses on Medicare and Medicaid, and losses on government student loan defaults, probably not. Looking at the big picture though, maybe these subsidized institutions are more effective and efficient than universal health care, or free universities would be. If that's true, god bless compromises and subsidies.
Appeals Court blocks California law barring immigration officers from wearing masks, Washington Examiner, April 23, 2026 Link
Dangers of progressiveness, Washington Times, April 20, 2026 Link
Trump signs five executive orders to promote fossil fuels as essential to national security, AMAC, April 23, 2026 Link
Southern Poverty Law Center indicted for fraud charges tied to paid informants, Washington Examiner, April 23, 2026 Link
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Ann Guthrie Hingston
Local News: Catching Up #2 - Monday, April 20, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
Tuesday: County Council to hold public hearings on proposed fiscal year 2027 tax rates, Bethesda Magazine, April 20, 2026 Link
Don't call them cuts, Montgomery Perspective, April 20, 2026 Link
Statement from CExec Elrich on budget proposal of Council President Fani-Gonzalez, April 17, 2026 Link
Budget proposal sets up showdown between unions, Council President, The Banner, April 20, 2026 Link
'Broken promise' MoCo unions decry proposed reductions, negotiated raises, Bethesda Magazine, April 17, 2026 Link
Council Committee recommends allocating $20.7 million for operations of the County Council in FY 27, Montgomery Community Media, April 16, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation launches dedicated web page for countywide strategic plan, April 17, 2026 Link
Public survey now open on county's strategic plan for economic development, Link
Growing risk of water shortages as Potomac River hits near-record lows, WTOP, April 20, 2026 Link
Silver Spring crime reduction touted by police, The Banner, April 20, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Council public hearings on April 28 and June 9 Link
From Glen Echo to Summer Season: Celebrating two centennials - one May 2 & one May 16 - at Glen Echo Park, Bethesda Magazine, April 16, 2026 Link
Up to $1,000 grants for neighborhood events in Montgomery County, April 20, 2026 Link
Media Release: DOT road maintenance schedule, April 17, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
Montgomery County's AI school bus cameras fuel debate over safety and fines, AXIOS, April 20, 2026 Link
Montgomery County Council debates $3B school budget, turf fields, bus parking plan, Montgomery Community Media, April 15, 2026 Link
Fully funding MCPS does not lead to Academic Excellence, Brenda Diaz, April 9, 2026 Link
MCPS charter school threatened with closure now faces legal threat, The Banner, April 17, 2026 Link
Democrats must come to an understanding with teachers unions, SCHOOLED by Mike Petrilli, April 17, 2026 Link
School districts pay more than $200K for retaliation against criticism of LGBTQ policies, JusttheNews, April 19, 2026 Link
MARYLAND STATE NEWS
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Maryland real property database taken off line after suspicious activity, Baltimore Sun, April 20, 2026 Link
Maryland sues DC Water over Potomac River sewage, Baltimore Sun, April 20, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: Very dumb. Md had four members on the DC Water Board who did nothing about this for 7 years
Maryland urgently needs a statewide fraud watchdog, Washington Post, April 19, 2026 (GIFT) Link
83 bills labeled "emergency" in legislative session. Why? Baltimore Sun, April 18, 2026 Link
Economists say Maryland "nibbles" at affordability concerns, Baltimore Sun, April 9, 2026 Link
Moore nabs some small housing wins, but his most ambitious ideas fail, The Banner, April 20, 2026 Link
Maryland becomes the first state to ban "surveillance pricing" in grocery stores, April 20, 2026 Link
Is it illegal to flip off a copy in Maryland? Here's what the law says, Myhometownpost, April 19, 2026 Link
Potomac data center would sap more power than Baltimore, The Banner, April 20, 2026 Link
Battles over data centers intensify in the state house and communities, Maryland Matters, April 20, 2026 Link
Ups, downs bring winners, losers in what was supposed to be a slow session, Maryland Matters, April 18, 2026 Link
Maryland's highest paid state employees, Baltimore Sun, April 20, 2026 Link
Oysters robust and growing enjoy breakthrough year in Maryland, Delmarvanow, April 20, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
District 1 council candidates debate housing, fiscal policy at Bethesda forum, Bethesda Magazine, April 20, 2026 Link
Friedson's first mailer, Montgomery Perspective, April 20, 2026 Link
Will Jawando's policy fights are defining the county executive race, The Banner, April 17, 2026 Link
Seven candidates, one stage: County Executive hopefuls make their pitch, Bethesda Magazine, April 16, 2026 Link
Moderately MoCo Candidate Introduction series:
Shaif A. Hidayat, candidate for District 7 County Council, Link
Wylea Chase, candidate for County School Board at-large, Link
Opinion: Why Democrats are failing to reach young voters like me, (GIFT) Washington Post, April 18, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
Businesses and corporations that paid tariffs can file for refunds starting today, Washington Examiner, April 20, 2026 Link
Justice Department adds Joe diGenova to investigation of Trump critic John Brennan, CNN News, April 18, 2026 Link
Not your father's Democratic Party, Israel loses its grip on the left, Washington Times, April 16, 2026 Link
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Ann Guthrie Hingston
Local News: April 7 & 8, 2026
COUNTY NEWS
Dickerson data center environmental impact, Bethesda Magazine, April 7, 2026 Link Comment by Gordon Brenne of MCTL: Fallacy is that data centers can run on renewable power. They need lots of power, can generate some and have reserve power generation capabilities to deal with peak loads. The latter is on demand and can only come from natural gas or nuclear power generation. I would guess the nice people living near Dickerson would prefer natural gas, but who knows how rational they are when it comes to political decisions. We need this data center to boost information technology jobs in the County, and pave the way for more data centers. We have 4 today in the county which is ridiculously low until you understand we drove a lot of commercial employers out of the county.
Help end trash burning in Dickerson! Sugarloaf Citizens Assn, April 7, 2026 Link Comment by Paula Bienenfeld, candidate for Council D-4: Council and Elrich kept this under wraps for all these years. Suddenly the public is hearing about it. As usual, waiting until it's too late supposedly to do anything about it and we are scrambling to address it. This is what happens when there is no government transparency, not to mention no news organization that covers local issues.
April 8 & 9: Montgomery County Council meets to hold public hearing on 2027 operating budget Link
Council budget review hopes to void many of Elrich's tax increases, Montgomery Community Media, April 8, 2026 Link
Friedson on taxes and budget: "That is Crazy," Montgomery Perspective, April 8, 2026 Link
Council ends annual reporting on minimum wages effect on economy, Montgomery Community Media, April 8, 2026 Link Comment by Gordie Brenne of MCTL: Pathetic. So 4 of the 17 indicators are no longer available, leaving 13 indicators of how the minimum wage affects the local economy. These policy makers just don't like the answer. Getting OLO to do the economic impact reviews was a big win for MCTL 5 years ago. Taxpayers lose without this analysis, and policy makers dropped their level of accountability for the consequence of this bad policy: fewer jobs. This from the head of the Council's economic development committee.
Media Release: County Council passes bill to cut red tape for farms and agriculture, April 7, 2026 Link
MCGEO blasts culture of favoritism and nepotism in Housing Department, Montgomery Perspective, April 7, 2026 Link
High School student in custody after bringing gun to campus police to campus police, Patch, April 7, 2026 Link
Fluoride levels reduced but water still safe, says WSSC, WJLA, April 8, 2026 Link
Pepco seeks approval for virtual power plant program in Maryland, MoCo Show, April 6, 2026 Link
EDUCATION NEWS
Taylor wants $106,813 to hire not a teacher but staff for a private company, Parents Coalition of MD, April 8, 2026 Link
Taxes raises funds for schools: What to know about MoCo's $8B budget proposal, Bethesda Magazine, April 7, 2026 Link
High school student in custody after bringing gun to campus, Patch, April 7, 2026 Link
Educators, union leaders push to fund MCPS budget,WJLA, April 7, 2026 Link
Teachers leaving unions that put politics ahead of students, Daily Signal, April 8, 2026 Link
Education Department rescinds Title IX resolution agreements, Center Square, April 7, 2026 Link
GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWS
Discrimination bill would allow state lawsuits against private schools, FoxBaltimore, April 8, 2026 Link
Moore set to sign fast-tracked Maryland budget Wednesday, Baltimore Sun, April 7, 2026 Link
State bill passes to limit youths charged as adults. Bethesda Mag, April 7, 2026 Link
Maryland lawmakers approve bill banning popular Glock gun sales, The Banner, April 8, 2026 Link
Delegates pull record keeping rule from bill on birth certificate gender changes, Maryland Matters, April 8, 2026 Link
Commemorative bill becomes focus of religious cultural debate in the MD Senate, Maryland Matters, April 8, 2026 Link
House panel appears to back bill easing limits on lawmakers holding second jobs, Maryland Matters, April 8, 2026 Link
Maryland Democrats disagree on energy bill, The Banner, April 8, 2026 Link
OTHER MARYLAND NEWS
Maryland needs drug addiction counselors, the Board is not helping, The Banner, April 7, 2026 Link
Maryland's ACA enrollment beat national trends despite loss of federal tax credit, WYPR, April 7, 2026 Link
Maryland could face $60B in liability from thousands of child sex abuse claims, Baltimore Sun, April 7, 2026 Link
CAMPAIGN/ELECTION NEWS
Is Jawando following the public financing law? Montgomery Perspective, April 8, 2026 Link
State official vows to conduct safe, secure and transparent elections, Montgomery Community Media, April 7, 2026 Link
Maryland needs to clean, up-to-date voter rolls: The state should adopt best practices even as it rejects Trump's demands, by Walter Olson, April 7, 2026 Link
RELEVANT OTHER NEWS
Iran attempting cyberattacks against critical US infrastructure, officials say, Newsbreak, April 8, 2026 Link
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Ann Guthrie Hingston