Beyond MoCo

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, bipartisan legislation that transfers administrative jurisdiction over the RFK stadium site from the Secretary of the Interior to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). The bill will allow GSA to enter into a lease with the District of Columbia, under which D.C. may use the land for stadium redevelopment, commercial and residential development, or other public purposes.

“The House Oversight Committee remains committed to working with Washington, D.C. officials to ensure a capital that is prosperous for residents and visitors for generations to come. After discussing city initiatives with D.C. Mayor Bowser and other local stakeholders, it has become clear that addressing the deteriorating conditions at the RFK Memorial stadium site is a top economic priority for the city,” said Chairman James Comer. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, which is long overdue legislation that will provide D.C. leaders the opportunity to revitalize the RFK stadium site. This legislation is set to pave the way for local officials to create meaningful new jobs, add millions in city revenue, and transform the Anacostia River waterfront into a lively destination for all.”


Business

Maryland tax free week will take place from Sunday, August 13th until Saturday, August 19th this year. Below we have everything you need to know about how Tax-Free Week works in Maryland:

Facts About Tax-Free Week: From 12:01 a.m. on the second Sunday in August through midnight on the following Saturday, qualifying clothing and footwear priced $100 or less will be exempt from Maryland’s six percent sales tax. The first $40 of back/bookbag sales also qualify. A list of exempt and taxable items is available on the Comptroller’s Website at www.marylandtaxes.gov, or by calling the Taxpayer Service Section at 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or toll-free 1-800-MD TAXES from elsewhere.


Crime

Torrey Moore, the man accused of murdering his 8-month pregnant girlfriend, Denise Middleton, and a gas station clerk, Ayalew Wondimu, in White Oak last December was found competent to stand trial, according to a report by MyMCMedia. Moore was previously ruled not competent to stand trial. The trial for the murder of Wondimu begins April 8, 2024. Trial begins May 8 for the murder of Middleton and her unborn baby boy. The chilling details of what occurred last year can be seen below in the Statement of Charges, per the Montgomery County State’s Attorney:

“On 12/8/22 at 3:00 PM, Montgomery County Police responded to a convenience store at the Shell Gas station located at 11150 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Ayalew Wondimu, a black male with date of birth of 11/6/61, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigation revealed the victim was working inside the store, behind the register when he was shot. Wondimu was pronounced deceased on the scene.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Bethesda

Planners provide updates on Bethesda Overlay Zone, development, schools, and more 

The Bethesda Downtown Sector Plan recommended the creation of the Bethesda Overlay Zone. The Montgomery County Council, through Zoning Text Amendment 16-20, Ordinance No. 18-28, adopted the Bethesda Overlay Zone in July 2017 to implement the recommendations of the Bethesda Downtown Sector Plan as it relates to density, building heights, affordable housing goals, parks and open space and design.


Beyond MoCo

Hyundai has introduced a mobile service center to drive further installations of free anti-theft software from July 27-31, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. EDT at Parking Lot 8 (Zone 1) and Lot 8A of RFK Stadium (2400 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003). No Appointments Necessary For Customers Of Eligible, Affected Vehicles (you do not have to be a DC resident to bring your car in).

In response to persistent thefts targeting certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices, Hyundai Motor America is collaborating with Mayor Muriel Bowser and acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith to provide a mobile service center at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. from July 27-31. The mobile clinic is intended to complement Hyundai’s nationwide network of dealerships and drive further installations of Hyundai’s free anti-theft software upgrade for customers who continue to be affected by the thefts. Specially trained mobile service technicians will be on-site to install and complete the software upgrade, which should take less than an hour.


Events

Enjoy the last full month of summer with Montgomery Parks. Take in the final Parks Playhouse and Playhouse Junior performances of the season, Foodie Fridays, the Underground Railroad Experience Trail and so much more. August events in Montgomery Parks include: 

Parks Playhouse | August 2, 15, 16, 17, 18 | Various times and locations: Parks Playhouse is a summer series of free, live performances to celebrate the artistry of local bands, troupes and groups.


Crime

Per Montgomery County Police: Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects who attempted to break into the Exxon gas station on two separate occasions, in the 18000 block of Georgia Ave. in Olney (photos below).

On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 2:36 a.m., the two suspects were at the gas station, when one of them threw a rock at the front window in an attempt to get in the gas station. The suspects were not able to get in the store and did not obtain any property.


Crime

On July 27, at approximately 5:05 am, Takoma Park police responded to the 1100 block of University Boulevard (Silver Spring Jeweler) for a burglary that occurred overnight. Per Takoma Park Police: Unknown suspect(s) entered the establishment by prying open a door and then shattering a second glass door.  Property was stolen.

The suspect is described as a Black male, slim build, last seen wearing black pants, black shirt, black sneakers with white soles and light blue latex gloves.  Suspect vehicle is a white newer model SUV. Investigation continues under case #230046357.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100This incident occurred in Ward 6. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


MoCo Police

Per Montgomery County Police: The Montgomery County Department of Police – Traffic Operations Division is rolling out two new versions of marked police cruisers: a standard “slick-top” cruiser and a “ghost graphic” slick-top cruiser. Neither police cruiser will have light bars mounted on the roof; however, they will have lights placed inside, on the top of the windshield and in the rear window.

The ghost graphic cruisers are outfitted with the department’s standard decal but will be displayed in what is referred to as “ghost graphics,” where the markings are a subdued gray and white instead of the standard black and gold lettering seen on most department-issued patrol cars. These graphics are faint during the day but are highly reflective at night.


Worldwide

The rules of travel to Europe will change starting from 2024, as anyone traveling to Europe from the United States will be required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are being collected at this point.

ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.


Maryland

Per the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 23 Attorneys General announcing opposition to a proposed class action settlement that fails to adequately hold accountable the 3M Company for contaminating Americans’ drinking water supply. Under the proposed settlement, water providers would withdraw the hundreds of lawsuits they have filed against 3M over its use of PFAS, or toxic “forever chemicals,” in a wide range of consumer products and firefighting foams. PFAS are stable in the environment, resistant to degradation, persistent in soil, and known to leach into groundwater.

“The proposed settlement falls short of delivering the accountability and protection our citizens deserve,” said Attorney General Brown. “The potential risks posed by PFAS contamination are far-reaching, threatening the health and well-being of our families, our communities, and the ecological balance of our environment. Marylanders deserve better than a half-hearted attempt and sweeping these concerns under a rug.”