Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement after the Board of Revenue Estimates reported an increase in the state’s record budget surplus:

“Today’s incredible revenue estimates increase our already record surplus and reinforce the fact that Maryland continues to have one of the strongest recoveries in America.


Education

Montgomery County Public Schools released the following community message on March 10:

Here are five things to know for Thursday, March 10. They include a reminder that masks are now optional in MCPS schools and facilities, a reminder to complete the Antiracist Audit survey, COVID-19 take-home test kit information, a reminder that COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are still important and information about Prekindergarten and Head Start registration.


Gaithersburg

Per Novavax:

GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, today announced the launch of its global unbranded ‘We Do Vaccines‘ and ‘Know Our Vax‘ programs, educational efforts aimed to help protect the health of people everywhere in the fight against COVID-19 and other deadly infectious diseases, such as influenza.


Health

The CDC plans on easing federal mask requirements for travel on buses, subways, and airplanes in the U.S.

Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), at the request of the CDC, extended its face mask requirement for, “individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems” until April 18. It was set to expire on March 18.


Potomac

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded to a barn fire this morning around 4:45am after a nearby resident saw a “glow in the sky” and called 9-11.

The fire occurred on Stoney Creek Road near Wetherfield Lane in Potomac and has left one horse dead, according to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer. One horse that managed to escape the fire has survived.


Bethesda

Update: Frank Pepe has announced that due to “unforeseen  events,” the opening of the restaurant has been delayed one week to March, 28.

Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana  has announced they will open its first DMV location at Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) on March 21.


Restaurants

Guavaberry Dominican Restaurant is now open at 8417 Georgia Ave, the former site of The Greek Place. The Greek Place closed this past December. The restaurant is open everyday of the week from from 8am-11pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The menu features fish, stews, and mofongo, a dish made with mashed fried green plantains. Dominican cuisine is influenced by Spanish, indigenous Taíno, Middle-Eastern and African dishes.


Crime

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Willie Lamont Hicks, age 50, of Rockville, Maryland, and Mary Ann Mendoza, age 49, of Kensington, Maryland, on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire and wire fraud.  The indictment was returned on December 22, 2021 and unsealed upon the defendants’ arrests.