Law

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general opposing efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to defund and dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), warning that its removal would harm consumers and weaken financial oversight. The coalition filed an amicus brief arguing that shutting down the CFPB would reduce protections against fraud, unfair banking practices, and predatory lending.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council and committees will meet on February 24, 2025, to discuss state legislation, review the implementation of menstrual hygiene product requirements and student health programs at Montgomery County Public Schools, and assess the FY26 Capital Budget and amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program for culture and recreation projects. (more…)


Takoma Park

Work continues on the Takoma Park Library and Community Center Redevelopment Project. Much of the work has moved indoors and is minimally affected by the snow and ice, but some work continues outdoors. The City of Takoma Park has shared some recent advances in the project:

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Sponsored

Nationally recognized as the third-largest biopharma hub in the country, and home to thriving industry clusters including technology, defense, and satellite and advanced communications, Montgomery County continues to attract global brands, generate high-quality and high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth.

Recent investments from global industry leaders highlight this continued momentum.

This past March, Samsung Biologics had its official ribbon cutting in Rockville. The Korean contract development and manufacturing leader expanded into the U.S. market through its acquisition of the former Human Genome Sciences facility in Rockville. The acquisition will retain more than 500 jobs and marks Samsung Biologics’ first U.S.-based manufacturing site, further cementing Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for life sciences companies of all sizes. “During our international trade mission last year, we met with the Samsung Biologics team in Seoul to discuss the economic momentum in Maryland. Today’s ribbon cutting is the realization of that meeting and our state’s momentum,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “South Korea’s largest biotech company is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility here in Maryland. In the state of Maryland, we are delivering for our people and not playing for second.”

Last October, biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, headquartered in Gaithersburg since 2013, announced that it will build another state-of-the art facility, also in Gaithersburg. This new facility, which follows the opening of the company’s $300 million cell therapy manufacturing facility opened in Rockville last spring, will create 100 new jobs and continue to expand the company’s R&D footprint in the County. (more…)


Kensington

Harmony Aesthetics & Wellness, a state-of-the-art Medspa, has announce its grand opening, set for Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 2 PM to 7 PM. The clinic will host a special Open House, inviting guests to meet the expert team, explore a wide range of aesthetic and wellness treatments, and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on services booked during the event.

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Arts

By Andrew Italia. Italia is a Quince Orchard High School graduate and MoCo resident. When he was in college at the University of Maryland, he was the movie critic for The Maryland Diamondback. During his time as the movie critic, he began making Oscar predictions for all 24 categories. His all-time record is 21 out of 24, but he usually falls in the 18-20 range. Below is his Top 12 movie list for 2024. For more movies on Twitter/X, see @Italia_budo

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Crime

On Thursday, February 20, Deputy First Class Roush of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) initiated a pursuit of a suspicious white Nissan that turned out to be stolen ended with the arrest of four suspects at Sheetz in Gaithersburg.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County officials, including the County Council, County Executive, and federal representatives, will hold a virtual community meeting on February 25 to support federal workers and residents facing uncertainty. The meeting will provide information on available resources, legal assistance, and support services, with follow-up online resource sessions planned for March. (more…)


Health

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 18 attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit challenging executive orders that impact federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (more…)