Bilingual Voters Needed to Serve at the Polls

Montgomery County needs poll workers who speak many languages, especially those who are fluent in English and Spanish.

No-Smoking Wave Hits Ocean City Beach

Ocean City leaders have given tentative approval to a law to limit smoking to designated areas on the beach, and the town's boardwalk.

Share Your Thoughts on Metro's Z Line Corridor Services

Riders can share their ideas for possible improvements to Silver Spring Metro routes at two September open houses.

Where Does MD Rank for Women's Equality?

WalletHub looked at life expectancy, wages, the number of male vs. female executives and other factors to rank states for women's equality.

Maryland Gun-Control Measures Upheld by Federal Judge

A law banning 45 assault weapons and limiting gun magazines to 10 bullets is not an undue burden on Second Amendment rights, says a judge.

Road Construction: Work on MD 586 to Begin June 30

An $800,000 project to extend turn lanes on Veirs Mill Road -- allowing six more vehicle in the lane -- begins next week.

Should Your State Legalize Pot?

With the economical benefits of legalized marijuana working for Colorado, is your state the next in line?

Beware of Email Scam Posing as Eviction Notice

Montgomery County authorities warn residents not to open email attachments if they don't know the sender. A recent phony eviction email likely contained a virus seeking financial information.

State: Process to Condemn Property for Purple Line Can Begin

The proposed Purple Line light rail would connect Bethesda with New Carrolton, while displacing 116 homes and businesses. The 150-day period to file lawsuits tied to the project began this week.

Safe Grow Montgomery Seeks End to Lawn Pesticides in Public Areas

Safe Grow Montgomery wants legislation adopted to halt the use of lawn care pesticides in public spaces.

Macy's Matching Donations to 3 County Parks

Customers can support Cabin John Regional Park, Flower Hill Local Park and Wheaton Regional Park by donating $1 or more at the register of the Macy’s store in their area.

Bethesda Lawyer Grappling With Balance Between National Security and Privacy

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, led by David Medine of Bethesda, determined the controversial NSA practice of collecting phone call records was illegal.

'Lighting the Way Home' Ceremony Postponed

"Lighting the Way Home," a ceremony honoring youths improving their community through art and design, has been postponed. It was set for March 18.

County Budget Proposes Record School Spending, More Police Officers

The proposed Montgomery County budget for the next fiscal year would increase spending on schools and police, but decrease resident's property tax rate.

Iconic Penguin Mural Restored, Ready for Display at Silver Spring Transit Center

The 100-foot penguin mural that inspired the look of Silver Spring street signs has been restored and is ready for display once the Silver Spring Transit Center is completed.

County's Winter Cleanup Costs Three Times Budget

Winter storm cleanup costs have tallied about $25 million so far in Montgomery County.

Wipes Clogging Montgomery County Sewer Lines, Blamed for Sewage Spill

Residents are being urged not to flush sanitary wipes, baby wipes and other products. "The three p's are the only things you should flush," a spokeswoman says.

Leggett Asks State for More Money to Finance School Construction

County leaders are pushing the Maryland House to approve increased funding for school construction. Montgomery County has the biggest enrollment increase in the state.

County Zoning Code's Overhaul Wins Approval

An update of Montgomery County zoning laws took five years. Officials say the new code reflects changes neighborhood leaders wanted.

Purple Line Construction Money in Proposed Federal Budget

The proposed Purple Line light rail would connect Bethesda with New Carrolton. State officials say it will ease traffic congestion and spur development, while displacing 116 homes and businesses.

Snow Emergency Declared; Free Parking in County Lots, Garages

No parking will be allowed along Montgomery County snow routes starting at midnight.

County's New Animal, Adoption Shelter Opens March 2

Thinking of adopting a pet? Montgomery County's new Animal Services and Adoption Center opens to the public March 2.

Snowblower Used on Interstate Pummels Nearby Houses

A powerful snowblower used on Interstate 270 is blamed for knocking out windows and damaging siding to homes along the route.

Lawmakers Mull Banning Energy Drink Sales to Kids

Should Maryland ban the sale of energy drinks to youths?

Community Meeting on Wheaton Recreation Center Still on for Tonight

Plans for the historic Wheaton Youth Center to co-exist with a new recreation-library facility will be discussed Feb. 12.

Montgomery Schools to Focus on 'Cybercivility'

Montgomery County school leaders want residents to talk about best to communicate online, an initiative dubbed "cybercivility."

General Assembly Set to Hear Slew of Minimum Wage Bills This Week

Six versions of a minimum wage bill -- from statewide to county choice -- should go before the Maryland House and Senate.

Surveillance Protestors Take 'USA Freedom Act' Demonstration Online

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, is Maryland’s lone co-sponsor of the bill to prevent the National Security Agency from collecting people's private data.

Singles Cautioned About Valentine's Day Romance Scams

Be careful of internet dates who ask for money, warns the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection.

Patch Readers: Maryland Crabs Are King

A Montgomery County delegate wants to require markets and restaurants to label fish by their country of origin. Patch readers seem to agree as a way to preserve the state's heritage.

'House of Cards' Returns, Will Maryland Boost Film Credits?

Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey says he'll be back for a third season of "House of Cards," which uses Maryland's film tax credits. Season two will be on Netflix Feb. 14.

Seniors Ride Free on Some Montgomery Buses on Weekdays

Montgomery County senior citizens can ride at no charge on Ride On and some Metrobuses on weekdays. They can also use their SmarTrip card to get half fares at other times.

Maryland Lawmakers Debate Bills That Would Protect Dog Bite Victims

Conversation continues in Annapolis whether pit bulls and their owners should be treated differently under Maryland law.

Are Diners Eating Maryland Crabs or Imports?

A Montgomery County delegate has introduced a bill that would require Maryland markets and restaurants to label fish by their common names and list country of origin.

Montgomery Council Supports Public Campaign Financing of Local Elections

Montgomery County Council members will consider a bill to allow public financing in local elections starting in 2018.

Maryland Sales Tax Takes Holiday in Mid-February

The tax break on Energy Star products runs for approximately three days in mid-February.

Larry Hogan Files for Governor's Race, Plans to Use Public Financing

Larry Hogan filed his candidacy papers for the Maryland governor's race on Monday. Boyd Rutherford is his running mate for the lieutenant governor's job.

Ready to Run: O'Malley Says He 'Would Make a Good President'

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley says he is preparing for a 2016 presidential bid. But will he run if Hillary Clinton campaigns?

President Obama Hits Maryland Costco to Stock Up on Support

President Barack Obama spoke to employees of a Lanham Costco Wednesday, lobbying for Congress to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

Retroactive Health Insurance Bill Covers Maryland Residents

Maryland residents who couldn't sign up for health insurance because of problems with the state's website can enroll and be retroactively covered to Jan. 1.