Drunk Driver Sentenced to 4 Years in Fatal Crash
Kevin Orihuela, 22, of Rockville, was sentenced to four years in prison after a jury convicted him of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Orihuela also… Read More
Suzanne Pollak
Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.
Gaithersburg Awarded Federal Dollars to Design Safety Plan
Gaithersburg City was awarded $360,00 from the federal government to design a comprehensive safety action plan that would eliminate fatal and serious crashes. The grant is from Safe Streets and… Read More
‘Gotta Melt It All’: Rockville Kids’ ‘Snowkémon’ Art Wins Snowplow Design Contest
Snowkémon may be plowing your street when the area has its next snowfall. Montgomery County Department of Transportation held a contest for middle schoolers to design and paint a snowplow. Taking… Read More
Superintendent Outlines Proposed $3.32 Billion Budget for Next School Year
During a well-choreographed presentation equipped with video highlights of high-achieving students and successful programs, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight presented her proposed Fiscal Year 2025 $3.32… Read More
‘Unprecedented’ Budget Cuts Proposed on Metro Rail, Buses
If Metro cannot obtain additional funding from local jurisdictions, it will cut and even eliminate service, lay off workers and greatly curb maintenance. During Thursday’s meeting, metro officials outlined a… Read More
Police Santa and His Elves Spread Holiday Cheer
With a ho, ho, ho and the roar of his motorcycle, Santa Claus traveled throughout Montgomery County before ending his day Wednesday at the Children’s Inn at National Institutes of… Read More
Judicial Confirmation Hearing Held for Takoma Park’s Nicole Berner
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin introduced Nicole Berner of Takoma Park to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday as her confirmation hearing began. Berner was nominated… Read More
Fairland, Briggs Chaney Master Plan Passes Unanimously
“It is time for East County to get its due,” declared Councilmember Kristin Mink as her fellow councilmembers unanimously approved the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan Tuesday. The plan… Read More
During Public Hearing, Residents Call for Free Menstrual Products
Most of the speakers at Tuesday’s public hearing favored a proposed bill that would mandate placement of free menstrual products in restrooms throughout the county to end period poverty. Under… Read More
County Allocates $2.3 Million to Migrant Respite Center that Lost Federal Funding
Montgomery County councilmembers unanimously agreed to allocate $2.261,663 to the Montgomery County Respite Center to assist arriving migrants with food, medical care and guidance. The center’s federal funding ends Dec.31,… Read More
County Fiscal Outlook Includes ‘Good News’ with Caveats
Thanks to $229.7 million in tax revenues above what Montgomery County had anticipated during Fiscal Year 2023, the financial outlook appears bright. “Obviously, this is good news,” said Council President… Read More
Silver Spring Man Charged With Killing Relative in His Care
Montgomery County Police (MCP) charged Charles Parker, 55, in connection with the death of a disabled relative in his care. Charles Parker photo from MCP Leon Perkins was found… Read More