Critics begin organizing against area Amazon bids
Opponents of regional bids for Amazon’s second headquarters—including some from Montgomery County—gathered at a church in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night where they expressed their concern that local leaders are failing to talk about the issues Amazon could exacerbate. Those issues include traffic congestion, a lack of affordable housing and underfunded social programs. [WAMU]
Hogan makes E-ZPass devices free
Gov. Larry Hogan directed the Maryland Transportation Authority this week to no longer charge a $7.50 fee for E-ZPass transponders—the small devices that enable vehicles to pass through and pay at automated toll plazas without stopping. Hogan said the agency is making enough money from tolls to cover the $6 million that the transponder fees were expected to generate over the next five years. [Baltimore Sun]
Five win MoCo’s Got Talent
The middle and high school students were named the best in visual and performing arts after competing in the talent showcase against more than 120 participants. The 2018 winners, who were announced at the final showcase Sunday at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, were: [Montgomery County]
- Vocalist winner, Kelvin Dukes of Banneker Middle School
- Musician winner, Justin Wang of Robert Frost Middle School
- Dance winner, The Paint Branch Eclectic Steppers
- Visual arts winner — middle school, Larisa Kachko of Rosa Parks Middle School
- Visual arts winner — high school, Ana Gutierrez of Winston Churchill High School
Julia Louis-Dreyfus to receive Mark Twain Prize for humor
Louis-Dreyfus, who graduated from Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, is being honored with the American Humor Award for her work on shows such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Veep. [New York Times]
Sunny day expected
The National Weather Service forecasts a sunny Thursday with a high near 83 degrees and a clear night with a low dropping to around 62.
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