Elrich Reverses DOT Decision; Ride On and Flash Service to Remain Free, For Now

Ride On and Flash bus service will remain free until at least the end of the fiscal year on June 30, County Executive Marc Elrich announced yesterday evening. The change reverses a Department of Transportation decision released earlier this week to start charging $2 fares again on Monday, April 5. Fare collections had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police Release Video of Assault with Handgun, Seek Info About Suspects

The county police department has released a video of an assault with a handgun in downtown Silver Spring and is asking for information about two suspects. Detectives from the 3rd District are investigating the incident, which happened in the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive on Jan. 16 at about 2:25 p.m. following a traffic dispute.

County DOT to Begin Collecting Fares for Ride On, Flash Bus Service

The county’s Department of Transportation will begin collecting fares and changing boarding procedures on all Ride On, Ride On extRa and Flash buses beginning Monday, April 5. Passengers will now be able to board through the front doors and no longer forced to use the rear doors, though rear boarding will still be used for Flash buses.

Pet of the Week: “They sleep together and chase each other, stampeding around the house.”

“Hank and Hamilton are 8 month old brothers. Every day they say good morning to me by running up the stairs to meet me, happily meowing and purring. They sleep together and chase each other, stampeding around the house. Hank is very social and Hamilton is more shy, but regardless they are very loving and are open to pets and cuddles. (unless they are wrestling)”

Adventist HealthCare Teams with Two Organizations to Offer Vaccinations to Latino Community

Adventist HealthCare has formed a partnership with CASA and the Latino Health Initiative to vaccinate 600 Montgomery and Prince George’s county Latinos per week at its Takoma Park facility, officials with the groups announced. CASA will sign up 300 Prince George’s County residents, while “Our Health and Wellness” initiative (“Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar,”) will include 300 from Montgomery County.