Good morning, Rockville.

Raphael Mayorga, 21, was declared guilty on 13 of 18 charges, including second degree assault, for intentionally striking Sergeant Patrick Kepp on I-270 in an October accident that caused the loss of his legs; he faces up to 28 years + 120 days in prison with sentencing scheduled for August 27th.

Walter Johnson High School senior Seyun Park was named Maryland’s 2025 Journalist of the Year by the Maryland-DC Scholastic Press Association — school officials said.

Park edits The Pitch and will continue studying journalism and law in college.

Former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, who chairs the board for the Blueprint education reform plan, said at a Silver Spring meeting Monday morning that the plan will continue despite a $3 billion budget gap and a teacher shortage—state lawmakers kept funding for collaborative time and community schools. He warned that more challenges are ahead but promised that the changes will bring meaningful results.

On April 10, 125 students from nine high schools competed in the Business Pitch Challenge hosted by Montgomery County Public Schools—Northwest High School won first place for its stress-free gifting service using AI while Albert Einstein and James Hubert Blake High Schools took second and third with their creative ideas—students showcased practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Clark Kendall, a Rockville-based certified financial planner at Kendall Capital, shared saving tips that help people meet both short term needs and long term goals to build wealth.

He advised using secure savings products (such as savings accounts, CDs, and money markets) and long term investment options (like retirement plans and 529 plans) to protect and grow funds over time.

A D.C.-based rideshare company that offered rides for children in D.C., Maryland and Virginia was shut down after an Attorney General investigation found it operated without proper licenses.

RubiRides must pay $50,000 in penalties and issue refunds to families (its CEO is barred from running similar transportation services until the company makes the required reforms).

Maryland's General Assembly ended its 90-day session last week—approving a $67 billion state budget that closes a $3.3 billion deficit and raises taxes on high earners, tech services, capital gains, sports betting and cannabis.

Lawmakers expressed concerns that federal funding cuts could affect science research, education and energy policy.

Sen. Van Hollen has asked to meet with President Bukele this week to help Maryland native Kilmar Abrego Garcia return after he was wrongly deported to El Salvador without due process.

He said he plans to travel to El Salvador if Kilmar is not home by midweek—after a court order for his return was ignored by the Administration.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will give his 2025 State of the County address at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at the Leggett Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville—light refreshments will be served as the event airs live on County Cable Montgomery and streams online.

A new report from Montgomery County’s Health Department shows that Black and Hispanic residents have faced significant health disparities in areas like infant care and chronic disease management between 2013 and 2022.

County officials said they will use these findings to expand community services and improve access to care.

Create Your Own Yantra Workshop

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Vedic Health — First event free — Explore sacred geometry and create a personal yantra to align your energy.

The Wharf Rats Live Performance

9:00-11:55 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience a captivating long format jam sound with The Wharf Rats, a band evolved over fifteen years to blend unique originals with classic influences.

Billy Coulter Band Live Performance

9-11:59 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — General admission — Experience the authentic sound of DC's Billy Coulter blending Rock and Pop influences.

Pike's Peek 10K Race

7:50-11:50 AM — Shady Grove — Registration fee applies — Compete in a USATF Certified 10k race known for its personal record potential.

Certified Infant Massage Instructor Training

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Reginald S. Lourie Center — $720 — Learn to empower parents through the Loving Touch® Method© of Infant Massage.

Springtime Cherry Blossoms Modern Calligraphy Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bonchon — $65 — Discover the art of modern calligraphy amidst the beauty of cherry blossom season.

Open House at 601 Reserve Champion Dr

1-3 p.m. — 601 Reserve Champion Dr, Rockville, MD — $1,049,000 — Explore a modern colonial home with impressive upgrades and a gourmet kitchen.

Swing Dance Lessons for Beginners and Intermediates

7-8 p.m. — Dawn Crafton Dance Connection — $140 for eight weeks — Master the fundamentals of swing dance in a partner-friendly class environment.

Open House at 5104 Oakglen Drive

1-3 p.m. — 5104 Oakglen Drive — $649,000 — Explore a beautiful home in a serene lot close to the metro and shopping options.