Articles by Suzanne Pollak

November 10, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

2020 Census Reflects Area’s Growth Over Past Decade in Population, Diversity

Montgomery County’s population now stands at 1,062,000, according to the U.S. 2020 Census. A decade ago, it was 971,177. Staff at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments reviewed data from the 2020 census at its Wednesday meeting and concluded that fewer than half the population in the Washington, D.C. area is White. The average family size […]

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November 10, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

For Some Who Served, Veterans Day is ‘Like a Birthday’

When Bev Whitfield joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1977, women and minorities were neither welcomed nor valued. “My first early years, I wasn’t treated as an equal,” she recalled 23 years after finishing her service. “But as I matured and gained more rank,” life in the military became more tolerable, she said. While proud […]

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November 10, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

First Generation College Students Share Experiences

Students who are the first in their family to attend college gathered at the Universities of Shady Grove Tuesday to network and learn ways to help them succeed. For 90 minutes, they heard what programs were available for them, including Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success, and the importance of networking. Annie Foster, the director at […]

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November 9, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

Relative of Student Arrested in School Stabbing Also Brought Knife to School

Following a stabbing at Montgomery Blair High School on Monday, a relative of the 16-year old suspect has also been arrested. The relative, also a juvenile, was taken into police custody after bringing a knife onto the Silver Spring school campus Tuesday. In Monday’s assault, Maycol Coyoy, 16, is charged as an adult following the […]

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November 8, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

MCPS Still Lacks 161 Teachers, 117 Bus Drivers

More than two months into the school year, Montgomery County Public Schools continue to struggle to fill positions. Meanwhile, administrators and teachers work extra hours, often giving up their lunch and prep periods, to make sure all classes and bus routes are covered. For the district to reach its full staffing complement, 161 teachers, 117 […]

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November 8, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

Metro Delays Continue; Canopy Project Halted for Now

Trains continue running less frequently as Metro strives to improve safety following the Oct. 12 derailment on one of its 7000-series railcar, which make up about 60% of the fleet. All 748 of the 7000-series temporarily were removed from service. Metro currently is using its older 2000 and 3000-series trains, which have been in storage, […]

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October 29, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

‘I Forgive Him’: Victim of Road Rage Shooting Speaks Out

Elimar DePaula said during a virtual interview that being shot “made me stronger, but I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, and I would take it back in a heartbeat if I could.” DePaula was shot in Germantown on Aug. 8, 2019, during a “road rage” incident, by D’Andre Wall, nephew of former Washington Wizards’ star John […]

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October 28, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

Takoma Park, Public Schools, Others Continue Mask Mandates

The City of Takoma Park continues to mandate the wearing of masks at its indoor city facilities despite Montgomery County rescinding its mask mandate as of 12:01 Thursday morning. On both Facebook and Twitter, Takoma Park posted that its mandate requiring the wearing of masks in all city buildings and facilities in the city did […]

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October 28, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

Jury Finds D’Andre Wall Guilty of Attempted Murder in Road Rage Shooting

A Montgomery County jury found D’Andre Wall guilty of attempted second-degree murder in a road rage incident that left Elimar DePaula with a completely severed spinal cord and paralyzed. Wall, 30, will be sentenced Jan. 10. The nephew of former Washington Wizards’ star John Wall faces a maximum of 40 years in prison on the […]

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October 28, 2021 | Suzanne Pollak

Mask Mandate Suspended, But Face Coverings Still Recommended

With Montgomery County in the moderate range for transmission of COVID-19, the mask mandate is currently suspended. However, it is not rescinded and would return if rates climbed back into the substantial range for only one day, said Dr. James Bridgers, County Deputy Health Officer. “One day, one day, one day will reinstate the mask […]

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