The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
MARYLAND SPEED CAM FIGHT
A former Republican congressional candidate from Montgomery County is leading an effort to overturn by referendum Maryland's new speed-camera legislation. Daniel F. Zubairi, a Bethesda businessman, has formed Maryland for Responsible Enforcement and notified the state elections board that the group will try to collect the more than 53,000 signatures required to put the question to voters in a coming election. (Baltimore Sun)
LOCAL POLICE OFFICER INJURED IN IRAQ
A Frederick police officer serving in Iraq was wounded Easter Sunday after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device, Chief Kim Dine said. Officer Reed Preece, a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard, is recovering in a military hospital in Iraq, Dine told the Board of Aldermen during Thursday’s meeting. “He was very fortunate to be alive,” he said.
(Frederick News Post)
FAIRFAX FOOD DONATIONS
A few months ago, Michael had never had to rely on food donations. But the Burke resident, who did not want his last name used for privacy reasons, has been unemployed since July. During the fall and winter, he struggled to pay his rent and buy groceries. When things didn’t improve, he called Fairfax County’s social services and was referred to Our Daily Bread, a City of Fairfax non-profit that provides food assistance. (Springfield Connection)
CRABS ARE PLENTIFUL
A new survey has found the Chesapeake Bay's adult population of blue crabs has increased substantially over last year after new management measures were put in place. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of the winter dredge survey Friday. They conduct the survey by dragging selected areas of the bay and counting the number of crabs found. (AP/Baltimore Sun)
NEW DRIVING TEST
Applicants for a Maryland driver's license will have to demonstrate their skills on the road as well as on an off-road course, the head of the state Motor Vehicle Administration said Thursday. John T. Kuo, the MVA administrator, said an on-road pilot project in Frederick and Waldorf that began in December has been successful. (Baltmore Sun)
LADIES NIGHT, FIX A TOILET
From cocktails to commodes. At this Ladies Night, you'll find different deals -- like learning how to fix a toilet. Strosniders Hardware in Bethesda is targeting women who'd like to do their own home repairs, thank you. A couple Sundays from now, they'll hold their first-ever Ladies Night, mixing on-site massages with how-to demonstrations on hanging pictures and installing dimmer switches. (wtop.com)
