McCAIN IN ANNAPOLIS: Rachael Pacella of the Annapolis Capital writes about U.S. Sen. John McCain’s speech to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. McCain said, “It’s time to wake up. I believe in America. We’re capable of better. I’ve seen it. We’re hopeful, compassionate people. … We have to fight against propaganda, and crackpot conspiracy theories.” He added, “We have to fight isolationism, protectionism and nativism. We have to defeat those who would worsen our divisions.” Then he said a line that drew applause from the audience before him: “We have to remind our sons and daughters that we became the most powerful nation on earth by tearing down walls, not building them.”
MO CO LIQUOR BILL: Del. Eric Luedtke announced Monday he’s planning to introduce a bill in the General Assembly next year to allow county-run alcohol stores to operate inside grocery stores in Montgomery County. He’s also planning to introduce a second bill that would let county-run stores sell cold beer, wine, soft drinks and growlers—something the 27 stores operated by the Department of Liquor Control are currently not permitted to do, reports Andrew Metcalf in Bethesda Beat.
METRO MONEY IN QUESTION: Several local elected officials said Monday that they don’t have the extra money Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld is asking them to contribute for his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. Martine Powers reports for the Post. Rather than raise fares or further cut service, Wiedefeld’s proposed spending plan, released Monday, seeks a $136 million increase in capital contributions from the District, Maryland and Virginia for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Of that sum, $49 million would come from the District, $47 million would come from Maryland, and an additional $40 million would be split among jurisdictions in Northern Virginia.
