Fight Continues Over Transgender Anti-Bias Law

Inside the theater, about 30 residents lined the wall for a chance to question council members, who were seated on a row of stools facing the crowd. During the hour-long session, though, there were many who never made it to the microphone.

Representatives for County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) anticipated tough questions from residents about plans to build a music club in downtown Silver Spring. But there was only one: Joyce Bosc of Silver Spring told the council she is "extremely concerned about the preferential treatment shown to Live Nation" and asked whether the council would open operation of the planned music hall to competition.

Council President Michael Knapp (D-Upcounty) assured Bosc that there were still many steps in the process before the council signed off on funding for music producer Live Nation.

"I'm not even sure we're at halftime yet," he said.

The spotlight that evening was on Silver Spring's district representative, council member Valerie Ervin (D): "The big joke tonight is that all the questions go to council member Ervin," she said.

They Protect Your Life; Help Them Plan Theirs

Infighting at the Montgomery County Police Department has spilled onto the Internet, and the dueling parties are asking regular folks to weigh in.

At odds: Media Services Officer Melanie Hadley and her fiance, Silver Spring District Station Officer Troy M. Brenner. The reason: She wants to go to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, on their honeymoon. He wants to spend it at a mountain cabin.

With the Aug. 9 wedding looming, the pair decided to enlist the help of friends, acquaintances and strangers to settle the dispute.

Their wedding Web site, http://www.melanieandtroy.com, has a honeymoon poll.

Hundreds of votes have been cast. As of last week, things weren't looking too good for Brenner, 32. Hadley, 34, declined to say whether she has voted more than once.