A heated budget debate, passionate calls for school funding and the beauty of spring in full bloom — it’s all covered in this week’s episode of The Pulse shot on location in Wheaton from Brookside Gardens, home of the popular Butterfly Experience attraction.
This episode highlights:
- Growing tensions over the County Executive’s proposed 2027 budget, including potential tax increases and pushback from councilmembers.
- A teachers’ rally demanding full funding for public schools, as education spending reaches historic levels.
- Plus, we revisit the long-running stalemate controversy over the closure of White’s Ferry
- Plus, a new bamboo ban aimed a booting the invasive plant species out of the area makes way for county residents to plant more native greenery.
- And in sports, we follow the path of a Nationals player from his hometown ballfields in Olney to the big leagues.
After the top Montgomery County news of the week is shared, viewers get pro home gardening tips from Brookside Horticulturist Joshua Demmers. Boasting two degrees in the science of gardening, Demmers is part of a 14-person “green team” who keeps the 54-acre facility looking lush all year long.
Watch the full episode below: “The Pulse” on location at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton
Meet the Team Behind The Pulse:
News
- Markette Sheppard – Host and Executive Producer
- Fran Murphy – Chief Public Affairs Correspondent & Producer
- Cristina Caicedo Smit – General Assignment Reporter
- Maryam Shahzad – General Assignment Reporter
- Frank Hanrahan – Sports Reporter
- Suzanne Pollak – Digital Reporter
Production
- Bryan Washington – Production Manager
- Chloe Johnson- Director and Lead Photographer
- Joseph Bozzonetti – Photographer & Teleprompter Operator
- Roberto Martinez – Lighting & Photography
- Bob Kanner – Lead Editor
- Jacob Ehlers – Story Editor
- Jaclyn Shin – Story Editor
- Jimmy Albert – Set Supervisor
Interns
- Jaria Butler – Social Media Correspondent
- Sophia Hernandez–Piña – Digital Reporter
The Pulse is part of MCM’s ongoing mission to elevate local journalism, amplify community voices, and keep residents connected through the power of local media. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this and new programming.
