Wetzel's Pretzels opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda with Cat in the Hat movie promo

Wetzel's Pretzels is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The arch-rival of Auntie Anne's has made a triumphant return to the mall nine years after closing its original kiosk here. It arrives just in time for a major motion picture tie-in promotion with The Cat in the Hat, which opens in theaters nationwide on November 6. The partnership centers on a limited-time-only drink, The Things' Blue Lemonade Freeze. A super-patriotic red-white-and-blue presentation combines frozen lemonade with Blue Raspberry Granita and Cherry Boba. 

Special movie-themed packaging for standard menu items is also part of the promotion, while supplies last. The Cat in the Hat drink will be available through December 6, ensuring Black Friday refreshment. If you haven't tried Wetzel's Pretzels before, now you can finally conduct your own head-to-head comparison with Auntie Anne's under the same roof at Montgomery Mall. Look for Wetzel's Pretzels on Level 2 of the mall, in the corridor between Macy's and the Dining Terrace food court.

Armed robbery at convenience store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an armed robbery this past Tuesday night, October 6, 2026. The robbery was reported at a convenience store in the 200 block of Park Road at 10:15 PM. That appears to be 24/7 Grocery and Food at 202-B Park Road. A knife was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Kickz closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kickz has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The streetwear and sporting goods boutique has been cleared out inside. Empty shelves and packing boxes are all that remain on the sales floor. Kickz has also been removed from the tenant directory on the mall's official website. Two area locations remain, at Potomac Mills Mall and Francis Scott Key Mall.

Gun-wielding suspect tries to force way into home in Rockville

A scary home invasion episode drew a police response early Tuesday morning in Rockville. At 1:45 AM, a would-be intruder attempted to force their way into a home in the unit block of Lynn Manor Court. Failing to gain entry, the suspect then drew a handgun and pointed it at the residence. The threat apparently did not convince residents to open the door. No description of the suspect has been released as of this writing.

Squatter discovered in vacant apartment in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to an apartment building on September 30, 2026, after a squatter was discovered inside a vacant unit there. The squatter was found inside a building in the 700 block of Monroe Street. This appears to be at the Parkside Landing apartment complex. Police say the identity of the squatter is known, and that charges are pending.

Robbery at bus stop in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery yesterday morning, October 4, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 200 block of Rockville Pike at 8:13 AM Sunday. It took place at a bus stop in the vicinity of the Rockville Metro station. The victim was assaulted by the suspect, for whom no description has been released. While the suspect remains at large, police were successful in recovering items stolen from the victim.

Spirit Halloween opens in Rockville

Spirit Halloween has returned to Rockville Pike once again this year. America's favorite pop-up shop has opened at 1601 Rockville Pike, at Congressional Plaza. Horrifyingly familiar faces include those from Earth like Michael Myers, as well as a Xenomorph ambassador from beyond the stars. For those seeking to cut funerary costs in these inflationary times, there is an inflatable coffin for just $17.59. Speaking of containers, look for Spirit Halloween above The Container Store.