WSSC asks Maryland customers to limit water use due to power outage at filtration plant

Water utility WSSC has issued an Essential Water Use Only request to its customers in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland. A power outage at the utility's Potomac filtration plant has led to concerns that the supply of processed water could run out before Pepco can restore power. However, WSSC says water is currently safe to use and drink at this time, and that no Boil Water Advisory has been issued yet. Customers are asked to limit shower time and toilet flushes, and to postpone outdoor uses and running of clothes washers and dishwashers until the emergency is over. If you are within the City of Rockville's separate water service area... congratulations!

Mango Mango opens to long lines in Rockville

Mango Mango House of Desserts is now open at 1617 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. Lines have been out-the-door, and trailing down the sidewalk since the opening. Waits of 45 minutes to over an hour for smoothies or crepe cakes have led to negative reviews among the online raves. In one case, Google has temporarily shut down reviews of the establishment for what it calls "a spike in spam reviews," something you rarely see. Mango Mango is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Juvenile curfew goes into effect at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A new 3:00 PM curfew for juveniles goes into effect today at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The controversial new policy comes in response to juvenile crime at the popular retail center, primarily in the forms of shoplifting, assault, and robbery. All patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3:00 PM, seven days a week. That adult will be held responsible for any crimes committed by the minors under their supervision at the mall.

The policy essentially ends the American pastime of teens hanging out at malls after school, and at night, at Westfield's Montgomery and Wheaton Plaza malls. This past Saturday night, teens crowded into Montgomery Mall's Dining Terrace food court, the last to enjoy a rite of passage of a Saturday night at the mall. In a sign of what brought us to this point, however, Montgomery County police officers were seen rushing to respond to a crime in progress at Champs Sports.

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The first chill of fall is in the air. That means two things: it's time to buy warm clothes, and the holiday shopping season is rapidly approaching. One herald of both is the annual arrival of Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Just seeing the store back at the mall gives a warm feeling to those who can't wait for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Lilly Pulitzer window coverings get glow-up at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

They heard us, folks. The trash bags in the windows of Lilly Pulitzer at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda are gone. In their place are branded window screens with images of Via Mizner in Palm Beach, where the label was founded over 60 years ago. There's also now a message to customers regarding the temporary closure for remodeling, and a number you can text to receive updates when the reopening timeline is solidified. This is definitely a better look for the upscale mall, and upscale brand.

Nordstrom Rack sets opening date in Rockville

The new Nordstrom Rack store in Rockville now has an opening date. It will open on October 29, 2026 at 1683 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza, according to signage in the window. What is the difference between Nordstrom at Westfield Montgomery Mall and Nordstrom Rack? Nordstrom Rack sells some overstock, clearance, and past-season items from the "real" Nordstrom. So this means that you actually are going to be able to find a significant number of Nordstrom-quality products by top labels at great savings at Nordstrom Rack. 

However, Nordstrom Rack also carries items specifically designed and manufactured for Nordstrom Rack. These are essentially going to be pieces that look like what you expect to see in the higher-end Nordstrom department store, but that might be made with a lower-cost material. You can quickly identify apparel made for Nordstrom Rack by checking the tag, which will say... Nordstrom Rack, not surprisingly.

You won't have the department store Nordstrom services like personal shoppers and alterations at Nordstrom Rack. And there won't be a cafe or somebody tinkling away on a grand piano. But bargain hunters won't mind, as they search for and score deals on items that might have been out of their price range at the department store a season ago. Holiday shoppers: Start your engines!

Pike & Rose among 6 Starbucks stores closing in Maryland

Starbucks announced a new round of downsizing nationwide, and the closure list includes six stores in Maryland. Montgomery County stores at Pike & Rose in Rockville, and 12255 Prosperity Drive in the White Oak area of Silver Spring are among those getting the axe. That's particularly devastating for residents of the buildings at Pike & Rose, as having an on-site Starbucks was among the amenities of living there. Also shuttering will be Starbucks stores in Chester, Easton, Frederick, and Pocomoke City.