Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on the evening of October 14, 2026. The assault was reported at 8:31 PM. It was related to a shoplifting incident at one of the stores in the mall. 

The assault is the first to be reported at the retail center since Westfield instituted a 3:00 PM juvenile curfew on September 28. It is the eighth assault reported at the mall this year. Twelve assaults were recorded at the property in 2025.

Update on Just Salad in Rockville

Permanent signage has been installed at Just Salad, opening soon at 12242 Rockville Pike at Towne Plaza in Rockville. It's already lit at night. Inside, the interior fit-out for the fast-casual restaurant appears complete. Everything from seating to electronic menu boards is in place. Here's a sneak peek inside:

Nordstrom Rack announces grand opening event in Rockville

Nordstrom has announced details for a grand opening event at the new Nordstrom Rack store at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. The store, which is located at 1683 Rockville Pike, will open - as previously announced - on October 29. Doors will open at 9:00 AM that morning for the grand opening celebration. But you'll want to get in line earlier than that, as drawings for gift cards will begin at 7:00 AM. A drawing for the grand prize of a $1000 Nordstrom Rack gift card will be held at 8:45 AM. Fifteen minutes later, it will be time to shop 'til you drop, with savings up to 70%.

Thief rummages through cars, garage in Rockville

A thief searched vehicles and a garage at a home in Rockville early Monday morning, Rockville City police report. The incident took place in the unit block of Big Tree Court at 4:23 AM on October 12, 2026. A suspect entered and rummaged through two unlocked vehicles that were parked outside the home. Finding a garage door opener inside one of the vehicles, the suspect used it to open the garage door of the house. Apparently again failing to find anything of interest or value, the suspect fled. 

No description of the suspect has been released at this time. It's another inconvenient reminder to lock your car, remove all valuables from the interior, and never leave keys or key fobs inside the vehicle.

Montgomery County farmland for sale in Damascus

A 67-acre farm has hit the market for sale in Damascus. 25804 Bowman Acres Lane backs up to a forest buffer of Great Seneca Stream Valley Park. Offered "as is, where is, with all faults," the property is currently improved with a modern primary home built in 2005, but which needs work. There are also the original farmhouse, which needs restoration, and a split-level ranch home constructed in 1994. A pond and several outbuildings complete the portfolio.

The owner has stipulated that only pre-qualified buyers will be permitted to tour the property, so this is a serious-buyers-only situation. Located in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, the property can be subdivided into 11 lots, 8 of which already have approved percs from the County. That means that the owner has already gone through the rigorous and expensive process of testing the soil to determine that at least 8 homes could be built without contaminating the groundwater, and that the soil already has adequate drainage to support that development. The asking price for the farm is $4,000,000, according to the online sale listing.

Skating rink under construction at The Square at Rockville

It's that time of year again, when the chill of fall is in the air, and the holiday season is only 19 days away. I can almost smell the Thanksgiving stuffing, and once again the ice skating rink is under construction at The Square at Rockville. The rink is scheduled to open on October 19. Hours of operation will be 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. Skating time is not free; tickets range from $12 (under 13 and senior citizens) to $13 for ages 13 and up.

Shotted Specialty Coffee opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Shotted Specialty Coffee is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Saudi-inspired coffee and dessert bar features several unique beverages and menu items you won't find at Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. Try a Karak Chai or Warm Date Toffee for a taste of the Arabian Gulf. They even have soft-serve ice cream. 

The chain, which is thriving in Northern Virginia, was conceived by its founder as a way to use coffee as an ambassador for Saudi culture. Its corporate values are aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, part of which is aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy beyond oil with the promotion of culture and tourism. Customers are invited to experience Saudi culture and hospitality at all Shotted locations, and three Saudi holidays are celebrated with special events.

But Shotted isn't ignoring trends closer to home. Witness their Pumpkin Series menu for fall, which features the limited-time-only Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Chai Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and Pumpkin Cream Matcha beverages. It will be interesting to see what seasonal drinks they might have as the holidays and winter approach. Look for Shotted Specialty Coffee in the former Gold Bunny Donut space in the Dining Terrace food court, on Level 2 of the mall.

Pumpkin Spice Latte