Police respond to assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a hotel on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The assault was reported at the Red Roof Inn at 16001 Shady Grove Road at 2:56 PM Saturday. A 37-year-old man was arrested. He has been charged with three counts of 2nd-degree assault, obstructing and hindering a police officer, and resisting arrest. The suspect is being held without bond at the Montgomery County jail, pending an October trial.

Rabid raccoon on the loose in Rockville

Rockville City police have received several reports of a rabid raccoon roaming the area around the Hungerford and Stoneridge neighborhoods, along Mount Vernon Place. They advise residents not approach or attempt to capture the animal. Keep pets and children indoors in that area, especially if not directly supervised by an adult, and ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. If you see the raccoon or other suspicious wildlife activity, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900. An Animal Services Unit will be dispatched to respond.

Photo courtesy Maryland DNR

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall Thursday afternoon, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at the mall at 4:12 PM Thursday. This is the seventh assault police have responded to at the property this year. It had been a relatively quiet summer at the mall up until August 6, when the last assault took place during a shoplifting incident at a clothing store. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022, putting this year's numbers in line with last year's so far.

Sexual assault reported at gas station in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm sexual assault at a gas station in Rockville on Thursday evening, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at a gas station in the 300 block of E. Gude Drive at 7:05 PM. A Shell station is located on that block of E. Gude Drive.

Claire's closing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

It's a sad day in the piercing industry. Claire's is closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A closing sale is underway at the piercing and jewelry boutique. We can't blame the Montgomery County Council or their moribund County economy for this departure. Claire's has filed for bankruptcy, could wind up closing over 1000 locations nationwide. The company hopes to save itself via a sale of 800 other stores to a potential buyer, but if one can't be found, this could be the end of the line. Are they celebrating over at Piercing Pagoda?

ICE arrests illegal immigrant it says was convicted of assault in Rockville

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says a Salvadoran national illegally in the U.S. has been arrested by its Baltimore field office in Maryland. ICE states that Jose Menendez, 46, was convicted of 2nd-degree assault here in Rockville. The agency says Menendez will remain in custody pending deportation proceedings. According to the ICE Online Detainee Locator System, he is currently being held at the Farmville ICE detention center in Farmville, Virginia.

Photo courtesy ICE

Rheinmetall chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. corporate HQ

Montgomery County and Maryland are experiencing another total humiliation on the economic development front. While both have failed to attract a major new corporate headquarters this century, Fairfax County and Virginia have just beaten them once again in the high-stakes contest for yet another major defense firm HQ. This time it is Rheinmetall, the German defense giant that is experiencing off-the-charts boom times, as it is arguably the biggest winner in Germany's push to rearm and create Europe's largest and strongest military. It is also one of the companies producing the most equipment for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Rheinmetall has just leased 10,000-square feet at Metro Place II at 2600 Park Tower Drive in Merrifield in Fairfax County, where it will not only locate its U.S. hub, but also one of its U.S. subsidiaries, American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc.

Beyond the lighter tax and regulation burden of Northern Virginia, a look at the 2600 Park Tower Drive site itself tells much of the tale of Montgomery County's loss. Metro Place II sits directly beside the highway interchange of the Capital Beltway and Interstate 66, along both of which Virginia has invested enormously in tolled Express Lanes. The Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station is directly across the street from the new Rheinmetall HQ. Just south of the site are US 29 and US 50, as well as the enormously-successful Mosaic District with its retail, restaurants, and movie theater. 

A short drive southeast of the new Rheinmetall HQ in Fairfax is perhaps Montgomery County's biggest and most-humiliating economic development loss to Northern Virginia of this century, the Northrop Grumman headquarters. And zooming out on the map, we find one of the biggest factors that brought both defense firms to Fairfax County: direct access to Dulles International Airport. It's the only airport in the region to boast the variety of essential global business destinations - and the frequency of direct flights to them - demanded by international business executives.

One can only shake one's head, and wonder what could have been, had Montgomery County and Maryland had smarter and more-competent leadership this century. Imagine if we had built the new Potomac River crossing, to give all of our increasingly-empty office parks in the I-270 corridor the same kind of direct access to Dulles that Virginia has. Imagine if we had built the Rockville Freeway through North Bethesda, White Flint, Aspen Hill, and Layhill, connecting I-270 with MD 355 and the InterCounty Connector, and passing directly by the many Executive Boulevard area office parks and Pike & Rose. Imagine if we had made our tax and fee burden more competitive with our rivals in the region, and our leaders had used the time they spend opining on national politics on attracting business to our county and state.

Virginia doesn't have to imagine. It's where economic development dreams regularly come true, thanks to the humiliatingly-weak and bumbling efforts on our side of the river. Montgomery County? It's where business goes to die - or flee to nearby jurisdictions before it does.

"We are proud to welcome Rheinmetall to Merrifield in Fairfax County," Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said in a statement. "Our community is a place where groundbreaking innovation, national security, and global collaboration intersect, and this investment represents a powerful statement about the future of defense and technology in our region. Rheinmetall brings a bold vision and cutting-edge capabilities that align with our community’s commitment to supporting mission-driven industries and advancing solutions that keep our nation secure. We are deeply honored that Rheinmetall has chosen Fairfax County as the hub for their continued growth, as this investment will not only strengthen the strategic national security partnerships that are so vital to global progress, but also the resiliency of our local and regional economies."

"Rheinmetall’s decision to establish significant presence in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County reinforces our position as a premier destination for global defense leaders seeking proximity to federal partners, a deep bench of tech talent, and a collaborative business environment," Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Victor Hoskins said. "The opening of our new Washington, D.C., region office spaces underscores our rapid growth and committed investment in Rheinmetall’s U.S. operations," American Rheinmetall Defense CEO Stephen Hedger added.

Woman assaulted in church parking lot in Rockville

A woman was assaulted by a stranger in a church parking lot in Rockville on August 7, 2025. The female victim agreed to meet a friend at a church in the 600 block of Great Falls Road that evening, for the "repayment of money," Rockville City police say. However, when she arrived, she was confronted by an unknown male suspect, who allegedly assaulted her at 9:27 PM. Police have not released a description of the suspect as of this writing. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify the suspect involved, call police at 240-314-8900.

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden opening August 17 in Gaithersburg

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden has set an opening date of August 17, 2025 at 237-A Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. That is the former Good Fortune Cafe space, next to Supertooth. As you can see in the photo below, they will be serving Singha beer, "Thailand's original and best-loved premium beer since 1933." During the first week of operation, the Thai restaurant will be offering 20%-off your total bill if you agree to post a Google review of your dining experience - good, bad, or ugly. Ask your server for the review link when you have finished eating. The offer applies to both dine-in and takeout customers, and is good through August 24, 2025.

Multiple self-storage units broken into in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a self-storage facility in Rockville on July 27, 2025. The burglary was reported at Self Storage Plus at 15750 Paramount Drive. Police believe the crime was committed between 6:30 PM on July 25 and 7:00 PM on July 27. 

Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry to several storage units at the facility. It appears the burglar(s) did not find whatever it was they were looking for, however, as police so far have been unable to identify any property that is missing from the units in question. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify any suspect(s) involved, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Police were called back to the same facility yesterday morning, August 11, at 11:35 AM. Again, they found forced entry into at least one unit. There is no word yet if anything was stolen this time.

Montgomery County Council votes to increase impervious surfaces days after new flood risk was revealed

The Montgomery County Council speaks loudly and often about climate change and the environment, but their warmed-over Reaganomics policies betray their true values. This has been revealed once again as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has commissioned new flood zone maps that show much more of Montgomery County's land area to be at risk of flash flooding than the standard U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps. Several of the areas highlighted on the new maps experienced significant flooding during an unusually-heavy rain event last month. But just four days after MWCOG released its new flood danger maps to elected officials in MoCo and elsewhere in the region, the Montgomery County Council went ahead and approved new zoning rules that will increase the amount of impervious surface area in many of the very neighborhoods identified as now being at high risk of flash flooding.

Under the Reaganesque Thrive 2050/"More Housing N.O.W." zoning text amendment approved by a majority of the Council on July 22, 2025, the allowed increase in impervious surfaces are almost entirely permitted in the downcounty areas like Bethesda and Silver Spring. That is where the greatest flooding risks are located. Despite having access to this new flood danger report and maps on four days earlier on July 18, our "green" County Council bulldozed ahead, and voted to approve a massive increase in impervious surfaces in the very areas at highest risk. Single-family home neighborhoods where houses are currently surrounded by soil and grass lawns will now be open to four-story apartment buildings.

Just in the River Road corridor of Bethesda alone, the properties where the greater impervious surfaces will be allowed are within the flood zones of at least three major streams. Of course, the increased flooding we have already been experiencing in Montgomery County over the last decade is in large part due to the massive development approved this century by the County Council. This is the same reason we have an overpopulation of deer and even wandering bears in the downcounty, as these animals have been forced out of their forests that have fallen to the chainsaws and bulldozers of our supply-side, trickle-down, voodoo economics County Council. The same Council that swears by the Laffer Curve - but only when it applies to their developer sugar daddies.

The reckless decision by the Council could have ramifications in the 2026 elections. Councilmembers Evan Glass and Andrew Friedson voted for the ZTA to increase impervious surfaces in flood danger zones, and they are both running for County Executive. One of their opponents in the Democratic primary is their colleague, Councilmember Will Jawando, who did not vote for the ZTA. Jawando could now use this scandal as another point to differentiate himself from his Reagan Democrat rivals. And Councilmembers running for reelection will have to answer to voters who might raise the topic on the campaign trail, to explain why they voted to put their current and future constituents at greater risk of flood damage and death. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Menu screens removed at closed Donutchew at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A quick update on the closure of Donutchew at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda: The mochi donut shop at the edge of the Dining Terrace food court remained closed Saturday. Another sign that the closure appears permanent is the removal of the menu screens from the stall, which were gone as of last evening. Who will fill the donut vacuum at Montgomery Mall?

Renovations ahead for Chick-fil-A on Rockville Pike

The Chick-fil-A at 12001 Rockville Pike at the Montrose Crossing shopping center is planning a renovation of the building's interior. A new ceiling will be installed, and the indoor seating furniture will be updated. Work is expected to begin by fall. It's hard to believe, but this Chick-fil-A location is already nearly twelve years old.

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant opens in Rockville

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant has opened at 20-A Maryland Avenue at The Square in Rockville.  The restaurant serves authentic Uyghur cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, Big Plate Chicken, pilaf, kebabs, Piter Manta, Kawa Manta, and traditional desserts that include the new addition of Kazadibi, a Turkish milk pudding. They will also have outdoor patio dining (see the seating below) and live music. This is Dolan Uyghur's fourth location in the Washington, D.C. region, and another great addition to The Square in Rockville.

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall late Wednesday afternoon, August 6, 2025. The assault was reported at a clothing store in the mall at 4:58 PM. Police have not yet identified the name of the store. The assault occurred amid a shoplifting incident at the business.

This is the sixth assault reported at the property so far this year. It had been a relatively quiet summer up to this point at the mall, however. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

Donutchew closed at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Donutchew was closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall during business hours last night. Their stall at the end of the Dining Terrace food court appeared to have been cleared out. The mochi donut shop has relocated in the mall once before, from a kiosk to this spot, but no signage or message was posted with any information for customers Thursday evening. Donutchew first opened at Montgomery Mall in November 2023.

Fashion Q closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Fashion Q has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Their space has been totally cleared out inside. The Los Angeles-based fashion wholesaler lasted less than a year at the mall after its November 2024 opening, despite its trademark super low prices. Fashion Q is the latest victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy.

BioNTech to lay off 32 more employees in Montgomery County

The hits just keep on coming to the moribund Montgomery County economy. Amid mass layoffs of federal employees who live in the County, biotech firm BioNTech has announced further layoffs at its facilities. 63 employees are already due to be let go on Saturday, August 9. Now the German pharmaceutical company says it will lay off an additional 32 workers at its facility at 25 West Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg on September 16. 

Rockville road rage incident ends in assault

A road rage incident on busy Rockville Pike escalated into an assault on the afternoon of July 29, 2025. Rockville City police report that the dispute concluded with one party assaulting the other at 3:22 PM in the 1600 block of Rockville Pike. No description of the suspect or any vehicle involved has been released as of this writing. If you have any information that can assist police regarding this case, call 240-314-8900.

Tumi relocates at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tumi has moved inside of Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Its previous location on Level 2 of the mall, between GAP and Coach, is now closed and walled off. Signage posted across that storefront is directing customers to the new location. Their new spot is also on Level 2, next to Perfume World in the Macy's Home wing of the mall. The change is so new, it does not yet appear on the mall's website map.

Gun-wielding cyclist assaults victim in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the Twinbrook neighborhood on August 2, 2025. At 5:33 PM that afternoon, a man on a bicycle allegedly pointed a gun at the victim in the 12500 block of Ardennes Avenue. He then rode away on the bicycle. The victim and police have not yet determined the reason why the man did this, making it so far appear to be a random act committed for "unknown reasons," police say. If you can identify the suspect in this case, or have any other information about the incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

Montgomery County IG finds 1000s of MCPS employees with access to students haven't been screened

A new report issued by the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General contains alarming findings about the safety of students in Montgomery County Public Schools. An investigation by IG Megan Limarzi and her office found that thousands of MCPS employees' criminal histories are not being monitored by the school system, about 4,900 employees currently have access to students but have not undergone a Child Protective Services background check, and that MCPS does not ensure that contractors and volunteers undergo a criminal history check before they begin working inside the school system. These are violations of Maryland law and MCPS' own rules, Limarzi wrote in her report.

MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor wrote a response to the OIG report's conclusions in which he accepted responsibility for the security failures, but also cast blame on the OIG for slowing the school system's response to the lapses, and for not recognizing the cost of implementing the report's recommendations, which Taylor estimated would be $2 million. Limarzi called Taylor's accusations "perplexing," and said she and her staff are disappointed "by the apparent attempts to transfer blame to this office" for "serious issues that have been well known at MCPS for years and yet have gone unaddressed."

"We appreciate the work of Inspector General Megan Limarzi and her team for bringing this important issue to light and providing the public with an impartial evaluation of the MCPS Background Screening Office," County Council President Kate Stewart and Vice-President Will Jawando said in a joint statement yesterday. They wrote that the Council's Audit Committee will conduct oversight hearings on the matter beginning September 26, 2025. Additional meetings will be held by two other Council committees later in the fall. "[T]he urgency with which these issues must be corrected cannot be overstated," Stewart and Jawando wrote.

This is only the latest revelation about lax security measures at MCPS. Previously, a lack of security cameras - and staff to actively monitor the ones that exist - came to light after violent crime and hate graffiti incidents inside MCPS schools. And a 2016 State of Maryland audit of MCPS uncovered lax cybersecurity protocols that did not adequately shield private student information from those accessing MCPS computer systems from inside - and outside - the organization.

Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too returning to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for 2025

Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too is returning to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for its annual extended seasonal run. Few people are thinking about warm clothing as thermometers float between 90 and 100 degrees, but alpaca wool is known for its ability to wick moisture away from the skin during the summer season. The store's prime time is still the holiday shopping season, and the frostier months of the year - and believe it or not, we're less than four months from the start of the Christmas season at 12:00 AM on November 1. Look for Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too on Level 1 of the mall, in the former Tesla space.

Hobby Lobby to open first Montgomery County store in Gaithersburg

Hobby Lobby is planning to open its first store in Montgomery County. It will be at 15750 Shady Grove Road in the 270 Center, on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. That is the former Best Buy space. Hobby Lobby will take advantage of the big box building dimensions, and the immediate access to I-270 just west of the shopping center.

Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1972, initially operating out of a garage with a $600 loan to create miniature picture frames. The success of these frames, which could be sold to larger retailers, allowed Green to open the first Hobby Lobby store in Oklahoma City in 1972. The company's growth was fueled by its focus on providing a wide array of craft and hobby supplies at competitive prices, coupled with a strong emphasis on customer service. Similar to Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby followed a practice of closing its stores on Sundays. Their strategy resonated with a broad customer base, enabling steady expansion across the United States.

The Hobby Lobby concept centers on offering a vast selection of arts, crafts, and home decor items under one roof, catering to a diverse range of creative interests and decorating styles. Their merchandise typically includes framing supplies, floral and wedding décor, fabric, jewelry making components, scrapbooking materials, and various craft supplies for painting, drawing, and needlework. Beyond crafts, Hobby Lobby also stocks a significant amount of seasonal decorations, party supplies, and general home furnishings, all curated to appeal to a family-friendly demographic interested in DIY projects and affordable home embellishments.

IT'SUGAR closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

IT'SUGAR has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The candy store's windows have been covered, and signage has been removed from above the entrance. Montgomery County's moribund economy and the County Council's anti-business policies, have turned the shop's sweet profit margin sour. Heckuva job, Brownie! IT'SUGAR's Rockville location closed several years ago.

In contrast to the closures here, IT'SUGAR is currently in a major expansion mode elsewhere, opening "15 to 20 stores a year," according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce article touting the chain's success. Openings so far in 2025 include Poughkeepsie and Middletown in New York; Salem, New Hampshire; Mercedes, Texas; and Braintree, Massachusetts. Something for the County Council to ponder: what are we doing wrong, that Braintree is doing right?