Double dog attack injures victim in Rockville

Rockville City police are investigating an animal bite incident that took place on July 8, 2026. The victim was in the 800 block of Nelson Street at 8:33 PM when they were attacked by two dogs. Both canines were described by the victim as possibly having been pit bulls. They attacked without provocation, the victim told police. The alleged owner of the dogs refused to provide identification, and fled the scene with the animals, police say. Following the attack, the victim sought medical treatment for their injuries.

Montgomery County homeowners slammed as property tax bills arrive

Montgomery County homeowners are receiving their property tax bills in the mail, and jaws are crashing to the floor countywide. A super double-whammy budget by the County Council in May not only hiked property taxes yet again, but also eliminated the Income Tax Offset Credit that a vast majority of homeowners were previously eligible for. The end result has been, among homeowners I've spoken to around the county, property tax bills anywhere from 17% to 25% higher than last year. Be sure to thank your representative comrades on the Montgomery Commie Council.

Predictably, the hardest-hit areas are downcounty, in Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Many Rockville residents are looking at $12,000 tax bills. "It was about $12,000 last year," lamented a Bethesda homeowner holding a tax bill for more than $15,000. As I have noted for many years now, Montgomery County property taxes have increasingly become a second mortgage for homeowners. It's simply incredible that the Council would slam homeowners with tax increases this high in the middle of an affordability crisis. Most of this money ends up in the pockets of the Montgomery County cartel, the puppeteers behind our Marxist County Council.

Don't forget, in May the Council also added a new wealth tax on the "rich," whom our stuck-in-the-1960s Council defines as (in Dr. Evil "one million dollars" voice) anyone making over $150,000. That's only $18,000 higher than the median income of $132,450 in Montgomery County! $150,000 is just squeaking by and surviving, especially with a County Council of overpaid, underworked oligarchs who draw an annual salary of $167,172 from you, the taxpayer, for a few hours of "work" per week. One of the best kept secrets of the Council is that many members over the years have used the lax Council schedule, and their overinflated salaries, to put themselves through graduate or law school at your expense. If only you were as criminally street smart as the County Council, you might throw the bums out on Election Day!

T-Mobile, Häagen-Dazs temporarily close for renovations at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

T-Mobile and Häagen-Dazs have temporarily closed for remodeling at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Neither has announced a timeline for reopening. T-Mobile does have a message posted reassuring customers that the closure is only temporary, while Häagen-Dazs has a generic Westfield "Something exciting is in the works" wall over its entrance that gives the false impression it has permanently closed. Only after going to the mall website do you see a message from Westfield stating the ice cream shop is being remodeled. This is the second time in a decade that this Häagen-Dazs has temporarily closed for renovations, while looking like it has closed for good. Holy fake-out, Batman!

Gold Bunny Donut closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Gold Bunny Donut has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Their space was dark today during their typical operating hours. The owner says they are seeking a new location and hope to reopen soon. Gold Bunny was a huge success after it opened at the mall, regularly selling out of donuts, so one has to wonder if the anti-business policies of the Montgomery County Council have claimed yet another victim.

Power outage at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda forces some businesses to close early

A power outage this evening inside Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda forced some tenants to close early. Nordstrom was pitch black and boutiques like Victoria's Secret and White House | Black Market decided to close for the night. Some of the affected businesses regained power by 8:30, but the Apple Store was still turning customers away and directing them to come back tomorrow, despite having its power restored. 

Westfield released a statement within the last hour: "Due to a power outage, some stores at Westfield Montgomery are closing early today. We’re sorry for the interruption and appreciate your patience as we work to get things back to normal." We're seeing the failure of the Maryland electrical grid in real time, folks.

Maryland could face blackouts in 2027, utility CEO warns

The CEO of Exelon, parent company of Pepco and BGE, is warning that Maryland and other Northeast U.S. customers may be facing blackouts next year "due to a shortage of power plants," the Financial Times reports. "We came very close this past winter to having to curtail power for about 400,000 customers on some of the coldest days of the year," Calvin Butler told the FT. "And it's only getting worse." 

Electrical grid operator PJM, which supplies power to Pepco and BGE customers, reported a 6.5 gigawatt deficit last December. That deficit is anticipated to increase tenfold over the next decade, if more generation capacity is not added to the system.

Among the obvious causes of the failure to generate adequate power was Maryland elected officials' radical forced shutdown of 8 power plants statewide. But Butler brought up another devastating critique of Maryland legislators in his interview with the FT. It turns out that Exelon actually wants to construct new power plants in Maryland, but is being actively blocked from doing so by the state's limits on power plant ownership by utilities. In fact, legislators allowed two bills that would have allowed Exelon to move forward on new plants to die in committee.

Butler told the FT that legislators seem to be living in a different reality from the energy crisis Maryland is experiencing right now. "[R]ight now they don't perceive it as a crisis," Butler lamented. He said he is more optimistic that Delaware and New Jersey will update their rules on power plant ownership.

Man shouts antisemitic statements outside synagogue in Rockville

Police responded to a hate speech incident outside a synagogue in Rockville Wednesday afternoon, July 8, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, a man shouted antisemitic statements at a person standing outside of Tikvat Israel Congregation at 2200 Baltimore Road at 4:44 PM Wednesday. He then walked away. 

Police have not released a description of the suspect. If you have any information about this incident, call Rockville City police at 240-314-8900.

Maryland drops to 36 on CNBC Top States for Business 2026 list, Virginia is #3

Maryland has become an even worse state to do business in over the last year, according to CNBC's Top States for Business 2026 list, which the cable TV business channel unveiled today. Moribund Maryland dropped four spots to #36 this year based on CNBC's criteria, which examine each state's infrastructure, economy, workforce, quality of life, cost of doing business, and technology and innovation. Virginia, by contrast, moved up to #3, and is perennially in the top 5 on this list.

Why is Maryland once again a bottom dweller, and sinking? The primary new factors are the state's IT tax, which has not only massively increased IT costs (including my own) for Maryland businesses, but has only increased the exodus of companies from the state. Maryland's highest profile infrastructure project, the Key Bridge replacement, has stalled out. That missing highway link not only remains a logistical nightmare for businesses large and small that relied on it, but only adds to Maryland's national notoriety as a state with inadequate infrastructure, and an ideological hostility to road construction. And after Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the state legislature used Zohran Mamdani slight-of-hand tactics to raid precious funds for a desperation one-year budget fix, S&P downgraded Maryland's long-term outstanding debt outlook from stable to negative.

Continuing to plague our state are our own elected officials. For another year, Montgomery County and Maryland officials failed to take any steps toward construction of the long-delayed new Potomac River crossing, which would give us the critically-needed direct access to Dulles International Airport that corporate executives demand (and currently get in Northern Virginia). In fact, our leaders proudly stand against the new bridge, which was supposed to have been constructed 50 years ago. Multiple highways planned to handle explosive housing growth that has already taken place over decades in Montgomery County not only remain unbuilt, but have been criminally removed from the master plan, a blatant dereliction of duty by our elected officials.

Electricity costs continue to skyrocket, again the direct result of actions by our elected officials. They forced the closure of 8 power plants statewide, and implemented clean power mandates. These buffoonish diktats brought us where we are now: not only unable to provide cheap and abundant energy for business, but unable to even provide sufficient electricity capacity to meet existing demand. This has required Maryland to import electricity at inflated boardwalk prices from out of state.

Maryland has only increased the tax burden on business, when our corporate tax rate was already not competitive for business. The Montgomery County Council not only implemented multiple tax hikes this year, including yet another property tax increase, but actually created new taxes amid an affordability crisis. And despite their minimum wage increases having been an utter catastrophe, ushering in the age of restaurants using touchscreens and fewer employees, the Marxist radicals on the Council are now poised to join the national bankruptcy movement that is calling for a $30 minimum wage. 

Yet another chance to change direction is quickly slipping through the fingers of MoCo and Maryland voters. Turnout in last month's primary election was humiliatingly small. The Banner, whose billionaire oligarch owner puts his news behind a paywall(!!) and is a well-known Democratic operative, actually posted a story on Facebook claiming Democratic Montgomery County Executive nominee Will Jawando "is expected to be sworn in as the next Montgomery County executive in December." In fact, The Banner wrote, Jawando "will almost certainly be sworn in as the next Montgomery County executive in December." 

The November general election hasn't even taken place, folks. This is classic voter suppression by The Banner: make voters feel hopeless. Why bother to vote when The Banner has told you the outcome is already known? "Democracy," right? At The Banner, democracy dies in a $50 million grant from the billionaire Democratic operative owner to run that propaganda outlet, which was warmly welcomed in Montgomery County by the very politicians who would fear a true journalistic examination of their true crimes and corruption. Fortunately, the Montgomery County and Maryland cartels don't control CNBC, and the results truly speak for themselves.

GEICO building for sale in Rockville

GEICO continues to liquidate its real estate portfolio in Montgomery County. After selling off its main headquarters campus in Friendship Heights, the insurance firm has now placed a claims center warehouse property in Rockville on the market. 2800 Tower Oaks Boulevard is a vintage 1976 industrial building complete with midcentury modern GEICO logo. It is well placed near Interstate 270 for use as a distribution center or warehouse. But in the moribund Montgomery County economy, it's more likely to end up as yet another cookie cutter townhome development. The asking price for this gem is not provided in the online listing.

Man vandalizes multiple A/C units during heat wave in Rockville

Rockville City police are looking for a man who vandalized multiple air-conditioning units early yesterday morning, July 6, 2026. According to police, the man damaged at least six A/C units in the 600 block of Mount Vernon Place around 2:00 AM Monday morning. Police describe the suspect as Black male with a stocky build, and shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was wearing white shorts and a dark-colored shirt. If you have any information about this incident, or have discovered your unit was damaged as well, call police at 240-314-8900.

Strong-arm carjacking in Rockville - UPDATED

UPDATE - 5:32 PM, July 7, 2026: Rockville City police have indentified the vehicle stolen as a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Rockville City police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking in the Croyden Park area early on the morning of July 4, 2026. The assault and robbery occurred in the 700 block of Mapleton Road at 1:00 AM Saturday. Police were dispatched to the scene 33 minutes later.

Rockville fireworks delayed until 9:45 PM

The City of Rockville announced last-minute changes to its official July 4th program tonight at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at 1800 Piccard Drive in the King Farm neighborhood. Activities scheduled through 9:15 PM have been canceled. The fireworks display is still on, but has been delayed until 9:45 PM tonight. Severe weather was cited as the reason for the changes.

Montgomery County cooling centers open 11 AM to 7 PM on July 4

Montgomery County will be operating cooling centers open to the public who lack air conditioning on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2026. There are six cooling centers, and they will be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Though, frankly, they should be open longer hours than that, given the lack of relief after dark or in the morning. Note that services and amenities typically available at these facilities may not be available while they are in use as cooling centers. I wish all my readers a great July 4th! Stay hydrated and stay safe!

Second assault in 8 days at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall Sunday night, June 28, 2026. The assault was reported at 7:51 PM. This was the second assault to take place at the retail center in eight days, with the last having occurred on June 20. Six assaults have been reported at the mall so far this year, a pace on par with last year's grand total of twelve. 2024 saw eleven assaults, and 2022 brought twelve. A low of five assaults was recorded in 2023, when the police department opened a "resource room" at the mall.

Zbounce closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Zbounce has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Signage has been removed from their space next to Hallmark. The children's moon bounce and play center first opened at the mall in the fall of 2016, so this could be a ten-year lease ending. Or an unannounced move within the mall, but Zbounce has not posted any message to customers regarding such plans.

Rockville woman facing charges after exposing herself to neighbor's surveillance camera

A Rockville woman is facing charges after allegedly putting on a show for a neighbor's surveillance camera. According to Rockville City police, the woman made "lewd gestures" and exposed herself in front of the camera in the 200 block of Congressional Lane on June 24, 2026. Police say they have identified the woman, and that charges against her are forthcoming.

Armed robbery at ATM in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at an ATM machine in Rockville early last Friday afternoon, June 26, 2026. The robbery was reported at an ATM in the 12200 block of Rockville Pike at 1:01 PM Friday. An adult male suspect tried to grab the victim's wallet in front of the ATM, and threatened to shoot the victim if they did not let go of it. But the victim was able to not only hold onto their wallet, but overpowered the suspect and pinned him until officers could arrive. The suspect was taken into custody.

Purse snatching at Rockville Metro station

Rockville City police responded to a report of a purse snatching at the Rockville Metro station at 251 Hungerford Drive early yesterday morning, June 27, 2026. The theft was reported at the station at 12:30 AM Saturday. It took place in the pedestrian tunnel. 

Assault at bus stop in Derwood

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bus stop in Derwood late yesterday afternoon, June 26, 2026. The assault was reported at 5:45 PM. It took place at a bus stop in the 15900 block of Somerville Drive. There are bus stops on that block of Somerville, but that block can also refer to the bus stops within the adjacent Shady Grove Metro station, as well.

K-Wave opening Saturday in Rockville

K-Wave will open its first Maryland store in Rockville tomorrow, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. It will be located at 5534 Randolph Road in the Montrose Shopping Center (home of MOM's Organic Market and KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot). Free goodie bags will go to anyone purchasing more than $75 of merchandise "while supplies last." K-Wave will have the latest recordings by your favorite K-pop artists, artist merchandise, and a veritable arcade of Asian game machines: claw machines, vending machines, and Deco Station. Still to arrive are their gachapon machines and Photoism photo booth. 

You will also find a lot of South Korean pop culture merchandise, toys, and stationary. Popular South Korean beauty and skincare products, clothing, and home decor round out the inventory of products for the K-pop fan or Seoul aesthetic seeker. Operating hours for K-Wave will be 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. K-Wave has an existing location in Centreville.

Drive-thru marijuana dispensary opening on Rockville Pike

A drive-thru marijuana dispensary is coming soon to Rockville Pike. Stash Cannabis Co. will be opening this summer at 1470 Rockville Pike. That is a former BB&T Bank branch building. Stash will serve recreational adult users, as well as medical marijuana patients. The dispensary has been in the works for over a year, but great progress on the construction has been made recently, and it's expected to be finished very soon.

The Container Store-Bed Bath & Beyond merger coming to fruition in Rockville

Bed Bath & Beyond has returned to Rockville Pike. This time, it is inside of The Container Store at 1601 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza. The struggling home organizing chain has turned to the defunct but well-known Bed Bath & Beyond brand to revitalize foot traffic to its stores. This transition is expected to be completed at all impacted Container Store locations nationwide by the end of next month. As you read this, Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise continues to arrive daily, and is being stocked on shelves that Container Store merchandise was liquidated from to make room. Now, can they fit Tower Records in there?

Police respond to assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this past Saturday night, June 20, 2026. The assault was reported at the mall at 8:21 PM Saturday. This was the fifth assault recorded at the popular retail center so far this year. Last year saw a total of 12 assaults reported at the property. County police officers were visibly on patrol inside the mall this past weekend.

Orange Pocket opening at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Orange Pocket is coming to Gaithersburg later this summer. The Asian variety store chain has leased a space at 30 Grand Corner Avenue at Rio Lakefront. Specializing in products imported from, or inspired by, Japan and South Korea, you might expect this to be a China-based chain like competitors who have recently arrived in Montgomery County. But Orange Pocket is actually based in Texas, like many other smart companies these days.

What does "Orange Pocket" mean? The company only describes it as "a small space packed with big finds." Those finds include blind boxes, Labubu toys, anime figurines, plush toys, sought-after Japanese and South Korean cosmetics and beauty products, house and kitchen wares, stationary, pet products, and Asian snacks. Customers can also pass the time playing the claw and Bandai Gashapon machines. Orange Pocket is currently promising an August opening.

Hugging thief strikes in Rockville

A thief used a hug as a distraction in Rockville this past Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, the suspect targeted a female victim in the 700 block of Hungerford Drive at 3:05 PM Saturday. The suspect hugged the victim, and allegedly removed several pieces of jewelry she was wearing during the embrace, before fleeing in a getaway vehicle. Police did not release a description of the suspect, or the getaway vehicle.

Update on Gorjana at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Here's a sneak peek at the construction progress inside the future Gorjana boutique at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Laguna Beach-inspired jewelry retailer is appropriately expected to open this summer at the mall. A look inside the construction wall door that was hanging open reveals flooring, walls, and lighting fixtures in place. Now shelving and other displays are being installed, which means merchandise can't be far behind. When it opens, look for Gorjana on Level 1 of the mall, across from Lily Pulitzer in the Nordstrom wing.

Police investigate shots-fired incident in Derwood

Montgomery County police are investigating a shots-fired incident that occurred in Derwood late Friday night, June 19, 2026. Residents in the 7800 block of Miller Fall Road called 911 after hearing gunfire from a nearby field at 11:00 PM. Police were dispatched to recover any potential evidence of a firearm being discharged. The Shady Grove Middle School baseball field is located at the end of that street.

Genki Wagyu Shabu House sets opening date in Rockville

Genki Wagyu Shabu House now has an opening date at 870 Festival Street at the Twinbrook Quarter development in Rockville. The all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant will begin accepting reservations this Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Genki promises the"finest unlimited Wagyu Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, and premium Sushi experience. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth richness of high-grade Wagyu beef, meticulously sliced for the perfect hot pot in our signature Sukiyaki broth. Complement your experience with an exquisite selection of premium sushi, crafted with the freshest seafood and premium ingredients." As you can see, the dining experience is capped off with a stunning interior design.

Koala Kreme opening today in Rockville

Koala Kreme will officially open today, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 100-I Gibbs Street at The Square at Rockville. The frozen yogurt shop replaces The Marble Slab at the development in Rockville Town Center. If you've been to a self-serve frozen yogurt place like Sweetfrog, you know the drill. Celebrate their grand opening between noon and 2:00 PM today with tastings, giveaways, a balloon artist, and face painting.