Foot Locker reopens at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Better late than never. Foot Locker has reopened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in a new, larger space. The new store includes a Kids Foot Locker. A fall 2025 opening date blew past, but one of the top sporting goods destinations at the mall is finally open for business again.

Cycle Gear opening in Rockville

Cycle Gear is coming to Rockville. It will be located at 1500 Rockville Pike, in the former Party City space next to Tobacco King. The motorcycle parts, gear, and apparel retailer will be a classic Rockville Pike type of business in an age of luxury apartments gone wild. Cycle Gear was founded by motorcycle enthusiasts in California way back in 1974. Demolition of the interior is underway.

Rockville police identify Wootton High School shooter, firearm

Rockville City police have identified the alleged shooter who wounded one person inside of Thomas S. Wootton High School yesterday afternoon. Kahlil White-Villatoro, 16, of Rockville, has been charged as an adult in connection with the shooting. White-Villatoro is charged with attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and various firearms-related charges, including possession of a dangerous weapon on school property. He is being held at the County jail pending a bond hearing. 

Detectives also identified the firearm they say White-Villatoro used in the shooting. It was a Polymer80 9 mm handgun (see sample image above). Although a suspect is in custody, the investigation is ongoing and remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call Rockville City Police Department detectives at 240-314-8900.

Montgomery County's first Hobby Lobby store construction update (Photos)

Here's a look at the construction progress on Montgomery County's first Hobby Lobby store, at 15750 Shady Grove Road in the 270 Center, on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. While the interior fit-out is currently hidden behind a construction wall, you can see the modifications being made to the exterior of the former Best Buy starting to take shape. The arts and crafts megastore is highly anticipated, as not only has the chain never had a location here, but smaller competitor JOANN Fabrics and Crafts recently closed all of its stores, including the one in Gaithersburg. Hobby Lobby's main competition here will be Michaels.

Shooting at Wootton High School in Rockville

A shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville this afternoon has left one student wounded, and another in custody. According to Rockville City police, the shooting took place inside the school, which is located at 2100 Wootton Parkway. Police were called at 2:15 PM, and found one student wounded in a school hallway. The student was transported to a local hospital, where they are in stable condition with a single gunshot wound. While the shooter fled the building, they were quickly identified as a Wootton student, and located near the campus by officers a short time later.

Students and parents were reunited at Robert Frost Middle School later in the afternoon. Police say there is no further danger to the students, or to the larger community. Charges against the suspect are pending.

Update on Wild Bean Coffee in Rockville (Photos)

Wild Bean Coffee has certainly taken the scenic route to opening at 1532 Rockville Pike in Rockville. Announced way back in 2024, only now are we seeing "signs" that the opening may be finally approaching. Menu item signs are now posted in the windows, which are still papered over. Limited outdoor patio seating is in place outside. Inside, workers were moving furniture about last evening. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Wonder food hall expanding to Rockville

Just when it looked like the food hall fad was cratering in Montgomery County, a behemoth of a new entry has announced its impending arrival in Rockville this spring. Wonder, a national chain promising dine-in, pick-up, and delivery cuisine "from James Beard Award winners, Michelin star recipients, and Food Network stars," will open this April at 12240 Rockville Pike at Towne Plaza. The food hall will allow you to mix and match dishes from more than 15 restaurants operating out of its kitchen. Big names on board include Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Jonathan Waxman, Marc Murphy, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson. A more-dubious name on board is "North Bethesda." North Bethesda? Mmm...not quite.