Emergent BioSolutions to lay off employees, shutter Rockville facility

Emergent BioSolutions of Gaithersburg will lay off 154 workers, and shutter its Rockville manufacturing facility, the company announced as part of a restructuring. It will also eliminate some vacant positions, in an attempt to save $80 million. The biotech firm will scale back its goals to focus on its core businesses: medical countermeasures and NARCAN Nasal Spray. 

"Decisions like these are never easy as they have real impact on many of our dedicated colleagues," Emergent CEO Joe Papa said in a statement. "We are committed to providing resources to those affected as they transition to new opportunities." Emergent will concentrate its operations at sites in Winnipeg, Canada, and Lansing, Michigan.

Assault in Rockville Town Center area

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the Rockville Town Center area late Friday afternoon, May 10, 2024. Officers were called to the 300 block of N. Washington Street at 5:13 PM Friday. A weapon other than a firearm was utilized in the assault.

"Do not enter with mask," warns business at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

"Do not enter with mask," a sign warns patrons at Perfume World in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A hand-drawn illustration next to the message depicts a full-face ski mask. The City of Philadelphia passed a ban on ski masks in many public places, with some exceptions, last year. Many jurisdictions across the country have a form of ski mask ban, while others have considered passing one amid a persistent spike in retail and violent crime since 2020. A few, including New York City and Washington, D.C., have repealed existing ski mask bans during that same time period.

Strong-arm robbery at Rockville Metro station

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at the Rockville Metro station late Thursday afternoon, May 9, 2024. The robbery was reported at the station at 5:05 PM Thursday. A report that an arrest was made in this case is not yet confirmed as of this writing. An update on this story will be published as soon as that information becomes available.

Wallet snatched from diner's hand at Rockville restaurant

A diner attempting to pay for his meal at a Rockville restaurant suddenly had his wallet snatched right out of his hand, Rockville City police say. The victim took out his wallet at a restaurant in the 400 block of Hungerford Drive (MD 355) at 11:25 AM on April 30, 2024. A male suspect grabbed the wallet, and fled on foot. Police describe the suspect as a slim, Black male, 5'5" in height, approximately 25 years of age, and wearing all-black clothing. If you have any information regarding the suspect or this incident, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Jinlan Dumplings opening in Rockville

Jinlan Dumplings is coming soon to White Flint Station at 11620-A Rockville Pike. Chef and cooking instructor Jinlan Wenhua is a fixture at many farmer's markets across the region, where she has been selling her authentic Chinese dumplings made with fresh ingredients from local farmers. Now, like many chefs who have gained popularity with food trucks or farm market sales, she is opening an actual restaurant.

The 1,325-square-foot space will seat about 20 diners. It will be open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A mid-June opening is anticipated, but stay tuned for an official opening date.

Photo courtesy Jinlan Wenhua

Rockville Dunkin' Donuts May 11 grand opening is a chance to win free coffee for a year

The grand opening of the newest Dunkin' Donuts in Rockville this Saturday, May 11, 2024, will give you a chance to win free coffee for a year. Just be one of the first 100 guests in line starting at 9:00 AM at the Dunkin' Donuts store at 9761 Traville Gateway Drive, and you'll receive a coupon book containing 4 free medium hot or iced coffee coupons per month for 14 months good only at this location. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 10:00 AM. 

This is Luis Group Management's 26th Dunkin' Donuts store in Maryland. Following the ribbon-cutting Saturday, the Luis Group will present a check that will award Driven to Cure with a $3,000 grant to help raise awareness and provide funding for research of rare kidney cancers in children and young adults. Between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, guests will also enjoy free giveaways from the Dunkin’ Prize Wheel, an appearance from the Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy, and face painting.  

The Traville Gateway store features the new upgrades Luis Group has implemented at many of its existing and new locations in recent years, including a more energy efficient and environmentally-sensitive design and materials, the Premium Pours tap system that provides consistent quality for 8 of the chain's most popular cold beverages, and touchscreen ordering and dedicated mobile order pickup area to get you in and out of the store with your takeout order faster than ever before.

This new Rockville location will be open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. At 2,000-square-feet in size, it employs about 20 team members. Free Wi-Fi is available for customers, and best of all, there is a drive-thru!