Jurassic World Rebirth specials at AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex in Bethesda

AMC Theatres continues to be the top cineplex chain to see blockbuster movies at. They've been on a roll since before the pandemic, when they offered cocktails and free collectibles for moviegoers screening Spider-Man: Far from Home in 2019. Starting today, July 2, 2025, the AMC Montgomery 16 theater at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda will enhance your Jurassic World Rebirth cinema experience with a free InGen ID badge and lanyard (while supplies last with ticket purchase), a dino-size Sriracha Bavarian Legend Pretzel, and a Menacing Mix cocktail made with tropical fruit, Kraken spiced rum and a "gold dusted dehydrated pineapple slice" garnish.

Squatters strike again in Rockville

The squatting phenomenon continues to build momentum in Maryland, and most recently in the City of Rockville. Two men somehow gained access to an apartment building in the unit block of Monroe Place in Rockville Town Center on an unspecified date, Rockville City police report. They "took up residency" in a vacant unit in the building. A staff member of the property eventually discovered the squatters after unlocking that apartment's door at 12:15 PM on June 29, 2025, and told them they had to leave. Police determined the two squatters were homeless.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and legislators had promised to take swift action on squatting, but have appeared impotent to stop it this summer. State Delegate Mike Griffith (R) said yesterday that he will be introducing legislation in the state legislature next year to close loopholes that currently blur the line between a legal tenant and a squatter. He told WBFF Fox 45 that a business client of his currently has squatters living in five of his Maryland properties. "It’s 100% a multimillion-dollar issue here in the state that we need to address," Griffith said.

Subway reopens on Rockville Pike

Subway has returned to 1402 Rockville Pike in Rockville. The submarine sandwich shop has been closed since December for a major renovation. It has now reopened, and operating hours will be 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. The return at this location and at Westfield Montgomery Mall reflect a renaissance of Sandwich Artists in Montgomery County.

Chips and drinks are fully stocked

Sandwich artist parking only!

Montgomery County police bust up Germantown crack ring

The 5th District Community Action Team of the Montgomery County Police Department has busted up an alleged crack ring operating in Germantown. Many citizen complaints have been received by the department about the sale of illegal narcotics in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road. In response, DCAT, in coordination with the department's Special Investigations Division and the 5th District Special Assignment Team, launched an investigation into this last fall. The work of many months culminated on June 25, 2025, when County officers raided three residences, and recovered a cache of firearms, money, and drugs.

Police arrested Duane Shelton, 46, of Germantown; Kevin Patton, 44, of Germantown; Anre Russell, 39, of Takoma Park; Michael Marshall, 37, of Gaithersburg; and Alexander Burch, 48, of Petersburg, Virginia. Shelton, Patton, and Russell are all being held without bond; Marshall was released on bond, and Burch was released on his own recognizance. All five have been charged with multiple controlled-dangerous-substance charges; police did not specify if firearms charges are pending.

Officers seized five vehicles; four firearms; distribution amounts of crack, PCP, and MDMA; and $43,000 in cash. One evidence photo appears to show a bulletproof vest. Detectives say that their investigation into this ring and activity are not over, however. The criminal activity alleged is on a level sophisticated enough that the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are involved, and providing inter-agency data and support.

Duane Shelton

Kevin Patton

Anre Russell

Michael Marshall

Alexander Burch

Photos courtesy MCPD

Rockville City Hall looking into AC outage at Gold's Gym

Patrons of Gold's Gym at 26 Maryland Avenue at The Square at Rockville report extended air conditioning outages at the facility this summer. It turns out that similar outages were also being reported by members last summer, as well. This summer, as with last year, Gold's Gym has sometimes brought in large fans to provide whatever cool air they could generate. But members say that solution was far from sufficient, and the latest AC outage has had some of them breaking their regular workout routines because it is simply too hot in the gym to comfortably or safely exercise, even though they are still being charged membership and equipment maintenance fees all the while. 

Multiple members say the current outage has lasted for about four weeks. The outages this summer have not only been stifling temperature-wise, but the fact that Gold's Gym closed its other Rockville location at Wintergreen Plaza has meant a significant increase in the number of people working out at the Square location. 

At least one member has contacted Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton, and the City Council, about the AC problems. Ashton said that she has now contacted the property owner, Morguard, regarding the matter. She has also made City Manager Jeff Mihelich aware of the situation, and he is part of the communication loop with Morguard. Ashton said both she and Mihelich will be following up with the company about the Gold's Gym problems.

Tumi to relocate inside Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tumi is gearing up for a move inside Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Its current location on Level 2 between GAP and Coach is still open now. Preparations for its new spot are underway, including the installation of signage for the world-famous luggage and travel accessory retailer. When it opens, look for Tumi on the same level, but over in the Macy's Home wing next to Perfume World.

Garage boutique opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Garage has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The women's apparel boutique held a grand opening event yesterday, luring customers in through giveaways of free treats and beverages, gift cards, and bonus gifts with purchases. Founded by parent company GDI in Montreal in 1975, Garage describes itself as "a casual clothing brand for young women who are fun and effortlessly sexy." Look for Garage on Level 1 of the mall, in the former Aeropostale space between JD Sports and Lovisa.