A 33-year-old Washington, D.C. man has been convicted for his role in a violent robbery crew that targeted pharmacies and cell phone stores across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Maryland’s sports wagering market generated more than $13.7 million in state contributions during October 2026, marking the fourth-highest monthly total since sports betting began in the state. (more…)
Start-ups and early-growth stage companies in Montgomery County, Maryland, are continuing to gain traction and attract capital with eight local companies receiving a combined $70.54 million in venture capital, seed funding, and other investments in October.
Montgomery County is the #3 largest biopharma hub in the nation—and in October, companies in the Research & Development space led investment attraction with more than $58 million raised to advance innovations in biotechnology, drug discovery, and healthcare.
Rockville-based Kaigene raised $54.96 million in Series B venture funding from Loftyrock Investment and others. The biotechnology company is developing therapeutic antibodies to address unmet clinical needs in rare autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and lupus. Kaigene’s products are said to offer safe and effective treatments that can address the underlying mechanisms driving autoimmune disease, enabling patients to improve their lives. The recent investment brings Kaigene’s reported pre-money valuation to approximately $252.5 million.
Another Research & Development company, Accufy Diagnostics, which is also based in Rockville, raised $2 million in seed funding to further its next-generation sequencing technologies for early cancer detection. The company is developing proprietary technologies that use ultra-sensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection to help clinicians identify minimal residual disease and improve cancer monitoring.
In Gaithersburg, ColoWatch raised $1.325 million in venture funding to expand access to colorectal cancer screening, the second deadliest cancer in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. The healthcare company offers virtual colonoscopy screening services, using high-resolution three-dimensional imaging and radiologist-reviewed reports to provide patients with a less invasive screening option.
Beyond Life Sciences, Montgomery County continues to build on the growing number of technology companies that not only choose to be here but continue to grow here.
Bethesda-based Emerald Intel raised $3.3 million in seed funding in October. The company is developing a market intelligence platform that provides verified business profiles, decision-maker contacts, and regulatory information to help companies identify opportunities and monitor industry trends in the cannabis and hemp industry.
Rockville-based UgenticAI also secured approximately $349,000 through equity crowdfunding to support its platform for acquiring and scaling artificial intelligence and SaaS companies. UgenticAI provides operational, technical, and go-to-market resources to help businesses accelerate growth.
The October investments reflect continued funding activity among Montgomery County’s innovation economy, particularly in the biotechnology, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Maryland could experience one of the highest rates of job losses in the country due to artificial intelligence, according to research highlighted in a new economic impact dashboard launched by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.
Picky Thrifter, a thrift and vintage retailer specializing in curated fashion and unique finds, is scheduled to open its new Gaithersburg location on Saturday, November 14. (more…)
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Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for the World of Travel Show 2027 on Saturday, February 6, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in The BlackBox at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
Meet representatives from 13 respected travel brands covering family and adults-only cruises, premium and luxury ocean voyages, European river cruises, expedition and Galápagos adventures, small-ship sailing, guided land tours, and customized vacations.
SOL of Potomac Penthouse, a family-owned cannabis dispensary that opened in August at Potomac Woods Shopping Center, will celebrate its official ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 18, with an art exhibition featuring local artists. (more…)
Graul’s Market, a fourth-generation, family-owned grocery chain with five locations across Maryland, has been named the best local grocery store in the state by Tasting Table as part of its “Best Local Grocery Stores in Each State” list.
El Patio, the longtime family-owned Argentine restaurant in Rockville, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a giveaway featuring smart TVs, restaurant gift cards, free coffee and pastries for a year, and more.
A Montgomery County restaurant has earned another notable recognition, this time from Resy, which included Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg in its “Guide to Splurge-Worthy Dining in D.C.” The restaurant was the only Maryland establishment featured in the guide.
Montgomery County Police are asking for the public’s help locating 14-year-old Alanis Granados Leon, who has been reported missing from Silver Spring. (more…)
Häagen-Dazs at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda has reopened following a temporary closure for renovations, and the ice cream shop will celebrate its grand reopening on Saturday, November 14, with 500 free scoops of ice cream, giveaways, and a chance to win free ice cream for a year.
Several Montgomery County high schools earned top finishes at the 2026 Maryland Marching Band Association (MMBA) State Championships, highlighted by Thomas S. Wootton High School winning the Open-Small division and Quince Orchard High School finishing second in the Show Band division.
Go to Maryland Marching Band Association Announces 2026 State Champions and Final Rankings
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