Blog - Page 1511 of 3014

Gaithersburg Woman Convicted for Fraud Related to a Debt Elimination Scheme

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:48PM

The Defendants Used Fraudulent Debt Elimination Classes to Financially Defraud Victims and Obtain Their Personal Identifying Information

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland– A federal jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday convicting Willie Lamont Hicks, a/k/a “Will Woodward” and “CW,” age 50, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mary Ann Mendoza, a/k/a “Mary Ann Manuel,” “Trinity,” “M3,” and “Emily James,” age 49, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, on federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud related to a debt elimination and wealth management fraud scheme.

MCPS

MoCo High School Sports Scores for Oct 05, 2023

By MCS Staff

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:30PM

Let us know in the comments for any missing scores.

Events

Pike & Rose Hosting Trick or Treat Event on October 29

By MCS Staff

Published October 5, 2023 at 10:23PM

Pike & Rose is hosting a Trick or Treat event that will allow children dressed in costumes to make their way around the shops and restaurants for treats from the businesses on Sunday, October 29th from 10am-12pm. Tickets are required per child (not adult), for $5 each, with all proceeds going directly to Manna Food Center. More per the event listing below:

“Explore the neighborhood shops and collect delightful surprises and treats. Encounter captivating costume characters that will leave you enchanted. Show off your best Halloween costume and join in the fun. Enjoy a variety of kids’ activities and entertainment. Pose for photos next to festive Halloween decorations.Your ticket benefits a great cause!”

Montgomery County showcases its unique ecosystem at World Vaccine Congress 2026

By Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

Published May 13, 2026 at 4:45PM

AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Rockville, Montgomery County. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Government.

Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.

Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.

A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region

One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.

This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.

“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”

A Strong Partnership Network

Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.

Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)

MoCo Government

Anti-Hate Task Force to Hold a Virtual Meeting on Oct. 10 at 7pm; Muslim Cohort to Present Policy Recommendations

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 9:26PM

Cohort groups representing the Jewish, Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic and Muslim communities will present their policy recommendations at meetings throughout the fall. Each of the six cohort groups may also hold listening sessions to provide an opportunity for the public to engage and provide input. The Muslim cohort held a listening session on Sept. 11, which can be viewed here.

Event

Healthy at the Harbor

June 6, 2026 11:00 am -4:00 pm

National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland

165 Waterfront St.

National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Website Social

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.

MCFRS

MCFRS Respond to House Fire Caused by Space Heater Thursday Evening

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 9:23PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 400 block of Feather Rock Dr. in Rockville on Thursday, October 5 for the report of a fire. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, around 45 firefighters responded to the single-family house and located a fire in a basement bedroom.

The origin/cause of the fire was an electric space heater next to a mattress. Four adults have been displaced and two occupants of the home were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries (smoke inhalation). Damage is estimated to be~$25K. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

Silver Spring

Oprah Winfrey Announces Surprise Donation of $2.5 million to MoCo-Based Non-Profit

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 9:16PM | Updated October 6, 2023 at 10:56AM

Per the U.S. Dream Academy (located at 8807 Colesville Rd. in Silver Spring) : The U.S. Dream Academy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that inspires and invests in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a “Power of A Dream” celebration, presented by Amway, welcoming 400 supporters on Monday, October 2nd at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The U.S. Dream Academy surpassed their fundraising goal, raising $3.5 Million to continue its programs and outreach to empower children (DreamKids) impacted by parental incarceration.

During the festivities, guests were surprised when Oprah Winfrey appeared in a video message praising the work of the team and the leadership of Dr. Wintley Phipps, ending the video pledging a $2.5 million donation. The gift is in line with the two decades of generous support from Ms. Winfrey, who has donated over $10 million to support the mission of The U.S. Dream Academy.

Maryland

Maryland Attorney General Brown Joins Brief in Defense of Hawaii’s Ban on Butterfly Knives; Urges Ninth Circuit to Rehear Panel Decision Invalidating the Ban

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 8:52PM

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 17 Attorneys General in support of Hawaii’s request to the Ninth Circuit to rehear an appeal defending Hawaii’s ban on butterfly knives. The petition seeks en banc or panel rehearing of a decision, issued in Teter v. Lopez on August 7, 2023, that invalidated Hawaii’s butterfly knife ban under the Second Amendment. In its amicus brief, the coalition argues that the panel’s application of the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen was inconsistent with the approach taken in other Second Amendment cases.

In Hawaii, it is a misdemeanor to manufacture, sell, transport, or possess a butterfly knife, which is a type of knife where a split handle can fully encase the blade and rotate open to expose it. In 2019, plaintiffs filed a lawsuit challenging the law, claiming it violated the Second Amendment. The district court granted Hawaii’s motion for summary judgment, and the plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit. After the Supreme Court issued the Bruen decision in June 2022, the Ninth Circuit heard oral argument in Teter and ultimately vacated the district court’s decision.

Education

MCPS: Things To Know This Week

By MCS Staff

Published October 5, 2023 at 8:35PM

1. Applications Open Soon for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs: On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families, and all dates can be found on the special programs webpage.

Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and October open house dates are available on this website.

Barnesville

Upper Montgomery County VFD Open House and Local Vendor Fair This Sunday

By Cordell Pugh

Published October 5, 2023 at 4:51PM | Updated October 8, 2023 at 9:10AM

The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their fall open house, along with a local vendor fair, this Sunday (October 8) from 12PM to 4PM at 19801 Beallsville Road Beallsville, MD 20839. According to the UMCVFD, the event will feature a pumpkin patch, hay rides, Fire & Rescue Service demonstrations, and police vehicles on display. Additionally more than 30 vendors will be present at this Sunday’s event. Visitors can enjoy free hot dogs, Cotton Candy, and giveaways for children.

At their newly-expanded Beallsville Road firehouse, the Upper Montgomery County VFD currently has an ambulance, Canteen Unit, several boats paired with support vehicles as part of their Swiftwater Rescue Team, Medic Unit, Brush Truck, Brush Engine, Rescue Engine, and Tanker. The units responded to more than 1,200 calls in 2022.

Beyond MoCo

Four $50,000 Winning Lottery Tickets Sold in Maryland; Powerball Jackpot Reached $1.4 Billion

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 4:23PM

Three winning Powerball and one Bonus Match 5 lottery tickets, each worth $50,000, were sold this past week in Maryland. The tickets were sold at:

The Powerball drawing scheduled to take place Saturday, October 7, has an estimated jackpot of $1.4 billion, with an estimated cash option of $643.7 million. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. Additional details below courtesy of Powerball:

Sandy Spring

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring wins Best Amusement Park Award for Second Consecutive Year

By Patrick Herron

Published October 5, 2023 at 4:10PM

Washington Parent readers name The Adventure Park (16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring) winner in 3 “Parents Picks” categories Sandy Spring, MD: After nearly 25,000 votes, Washington Parent Magazine announced its readers voted The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School the best Amusement Park and Climbing Destination in the greater Washington area in their Parents Picks competition for the second consecutive year. The Adventure Park also won the best “Date Night Venue” for the first time and placed as a finalist in the “Party Venue” competition.

“I am thrilled to hear that the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring has won the “Best Amusement Park” and “Best Climbing Destination” in the DMV area for the second year in a row. It’s a wonderful facility for outdoor recreation, family fun, parties and gathering for guests of all ages. My own family loves it there, our Scouts Troops just finished a troop outing there this past weekend – always a hit with the Scouts, and it gives me great pride in my district to have this gem right in our own backyard.