Chevy Chase

Connecticut Ave. was closed in both directions between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. & Dunlop St. in Chevy Chase as the result of downed trees and wires, according to a tweet from Montgomery County Police Tuesday morning. Drivers were advised to seek an alternate route and to expect significant delays. An update provided on Tuesday night by Alert Montgomery states that all lanes have reopened in both directions on Connecticut Ave (MD-185) between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. and Dunlop St.

Featured photo courtesy of @CordellTraffic


Bethesda

Montgomery County Police has released an update on 15-year-old Sophia Roach, who was missing since July 11. Sophia’s mother, Mayyasa Roach, previously stated that she believed her daughter “was kind of groomed and lured online by somebody, and we’ve got evidence of that from social media.” Statement below, per police:

“Sophia Roach of Bethesda, was located early this afternoon in Baltimore City. She has been reunited with her family in Montgomery County.


Celebrities

Chick Hernandez, a 1981 Blair High School graduate, has announced that he will be joining WUSA9 as the network’s main sports anchor. Hernandez will take over for Darren Haynes who recently decided to accept a Sports Anchor position at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles after six years with WUSA9.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Chick Hernandez, would be joining former Washington players Brian Mitchell and Logan Paulsen as part of the new Preseason 2023 TV Crew. He has continued his work as part of the crew and will wrap up after next week’s final preseason game against Cincinnati Bengals.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Education

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announces the launch of its innovative Attendance Action Plan, “ALL TOGETHER Now: In School Together, Learning Together, Achieving Together.” This multifaceted initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism and promote consistent attendance among students across the district. By implementing data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, MCPS aims to reduce barriers to school attendance and empower students and families.

The Attendance Action Plan is built on a Theory of Action, which states that through a collaborative and data-driven approach, MCPS can effectively tackle chronic absenteeism and create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student attendance, MCPS is also addressing culture and climate issues identified in the MCPS Antiracist System Audit, further emphasizing its commitment to equity and inclusion.


Event

Beautiful venue; great art, gifts and hand-crafted items; refreshments; and meet the award-winning painters, photographers, mixed media artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, and more – some 40 artists in all. It’s an extraordinary array of framed wall works, 3-d media including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and fiber pieces, and unframed prints.

Among them, you’ll see:


Gaithersburg

Kogi Asian Grill, a fast-casual restaurant that opened in August 2021, has gone dark  at 560 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg Square. Readers informed us that the restaurant was not open in recent days and our calls went unanswered. When we stopped by, the doors were closed and equipment was unplugged (photos below).

Kogi was one of the new additions to the recently renovated Gaithersburg Square shopping center. The restaurant offered Korean/Asian fast-casual restaurant.


Crime

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Homicide Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for a July murder.

20-year-old Lawrence Marcellus Marshall, IV is wanted in connection with the shooting death of 40-year-old Cedric Warner.


Crime

Per MCPD: 19-year-old Oliver Perez-Fierro, of Montgomery Village, 19-year-old Osman Maldonado, of Gaithersburg, and a 16-year-old, from Gaithersburg, have been arrested and charged with multiple firearm related charges.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2023, at approximately 7 p.m., officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 6th District Decentralized Community Action Team conducted a traffic stop on a Black Honda Accord in the area of Montgomery Village Ave. and Arrowhead Rd., for a traffic violation.


Bethesda

On Tuesday, Montgomery County Police responded to the Bullis School (10601 Falls Rd) in Potomac for the report of a bomb threat. The school was evacuated and after several hours it was determined that the threat was not valid. MCPD tweeted that the school had been turned back over to Bullis administration and that it is believed this incident is related to a “swatting call” that occurred August 18 at Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda. 

Montgomery County Police tweeted the following at 12pm on Tuesday, August 22: “MCPD is at Bullis School for a reported bomb threat. School is being evacuated as a precaution. Currently investigating the validity of the report. More information will be released as it becomes available.” We will post an update when additional information is available.


MCFRS

According to Montgomery County Police social media, the Montgomery County Bomb Squad will be conducting explosives training at the Outdoor Shooting Range off of Elmer School Rd. in Poolesville, on Wednesday, August 22, 2023 from 9am-3 p.m.

Residents in the Poolesville/Dickerson area may hear louder than usual “booms,” however there is no need for alarm.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Child Care Support Services (CCSS) is seeking nominees for its first-ever presentation of the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Excellence Awards. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Self-nominations are encouraged. The awards were established by the County in partnership with all County early care and education associations to recognize and honor those dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the County’s youngest children (ages birth to 5) receive the highest quality early care and education. Award selections will be made by a panel of child care organization representatives. Awardees will be honored at the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Fall Conference in October.

“We know that quality early education is critical to the development of a child and leads to lifelong benefits,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Those who receive positive guidance in their early years are more likely to pursue higher education, attain better jobs and live healthier lives. Educators who demonstrate exceptional service should be recognized, and I am glad that DHHS has created this awards program. I encourage everyone to participate in nominating their favorite early childhood educator.”


Montgomery Village

Antojitos Salvadoreños Isabel at 19114 Montgomery Village Ave is scheduled to open this Friday, August 25. The restaurant is located in the former Einstein Bagel Bros spot in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center. The restaurant will serve traditional Salvadorian dishes like pupusas, tamales, yuca con chicharron, and pastelitos (full menu can be seen below.) Einstein Bros closed its Montgomery Village store in December 2021. La Poteria, which sells Colombian street food and coffee, is located next door.

In other Montgomery Village Shopping Center news, signage has been installed at the upcoming Hangry Joe’s.  The Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant will be located adjacent to the Starbuck’s at 19290 Montgomery Village Ave.  Also, construction is ongoing and “coming soon” signage is up for Baskin Robbins, which will be located next to the upcoming Safe Splash Swim School and Suburban Hair.