Niche, a national rankings and review site that analyzes schools and neighborhoods across the country, has released its 2026 list of the top public middle schools in Maryland (top 25 available below). The Niche list of top 25 public high schools in Maryland can be found here.
In early September, we shared the news of Gaithersburg Rental Center’s plan to close later in the month. The business, located at 219 E Diamond Avenue, closed on September 23rd after nearly nine decades as a trusted local business and community staple following the sale of the property it operated on. The community said goodbye on the business’s last Facebook last and some of the comments can be seen below.
As technology advances faster than ever, cybersecurity and defense companies are competing for more than talent—they are seeking exceptional innovators with the expertise to create the next generation of products, services, and breakthrough technologies.
That combination of diverse and specialized talent, and proximity to customers is what positions Montgomery County, Maryland, as a strategic destination and a growing hub for defense, satellite communications, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing companies.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc.’s (TDSI) expansion is the latest example.
For more than six decades, TDSI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thales U.S.A, has supported critical national security missions, delivering advanced communications, intelligence, surveillance, and defense technologies to military and government customers around the world.
Last week, the company celebrated a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations in Clarksburg, Maryland.
Over the past year, TDSI also doubled its manufacturing floor footprint through a $4 million investment, expanding production capacity to support the company’s continued growth.
Today, TDSI employs approximately 675 people in Montgomery County, including roughly 250 manufacturing employees.
As demand for its technologies continues to grow, the company continues to expand and has added more than 225 positions locally over the past three years.
A leading U.S. supplier of tactical radio and SATCOM communications, including EW/SIGINT kits, tactical power, Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (HMCS), mounted/dismounted EO/IR sensors, missile fusing, cyber protection technology and Anti-Submarine Warfare sonars, TDSI supports customers across the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, and global security partners. (more…)
Shouk, the plant-based kosher street food restaurant known for its award-winning Shouk Burger, has closed both of its remaining locations permanently (Rockville and DC).
As the federal government shutdown begins, local restaurants are rolling out special offers to help ease the burden on impacted employees. Several dining groups across Montgomery County are showing support by offering discounts and meal deals to federal workers who present valid government ID. (more…)
Join Us for StoryBox Comics Fair, a two-day festival celebrating local and independent comics authors!
Day 1 – Saturday, June 27th, 11-5pm @ DwightMess compound (805 Silver Spring Ave): Events are open to the public, admission is FREE. Featuring Special Guest Artists, gallery exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, a modeling session (suggested donation) and exhibitors, you can dig in to indie comics and also tour the compound, which features an extensive comics collection, a rare video collection, Risograph and screenprinting studios.
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Harold Dotson, 54, of Gaithersburg, to three years in federal prison and ordered him to pay nearly $24.8 million in restitution for his role in a wire fraud conspiracy involving over $24 million in fraudulent CARES Act loan applications.
Montgomery County Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Evan Glass urged MCPS and the Board of Education to improve the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, citing inefficiencies, unreliable cost projections, and poor community engagement. They pointed to the $40 million Silver Spring International Middle School project, which failed to address key concerns, as an example of the need for better planning, transparency, and incorporation of community feedback to ensure future school facility upgrades meet actual needs.
WSSC Water announced temporary relief measures for federal employees affected by the government shutdown, including suspending water service turnoffs, waiving late fees, and extending enrollment in its Get Current assistance program to ensure continued access to essential water and wastewater services.
On Wednesday, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce President Angela Franco issued a statement warning that the federal government shutdown starting today will place significant strain on local businesses, particularly government contractors. She emphasized that the shutdown compounds recent losses in federal funding and job postings, creating additional financial pressure on companies and residents across the County.
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice to challenge new restrictions on federal victim assistance funds. The lawsuit argues that the rule, which bars states from using VOCA, VAWA, and Byrne JAG grants to provide certain legal services to undocumented immigrants or individuals unable to prove immigration status, is unlawful and would harm survivors and service providers.
The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, named after a Montgomery County police officer who lost both of his legs in 2023 after being struck by a speeding repeat offender, takes effect today, Oct. 1, 2025. (more…)
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) 4th District officers responded at 2:47 p.m. to the 3700 block of Bel Pre Road for a report of shots fired. (more…)