Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the six suspects who committed an armed carjacking in Silver Spring.
On Friday, September 22, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the 11600 block of Lockwood Drive for the report of an armed carjacking that just occurred. Detectives have determined that the victims were attempting to park their red 2016 Toyota Highlander, when an unknown gray 4-door sedan, pulled up behind them, blocking them from pulling away. Two suspects immediately exited the gray sedan, approached the victim’s vehicle and displayed handguns. The suspects forced the victims to get out of their car. The suspects then left the scene in the stolen vehicle, followed by the unknown gray 4-door sedan.
Officers in the area observed a red Toyota Highlander and a gray 4-door sedan speeding southbound on New Hampshire Avenue, both without headlights. At that time, a description of the stolen vehicle was provided, and officers quickly recognized the red Toyota Highlander as matching the description. Officers initiated a traffic stop however the driver of the vehicle did not stop and the suspects were not apprehended.
A few hours later, the suspects were observed on video surveillance using the victim’s credit cards at a gas station in Capitol Heights.
On Monday, September 25, 2023, the stolen red Highlander was recovered in Oxon Hill with severe front-end damage. Detectives believe the suspects may have been injured in the collision.
Anyone with information regarding these suspects or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Tips may remain anonymous.
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Seven schools have been recognized as the healthiest in MCPS—Burtonsville, Glen Haven, Sargent Shriver and Snowden Farm elementary schools; Redland and Thomas W. Pyle middle schools, and Rockville High School.
The MCPS schools were among 781 schools across 36 states announced by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for the 2022–2023 school year. Supported by Harmony SEL at National University, Kaiser Permanente and Kohl’s, this recognition honored schools for their achievements in advancing the physical, mental and social-emotional health of students, staff and families.
Schools were recognized for implementing best practices in up to nine topic areas, including: strengthening social-emotional health and learning; cultivating staff well-being; increasing family and community engagement; improving nutrition and food access; implementing local school wellness policy; bolstering physical education and activity; enriching health education; promoting tobacco-free schools, and supporting school health services.
The seven schools were honored for the following best practices:
- Burtonsville: Supporting School Health Services, Implementing Local Wellness Policy, Improving Food and Nutrition Access; Bolstering Physical Education and Activity; Enriching Health Education; Strengthening Social Emotional Health and Learning and Increasing Family and Community Engagement
- Glen Haven: Strengthening Social Emotional Health and Learning; Cultivating Staff Well-Being and Increasing Family and Community Engagement
- Shriver: Supporting School Health Services, Implementing Local Wellness Policy; Improving Food and Nutrition Access; Bolstering Physical Education and Activity; Enriching Health Education; Strengthening Social Emotional Health and Learning; Cultivating Staff Well-Being and Increasing Family and Community Engagement
- Snowden Farm: Strengthening Social Emotional Health and Learning; Cultivating Staff Well-Being and Increasing Family and Community Engagement
- Redland: Enriching Health Education
- Pyle: Increasing Family and Community Engagement
- Rockville: Cultivating Staff Well-Being and Increasing Family and Community Engagement
Courtesy of MCPS
Per the FTC: The Federal Trade Commission is taking action to stop Lurn, a Maryland-based online business coaching seller, from making unfounded claims that consumers can make significant income by starting an array of online businesses. The company, its CEO Anik Singal, and spokespeople Tyrone Cohen and David Kettner have agreed to court orders that will require them to stop their unlawful practices, and require Lurn and Singal to turn over $2.5 million to the FTC to be used to refund money to consumers they harmed.
“Even after receiving a Notice of Penalty Offenses, Lurn used bogus earnings claims to convince people it would teach them to make large sums of money online,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The Commission will continue to pursue aggressively those who prey on people seeking to provide for themselves and their families.”
The FTC’s complaint charges that Lurn sold various money-making programs with outlandish claims about the kinds of money consumers could make, including that they could become a “Stay-At-Home Millionaire” with one program. For another program, Lurn told consumers they could “Fail 98% of the Time & Still Be Able to Make $11,453 Per Month.” According to the complaint, the company had no information to back up these claims. The FTC alleges that defendants’ marketing claims violated the FTC Act and the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule.
One Lurn program, “Kindle Cashflow University,” claimed to show consumers how to make money by finding popular electronic books on Amazon’s Kindle platform and then creating near-copies of those books to sell to consumers who might be searching for the popular titles. Another program, “Email Startup Incubator,” promised consumers passive income through affiliate and email marketing.
The complaint notes that while the programs cost thousands of dollars, very few, if any consumers actually made money with the programs, despite the company’s numerous claims and supposed endorsements touting huge profits.
In addition, the FTC charges that Lurn would reach out to consumers who paid for the programs sold by the company to pitch them on additional “coaching” services that could cost as much as $10,000. Telemarketers for Lurn used a script that asked consumers about their income goals, and no matter how large of an income goal consumers said they had, the telemarketers were told to reply, “I’m 100% confident we can help you.”
The complaint charges that Lurn and Singal were aware that their actions violated the law. In October 2021, they received a Notice of Penalty Offenses from the FTC about earnings claims that listed specific acts and practices that violate the FTC Act, but even after receiving that Notice Lurn continued deceptively selling its programs. According to the complaint, thousands of consumers purchased tens of millions of dollars in programs from Lurn.
The proposed settlement orders, which were agreed to by the defendants in the case, contain several requirements, including:
- Prohibition on deceptive earnings claims: Each of the defendants will be prohibited from making earnings claims that are misleading or unsubstantiated.
- Prohibition on deceiving consumers: The defendants would also be prohibited from any misrepresentation in selling of any goods or services.
In addition, the orders against Lurn and Singal include provisions requiring them to:
- Turn over funds: Lurn and Singal will be required to turn over $2.5 million to the FTC to be used to provide refunds to consumers.
- Inform customers: Lurn and Singal will also be required to provide notice to all of the consumers who have made a purchase from the company since May 1, 2019, informing those purchasers of the FTC’s case against Lurn.
The order against Lurn and Singal contains a total monetary judgment of $14,077,121, which is partially suspended based on their inability to pay the full amount. If they are found to have lied to the FTC about their financial status, the full judgment would be immediately payable.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 3-0. The FTC filed the complaint and final order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The staff attorneys on this matter were Ben Davidson, Josh Doan, and Ryan McAuliffe of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.
MoCo High School Sports Scores for Sep 27, 2023 (powered by www.MoCoAI.com)
Field Hockey JV
| Damascus High School (Home) | 2 |
| Rockville High School (Away) | 0 |
Field Hockey Varsity
| Churchill High School (Home) | 5 |
| Walter Johnson High School (Away) | 0 |
| Blair High School (Home) | 6 |
| Northwood High School (Away) | 0 |
| Damascus High School (Home) | 3 |
| Rockville High School (Away) | 1 |
| Watkins Mill High School (Home) | 0 |
| Magruder High School (Away) | 4 |
Football JV
| Urbana High School (Home) | 31 |
| Churchill High School (Away) | 7 |
Soccer Boys JV
| Seneca Valley High School (Home) | 0 |
| Clarksburg High School (Away) | 1 |
| Blake High School (Home) | 4 |
| Northwood High School (Away) | 0 |
| Rockville High School (Home) | 0 |
| Springbrook High School (Away) | 1 |
| Wheaton High School (Home) | 8 |
| Paint Branch High School (Away) | 4 |
Soccer Boys Varsity
| Wootton High School (Home) | 2 |
| Sherwood High School (Away) | 1 |
| Wheaton High School (Home) | 0 |
| Paint Branch High School (Away) | 1 |
| Blake High School (Home) | 2 |
| Northwood High School (Away) | 1 |
| Seneca Valley High School (Home) | 6 |
| Clarksburg High School (Away) | 0 |
| Gaithersburg High School (Home) | 1 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 1 |
Soccer Girls JV
| Northwood High School (Home) | 0 |
| Blake High School (Away) | 3 |
Soccer Girls Varsity
| Paint Branch High School (Home) | 1 |
| Wheaton High School (Away) | 10 |
| Clarksburg High School (Home) | 6 |
| Seneca Valley High School (Away) | 0 |
| Sherwood High School (Home) | 2 |
| Wootton High School (Away) | 1 |
| Northwood High School (Home) | 0 |
| Blake High School (Away) | 3 |
Volleyball Girls JV
| Walter Johnson High School (Home) | 1 |
| Churchill High School (Away) | 2 |
Volleyball Girls Varsity
| Walter Johnson High School (Home) | 2 |
| Churchill High School (Away) | 3 |
Let us know in the comments for any missing scores.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin fall trout stocking in early October. Department crews will transport thousands of state hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout and release them in select creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds across the state.
Due to several variables that can alter schedules, stocking sites and times are not announced in advance, but are available immediately afterward. Anglers are encouraged to sign up for email updates to receive the latest stocking information. Starting in October, anglers can call the trout stocking hotline at 800-688-3467 on Fridays for a weekly update on all locations stocked. The department publishes daily stocking updates on its trout stocking webpage and posts them on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
As a reminder, regulations are in effect requiring catch-and-release fishing only for brook trout in all put-and-take trout areas and all waters east of Interstate 81. Anglers should take time to properly identify brook trout, which are not stocked by the Department of Natural Resources. Some stocked streams have seasonal restrictions so anglers should consult the current Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbingfor all regulations and restrictions.
Information on fishing licenses, trout stamps, and other related products are available on the COMPASS online licensing portal or the Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Services website.
Photo and Information Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
CAMP, known for its unique shop/play hybrid rotating themed experience in physical locations across the country, is coming to Tysons (1961 Chain Bridge Rd.) starting this December. The experience, which is inspired by the film Encanto and created in collaboration with Disney, will transport families into the beloved world of the movie. Behind CAMP’s signature Magic Door at its New York location families enjoyed:
- An enchanting and exciting hour-long visit to the Madrigals’ Casita, filled with candlelight, cumbia and magic
- Climbing up and around Antonio’s rainforest, spinning through Isabela’s flower-filled room, sliding down into the Courtyard and more. We aren’t going to talk about Bruno’s room, but guests surely will!
- Interactive scenes inspired by the film and uniquely created for this experience including: Luisa’s and Pepa’s never-before-seen rooms and cousin Dolores’ Soundscape Door
- The voices of Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), María Cecilia Botero (Abuela Alma) welcoming you to the Encanto x CAMP experience, joined by the voices John Leguizamo (Bruno) and Ravi Cabot-Conyers(Antonio) throughout the show, bringing the magic of the film to life.
- Shopping in the Encanto town square (La Placita) for exclusive, bespoke, and customizable character-based clothing, books and colorful felt jewelry all displayed in a series of beautiful merchant carts
- Live Counselor-led singalongs to the film’s favorite tunes like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” throughout the show
- A family photo that captures their magical gifts as a keepsake of their visit to the Encanto
Inspired by the vibrancy of the film, the Disney Encanto x CAMP Exclusive Capsule Collection is also available for purchase today at camp.com/disney-encanto-shop nationwide. The must-have pieces include Isabela and Mirabel inspired Twirl Skirts and matching embellished sweatshirts, character-based tees, hats, and bags that can be customized with detailed chain stitching, colorful felt patches, whimsical rickrack trimmings and more. Make your very own here.
“Bringing together Disney’s extraordinary storytelling and immersive retail experiences allows us to dream bigger and create special offerings for families,” said Hubert Liu, SVP Business Planning and Franchise Development, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. “Our continued collaboration with CAMP is an exciting example of our commitment to engaging with our fans in new ways. We’re thrilled to deliver this beautifully immersive experience that celebrates the award-winning magic of Disney’s Encanto.”
Overview: “For the first time ever, La Familia Madrigal are opening their doors and your family is invited! It’s the world’s first immersive Disney Encanto experience: a real-life Casita, complete with secret passages, interactive magic, live music, and surprises behind every magic door. From Antonio’s rainforest to Isabela’s floral wonderland and Luisa’s happy place, CAMP’s Disney Encanto experience is bursting with magical fun.
On top of all that, we brought the fun of the Disney Encanto town square to CAMP. Merchants have cooked up all kinds of custom-made, exclusive goods inspired by the world of Disney Encanto that are only available at CAMP.”
Beginning October 9, McDonald’s is a adding Mambo Sauce to its menu for a limited time. Mambo sauce, also know as Mumbo sauce, is a sweet, sour, and spicy condiment that originated in Washington, DC carry-out restaurants and can be found across Montgomery County in restaurants like Kenny’s Sub Shop (Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Wheaton).
McDonald’s describes its Mambo sauce as a “tomato-based, sweet, spicy and vinegary sauce; inspired by the regional Washington, D.C. area sauce staple.” McDonald’s will also be adding a Sweet & Spicy Jam Sauce, a “jammy red pepper sauce with a tongue- numbing Szechuan peppercorn kick and extra heat from cayenne pepper; finished with apple cider vinegar,” that the company claims is the first-ever breakfast-inspired dipping sauce to hit US restaurants.
Last year, Starvin Marvin began selling its Mambo sauce in Giant locations across the DMV. Starvin Marvin opened in Gaithersburg in 1982 and was bought by the Foundas family in 1987. In 1990 the family opened a location in Wheaton that only lasted a few years. In 2009, a Frederick location opened and the Gaithersburg store was sold to two brothers who were longtime employees and wanted something of their own. Those early days at the Gaithersburg store in the 90s, however, were the inspiration for Starvin Marvin Mambo Sauce.
“Mambo was something we experimented with from time time in the 90’s because our Gaithersburg customers would ask for it, but it was actually in Frederick where our Mambo Sauce (found in the grocery stores today) began to come together.” Dino Foundas told us. “We worked with some of our dear employees to perfect the recipe that we’ve started to include in a lot of our dishes”
Check your Powerball tickets from last night’s drawing because you could be a millionaire! Even though no one hit the estimated $850 million jackpot on Wednesday, there was a $1 million winning Powerball ticket sold in Worcester County and a $50,000 winning ticket purchased in Cecil County. The Maryland Lottery is looking for the big winner who bought the $1 million winning ticket at Duck In II Convenience located at 5610 Market Street in Snow Hill. This is the fourth second-tier $1 million Powerball ticket sold in Maryland in 2023. The third-tier $50,000 ticket was sold at Wesley’s Restaurant at 3700 Telegraph Road in Elkton. This is the 52nd third-tier Powerball winner of 2023.
Check your tickets for a match with the winning numbers in the Sept. 27 drawing: 1, 7, 46, 47 and 63; the Powerball was 7 and the Power Play multiplier was X3. Maryland had a total of 43,138 winners in the drawing. Since no one in the country matched the exact numbers, Powerball continued its roll. Saturday night’s drawing has an estimated annuity of $925 million and an estimated cash value of $432.4 million. This is the fourth largest jackpot in Powerball history and the 9th largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. The jackpot has now rolled 31 times since it hit for $1.08 billion in California on July 19.
The last Powerball jackpot to hit in Maryland was on Jan. 20, 2021 when a $731.1 million ticket was purchased at Coney Market in Allegany County. Lottery officials encourage winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location. They get 182 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.
Montgomery County Police responded to an armed carjacking on Wednesday, September 27 in Silver Spring. According to police, “At approximately 9:49 p.m., MCPD responded to the 8300 block of Garland Ave. for the report of an armed carjacking. The suspects stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene. No injuries have been reported. There are no suspects in custody at this time. This is an active and ongoing investigation.”
According to public safety reported Cordell Pugh, the vehicle stolen was a red 2016 Kia Sorento with Virginia plates. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.
MoCo ARMED CARJACKING: ~9:40PM Wednesday near intersection of Garland Avenue and Hudson Avenue (Sligo Creek/Long Branch area, East of Takoma Park). Red 2016 Kia Sorento with Virginia plates stolen by multiple suspects at gunpoint. @TheMoCoShow H/T @AlanHenney pic.twitter.com/30WlnJhLES
— Cordell (@CordellTraffic) September 28, 2023
