Less than a year after its $35.3 million acquisition by Bethesda-based Willard Retail, Rockville’s Research Row retail complex is now fully leased with the signing of ChaHalo. ChaHalo is a modern bubble tea and milk tea brand that blends traditional Chinese tea culture with contemporary flavors and presentation.
Last week, MCEDC President & CEO Jared Smith and other local Montgomery County business leaders were named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 250 List, which recognizes influential business leaders across the DMV region. Smith, who joined MCEDC in December 2025, brings over 20 years of economic development and business experience across local and state government to the role. He is widely recognized in the economic development field and chairs the International Economic Development Council’s national Committee on the Future of the Profession, helping shape strategies that influence communities across the U.S.
During his time at MCEDC, Smith has led the development of the new Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan for Montgomery County. The strategic plan establishes a clear, actionable framework to guide economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusive opportunity across the County. The plan builds on existing County assets like talent and proximity to world-leading research institutions, while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the ecosystem and workforce development.
Smith also oversaw MCEDC’s rebrand, which included a refreshed logo, new website, and the launch of quarterly MCEDC-hosted events where each convened over 100 attendees. Smith has also prioritized building a best-in-class economic development team and has made several key hires, including a new Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Economic Competitiveness, and Chief Operating Officer.
The Washington Business Journal’s Power 250 list also recognized several other Montgomery County leaders, including Co-founder of Xometry, Randy Altschuler, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Angela Franco, Founder & CEO of United Therapeutics, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, President & CEO of The Donohoe Companies, Christopher Bruch, and President of Montgomery College, Dr. Jermaine F. Williams.
One of Montgomery County’s most beloved park icons just got a fresh new look. Porky the Litter Eater, the talking trash pig who has been delighting (and occasionally startling) generations of parkgoers at Cabin John Regional Park, recently received a full makeover from Montgomery Parks. A video of Porky’s updates is available below.
Montgomery County Police reported at 9:45am that officers from the 6th District responded to a single-vehicle rollover collision in the area of Laytonsville Road and Rocky Road on Sunday morning.
Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming, and the community that cares for the museum’s ephemeral outdoor sculpture family, to learn about the project’s evolution over the past two decades, and what the future holds.
Learn about the art of clay, traditions of sustainability in Pueblo building techniques, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly art activities, dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, watch a short film, and multiple opportunities to hear from the artist, her family, and museum experts that have contributed to the care and revitalization of the sculptures.
Scorpio season is shedding season. Let the healing power of gongs help you release what no longer serves you!
Gongs have been used since ancient times to banish evil spirits, dispel negative energy and invite sacred intention. Gongs can lead you into the parts of yourself that are ready to be shed so a new cycle can begin. This sound bath will feature four gongs and other healing instruments.
Blankets, mats and bolsters are provided. Dress comfortably.
Tickets on Eventbrite
ChaHalo, a modern bubble tea and milk tea brand known for blending traditional Chinese tea culture with contemporary flavors, has signed a lease for its first Maryland location at Research Row in Rockville. The shop will occupy 1,830 square feet at 1403A1 Research Boulevard.
Update: The incident is now being investigated as a homicide. Patrol officers later located the suspect, leading to a pursuit that ended in a crash. The suspect has been taken into custody, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Washington Spirit has clinched the second overall seed and home-field advantage in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs. With results around the league so far this weekend, the Spirit is guaranteed […]
Early Sunday, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a rollover collision with reported entrapment on the Inner Loop of I-495 between Rockville Pike and Connecticut Avenue. (more…)
A GoFundMe has been organized to support the family of 11-year-old Summer Lim, who was tragically struck and killed by a school bus on October 9 while returning home from Earl B. Wood Middle School in Aspen Hill/Rockville.
Beginning Sunday, October 12, all Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will temporarily close due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. (more…)
Miniso has officially opened its new location at 12266F Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza, between Tiger Sugar and Fulton Bank, near Torchy’s Tacos (h/t pike.and.rozay). (more…)