As Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomes back nearly 160,000 students for the 2025-2026 academic year, the district shared the following on Monday about advancing key changes focused on improving how we operate and support students’ success.
DC Metro has the most escalators (and elevators) of any transit system in North America with a total of 674. Metro’s longest escalator is at the Wheaton station right here in Montgomery County. The 230 ft. escalator is the longest single span escalator in the entire western hemisphere (video below).
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.
The Advisory Commission on Policing will hold a public forum on Monday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Montgomery County Council Office Building (100 Maryland Ave) in Rockville to present its current and future work and gather community feedback on the future of public safety in the county. (more…)
The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $750 million with a cash value estimate of $338.6 million for the Monday, August 25 drawing after there was no winner on Saturday. Two tickets sold in Maryland that won $500,000 each through the Double Play feature, remain unclaimed. Additional details below courtesy MD Lottery: (more…)
Reserve your spot for an after-hour event with multi-disciplinary artist Sky Hopinka, Thursday, Nov. 5, 6–9 PM. Experience monumental nature-inspired artworks in the Water’s Edge exhibition, make your own artwork to take home at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Sky Hopinka’s photo and video art—including This is a mnemonic for Truman Lowe in the museum’s collection—shares Truman Lowe’s interest in Indigenous homelands, cultural knowledge, and traditional practices. Hopinka contributed to the exhibition catalog for Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe, writing on Lowe’s lasting impact on his work. Hopinka joins the museum for this special after hours event featuring a screening of three of his short video works followed by a discussion with Rebecca Head Trautmann, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art and exhibition curator, along with art-making activities, and time to enjoy Lowe’s work currently on view. Sky Hopinka has been widely recognized for his experimental short films and photo-based works. A MacArthur Fellow, Guggenheim Fellow, and Forge Project Fellow, his work has been shown in major film festivals, museums, and international exhibitions and is in numerous prominent museum collections. Hopinka is currently an assistant professor in the department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard University.
Join Oneness-Family School for a free Montessori toddler event on Saturday, November 14! In this Montessori-inspired lesson from OFS teacher Ja’Shai Rowe, toddlers will explore the story of "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert and enjoy fall activities and crafts. For parents and toddlers age 1-3 years.
Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash that occurred Saturday on I-495 between Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road in Silver Spring. (more…)
The Washington Commanders have locked up their premier offensive weapon, reaching an agreement on a three-year contract extension with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. According to a report by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the deal is worth over $96 million, effectively making McLaurin one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
High school volleyball is back in MoCo, and the energy is off the charts. Some of the area’s top athletes are coming off electric club seasons, ready to showcase their skills on the high school stage. But with new teammates, new roles, and a mix of rising stars and seasoned vets, the big question remains: will they still dominate, and which squads will rise to make a serious run this fall? With powerhouse talent fresh off club seasons now mixing into high school lineups, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Baltimore County man, using the alias “Tank,” won $1 million on the Maryland Lottery’s All About Cash scratch-off after purchasing the $20 ticket at Hob’s Carroll Motor Fuels in Sparrows Point, MD. Full story below courtesy MD Lottery: (more…)
School of Rock is opening a new location at the Talbott Center at 1043 Rockville Pike in Rockville, next to the Kielbasa Factory, aiming to “put the ROCK in Rockville.” (more…)
Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a statement on August 22 regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from custody and return to Maryland, emphasizing the importance of due process and calling for compliance with court decisions in the case. In March, while residing in Beltsville, MD, Garcia was deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order protecting him from removal and was later held in custody there. Following court rulings, including one by the U.S. Supreme Court, he was returned to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges. (more…)
With Americans working an average of over 1,800 hours per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Hardest-Working States in America, with Maryland coming in ranked as the 9th “hardest working state” in the country.