The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will adjust the Ride On Bus Route 41 schedule on Sunday, Sept. 7, to improve on-time performance for the route connecting Aspen Hill, Glenmont, and Wheaton, with updated schedules available online and in print starting Aug. 11. (more…)
Even in a 48-18 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, the Washington Commanders found some bright spots. Despite missing 30 players, head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt were encouraged by the performance of several young players, most notably rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton.
Rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton, a second-year player, was a major highlight. Whitt noted that Newton had a “good day,” with “really nice rushes” and “one-on-one wins.” After dealing with injuries last season, Newton looks healthy and ready to take on a significant starting role. His strip-sack was one of the few big plays for the Commanders.
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.
Last November, we reported that California Fish Grill, a chain with approximately 50 restaurants in California and Arizona, signed on for its first Maryland location at 12238 Rockville Pike in Rockville’s Towne Plaza. We recently let you know that the restaurant is aiming for a fall opening and now we know that a $650K permit was approved for interior construction of the restaurant.
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is investigating a serious collision that occurred Saturday morning near Spectrum Avenue and N. Frederick Avenue (MD 355) in Gaithersburg.
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.
Your Saturday plans just got better. Join Craft Cart at Pinstripes North Bethesda for an afternoon of brunch, mimosas, bowling, and creativity.
Catch up over brunch, get a little competitive on the lanes, and create something to take home. Bring your friends or come solo—no crafting experience needed.
Your ticket includes:
Brunch
Mimosas
Bowling
One craft of your choice, with materials provided
Silver Spring Historical Society members have measured the historic acorn gazebo in Acorn Urban Park (8075 Newell St) in Silver Spring, MD, determining it surpasses Oak Hill, Ohio’s recently erected acorn statue, which measures 12 feet in diameter and 15 ½ feet in height, and was promoted as the world’s largest acorn display. Built in 1850 by Silver Spring founder Francis Preston Blair, the structure measures 14.058 feet in diameter and 17 feet ¾ inches in height, exceeding Oak Hill’s by over two inches in diameter and more than two feet in height. (more…)
The Crossvines, a premier destination for weddings and events in Poolesville, MD, has been honored with a 2025 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. This prestigious award recognizes the top local wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism, as determined by the reviews of real couples.
American Field Services (AFS-USA) has announced that Ashton Veld, a high school student from Bethesda, Maryland is one of 210 American high school students to be awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. CBYX is a bilateral exchange program co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag (Parliament).
Last month we let you know that Downtown Bethesda is set to welcome a new culinary addition as Takumi Japanese Bistro and Bar. After the restaurant’s Google listing stated an August 17th opening date, management confirmed that it will open on that Sunday.
Montgomery County Police safely located a missing 6-year-old non-verbal child with autism who was found in a pond behind the Germantown Library, prompting renewed reminders about the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately in such cases and highlighting the department’s ongoing outreach and support for families through its Autism/IDD Unit. (more…)
The Washington Commanders are gearing up for their preseason clash against the New England Patriots tonight. Preseason games are crucial proving grounds for players on the fringe and those looking to carve out a roster spot to contribute in meaningful ways this season. Tonight’s matchup in particular presents opportunities for several Commanders to make a significant impression. Here are four players to keep a close watch on: