UPDATE: The intermittent issue affecting the non-emergency lines appears to be resolved at this time. Callers can continue to call 240-683-1650 or 301-279-8000 for non-emergency public safety services.
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) reports that the Emergency Communications Center is experiencing intermittent issues with the non-emergency line, and residents are advised to call 240-683-1650 instead and avoid using 9-1-1 for non-emergency matters. (more…)
Ocean City, Maryland is once again abuzz with the anticipation of the annual White Marlin Open, the world’s largest and richest billfishing tournament. As the event draws near, bringing with it the promise of high-stakes angling and spectacular catches, excitement has reached a fever pitch with the confirmed participation of basketball icon Michael Jordan aboard his custom fishing yacht, “Catch 23.”
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.
A new chapter of inclusive employment is unfolding in Rockville as several graduates from Sunflower Bakery’s renowned training programs have been successfully hired by the eagerly anticipated new Wegmans supermarket. This exciting development highlights the power of specialized training and community partnerships in creating meaningful career opportunities for young adults with learning differences.
In May, we reported that Andy’s Pizza will be opening a new location at 145 Commerce Square Place in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood, taking over the space formerly occupied by MOD Pizza, which closed in March 2024. (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.
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
The Fairfax County Police have announced the arrest of Christopher Dudley, a volunteer EMT with the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS), in connection with multiple incidents of inappropriate contact with minors dating back to 2004. (more…)
Maryland’s all-you-can-eat pizza landscape has seen its final Cici’s slice disappear with the recent closure of the Frederick location at 5010 Buckeystown Pike. This marks the complete departure of the popular pizza buffet chain, according to the Cici’s Pizza website. The Frederick location’s phone number is no longer in service, and the restaurant is marked as closed on Google and Yelp. Additionally, it has been removed from the corporate website.
Dollar Tree is preparing to begin construction on its upcoming store at 11130 New Hampshire Avenue in White Oak, having recently secured a permit valued at over $600,000 for its build-out. The discount retailer will be taking over the substantial space previously occupied by Office Depot.
Whip Clean has officially broken ground on its new, state-of-the-art car wash facility at the Festival at Muddy Branch Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. The upcoming 11,378 square foot car wash is set to open in Spring 2026, promising a premium experience for local motorists.
The former Sodexo headquarters in Gaithersburg has been successfully rebranded as “Waterfront at Washingtonian” and is now 85% leased, thanks to a significant new anchor tenant and recent comprehensive upgrades.
Montgomery County has extended its Heat Emergency Alert through Wednesday, July 30, at 9 p.m. Forecasts indicate that heat index values may reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during this period. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit time spent outdoors, and take regular breaks in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas whenever possible. (more…)
Montgomery County based Team Senshi Karate earned an impressive 15 national medals: 3 gold, 8 silver, and 4 bronze at the 2025 USA National Karate Championships, held July 9–13 in Fort Worth, Texas. They were the only team from Maryland to compete at the event, which brought together over 3,000 top athletes from across the country. Senshi Karate is located at 9995 Stedwick Rd, Montgomery Village, MD 20886. (more…)