MoCo Libraries

Montgomery County Public Libraries, in partnership with the Washington Wizards and Friends of the Library Montgomery County, is hosting the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge from Dec. 21 to March 16, 2025, for participants up to age 18, featuring the theme “Active Bodies, Active Minds” and offering rewards for reading and activity milestones. (more…)


Business

Parinaz Fathi, a Rockville native who graduated from the University of Maryland in 2015 before moving on to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to complete her Ph.D.in 2020, has been named tot he 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the Science category. She now works an independent research scholar (PI) at NIH. (more…)


Announcement

Local rising kindergartener, Phin, has advanced to the Top 5 in his group in the national Jr. Ranger Contest, a competition that celebrates children who are passionate about nature, wildlife, and exploration. After making it through earlier rounds with strong family and friend support, Phin is now in 4th place and working toward the top spot needed to move on to the quarterfinals.

The contest encourages kids to engage with the outdoors and highlights their curiosity and love for learning about the natural world. For Phin and his family, this experience has been both exciting and meaningful, made even more special by the encouragement from friends, neighbors, and the broader community.


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Beyond MoCo

A $1 million-winning Mega Millions ticket, Maryland’s second during the current jackpot roll, was sold at a Wawa in Bel Air, MD.  The jackpot for the Friday, December 13 drawing is now at $670 million, with an estimated cash option of $317.8 million. Full details below courtesy MD Lottery: (more…)


Law

A federal judge has halted the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, following a lawsuit led by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, the FTC, and a coalition of states, citing potential risks of reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide. Kroger operates in Montgomery County as Harris Teeter, while Albertsons operates as Safeway. Kroger would have acquired Albertsons in the merger.

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MoCo Government

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is warning residents about an increase in package delivery scams, known as “smishing,” where fraudulent text messages impersonating USPS or other carriers attempt to steal personal or financial information, urging caution and verification through official channels. (more…)


Bethesda

BT’s Bethesda, a new restaurant and bar owned by Brian “BT” Lacey, will open on Friday, December 13, at 4866 Cordell Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Zuma by Chef Ninja. Initially, the restaurant will be open for dinner only during its first week, with plans to introduce brunch and lunch service in the coming week. (more…)


Crime

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has has charged 29-year-old Isaac Tomas Pellegrino of Laytonsville, with homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, in connection with a fatal collision that occurred in July 2024. (more…)