Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at the 1121 University Blvd W at University Towers II in Silver Spring early Sunday afternoon.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, multiple units responded and saw smoke on the 5th floor. By 1:21pm the fire was out and firefighters were clearing smoke conditions on upper floors of the complex. The fire originated in a bedroom on the 5th floor and was likely caused by burning incense (too close to combustible spray used to neutralize food odor).


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County made another bold move to expand its number of affordable housing units by providing funding for the construction of Park Montgomery West, a new 76-unit rental apartment building to be built at 8856 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring. Conveniently located along the developing Purple Line Corridor, Park Montgomery West will help preserve and meet the increasing demand for transit-oriented affordable housing in one of Maryland’s most populated counties.

Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) facilitated $10.6 million in financing, along with a Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Enterprise Community Development, Inc. (ECD) to support the construction of the 76 new apartments and the renovation of 141 existing units. The PILOT agreement waves County real estate taxes for ECD on its affordable units.


Nick’s Diner at 11199 Veirs Mill Rd in Wheaton has announced that its water supply has been restored and the restaurant is back open for business. The restaurant had posted the following message on its social media pages on Saturday morning: “Attention valued patrons, due to a water main break, Nick’s Diner is temporarily closed. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you for understanding.”

Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros. Featured photo courtesy of Nick’s Diner on Instagram.


November marks the 30th anniversary of the first non-U.S. residents voting in Takoma Park. The landmark initiative first passed by the Takoma Park City Council in 1992 gave immigrants—regardless of their legal status—the right to vote in municipal elections. In Takoma Park, nearly one-third of the residents are foreign-born, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Even if it’s only a handful voting in elections—and it’s more than that—it’s a huge step forward for democracy,” said Seth Grimes, co-founder of Takoma Park Mobilization a volunteer organization that supports local immigrants, among other issues. “Non-citizens have a stake in civic affairs, and everyone should have a voice in who governs them.”


Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros. Featured photo courtesy of Nick’s Diner on Instagram.

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The U.S. Marshals in Connecticut, along with Middleton and New Haven police, arrested today a man wanted out of Silver Spring, Maryland, for assault and other charges. Oliver Agyopong, 21, was wanted on charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, assault first-degree, assault second-degree, use of a firearm in a violent crime, and theft.

Per U.S. Marshals Service: “Since March, Montgomery County detectives have been investigating several armed robberies in the Silver Spring area of Maryland. Agyapong and two co-defendants were identified as suspects in some of the robberies, and a warrant was issued for their arrest. Oliver was the last suspect arrested in the trio.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Investigative Section are investigating a residential burglary that occurred in the 3900 block of Wendy Lane in Aspen Hill, on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Detectives have released surveillance video of the male suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 11:54 p.m., the suspect forced entry into the residence, stole property and left the residence.  Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage of a camera inside the home and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a 50-year-old male, with short hair, approximately 5-feet, 7-inches tall and 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing glasses, a dark shot sleeve collared shirt and blue jeans.


On October 5, 2023, at approximately 1:00 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1300 block of Holton Lane (El Alazan Western Wear), for the report of an armed robbery and assault that had just occurred.

According to Takoma Park Police, “The suspect entered the establishment under the pretense of being interested in purchasing merchandise.  However, for unknown reasons, the suspect’s demeanor turned hostile and he brandished a silver handgun.  One of the store’s owners attempted to call 911.  In response, the suspect aggressively charged at her in an attempt to take her phone.  During the struggle, the suspect forcibly dragged the owner out of the establishment causing her to fall to the ground outside. The suspect fled on foot towards the rear of “La Union” Mall located in the 1400 block of University Blvd east.


Per the U.S. Dream Academy (located at 8807 Colesville Rd. in Silver Spring) : The U.S. Dream Academy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that inspires and invests in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a “Power of A Dream” celebration, presented by Amway, welcoming 400 supporters on Monday, October 2nd at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The U.S. Dream Academy surpassed their fundraising goal, raising $3.5 Million to continue its programs and outreach to empower children (DreamKids) impacted by parental incarceration.

During the festivities, guests were surprised when Oprah Winfrey appeared in a video message praising the work of the team and the leadership of Dr. Wintley Phipps, ending the video pledging a $2.5 million donation. The gift is in line with the two decades of generous support from Ms. Winfrey, who has donated over $10 million to support the mission of The U.S. Dream Academy.


The investigation by detectives has revealed the suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle, forced entry into the store, stole an undisclosed amount of merchandise and left the scene.


Coming soon signage is up for TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) at 8563 Fenton St in Silver Spring, according to a report by Source of the Spring. The frozen yogurt spot is opening in the space previously occupied by Smoothie King, which closed in 2022. Menu items include soft serve frozen yogurt, milkshakes, frozen coffee, and parfaits. TCBY had multiple locations in Montgomery County in the 80’s and 90’s.

“TCBY is the original and most well-known frozen yogurt brand, leading the market in nutrition, taste and product quality. Serving communities nationwide for 40 years, TCBY is a successful model that has fueled the growth of a thriving industry. TCBY, which currently has over 250 franchise locations worldwide, offers an extensive product line, with most yogurt flavors in varieties that are low in fat, nonfat, or no sugar added. TCBY launched its unique frozen yogurt classification “Super FroYo” in 2011, which is still the most nutritious frozen yogurt product available in the market, as well as was the first brand to market Greek Frozen Yogurt. Also based in Broomfield, Colorado, TCBY has been a frozen yogurt innovator from the day its first shop opened in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1981.”


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