Montgomery County attracted a series of corporate expansions and relocations over the past year, signaling continued business growth despite federal budget cuts that challenged local economies across the region. Long recognized as the #3 largest biopharma cluster in the nation, and a hub for technology, defense, advanced satellite communications, and national headquarters, the County continued to appeal to established employers seeking to expand operations and create high-paying jobs.  

Among the year’s most significant announcements was AstraZeneca’s announcement of a $2 billion investment in the state of Maryland, including the expansion of its operations in Montgomery County by building a state-of-the-art clinical manufacturing facility in Gaithersburg. The project follows the company’s $300 million cell therapy manufacturing site that opened in Rockville last spring and is expected to generate 100 new jobs while expanding its research and development presence. Nuclear technology developer X-energy also deepened its commitment to the County, consolidating two Rockville offices into a new 125,000-square-foot headquarters in Gaithersburg. The company plans to retain 260 employees and create more than 525 high-skilled positions over the next six years.   (more…)


HomeWorks is a new curated furniture +home decor store in Bethesda, featuring thoughtfully sourced pieces for a layered, lived-in home.

Presidents’ Day Sale starts Feb 13. Up to 25% off storewide.

Shop in-store for sofas, lighting, rugs, styling pieces + more — with new arrivals added weekly.

We also offer in-store Shop Consults for furnishing guidance and Full-Service Interior Design through @blacksaltinteriordesign.

4920 Fairmont Avenue Bethesda, MD
Visit + shop the showroom


February is a reminder of what we value most — and that includes the future we’re building.Now is an ideal time to review your financial strategy and make sure your plans are aligned with the goals that matter to you.

At The Monitor Group, we specialize in:
Tax Planning Strategies
Investment Management
Personalized Financial Planning

Give your future the attention it deserves this Valentine’s Day—start shaping a financial plan that supports every chapter ahead.


The first Feast & Fettle deliveries have now arrived in homes across Montgomery County, and members are already feeling the difference. Evenings are starting to feel a little lighter, now that dinner no longer comes with a long list of tasks.

One mother shared that for the first time in months her family sat down together for three nights in a row without reaching for the takeout menu. Another member said she finally has the energy to enjoy her evenings instead of spending them cleaning the kitchen. These are the kinds of quiet but meaningful shifts that happen when a warm, fully prepared meal is ready and waiting at the end of the day.

Montgomery County has always felt like a natural fit for Feast & Fettle. It is a community full of busy families, caring neighbors, and professionals who care deeply about quality and consistency. From the beginning, it was clear that this region was not looking for another subscription box or quick fix. People here were looking for something better.

That is why every Feast & Fettle meal is made in small batches by the company’s in-house culinary team using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The weekly rotating menu offers a variety of choices for adults and children alike, with no prep work or cleanup required. There is no guesswork involved. Just real food, thoughtfully prepared and delivered with care.

Feast & Fettle’s regional facility is now up and running to serve Montgomery County reliably. It has already created local jobs and is designed with long-term investment in mind. When the company enters a new area, the goal is not just to serve meals. It is to show up in a way that truly supports the community.

Even before the first deliveries were made in Montgomery County, the team was working with local partners to provide meals to furloughed federal workers. For Feast & Fettle, this kind of outreach is not extra. It is essential. Because food is not only about nourishment. It is also about comfort and about being there for others in moments that matter.

Whether someone is new to the service or still considering it, Feast & Fettle is here to help make evenings more manageable and mealtime more meaningful.

Dinner should not just fill a plate. It should bring people back to themselves and back to one another.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle


Local families looking for fun summer learning options for their kids have a new opportunity close to home: the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth will host in-person day programs for advanced learners in grades 2-6 at The Woods Academy in Bethesda, Md. for the first time this summer. Enrollment is first-come, first-served, so families should enroll now for the best course selection.

Students from Maryland, D.C., and beyond are invited to spend three weeks at CTY exploring a topic they love, guided by expert instructors, and surrounded by classmates who share their curiosity. Enrollment is now open for the program, which will take place weekdays at The Woods Academy starting the week of June 28, 2026.

Courses at CTY at Woods Academy this summer include Cloudy with a Chance of Science, Inventions, Shaping Our World: Architecture, Numbers: Zero to Infinity, Examining the Evidence, and The Physics of Engineering. (more…)


For those who may not be aware, Grandma Kona launched Grandma’s Ice Cream and Waffles in February 2023.

The idea emerged during the pandemic when we faced restrictions on going out and serving our community. Grandma’s specializes in delectable homemade ice cream and waffles, and we also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visit us at www.grandmasicecreamandwaffles.com.

As Grandma Kona enters its 14th year, we are excited to continue serving our incredible tasting shave-ice. We are now taking reservations for the upcoming season. Feel free to reach out [email protected].


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