Governor Wes Moore addressed Marylanders following the federal government shutdown, attributing the closure to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ failure to reach an agreement.
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This weekend in Montgomery County is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the fall, with festivals, parades, live music, food, and community celebrations taking place across the area. From family-friendly activities and cultural performances to beer gardens, bar crawls, and long-standing neighborhood traditions, there will be no shortage of ways for residents to enjoy the season and come together with their communities.
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.
The popular Takoma Park Street Festival returns for its 44th year of music, vendors, food and fun in Takoma Park. This year’s festival takes place on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 10:00am-5:00pm on Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD to Carroll Street, NW in Takoma, DC.
WMATA has shared that on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday Oct. 5, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Eastern Market and Minnesota Av/Benning Road on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming, and the community that cares for the museum’s ephemeral outdoor sculpture family, to learn about the project’s evolution over the past two decades, and what the future holds.
Learn about the art of clay, traditions of sustainability in Pueblo building techniques, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly art activities, dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, watch a short film, and multiple opportunities to hear from the artist, her family, and museum experts that have contributed to the care and revitalization of the sculptures.
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Get into the holiday spirit at our Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Rockville Senior Center. The holiday bazaar features over 50 handmade crafters, book sale, plants sale, raffles, lunch for purchase, and more! Sponsored by Rockville Seniors, Inc.
Free admission for all ages
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Below is a list of retail and restaurant updates at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda:
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Niche, a national rankings and review site that analyzes schools and neighborhoods across the country, has released its 2026 list of the top public middle schools in Maryland (top 25 available below). The Niche list of top 25 public high schools in Maryland can be found here.
In early September, we shared the news of Gaithersburg Rental Center’s plan to close later in the month. The business, located at 219 E Diamond Avenue, closed on September 23rd after nearly nine decades as a trusted local business and community staple following the sale of the property it operated on. The community said goodbye on the business’s last Facebook last and some of the comments can be seen below.
Shouk, the plant-based kosher street food restaurant known for its award-winning Shouk Burger, has closed both of its remaining locations permanently (Rockville and DC).
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As the federal government shutdown begins, local restaurants are rolling out special offers to help ease the burden on impacted employees. Several dining groups across Montgomery County are showing support by offering discounts and meal deals to federal workers who present valid government ID. (more…)
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Harold Dotson, 54, of Gaithersburg, to three years in federal prison and ordered him to pay nearly $24.8 million in restitution for his role in a wire fraud conspiracy involving over $24 million in fraudulent CARES Act loan applications.
Montgomery County Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Evan Glass urged MCPS and the Board of Education to improve the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, citing inefficiencies, unreliable cost projections, and poor community engagement. They pointed to the $40 million Silver Spring International Middle School project, which failed to address key concerns, as an example of the need for better planning, transparency, and incorporation of community feedback to ensure future school facility upgrades meet actual needs.