Purple Line train at Lyttonsville station (Photos)

Here's a look at the construction progress at the future Purple Line station at Lyttonsville, the light rail line's stop between Chevy Chase Lake and downtown Silver Spring. It's a community with a tremendous history, with residents who demonstrated resiliency over decades of neglect and isolation by Montgomery County government. Construction on the station has advanced so far that we are already able to see the displays of historic Lyttonsville photographs. And we have a bonus here, folks: an actual Purple Line trainset at the station!

Robbery at knifepoint in Lyttonsville

Knives are becoming the new guns in Montgomery County in recent weeks, with a spate of knife robberies, slashings and stabbings. One of the latest took place at an apartment complex in Lyttonsville yesterday afternoon, June 30, 2026. A robbery at knifepoint was reported in the 8800 block of Lanier Drive at 5:00 PM. The Paddington Square apartments are located on that block. This was another example of another recent crime trend in Montgomery County: violent crimes increasingly being perpetrated during daylight hours. Two 2026 trends in one!

Knife attack wave continues with assault in Glenmont

What is it with all of the knife attacks in Montgomery County recently? Another one took place last night in Glenmont. According to Montgomery County police, two drivers were involved in a collision at 9:59 PM Monday night in the 2200 block of Randolph Road. An argument ensued, and one of the drivers pulled out a knife and slashed at the other. The knife-wielding driver then fled the scene. Police say the victim suffered "a minor scratch." No description of the attacker or the attacker's vehicle have been released.

Knife-wielding man tries to force entry to neighbor's apartment in Silver Spring

A knife-wielding man was arrested in Silver Spring after trying to force his way into his neighbor's apartment early Saturday morning, June 27, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, the man attempted to gain entry to the neighboring unit in the 1000 block of Quebec Terrace at 3:28 AM Saturday. When the apartment door was partially open, he allegedly slashed a knife at the residents inside who were trying to keep it closed. Officers arrived at the scene and took him into custody.

Chapi Hair Salon opening in Wheaton

Chapi Hair Salon is opening soon in the Wheaton Triangle. It will be located at 11253 Grandview Avenue, between Fruver and Western Union. Services will include braiding, natural hair styling, extensions, and coloring. Operating hours will be 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Renovations underway at Glenwood Shopping Center in Glenmont

A major renovation project is underway at the Glenwood Shopping Center at 12134 Georgia Avenue in Glenmont. It looks quite imposing if you are driving past. So, understandably, the property owner and the business tenants like Trippy Tacos and Maria's Hair Classic want to reassure you that they are all fully open for business during this work. There's also the new Dunkin' Donuts, so don't hesitate to pull off the road and support your favorite businesses, as they navigate the temporary inconveniences.

Shooter fires into home while occupants sleep in Aspen Hill

Montgomery County police are investigating a bizarre incident in Aspen Hill early yesterday morning, June 25, 2026. According to police, a shooter fired several rounds into a bedroom window of a home in the 13300 block of Parkland Drive at 1:45 AM Thursday. The occupants of the house were home at the time, but police report no injuries. If you have any information about this case, call police at 301-279-8000.

Carjacking goes sideways in downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a carjacking in downtown Silver Spring last night, June 24, 2026. According to police, a suspect got into a vehicle parked in a lot near the Silver Spring Civic Building shortly before 8:00 PM Wednesday, and attempted to drive it away. The owner of the vehicle physically intervened, and amidst their struggle, the suspect crashed into another vehicle. Bystanders assisted the owner in hauling the carjacker out of the vehicle, but were unable to subdue the suspect, who ran off. The suspect was located by Montgomery's Finest and taken into custody.

Purple Line digital signage activated at Silver Spring Library

Digital signage for the future Purple Line light rail has been activated at the Silver Spring Library station in downtown Silver Spring. Currently, it is displaying the name of the station, and the estimated time the next trains will arrive in each direction. Of course, the specific times are currently blank. But trains will be making test runs between now and the start of service in late 2027 or early 2028. In fact, a trainset has already passed through this station, pulled by a truck.

Silver Spring burglar interrupts dinner by kicking in apartment door

The occupant of an apartment in the Briggs Chaney area of Silver Spring had their dinner rudely interrupted by a burglar yesterday afternoon, June 22, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, an adult male suspect gained entry to an apartment building in the 13800 block of Castle Boulevard, near the Briggs Chaney MarketPlace shopping center. At 4:05 PM Monday, he allegedly kicked in the door of an apartment unit, and stepped inside to find a resident eating dinner. He immediately turned and fled without taking anything. Police have not released a description of the suspect.

Verizon store opening at Downtown Silver Spring

A new Verizon store is opening in downtown Silver Spring. It will be at 815 Ellsworth Drive at Downtown Silver Spring. That space was previously home to Roll by Goodyear. This is an independently operated store authorized by Verizon, run by BeMobile, a family-owned-and-operated company with a network of over 100 stores in more than 15 states. This one is so new, it doesn't appear in Google search yet, as far as I can see. Operating hours will be 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

YeEnat Kitchen opening in Silver Spring

YeEnat Kitchen is coming to downtown Silver Spring. The Ethiopian restaurant will be located at 8301 Georgia Avenue. That was previously home to Lucy until its recent closure, meaning this corner will remain an Ethiopian dining destination for some time to come. YeENAT Kitchen has a liquor license hearing scheduled for July 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM.

Shah's Halal Food opening soon in Silver Spring

Shah's Halal Food is opening soon in downtown Silver Spring. It will be at 8517 Colesville Road, in the former Jerry's Subs & Pizza space in the Hale Center. Shah's began as a pushcart in Richmond Hill in Queens, New York in 2005. Founder Ibrahim Mashriqi's sons would ultimately build Shah's into the juggernaut it is today, rapidly expanding nationally and internationally.

Shah's has a famous signature white sauce that tops its meat and rice platters, gyros, and wraps. If this sounds familiar, well, it's because Ibrahim was one of many entrepreneurs in New York inspired by the 1990s innovations of The Halal Guys. But his sauce stands apart because he incorporated spices from his native Afghanistan into the recipe. Silver Spring diners will soon have a chance to taste test the difference for themselves.

Silver Spring bank to become dental clinic

The vacant Bank of America branch at 8788 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring has a new tenant. Capital Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics has leased the space, which will obviously need some significant transformation inside. For example, each patient room or workstation will need plumbing hookups. Capital Kids Dentistry has an existing location at 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., but the Silver Spring office will offer full orthodontic treatment in addition to pediatric dentistry.

Pepco tells Maryland customers, "It's not us"

The most recent two U.S. presidents have had to get used to having their likeness slapped onto gas pumps via "I did that!" stickers, when their policy decisions have led to rising gas prices. Less eager to take credit for exploding electricity bills is Pepco, which is once again taking pains to inform customers that government is indeed the problem. "Higher energy bills can be challenging, and we want you to understand what's driving those changes," the Exelon-owned utility explained in a message to ratepayers with this month's bill. And explain they do, but not as extensively as they should, requiring us to employ the Annapolis Anger Translator (AAT) for full disclosure.

First culprit on the list is the regional grid operator PJM. Pepco notes that PJM "is increasing electricity supply prices for our area. Pepco does not generate electricity or set these prices — we pass these charges through directly to customers with no markup. These increases are due to factors such as higher demand and tight energy supply."

Using the AAT, we can expand on this to learn that the actual electricity rates paid by consumers in Maryland are set by the Maryland Public Service Commission, a body appointed by...whoops!...the governor of Maryland, and approved by the Democratic-controlled Maryland State Senate. 

Why is there a "tight energy supply?" Perhaps because Maryland elected officials forced the closure of 8 power plants across the state. As a result, Maryland itself can no longer generate enough power to supply the demands of residents and businesses, and is now forced to import electricity from out-of-state at inflated boardwalk prices.

Pepco also highlights the EmPOWER MD surcharge that appears on your monthly bill. Like many other "sneak taxes," elected officials hope that you will assume these taxes, fees, and surcharges are being levied by the service provider, not your corrupt leaders. The reality is that this surcharge was levied by the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. It is a Karl Marxian Communist initiative of the highest order. Your hard-earned money goes into a slush fund used to pay for "green" upgrades to poor people's homes. From each according to his abilities...well, you get the idea.

Not mentioned is the latest hoax: data centers, the latest pass-the-buck punching bag for politicians trying to divert public attention from their direct role in the affordability crisis. No, data centers in Maryland are not the reason your Pepco bill keeps going up. It's a boogeyman far more familiar to you: your unfriendly neighborhood elected official. The call is indeed coming from inside the house.

AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring to screen The Odyssey in 70mm

The AFI Silver Theatre at 8633 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring will be one of the few movie theaters in the Washington, D.C. region to show Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in the glorious 70mm format. Tickets are now on sale for the 70mm showings beginning on July 16, 2026. Rave reviews for the recent 70mm screenings of Terminator 2: Judgement Day at this theater suggest this is the way The Odyssey must be seen for the ultimate picture and sound quality - unless you are willing to drive further for the 70mm IMAX version at a true IMAX theater.

Pho Nom Nom expanding to Silver Spring

Pho Nom Nom is parlaying its success in Rockville and Gaithersburg into a third Montgomery location, opening soon in Silver Spring. The Vietnamese restaurant has leased the space at 11225 New Hampshire Avenue, next to Tobacco Village at the White Oak Shopping Center. Give credit to property owner Saul Centers, which manages to squeeze in some surprising twists here among the typical strip mall denizens. Let's face it, you won't find Sarku Japan outside of a mall in Bethesda. And there is the always-delicious Pizza Castle.

Amazing Art Studio opens in Silver Spring

Amazing Art Studio has opened at 12255 Prosperity Drive at the White Oak Town Center in Silver Spring. If you're ready to paint-your-own pottery, mosaics, fused glass, and other mediums, Amazing Art Studio is ready for you to drop in at your convenience during business hours. Or, you can plan and schedule a party or event for a group. This is the second Amazing Art Studio in Montgomery County, with the original location still going strong at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg.

Austrian life sciences firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. headquarters

Austrian life sciences firm Ringana has made the United States the target of its next international expansion push, but first it needed a U.S. corporate headquarters to operate from. It has found the perfect location, and you won't be surprised to hear it is not in Montgomery County, or even within the state of Maryland. You also won't be surprised to learn that Virginia is once again the winner in this latest corporate HQ sweepstakes. That's right: 435 jobs are on the way from the Österreich to 2797 Frontage Road NW in Roanoke, Virginia. The former Johnson & Johnson site will not only house corporate offices, but also a manufacturing facility and a distribution center.

The deal was apparently secured when Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger invited Ringana corporate leadership to meet with her personally this past February. In contrast, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has failed to turn his supposedly-massive Rolodex of Wall Street, Hamptons, and Martha's Vineyard business contacts into a single major corporate headquarters win. After an awkward few months dominated by divisive partisan politics, Spanberger seems to have found the blueprint left behind by her Democratic predecessors, who have typically been as successful in attracting corporate headquarters as their Republican counterparts.

“RINGANA’s decision to establish its first U.S. facility in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s reputation as a welcoming, premier destination for international investment,” Spanberger said in a statement. “With our world-class workforce, strong apprenticeship and career training programs, and unwavering commitment to supporting global companies in a global marketplace, Virginia offers the ideal environment for businesses to grow and succeed in the United States. We are excited to welcome RINGANA to Roanoke and look forward to the hundreds of career opportunities this partnership will create for Virginians.”

We should take note of the site chosen by Ringana. Look how close it is to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which has connecting flights to Dulles International Airport. Also nearby is Interstate 81, a major freight trucking route connecting Tennessee and Canada. Once again, Virginia tax advantages join with infrastructure to hand Maryland and Montgomery County yet another economic development loss. MoCo and Maryland elected officials will tell you with clownish pride that "we don't do highways," and that they will never allow construction of the long-delayed new Potomac River crossing to the Dulles area.

Now before we get too carried away, I don't want to overhype Ringana. We should be focused on major corporations, especially on aerospace, biotech, defense, and technology firms. Ringana is not a Fortune 500 company. But it has enjoyed $245 million in annual revenue, and 30% year-over-year revenue growth. It will be investing $85 million in Virginia and its people and communities. The Roanoke Regional Partnership is already working to connect local businesses that can provide services to Ringana with the company's leadership.

Beggars can't be choosers. Montgomery County and Maryland once again are left holding their nearly-empty begging cups.

KaFean Koffee opens at Wheaton Plaza

KaFean Koffee is now open at Wheaton Plaza. The coffee kiosk has relocated here from Westfield Montgomery Mall. Look for it on Level 2 of the mall, near Kokee Tea. KaFean Koffee serves coffee from the Austrian coffee roaster Julius Meinl. Check out their menu below:

Smash and grab in Aspen Hill

A store at the Aspen Hill Shopping Center was targeted by burglars early yesterday morning, June 12, 2026. Multiple suspects smashed a window and a front door at MyEyeDr. at 13505 Connecticut Avenue at 3:39 AM Friday, Montgomery County police say. They allegedly entered the store and looted merchandise from multiple display cases. Police have not released descriptions of the suspects, or of their getaway vehicle, as of this writing.

Armand's Pizzeria latest victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy

Armand's Pizzeria and Grille is closing at 190 Halpine Road in Rockville. After over 51 years in business, the restaurant's co-owners announced on Instagram that they will permanently shut their doors after the close of business on June 20, 2026. This is your last chance to get a slice of Armand's pizza. But it's also another chance to see what the anti-business policies of the Montgomery County Council, and the resulting moribund Montgomery County economy, have wreaked on our business community and underfilled County revenue coffers.

WTOP reporter Luke Lukert wrote that "due to financial reasons and a struggling environment for small businesses, they will have to shut their doors." Lukert interviewed Armand's co-owner Chris Sappe, who told him,"Montgomery County is a tough place to have a family-owned business with minimum wage increasing." Along with recent hikes in ingredient and fuel costs, Sappe said, they had to make the difficult decision to close.

Let's again spin one of the greatest hits recorded by Peter Gragnano of the Suburban Washington Franchise Owners Association, when he and many other business owners and advocates pleaded with the Council not to move forward with their massive minimum wage hike in June of 2016. "That's a lot of extra Slurpees to sell," Gragnano said in the quote of the night. Did the Council heed these warnings? Nope.

Remember the Council's brilliant idea to index the minimum wage to inflation beginning in 2021? Yep, that one hasn't aged well, either. One businessman warned the Council that if inflation spiked as it did in the late 1970s and early 1980s, "there won't be a way to wash a dish in a restaurant." This is the man you should now be asking to generate your lottery numbers! Inflation spike? In America? The County Council clearly does not share that businessman's Kenny Kingston-esque foresight.

Another one of the brilliant minds in the business realm of Maryland is Maddy Voytek, who in 2016 was working at the Maryland Retailers Association. She noted that Montgomery County had already lost 2141 retail jobs between 2000 and 2016. Voytek told the Council that adoption of the $15 wage would "devastate our economy."

What we've seen most recently, as all of these dire predictions came true, are more closings of older businesses. Community institutions. Businesses like Armand's or Flanagan's in Bethesda. Businesses that have survived wars, recessions, and the 2008 "Great Recession," only to be felled now by the incompetents on our County Council. Something is rotten in the County of Montgomery. Have the smelling salts reached your nostrils yet?

Knife assault at hotel in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police were called to a hotel in downtown Silver Spring late yesterday afternoon, June 10, 2026, after an aggravated assault took place. According to police, a man was trespassing at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at 8777 Georgia Avenue at 5:47 PM Wednesday. A security guard confronted the man, and asked him to leave the premises. The man declined, and allegedly pull out a knife and took several swings at the guard with it. He then fled the hotel on foot. Officers caught up with the suspect, and successfully took him into custody.

Shooting in Glenmont wounds one victim

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a shooting in Glenmont this afternoon, June 10, 2026. The shooting was reported in the 2300 block of Glenmont Circle at 2:11 PM. Officers arrived at the scene with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel, and located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital.

Police say the victim's injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. No suspect information has been released so far, and the alleged shooter appears to remain at large at this time. Another incident reflecting the 2026 Montgomery County trend of violent crimes taking place during daytime hours.

Montgomery County Republican Club endorses Ed Hale for Maryland governor

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale has received the endorsement of the Montgomery County Republican Club in the GOP primary race for Maryland governor. The club was founded in 1970, and counts former Governor Bob Ehrlich among its Advisory Board members. This morning, the club's Board of Directors announced its endorsements in County and State contests, headlined by its backing of Hale for governor. 

"At the top of the ticket, the Club has thrown its support behind Ed Hale for Governor of Maryland," the Board said in a statement this morning. "A businessman and entrepreneur, Hale has built his campaign around lowering the state’s tax burden, reducing regulatory obstacles to commerce, and restoring an economic climate in which job creators can thrive. The Club presents Hale’s real-world experience as a decisive credential for Maryland’s executive office."

The Board's argument in favor of Hale centers on his business resume, which includes having been a major employer and catalyst for growth at the Port of Baltimore. He served as president of the Bank of Baltimore, and was the founder of 1st Mariner Bank, credentials that Hale has pointed to as evidence he is well-positioned to tackle the state's mounting fiscal crisis. Hale was also the successful developer of Canton Crossing, which transformed a severely-contaminated oil refinery site in Baltimore into a vibrant mixed-use development.

"Honored and grateful to receive the official endorsement of the Montgomery County Republican Club!" Hale wrote on social media this morning. "Maryland is ready for a leader with real-world business experience who knows what it takes to lower the tax burden, cut through regulatory red tape, and restore a thriving economic climate where job creators and families can truly flourish. Thank you to the Club and all of its members for throwing your support behind our mission to bring decisive leadership to Annapolis. Together, we are going to build a stronger, more prosperous Maryland!"

Dog walker threatened with handgun in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a bizarre episode on Weller Road in Silver Spring on Sunday morning, June 7, 2026. A man was walking his dog in the 2600 block of Weller at 9:36 AM, when the driver of a vehicle allegedly pointed to a handgun inside the car. The suspect then verbally threatened to shoot the dog walker, police say. At that point, the man and his dog ran back to their home and the man called police.

Police have not released a description of the suspect, nor of the suspect's vehicle. They did confirm that no one was injured in the incident. It almost goes without saying, but it must be said, that this is yet another example of violent criminals now acting more frequently in broad daylight in Montgomery County.

AutoZone to open in White Oak

AutoZone is coming soon to White Oak in Silver Spring, according to a sign posted in the window of its future storefront. The auto parts and accessories retailer has leased the vacant former Sears Auto Center building at 11259 New Hampshire Avenue at the White Oak Shopping Center. This will be the fourth AutoZone location in eastern Montgomery County. In case you want to open a department store, the larger Sears store building remains available for lease.

Strong-arm robbery in residential neighborhood in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in a quiet residential neighborhood in Silver Spring early last night, June 6, 2026. The robbery and assault were reported in the 10400 block of Hayes Avenue at 6:30 PM Saturday. That is in the Cameron Heights subdivision off of Dennis Avenue, a couple of blocks west of Sligo Middle School.