Round1 Bowling & Arcade construction begins in Wheaton

A large area on Level 1 of Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall has been walled off for construction. Because the walls are blank with no signage, the barricades have been shown on TikTok and other sites as evidence of a dying mall. In reality, a massive section of retail spaces is about to be converted into a Round1 Bowling & Arcade entertainment center, a massive amenity upgrade for the property.

Round1 got its start as a roller rink with arcade machines in Japan in 1980, just as the golden age of arcades was dawning. It grew into a major bowling and arcade chain in that country, and since 2008, has rapidly expanded into the United States. Fifty Round1 venues are now open, or in the works, across America.

What can you expect to find at Round1? Bowling and arcade games, of course. But also crane machines, professional-grade billiards, karaoke, a food menu with classic American and Japanese snacks and dishes (Do you want burgers and pizza, or gyoza and ramen? Why not all four!), and a bar.

Missing teen rescued from home in Silver Spring

A Kentucky teen missing since October was found by law enforcement in a home in the Connecticut Avenue Estates neighborhood of Silver Spring on Friday, December 26, 2025. Montgomery County police and U.S. Marshals, acting on a tip, went to a house in the 12000 block of Dalewood Drive at 5:52 PM Friday, the Montgomery County Police Department says. Inside the home, officers found the missing 13-year-old girl, and her alleged kidnapper, Christian Alexander Delgado, 37. MCPD did not specify if Delgado is a resident of the home.

Delgado is now being held at the County jail. He is awaiting extradition to Rockcastle County, Kentucky. The rescued girl was transported to a local hospital for a health evaluation.

Armed robbery in White Oak

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in the White Oak area of Silver Spring on Christmas Eve. The robbery was reported in the 11200 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 8:30 PM Wednesday. It took place in a commercial parking lot there.

Paris Baguette opening in Silver Spring

Paris Baguette is coming soon to downtown Silver Spring. It will be located at 8605 Cameron Street, in the new Guardian apartment building. South Korea-based Paris Baguette has a massive menu of French and Korean baked goods, hot lunch and snack items like tiny pizzas and pigs-in-a-blanket, and coffee and tea beverages. There's even a whole line of donuts, including cronuts and mochi donuts. Paris Baguette's expansion to Silver Spring was first reported by the Washington Business Journal.

Strong-arm robbery at bus stop in Aspen Hill

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at a bus stop in Aspen Hill Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025. The robbery and assault were reported in the 3400 block of Bel Pre Road at 4:35 PM Tuesday. That is in the vicinity of Montgomery County Fire Station 25.

New hours for PNC Bank in downtown Silver Spring

The PNC Bank branch at 8661 Colesville Road in the Ellsworth Place mall in Silver Spring is changing its hours. It's new hours will be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. The new hours will take effect on January 12, 2026. Currently, the bank is open until 6:00 PM on weekdays.

Update on Haraz Coffee House in Burtonsville (Photos)

The window covers have come down at Haraz Coffee House at 15775 Old Columbia Pike at Burtonsville Crossing. We're now getting our first preview of the shop's interior, which includes another lighted logo sign. As you can see, some seating is in place. The Yemeni coffee shop has missed some previous target opening dates, but now appears to be getting very close to a debut.