Aerospace firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for 2nd headquarters

Colorado-based defense and aerospace firm Auria, following the model of Amazon with its HQ2, sought a location to establish a new East Coast corporate headquarters. You will be absolutely shocked to learn that the company came to the same conclusion as Amazon, and has chosen Fairfax County over Montgomery County. Auria announced it will open its HQ2 at 2000 Edmund Halley Drive in Reston. The headquarters will also contain research, development, and system integration facilities, which will enhance testing and product demonstration capabilities. Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Council will have to again save their ribbon cutting scissors for the next convenience store opening.

"We are proud to welcome Auria’s East Coast headquarters to Fairfax," Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said in a statement yesterday. She said the company's decision "reflects confidence in our business environment, strategic location, and our continued support of innovative aerospace and defense companies."

We could talk about the lower taxes and business-friendly environment of Northern Virginia compared to Montgomery County, which has the highest total tax and fee burden in the entire region. But let's look again at the critical factor of access to Dulles International Airport, essential for any serious international businessperson. The site chosen by Auria is an 8 minute drive away from Dulles. Montgomery County still lacks direct access to Dulles, thanks to the Montgomery County Council canceling the long-planned Potomac River crossing of I-370 to Route 28 in the Dulles area. Doh!

Road closures for Takoma Park Monster Bash event October 31

The City of Takoma Park’s annual Monster Bash Parade and Street Party is happening on Saturday, October 31, 2026. To help ensure a fun and safe event for all participants and visitors, the Takoma Park Police Department has announced several temporary road closures throughout the afternoon. If you plan to travel through the area on Halloween, please take note of the schedule and detours below.

🎃 Parade Road Closures

Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The parade is expected to last about an hour. To accommodate the procession, the following streets will be closed starting at 12:45 p.m.:

Piney Branch Road: Closed between Ray Road and Philadelphia Avenue.

Philadelphia Avenue: Closed between Piney Branch Road and Maple Avenue.

Note: Both Piney Branch Road and Philadelphia Avenue are expected to fully reopen to traffic by 2:00 p.m. once the parade concludes.

👻 Street Party Road Closure

Time: Immediately Following the Parade – 6:00 p.m.

Once the parade wraps up, the celebration moves to Maple Avenue for the official Monster Bash Street Party.

Maple Avenue: Closed between Philadelphia Avenue and Lee Avenue.

This closure will remain in place until approximately 6:00 p.m. While Maple Avenue is closed, Piney Branch Road and Philadelphia Avenue will remain open to regular traffic.

🚗 Tips for Drivers

Expect Disruptions: Allow extra travel time if you are passing through Takoma Park on Saturday afternoon.

Follow Signs & Police Guidance: Keep an eye out for posted detour signs and follow any directions given by officers on duty.

Stay Alert: Watch for increased pedestrian traffic during both events.

Ex-Amazon Fresh store in Silver Spring to be converted to multiple storefronts

The former Amazon Fresh building at 12263 Prosperity Terrace at White Oak Town Center is getting a new lease on life. Multiple leases, in fact. According to a source with knowledge of the plans, the grocery store structure will be subdivided to allow for more than one retail or restaurant tenant to occupy it. Construction on the project is expected to commence this winter.

Israeli defense firm chooses Virginia for U.S. headquarters

Israeli defense firm Smart Shooter has selected the location for its new U.S. headquarters, and - surprise! - it's Northern Virginia, not Montgomery County. The company, known for its rifle-mounted and hand-held fire control systems, chose Dulles Office Park in Herndon for its U.S. operations center. As you might surmise from the property name, the site is 5 minutes from Dulles International Airport, an essential amenity for international businesspeople. Montgomery County infamously lacks direct access to Dulles, by virtue of County elected officials cancelling the long-planned new Potomac River crossing from I-370 in Gaithersburg to Route 28 in the Dulles area. "I coulda been a contender!" Womp, womp.

Photo courtesy Fairfax County Economic Development Authority/Nikolai Roster

Cold Stone Creamery, Wetzel's Pretzels to open in Burtonsville

Two brands that have recently rekindled their interest in Montgomery County now have their sights on Burtonsville. Cold Stone Creamery and Wetzel's Pretzels have both signed leases at the revitalized Burtonsville Crossing shopping center. Both have already installed signage above their shared storefront by TJ Maxx. Wetzel's recently returned to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, but won't have to face its arch rival Auntie Anne's at Burtonsville Crossing. No such luck for Cold Stone Creamery, with nemesis Baskin Robbins a Joe Namath football throw away.

Count Gore de Vol to host Evil Dead screening Saturday in Silver Spring

Count Gore de Vol will rise from his casket once again to resume his horror hosting duties at the AFI Silver Theatre at 8633 Colesville Road in Silver Spring this Saturday, October 24, 2026. The beloved television personality will preside over a screening of the depraved 1981 classic The Evil Dead at 7:00 PM at the historic movie house. Saturday's event is part of the theater's Halloween on Screen celebration. Tickets are $15, a small price to pay to be able to say you've seen the legendary Dick Dyszel live...er, dead, and in-person.

AutoZone opens in White Oak

AutoZone has opened at 11259 New Hampshire Avenue at the White Oak Shopping Center in Silver Spring. It is located in the former Sears Auto Center building. This is the fourth AutoZone location in eastern Montgomery County. In addition to a large selection of auto parts and accessories, the store also offers services like free battery testing and charging, Fix Finder check engine light diagnostics, and the Loan-A-Tool program.