Montgomery County cooling centers open 11 AM to 7 PM on July 4

Montgomery County will be operating cooling centers open to the public who lack air conditioning on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2026. There are six cooling centers, and they will be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Though, frankly, they should be open longer hours than that, given the lack of relief after dark or in the morning. Note that services and amenities typically available at these facilities may not be available while they are in use as cooling centers. I wish all my readers a great July 4th! Stay hydrated and stay safe!

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.