Strong-arm robbery in Kensington

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Kensington early Friday evening, March 20, 2026. The assault and robbery were reported in the 3700 block of Howard Avenue at 6:24 PM Friday. They took place along the street. That is a commercial area around the MARC train station.

Gas station burglarized in Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a gas station in the Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring on March 13, 2026. The burglary was reported at the Marathon station at 9501 Georgia Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry to the business. They determined property was stolen from inside the station. The break-in is believed to have occurred between 8:00 PM on March 12 and 8:00 AM on March 13.

Police have not released any description of the intruder(s) as of this writing. They did not specify how anyone involved managed to avoid being caught on surveillance cameras at the station. If you have any information about this incident call police at (301) 279-8000.

Piney Branch Rd. segment to close nightly in April for Purple Line construction

Affected portion of Piney Branch Road shown in red

A segment of Piney Branch Road in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring will need to be closed overnight for about a week next month, the Maryland Department of Transportation announced this morning. The portion between Flower Avenue and University Boulevard will be closed to traffic between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM beginning on or about Saturday, April 18, 2026. Purple Line crews will use that time to install the overhead catenary for the Purple Line light rail above the roadway. 

Local access to Barron Street, Garland Avenue, Arliss Street and Greenwood Avenue will be maintained during the closures, MDOT said, as will pedestrian access through the work zone. Remember that severe weather can alter scheduled construction and road closures.

Easy Like Sunday brunch restaurant coming soon to Silver Spring

I saw a sign in front of the former El Sapo Cuban Social Club at 8455 Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring that said Coming Soon, but was partly flapped over by the wind of recent days to only read "Comin--." No, it wasn't the Montgomery County Council promoting the Comintern. It's a banner ad for Easy Like Sunday, a brunch restaurant with two locations in Baltimore. If you enjoy a traditional brunch, they have all the favorites you would expect, some trendier dishes from the last decade or so, and a few creative original menu items to round out the selections. Both Charm City locations are open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, seven days a week.

Wheaton commercial building hits the market for sale again

A commercial building in Wheaton that has seen heavy turnover in recent years is now on the market for sale once again. 2670 University Boulevard W. is in a prime spot on a heavily-traveled commuter route, but for some reason hasn't been able to find the right tenant since community fixture Wheaton Tile Center moved out. Since 2016, Doña Bessy Pupuseria, Alyssa's Mangonadas, and even an evangelical church have given the storefront a whirl, to no avail. The building was then auctioned off this past January, and the new owner has quickly put it up for sale for the asking price of $1,700,000, according to the online sale listing. 

Chicken arrives at Royal Farms in Silver Spring (Photos)

The chicken has arrived at the new Royal Farms in Silver Spring. No, not the convenience store chain's famous fried chicken, but a giant fiberglass rooster. Seen outside of many Royal Farms locations, the imposing statue has taken up residence at this one, which is located at 9475 Georgia Avenue in the Montgomery Hills neighborhood just south of the Capital Beltway interchange. Still needed before the store and mega gas station can open: pavement in the parking lot!

Hakim 1 Stop Shop opens in Silver Spring

Downtown Silver Spring's one-stop shopping destination is now open. Hakim 1 Stop Shop has opened at 8433 Georgia Avenue, next to Chase Bank. Last night, a cashier was behind the counter waiting for customers. The inventory of essential items, plus things you didn't expect to find, is somewhere between a convenience store and a Rite Aid in product range.