Good morning, Rockville.

In 2025, 19 Montgomery County restaurants, including Shouk in Rockville and Solaire Social in Silver Spring, closed due to rising rents, limited parking, and other economic challenges.

Several locations remain vacant as new tenants are considered.

Einstein High School senior Charlie Kuschmider has been capturing sports and arts events as he documents his peers at a school known for creative expression (he recently was accepted to Hofstra University for a sports media program) and will join the program this fall.

Montgomery County Public Schools will make five major decisions this year, including votes in March for boundary studies and programming changes, public hearings in January for a proposed operating budget and capital improvements, and votes on the potential closure of Silver Spring International Middle and the district’s only charter school.

An interim report by a Montgomery County task force shows that at least 112 households in the historic Emory Grove community were displaced by urban renewal in the 20th century, and final recommendations for reparations and redevelopment plans near the community’s church are pending (a historical center).

Montgomery County health officials said doctor visits and emergency room trips for respiratory symptoms are up this winter.

They urge residents to get vaccinated, wear masks and stay home if sick + steps that help slow the spread.

Montgomery County health officials report that flu and other respiratory illnesses are high as doctor visits and emergency room trips exceed average numbers statewide.

They urge residents to get vaccinated, wear masks in healthcare settings, and stay home if sick.

A Rockville family welcomed the first baby of 2026 at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center at 4:15 a.m. with a commemorative gift basket.

About 90 minutes later, a Lanham family welcomed a boy as the first new arrival at White Oak Medical Center.

DMV natives Evan Nichols and Noah Grove will represent Team USA in sled hockey at the 2026 Paralympics from March 6 to March 15 in Milano Cortina.

Nichols, a gold medalist from Beijing 2022, and Frederick native Grove, a four-time world champion, join the team.

Potomac native Matt Mervis signed a minor league deal with the Nationals that includes a spring training invitation and a chance to compete for first base this season; the 27-year-old, a former Georgetown Prep star (and Duke player), now aims to boost his hometown team.

Big Boy Little Band Live Performance

9:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience deep blues that'll make you feel alive.

Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop

12:30-2:30 p.m. — 7 Locks Brewing — Creative workshop — Unwind and explore the art of pottery at this hands-on event.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — 12276 Wilkins Avenue, North Bethesda, MD — Materials included — Create your unique Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish tea and delicious delights.