Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of June.
Good morning, Rockville.
Montgomery County firefighters fought a hazardous blaze at a home on Rocking Horse Road in Rockville on June 24 when a portable generator charging lithium-ion batteries sparked a deck fire that spread into the house; hazardous conditions (solar panels, loose wiring, and hoarded items) complicated efforts and led to about $100,000 in damage (a family of five was displaced).
Today, Wegmans opened its 80,000 sq ft grocery store on the ground level of The Milton apartment building at 1590 Rockville Pike with underground parking and hours from 6 a.m. to midnight — it is the second new grocery store this month after Trader Joe’s opened at Rockville Town Square on June 12.
Yongxian Huang from New York pleaded guilty on Monday to three counts for stealing over $400,000 in gold bars from a Bethesda couple after an investigation by Montgomery County police and the FBI — a county report shows nearly 33,000 new mental health professionals are needed by 2028 and a Silver Spring teen was trapped for more than an hour on an Amtrak train in a tunnel.
A 24-year-old Brooklyn man pleaded guilty on Monday to trying to scam an older Bethesda couple out of their gold bars when he picked up a box in November 2024 holding about $400 in fake bars, believing they were worth more than $84,000—detectives arranged a fake pick-up in Brooklyn where he was arrested—he now faces charges that could bring more than 10 years in prison with a sentencing hearing set for July 11.
Parents at College Gardens Elementary voiced concerns about proposed school boundary changes by Montgomery County Public Schools that could break the International Baccalaureate program and extend bus rides from their current Julius West and Richard Montgomery clusters.
Community members have sent nearly 7,800 letters and will attend public meetings in the fall as the district reviews feedback before a final decision in December.
Three students from Montgomery County Public Schools were recently honored as winners of the annual Girl Power Contest (sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Public Libraries and Recreation).
Victoria Lever from Ashburton Elementary, Federica Albanese from A. Mario Loiederman Middle School and Ansuya Bisbey from Richard Montgomery High School submitted media entries designed to empower women and challenge stereotypes.
Metro reported 13 signaling issues with trains from June 15 to 23—riders faced delays on the Red Line and a fuel spill on Thursday added more problems—and Metro CEO Randy Clarke apologized after Wednesday’s debacle and said he will offer more details after today's board meeting.
Montgomery County recorded 20 fatal overdoses in 2025, down from 83 in 2024 and 138 in 2023, with fentanyl involved in 60% of cases.
County officials said increased naloxone distribution plus education and outreach programs are helping reduce overdose deaths.
Mary Ann Redmond Trio Performance
2-4 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $20 — Experience a delightful afternoon of original tunes and special covers by Mary Ann Redmond and her ensemble.
The Grandsons Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience a fusion of New Orleans rhythm, rockabilly, and swing as The Grandsons celebrate their dedication to American music.
The Poor Ellen Smith Band
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No cover — Enjoy Americana sounds from a seasoned band with vintage Bluegrass and Blues vibes.
Chechito Live in Maryland
8 PM — Michael & Son Sportsplex at Rockville — Tickets available — Experience Chechito and his orchestra bringing Peruvian cumbia to Rockville for the first time.
1.5 Hour Basketball Training Session
9:00 – 10:30 AM — Quince Orchard High School — $65.00 — Enhance your basketball skills with focused training in shooting and ball handling.
Neighbors Barista Grand Opening
12-6 p.m. — Neighbors Coffee — Free entry — Enjoy live music from a Baltimore-based singer-songwriter at a vibrant coffee shop opening.
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