Good morning, Rockville.

Data from CARFAX shows that fall is the most dangerous season for driving in Maryland and Virginia because wet leaves make it hard to stop and shorter daylight gives drivers less time to react.

Officials advise drivers to slow down, check their cars, and watch for animals on the road — steps that can help lower accident risks as traffic picks up.

On Friday at 9 p.m., Montgomery County Police used an air pop pepper ball launcher to break up fights among students at Blake High School after a football game — a move that Young People for Progress said escalated militarized policing in schools.

On Thursday, September 25, the Montgomery County Council’s Culture and Education Committee reviewed updates to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct for the 2025–2026 school year to simplify rules and add restorative justice measures.

Councilmembers will later vote to close part of the meeting to discuss county security planning—public safety issues such as emergency communications and legal matters.

Montgomery County announced on September 25th a $10M investment in early childhood education and child care support to help families with infants and toddlers in areas like Wheaton.

The program uses a $6.1M federal grant to expand Head Start services, a $4M loan program to improve centers, and a shared resource collaborative—aiming to ease the local shortage.

A report by Brookings and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments warns that a federal shutdown may occur by Oct.

3 if Congress fails to act, putting DMV workers at risk as agencies prepare for mass job cuts—local leaders say this could disrupt vital services and hurt local businesses.

Dr. Katie Ryder at Kaiser Permanente in Silver Spring says moms should get vaccinated before giving birth to protect infants as whooping cough cases rise this fall.

The advice is meant to stop a mild cough from turning into serious breathing problems.

Wheaton Ice Arena in Wheaton Regional Park will re-open on Oct.

4 after a five-month closure to install a new refrigeration system, offering public skating sessions and a three-week group lesson series on the same day. Families can also attend Sports Day on Oct. 12 & enjoy activities at the arena, Wheaton Indoor Tennis and the Wheaton Sports Pavilion.

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble

5-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $25 — Experience soulful Creole music that gets everyone dancing with Curley Taylor's Zydeco Trouble.

Galloping Gourmets at Madrones

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — $20 — Enjoy a culinary experience at a top-rated restaurant with fresh options.

2025 Antique and Classic Car Show

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Rockville Civic Center — Free admission for spectators — Showcase of stunning antique and classic cars with awards and live music.

Bill Baker Band Live Performance

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No Cover — Enjoy award-winning local music from Bill Baker and friends during Happy Hour.

Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Music Center at Strathmore — Tickets required — Enjoy an enchanting evening of music with legendary artists Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones.

Game Day at St. Veg

2-5 p.m. — St. Veg — Free entry — Enjoy a fun afternoon of games with friends and family at a local favorite venue.

Board Games and Pizza Gathering

1-3 p.m. — Wegmans Pharmacy — Free entry — Connect with fellow board game enthusiasts over pizza in a cozy cafe setting.