Good morning, Rockville.

Starbucks announced plans to close its Pike & Rose location in North Bethesda and its White Oak Town Center location in Silver Spring by tomorrow, Sunday.

The closures are part of a review to shutter underperforming outlets while nearby stores remain open for local coffee lovers.

Starbucks will close 250 North American stores later this week, including its Rockville store at Pike & Rose.

The closures also affect locations in Silver Spring and Washington, as the company aims to meet financial and service standards.

Book lovers can enjoy seven literary events in Montgomery County this October, including an author talk at Wonderland Books on Oct.

1, an audiobook walking club in Gaithersburg on Oct. 2, and a 30-year literary festival at Montgomery College in Rockville on Oct. 24.

A Gallup survey from the Greater Washington Community Foundation revealed that nearly two-thirds of households in the region felt the impact of federal job cuts and rising living costs, prompting some to consider moving out (survey conducted Feb.

9-Apr. 6). Local job prospects remain dim.

A swastika was found on a classroom desk at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda on Thursday, and officials said they will take appropriate action (levels three to five) once they identify those responsible.

Montgomery County Public Schools presented a substantive wage proposal to the Montgomery County Education Association on Thursday after Wednesday's offer was rejected.

Negotiations continue as both sides work to address compensation and benefits for teachers.

The Montgomery County school board appointed Aaron Shin as principal of Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, effective with the new academic term.

Shin, who has 19 years with MCPS, previously led Parkland Middle School in Rockville.

Maryland energy companies will receive a $250 million sales tax refund after a state supreme court ruling in their favor, according to the comptroller.

The one-time $280 million payment will benefit ratepayers as the utilities work with the Public Service Commission—customers may see the refund on future bills.

The Montgomery County Planning Board recommended rezoning Olney Golf Park for a 235-unit townhouse community at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Emory Church Road, with public hearings set for Nov.

2, 5, and 6 in Rockville (the vote was 4–1). Local residents voiced concerns over traffic and neighborhood changes.

Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis says there are no active measles cases now thanks to high immunization rates in local schools, even as outbreaks occur in neighboring counties.

Residents should check their vaccination status, with free services available at county clinics.

Montgomery County Recreation's winter youth basketball registration opens Monday, Sept.

28 at 8:30 a.m. online and at Recreation Centers or the administrative office at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. The non-competitive program for grades K-12 also seeks volunteer coaches and officials.

Kennedy Cavaliers boys soccer beat the Rockville Rams 1-0 on Sept.

25 in Rockville as junior attacking midfielder Johnathan Jimenez scored in the 49th minute — earning senior Andre Rodriguez his first clean sheet while the team stayed unbeaten against the Rams since 2022.