Montgomery Mall implementing stiff 3 PM curfew for minors

Those who claim crime is not a problem at the few remaining malls in Montgomery County were dealt a blow of reality today, as Westfield announced it will implement a restrictive 3:00 PM curfew for unaccompanied minors at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and Wheaton Plaza starting September 28. Once in effect, the new policy will require any mall patron under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult after 3:00 PM, seven days a week. Those not in compliance will be escorted from the premises by security or Montgomery County police. Supervising adults may be asked for identification with a valid I.D.

Westfield says the hours and specifics of the new policy can be changed at any time, and that it may adjust the hours of enforcement during the holiday shopping season. It also says that supervising adults will be held responsible for the behavior and actions of the juveniles under their supervision, suggesting legal liability potential for the type of assaults and shoplifting incidents that have been taking place at the property in recent years.

This curfew sadly punishes the majority of minors who lawfully engage in the All-American tradition of hanging out at the mall. It will certainly cost mall tenants financially. That dovetails with another disappointing trend: Massive international corporations like Westfield and Giant parent Ahold declining to publicly condemn pro-criminal elected officials, and put their considerable financial resources toward electing alternative leaders, and instead implementing policies that punish all customers, such as locking up items or crippling self-checkouts. Montgomery County and Maryland's weak juvenile crime policies - and weak willed business responses - seem to put criminals in charge of our community, rather than holding them accountable. The new curfew policy was first reported by The MoCo Show.

Soccer jersey kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

If you have soccer fans on your holiday shopping list, there's a new destination for you at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A kiosk selling international soccer jerseys has opened. Uniform tops for Jude Bellingham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cole Palmer, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé are among those available. Look for the kiosk on Level 1 near Carter's and the future PacSun, in the Old Navy wing of the mall.

Batman Day sale at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda

Today is Batman Day 2026, Saturday, September 19. Big Planet Comics at 7939 Norfolk Avenue in downtown Bethesda is celebrating by putting all Batman books on sale for 20% off. DC Comics has several promotions to coincide with Batman Day this year. Batman of Two Worlds is a special edition comic book with two stories by the writers of the current runs of Batman (Matt Fraction) and Absolute Batman (Scott Snyder), available today for $2.99. Four paper masks of iconic Batman cowls are also being given away (one per customer, while supplies last). There are also five hardcover releases of new and classic Dark Knight adventures with Batman Day 2026 cover art. Product availability may vary by store.

Montgomery County police chief resigns amid travel, leave questions

Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada submitted his resignation to County Executive Marc Elrich today. Announcements regarding the resignation from Elrich and the police department did not initially provide a reason for Yamada's resignation after decades of service to the department. However, it soon came to light that a report from the County Inspector General was being released, following an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General into Yamada's actions regarding travel expenditures, and his alleged failure to request official leave at times that department rules required him to do so.

The OIG investigation also examined whistleblower allegations that Yamada consumed alcohol at a golf event during working hours, and furnished a County government vehicle for use by an unidentified employee of the Office of the County Attorney. Such use of a County vehicle must be authorized by the County's Chief Administrative Officer, and the OIG found that Yamada neither sought nor received such authorization. Investigators determined that Yamada was not armed or in uniform when he consumed two alcoholic beverages at a golf tournament, but that he had not taken official leave to attend the tournament, and was therefore still on-the-clock.

Yamada told investigators that he believed the overtime hours he puts in on a weekly basis covered absences during regular work hours. The OIG report notes that by not receiving authorized leave for those absences, Yamada retained those leave hours on his record, which would apply to credits for his pension upon retirement. 

While news headlines referred to "Las Vegas travel" earlier today, it turned out to be less sensational than the Hangover IV visions such news reports were promising. It turns out that Yamada took an unidentified family member who also works at the police department on an official trip to an out-of-state conference. The OIG report states that Yamada initially told investigators that he did not select the employee, but investigators later found that he had. Lying to OIG investigators is a violation of County Code Section 2-151(m)(2).

The report concludes by noting that its findings will be submitted to the County Ethics Commission, and suggests the County may have legal grounds to recover an unspecified sum from Yamada on behalf of taxpayers. You can read the OIG's complete report here.

Suspect arrested in Potomac Woods Plaza homicide

Montgomery County police have captured the man they say fatally shot a Gaithersburg man at Potomac Woods Plaza at 1087 Seven Locks Road early Sunday morning. County police officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force caught up with Shayan Solimani Damabi, 21, of Gaithersburg at an unidentified motel in that city. Police say he was taken into custody without incident.

Homicide detectives used surveillance footage from the shopping center to identify Solimani Damabi as the alleged shooter. He has been charged with first-degree murder, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Solimani Damabi is being held at the County jail pending a bond hearing.

New signals near activation at dangerous Bethesda crosswalk

New pedestrian crossing signals are nearing activation at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The signal lights have been connected to power, and are currently just in a yellow flashing mode. Pedestrian-activated controls are not yet operable, however. 

This is a very dangerous intersection for multiple reasons. First, it was an ungoverned crosswalk. Previous attempts to add safety measures have largely been ignored by drivers. Second, there is a lane shift taking place ahead of the intersection with Arlington Road. Third, drivers are often gunning it when that next signal is green, which is bad behavior partly caused by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation - presumably under orders from County elected officials - steadfastly refusing to synchronize the traffic signals on busy corridors at peak travel times.

The more mandatory decisions you simultaneously introduce into the mind of the driver, the more dangerous our roadways become. This is part of why Vision Zero efforts have failed to reduce collisions and traffic deaths.

A "trashy" look for Lilly Pulitzer at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A major renovation project is getting underway at the Lilly Pulitzer store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The store is temporarily closed, and is expected to reopen before the end of the year. How much of the holiday shopping season it will be open for is not yet known. But Lilly Pulitzer herself would likely be aghast at the trash bag material covering her namesake boutique's windows. You might expect a major label targeting upscale clientele would offer some sort of branded window screens to its stores to hide construction work, rather than Hefty specials. Mon Dieu!

Demolition begins for new apartment tower in Bethesda

Demolition of multiple buildings has begun at the future site of an apartment tower at the southeast corner of Old Georgetown Road and St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Buildings along both streets will ultimately be torn down, most of which are now vacant. Work has started on the former Jewelry Exchange building on Old Georgetown. The office building on the corner will likely be the last to go, as some tenants are still occupying it.

Police identify suspect in Potomac Woods Plaza fatal shooting

Montgomery County police have identified a suspect in Sunday morning's fatal shooting at the Potomac Woods Plaza shopping center. Shayan Solimani Damabi, 21, of Gaithersburg is the man who killed 33-year-old Nicholas Njuki of Gaithersburg, homicide detectives allege. They believe he may still be driving a red 2018 four-door Acura TLX with Maryland license plate 3GD6732.

Police describe Solimani Damabi as being 6-feet, 2-inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide or the location of Shayan Solimani Damabi is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “P3 Tips” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.

Victim identified in Potomac Woods Plaza fatal shooting

Montgomery County police have identified the victim in the fatal shooting at Potomac Woods Plaza at 1087 Seven Locks Road early Sunday morning, September 13, 2026. Homicide detectives have also released more details about the incident. According to police, the victim, Nicholas Njuki, 33, of Gaithersburg, had a "confrontation" with the unknown male suspect inside Quincy's Potomac Bar & Grille earlier. Following the confrontation, Njuki left the restaurant with a companion, with whom he got into a vehicle. While attempting to leave the shopping center, their vehicle encountered another vehicle driven by the suspect.

Police did not describe what precisely happened next, but said Njuki ultimately exited the vehicle at 2:02 AM, at which time the suspect shot Njuki once from inside his own vehicle. The suspect then allegedly fired a shot at Njuki's companion, who had remained inside their vehicle. His companion then drove away from the scene and called 911. The suspect fled the scene in his own vehicle.

Interestingly, a description of the suspect has not yet been released. But police are asking anyone with information about this homicide to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org, and click on the “P3 Tips” link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.

Police respond to assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda yesterday afternoon. The assault took place at 3:18 PM Monday. This was the seventh known assault reported at the busy retail center so far this year. It has been relatively quiet on that front since the last assault on June 28, and County police have maintained a more visible presence at the mall this summer. Twelve assaults were reported at the property in 2025.

Fatal shooting at Potomac Woods Plaza

Montgomery County homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that took place early yesterday morning at Potomac Woods Plaza at 1087 Seven Locks Road. The shooting was reported outside of Quincy's Potomac Bar & Grille, which was hosting a viewing of a UFC fighting event late Saturday night, at 2:02 AM Sunday. County and Rockville City police officers and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel arriving at the scene found an adult male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim tragically passed away at the scene. 

The shooter(s) remain at large this morning. Police have not yet released any suspect descriptions in the case. However, its press release regarding the shooting did not solicit the public's help in identifying or locating suspects.

Police take suspect into custody at CVS Pharmacy in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a trespassing incident at a CVS Pharmacy in downtown Bethesda early Thursday evening, September 10, 2026. Officers were dispatched to the CVS at 7809 Wisconsin Avenue at 6:32 PM. Multiple cruisers responded to the call. Three officers eventually emerged with an individual in custody. It's unclear what charges, if any, the suspect ultimately faces. The suspect's face is obscured in these photos, as they appeared to be a juvenile.

Lilly Pulitzer "temporarily closed" at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

UPDATE: The reason for the temporary closure is a renovation project. The store is expected to reopen by the end of the year.

Lilly Pulitzer is closed today at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The apparel boutique's sales floor has largely been cleared out, and packing boxes are stacked inside the space. There is no message to customers on the storefront explaining why it is closed, or what the purpose is. The corporate website notes only that the mall location is "temporarily closed." Lilly Pulitzer opened at the mall in 2014.

Bethesda bus lane removal underway

A Maryland State Highway Administration crew was working overnight to remove bus lanes on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. They were using equipment to erase pavement markings that restricted the use of the right lane in both directions to buses only, during the closure of several Red Line Metro stations this summer. MDSHA vetoed the demand of several Montgomery County elected officials to make the temporary lanes permanent. Those officials - who had hoped to replicate a previous Trojan horse bait-and-switch scheme that saw "temporary" bus lanes on Georgia Avenue become permanent - were browbeating the state agency as late as last week. But MDSHA said the data verdict on the bus lanes was so bad that there was no justification to make them permanent, and actually stuck to their guns this time.

Bethesda Shake Shack opening date pushed back to September 30

There's been another delay in the opening of the downtown Bethesda Shake Shack at 7535 Old Georgetown Road. It has now been pushed back from September 17 to September 30. Inside, the fast-casual burger restaurant looks ready to go, so much so that employees have had to keep a sign in the window to inform the many hopeful gawkers that it is not yet open. If you just can't wait, there are always the relatively-nearby Montgomery Mall and Cabin John Village locations that are open now. But here in the downtown, there are 19 days to go!

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando discharged from hospital

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) has been discharged from the hospital after a successful surgical procedure following a heart attack last weekend. He is continuing his recovery at home, from where he filmed and uploaded a video message to his constituents. Jawando thanked his doctors at George Washington University Hospital, and the community for the outpouring of support and well-wishes. The video was likely reassuring to constituents, as you would not know he had suffered a medical emergency just days ago if you were not already aware. His appearance and speech showed no sign of illness or impairment.

Jawando advised viewers to "take care of yourself," and not ignore warning signs of cardiovascular health issues. He noted that even exercising regularly and being in good overall health did not prevent last Saturday's heart attack. "I'm in shape, I work out a lot, but things can happen." In short, this could happen to any of us at any time. 

"Most importantly, I want to thank God for getting me through this, and allowing me to still be here and to serve, and to be with you and to be with my family," Jawando said. Doctors expect Jawando, who is the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive, to make a full recovery. "I'll be back on track before you know it," Jawando concluded. Jawando's office announced in a press release that it is fully open even while the Councilmember is recuperating, and that his staff is "available, and ready to serve constituents throughout his recovery."

Luke's Lobster closes at Bethesda Row

Luke's Lobster has permanently closed at 7129 Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row. Signage has been stripped from the storefront, and the interior appears cleared out. It's the end of an era, as Luke's was one of the highest profile additions of the previous decade at the Federal Realty development. Luke's was also one of the biggest names in the lobster roll fad, which never actually ended, but became such a popular item that it wound up on many restaurant menus beyond the trucks and eateries that only sold those mayonnaise and butter drenched sandwiches. Perhaps the ubiquity of the lobster roll cut into demand for the OG specialty shops.

Kusshi Sushi to replace Passion Fin at Sumner Place in Bethesda

Kusshi Sushi is continuing its successful growth in the region with a second Bethesda location. It will be at 4611-H Sangamore Road in the Shops at Sumner Place (a.k.a. Little Falls Mall). There it will take over the Passion Fin space next to ATI Physical Therapy. Passion Fin had a successful run by any measure, surviving fourteen years, but was dark during normal business hours last night. The venerable shopping center has been upping its dining game recently, and Kusshi can be seen as another example of that.

Inspire Nail Bar coming soon to downtown Bethesda

We knew a nail salon was coming to 7718 Woodmont Avenue, in the ground floor of the Lionsgate condominiums, and now we know which one. Inspire Nail Bar is "coming soon," according to signage posted in its future storefront. This is a local nail salon chain that has grown from five locations in the region to nearly forty. Inspire is also opening a location at the Residences at Mazza in Friendship Heights, and has an existing location at 10309 Westlake Drive by Montgomery Mall.