Exclusive Bashes Balloon Bar opening at Gaithersburg Square

A Germantown small business is expanding into a bricks-and-mortar space in Gaithersburg. Exclusive Bashes Balloon Bar is opening soon at 536 N. Frederick Avenue at Gaithersburg Square. Exclusive Bashes has specialized not in the party balloon animal business that might come to mind, but in fancy balloon arrangements for even the most upscale events, and in event planning. They can handle anything from parties to big weddings and corporate events. When it opens, look for Exclusive Bashes next to the AT&T store.

Assault at convenience store in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police were called to a convenience store in Montgomery Village yesterday afternoon, June 30, 2026, after someone reported having been assaulted there. The 2nd-degree assault was reported at a store in the 19200 block of Watkins Mill Road at 4:44 PM Tuesday. A 7-Eleven store is located on that block. Once again, we see the 2026 trend of violent crime taking place during daylight hours.

Armed robbery in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Montgomery Village yesterday afternoon, June 29, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 9600 block of Lost Knife Road, one of the highest crime areas in Montgomery County. According to police, an alleged shoplifter was confronted by an employee as he attempted to walk out with merchandise. The suspect drew a knife and threatened to stab the employee, and successfully fled on foot. No description of the suspect has been released as of this writing.

Sneak peek: Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen is rounding the final bend at 212 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Teel Construction has done a fine job transforming the storefront into a portal to authentic Lebanese cuisine. Below you can take a sneak peek at the equally impressive interior fit-out of the restaurant. Speaking of sneak peeks, you can also preview the menu online.

Stabbing at Germantown Transit Center

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stabbing at the Germantown Transit Center last night. Police say a man "became aggressive toward" commuters waiting for a bus at 8:34 PM Wednesday. He then proceeded to pull out a knife and cut one victim. Police say the victim had "minor injuries." The knife-wielding assailant was arrested by officers. It's horrifying to recall that a teenage girl was stabbed twice at this same transit center thirteen months ago.

Sip Soda trailer opens at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

The Sip Soda trailer has been hauled into Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. On board are the ingredients for dirty sodas, a fad that has been spoken of for several years, but has yet to crest in our area. What is a dirty soda? Your favorite sodas with other ingredients mixed in. For example, the Ocean City dirty soda served by the trailer is made with Coca-Cola, salted caramel, and vanilla cream. The Sip Soda trailer is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Driver speeds toward father and son in Germantown, stops and yells racial slur, police say

A father and son were walking through the parking lot at the Neelsville Village at Milestone shopping center in Germantown yesterday afternoon, Montgomery County police say, when they noticed a car speeding toward them. The car nearly hit the two, police allege, before the driver abruptly stopped, shouted a racial slur at them, and drove off. Police have not identified the race of any of the parties involved. They also have not released a description of the suspect, or of the vehicle or tag number in question.