Good morning, Gaithersburg.

UMBC professor Sunil Dasgupta ended his local public affairs podcast I Hate Politics after a five-year, 420 episode run on June 30.

He said improved local media coverage made the show less necessary as he looks forward to his next adventure.

Work continues on Maryland’s first Xi’an Famous Foods in Rockville—construction remains in early stages as a $100,000 permit was issued for interior work at Montrose Crossing next to RASA and Five Guys, and the restaurant may open later this year.

Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is now open at Rio in Gaithersburg after a weeklong soft opening and offers Lebanese favorites like hummus, shawarma, and grilled entrées.

Located at 212 Boardwalk Place in a former music school, the restaurant honors Chef Rachid’s family heritage (celebrating Beirut’s culinary tradition).

Gaithersburg’s Café Sophie, a European-style café at the Montgomery County Airpark, will be featured on WETA PBS’ Emmy Award-winning series 'Signature Dish' in an episode called 'Exploring Europe' (premiering Monday, Sept.

7, at 9pm on WETA PBS and 8pm on WETA Metro, plus streaming on WETA+).

A report from personal finance firm WalletHub released on Aug.

24 found that Maryland ranked as the 14th-hardest working state, placing second for average commute time and 11th for daily leisure time.

Montgomery County Public Schools is studying possible closings and consolidations for elementary and middle schools today because enrollment has dropped over the past year — more details will be shared on Oct.

8 and public sessions will run from late Oct. through January with any changes set to start in 2029-30.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reopened Hunting Creek Lake and parts of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont on Monday after monitoring found no further rabid beaver activity+ Portions of Seneca Creek State Park near Darnestown remain closed as officials continue to check for safety.

Maryland agriculture officials have set up quarantines in several counties to slow the spread of the box tree moth, which can quickly kill boxwood plants.

Expert Mike Raupp advises homeowners to inspect their boxwoods for signs of silk webbing and caterpillars that may indicate an infestation.

Montgomery County announced the free Connect Montgomery App that unites local videos on county announcements, public programs, and services.

County officials say the app offers county videos + local updates twice monthly and is available for download from users’ preferred app store.

Montgomery County clarifies that the MMR vaccine remains one shot and fully covered to ease parent concerns before school starts.

Free student vaccination clinics (through Sept. 25) are available for families needing support.