A new study from Innerbody Research is highlighting how Easter candy preferences vary across the country, and in Maryland, one colorful favorite is leading the way in 2026.

According to the report, Starburst Jelly Beans are the most popular Easter candy in Maryland this year, continuing a broader trend that shows jelly beans dominating in multiple regions across the U.S.

Maryland also ranks 27th overall for Easter candy interest, placing it right in the middle nationally when it comes to how “sweet tooth” driven residents are during the holiday season.

A look at nearby areas shows some variety across the region. Washington, D.C. leans toward Jelly Belly jelly beans, reinforcing the popularity of jelly beans locally, while Virginia stands out with Sconza chocolates as its top choice. Despite the differences, the region as a whole appears to favor chewy, candy-coated treats over more traditional chocolate staples.

Nationwide, Peeps remain the most popular Easter candy overall, claiming the top spot in nearly one-third of states. Even with their often polarizing reputation, the marshmallow treat continues to generate strong interest year after year.

The data also shows that while Easter is often associated with chocolate, consumer behavior tells a different story. From the Southeast to parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, jelly beans are consistently ranking as the top choice, including right here in Maryland.

While Maryland may not be among the most candy-obsessed states, its preference is clear. When Easter baskets are filled across the state this year, Starburst Jelly Beans are likely to be front and center.

Falafel Inc., the fast-casual concept known for its affordable, globally inspired menu, has closed its first Maryland location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.

The restaurant initially entered the Maryland market in November 2024 with its Montgomery Mall opening, marking a notable expansion from its Washington, D.C. roots. The mall location served as the brand’s first step into Montgomery County, offering a menu centered around falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides like zaatar fries and tabouli salad. Approximately a year and a half later the Bethesda location has now shuttered. No official reason for the closure has been publicly shared.

Despite the closure, Falafel Inc. continues to maintain a presence in the county. Its Pike & Rose location in North Bethesda, which opened in April 2025, remains open and operating. The company is also continuing its local expansion. A new location is planned for in Downtown Silver Spring, further signaling its commitment to growing within Montgomery County. The upcoming restaurant was first reported by Source of the Spring, and a representative for the company confirmed on Tuesday that it is still coming soon.

Falafel Inc. was founded by Palestinian-American entrepreneur Ahmad Ashkar in Georgetown just over a decade ago, according to ARLnow. The concept was built on a mission to provide high-quality, affordable food while also supporting refugees worldwide, a core value that continues to define the brand as it expands.

A new seafood-focused food truck is getting ready to make its debut in Rockville, bringing a strong Maryland identity and a clear focus on quality crab dishes to one of the area.

The Crab Trap is planning to open by mid to late April at 15211 Frederick Rd., located at the Exxon on the corner of E. Gude Drive and 355. The concept centers around a streamlined menu built on Chesapeake Bay flavors, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation.

At the heart of the menu are its crab cakes, offered in both jumbo lump and lump varieties. The signature jumbo lump Maryland blue crab cake features 100% jumbo lump crab, topped with lettuce, heirloom tomato, and Old Bay mayo, and can be ordered either broiled or fried. A lump crab version offers a slightly different texture while keeping the same classic build.

Beyond crab, the truck rounds out its offerings with a handful of approachable options. The Trap Burger includes a smash patty with bacon, aged cheddar, crispy onion, and house burger sauce, while the Chesapeake Chicken delivers a Maryland-seasoned chicken breast with classic toppings, available fried or grilled.

Sides lean heavily into local flavor as well, including boardwalk-style fries served with Old Bay and malt vinegar, Maryland street corn topped with crab seasoning and cotija cheese, and crab hushpuppies paired with Old Bay mayo. Deviled eggs and a simple mixed greens salad provide additional options, while a customizable “Snag a Trap” add-on allows customers to add crab to any dish. Desserts will rotate regularly under the “Sweets by Sam” banner, with selections changing daily and available directly at the ordering window.

Owner and chef Matt Biscoe says the goal behind The Crab Trap is simple… bring a true Maryland crab cake experience to Montgomery County. Inspired by Chesapeake Bay flavors, the truck focuses on doing a few things well, using high-quality ingredients and maintaining consistency across the menu. The philosophy is summed up in its tagline, “JUMBO LUMP, NO JUNK!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Crab Trap (@mdcrabtrap)

Someone is celebrating a birthday tomorrow—it's Gmail. The iconic email service debuted 22 years ago on April 1, forever altering what people expected from free email. But 22 years is a long time, and the username you chose when you finally got your hands on an invite in 2004 may not have stood the test of time. Starting today, Google will let US-based users ditch an old username without creating a new account.

Google started testing this option some months ago, both in the US and internationally. Today, the name change feature is rolling out widely in the US. You can check for the option on this account page to get started (you'll have to log in). Some of the accounts we've checked already have the option, but it could take a while for it to appear for everyone.

Over the years, many users have abandoned old Gmail addresses because the handle is too personal or their names have changed. Now, you don't have to abandon anything. When the option appears, you'll be able to change the username portion of your email (the part before @gmail) to anything you desire. However, Google says you can only change your address once every 12 months. The company hasn't explained why you're limited to one change per year, but it may be a measure to combat spam.

Read full article

Comments

As cherry blossom season begins, Montgomery Parks is encouraging residents to explore blooms closer to home using its online cherry tree map, which highlights locations across dozens of local parks, trails, and gardens throughout the county.

The interactive map pinpoints where flowering trees can be found and identifies them by species and cultivar, including Yoshino, Higan, and Okame. With trees spread across the county, officials say residents can avoid the crowds typically seen at the Tidal Basin while still enjoying peak spring color.

“We are right on the cusp of cherry blossom season in Montgomery County,” said Josh Demers, senior horticulturist at Montgomery Parks. “Our peak bloom typically arrives a few days to a week after the Tidal Basin. Downtown trees sit in a warmer pocket created by dense buildings and pavement. Here, spring takes its time—that means we expect our buds to start popping open in the first week of April this year.”

Brookside Gardens stands out as one of the top viewing destinations, featuring 71 cherry trees in its Japanese-inspired Gude Garden, including 23 that were added last fall. Other parks with notable concentrations of cherry trees include Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park and South Germantown Recreational Park. Additional viewing spots with strong tree density can be found at Kemp Mill Urban Park in Wheaton, Leland Neighborhood Park in Chevy Chase, and Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park in Silver Spring.

Unlike the Tidal Basin, where peak bloom is relatively short-lived, Montgomery Parks’ variety of cherry tree species allows for an extended viewing season. Different trees bloom at different times, creating waves of color that can last for several weeks.

“Montgomery Parks cherry blossom season isn’t a single moment, it’s a whole stretch of spring,” said Drew Asbury, horticulturist at Brookside Gardens. “Different varieties take turns blooming so you can catch a fresh wave of color week after week. The best plan is to visit your local park often and watch the landscape change.”