Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has announced that its highly anticipated Virginia resort will officially open on Nov. 12, 2026, bringing one of the country’s largest indoor water park destinations within a relatively short drive of Montgomery County.

The $900 million resort is under construction in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, just off Interstate 95, approximately 80 miles from central Montgomery County. Once complete, it will become Kalahari’s fifth U.S. location and will feature more than 175,000 square feet of indoor water park attractions, approximately 900 guest suites, a full-service convention center, restaurants, shopping, arcades and other family entertainment. The African-inspired resort is expected to attract visitors from across the Washington metropolitan area and the East Coast.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions was recently named to TIME’s inaugural list of America’s Best Private Companies 2026. The family-owned company earned recognition for its workplace culture, employee development and community impact. Founded more than 25 years ago by Todd and Shari Nelson, Kalahari says it has built its growth around investing in employees through leadership development, wellness initiatives and a promote-from-within philosophy, while also supporting local communities through volunteer programs, charitable giving and workforce development initiatives. TIME and research firm Statista selected the 500 companies based on employee survey data and measurable societal, environmental and workplace impact.

“This recognition isn’t about a ranking; it’s about our people,” Founder and CEO Todd Nelson said in announcing the honor. “We’ve always believed that when you invest in people, supporting their growth, their well-being and being there for them through life’s toughest moments, you build something stronger.”

Kalahari currently operates resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania; and Round Rock, Texas. The Virginia location marks the company’s first resort in the Washington, D.C. region and is expected to become a popular destination for families seeking a water park getaway without air travel.

A bizarre series of events in a college microbiology lab class left 33 people—including students, professors, and lab workers—believing they were exposed to a deadly germ. Of those, 32 began taking an antibiotic regimen as a precaution to prevent a life-threatening infection. Two also underwent lumbar punctures—aka spinal taps—after developing mild symptoms.

But none of them had actually been exposed to a dangerous pathogen, a fortunate twist in the strange incident, which otherwise stands to be a cautionary tale for the ages. The incident was published in a recent issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

It began with a simple laboratory exercise. The microbiology lab students were supposed to be given mystery bacteria by their instructors and then identify the microbe based on a series of biochemical tests and morphological characterization.

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An unusual new destination for coffee lovers has arrived in Montgomery County, as Cafecito is now open inside the new Whip Clean Car Wash at the Festival at Muddy Branch shopping center in Gaithersburg.

Whip Clean also officially opened this week, offering a state-of-the-art car wash with free exterior washes during its grand opening weekend.

Cafecito serves handcrafted specialty coffee, premium matcha and seasonal signature drinks. The shop says its mission is to create a welcoming space where customers can slow down, connect and enjoy quality coffee instead of simply grabbing a drink on the go.

Cafecito was founded by Michael Funes, a former professional soccer player who represented both the United States and El Salvador. After discovering a passion for espresso during a trip to Italy in 2019, Funes spent several years learning the craft before launching Cafecito as a coffee cart in 2025. The business sources its coffee from Latin American countries including Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala, with a mission centered on hospitality, culture and community.

The new Whip Clean location is located on Muddy Branch Road across from Lotte Plaza Market and next to Best Friends Pet Resort. The 11,378-square-foot facility features a modern wash tunnel and an assembly line-style finish bay designed to streamline the drying and detailing process.

The annual Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival returns to Rockville Town Square on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free, family-friendly event will celebrate Taiwanese culture through food, music, art and community while also commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary with this year’s theme, “Steeping Joy for the USA’s 250th!”

Festival organizers say attendees can enjoy authentic Taiwanese bubble tea, traditional snacks and specialty foods, live music and cultural performances, and activities highlighting Taiwan’s rich heritage. The event also aims to bring together families, friends and members of the DMV community through cultural exchange and shared experiences.

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The festival is sponsored by EVA Air and will be held at Rockville Town Square.