In 2023, the Swedish government announced that the country’s schools would be going back to basics, emphasizing skills such as reading and writing, particularly in early grades. After mostly being sidelined, physical books are now being reintroduced into classrooms, and students are learning to write the old-fashioned way: by hand, with a pencil or pen, on sheets of paper. The Swedish government also plans to make schools cellphone-free throughout the country.

Educational authorities have been investing heavily. Last year alone, the education ministry allocated $83 million to purchase textbooks and teachers’ guides. In a country with about 11 million people, the aim is for every student to have a physical textbook for each subject. The government also put $54 million towards the purchase of fiction and non-fiction books for students.

These moves represent a dramatic pivot from previous decades, during which Sweden—and many other nations—moved away from physical books in favor of tablets and digital resources in an effort to prepare students for life in an online world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Nordic country’s efforts have sparked a debate on the role of digital technology in education, one that extends well beyond the country’s borders. US parents in districts that have adopted digital technology to a great extent may be wondering if educators will reverse course, too.

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Just outside Washington, D.C., downtown Silver Spring continues to make a strong case as Maryland’s coffee capital, with a dense and diverse lineup of cafes packed into a highly walkable area.

Following our visits to a wide range of local coffee shops in December 2024, this March 2026 update reflects how the scene has continued to grow, with new additions further strengthening an already impressive lineup.

Within just a few blocks, visitors can find everything from traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies to modern espresso bars, pastry-driven cafes, and quick grab-and-go options. The result is a coffee culture that offers both depth and variety, whether you’re looking to linger for hours or grab something on the move.

Local coffee shops remain the backbone of downtown Silver Spring’s identity. Kefa Café (963 Bonifant St) is often described as the “living room” of the community, known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong neighborhood ties. Prime Coffee & Bakery (930 Thayer Ave.) has quickly built a following with its mix of coffee drinks, French pastries, and full breakfast and lunch offerings since opening in late 2024.

Black Lion Café (8240 Fenton St) stands out not only for its coffee sourced from top Ethiopian regions, but also for its striking interior, which has been called one of the most beautiful places in Montgomery County to enjoy a cup. Nearby, Sheger Spring Café (900 Silver Spring Ave B) and Lesaac Ethiopian Café (8309 Fenton St) continue to highlight the deep Ethiopian influence on the area’s coffee scene, pairing traditional flavors with food rooted in heritage and family recipes.

Fenton Café (8311 Fenton St) adds to that mix with its popular crepes and coffee offerings, while Kaldi’s Social House (918 Silver Spring Ave.) brings a more modern, social atmosphere complete with a rooftop space and an all-day menu spanning breakfast through dinner.

The list of options continues to grow. Additional local spots where you can grab a cup of coffee include Zed’s Café (8225 Georgia Ave.), The Breakfast Club (8240 Fenton St), Java Nation (1010 Wayne Ave.), Aduli’s Coffee & Roastery (7825 Eastern Ave.), Morning My Day Café (1305 Fenwick Ln.), Sweeteria (8646 Colesville Rd.), Bump N Grind (923 Gist Ave.), Lemon Slice Café (8737 Colesville Rd.), and Locavino (8519 Fenton St.).

Newer additions further expand the already crowded coffee landscape. Celtic Cup (8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 101B) and Kosher Cafe (1300 Spring St., Suite 136) offer even more variety for those exploring the downtown area.

At the same time, major national brands continue to plant their flag in Silver Spring, adding convenience and familiarity to the mix. Dunkin’ (8455 Fenton St., Suite 5A) and Starbucks (1316 East-West Hwy) join other well-known names like Panera Bread, PJ’s Coffee, and Whole Foods Coffee Bar, ensuring that every type of coffee drinker is covered.

What sets downtown Silver Spring apart is not just the number of options, but how closely they’re clustered together. It’s entirely possible to visit multiple cafes in a single outing, sampling different styles, atmospheres, and cultural influences along the way.

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!”

 

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