Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream is set to officially welcome the community to its newest Montgomery County location in Chevy Chase with a full opening weekend celebration on April 4 and 5.

The Bethesda-born creamery, which is opening its fourth county location at 8551 Connecticut Avenue, will mark the occasion with a two-day block party and community market running from 1pm to 5pm each day. The event will feature local vendors and family-friendly programming, creating a festive atmosphere around the new shop’s debut.

In addition to the larger celebration, the Chevy Chase location will offer a special opening weekend promotion exclusively at this shop. Customers who purchase three hand-packed pints will receive a fourth pint free, encouraging visitors to stock up on favorites or try new flavors during the grand opening weekend.

Founded by mother-daughter duo Sarah Park and Annie Park, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream has grown from its roots in Bethesda into a local favorite known for its small-batch, site-made flavors and commitment to quality ingredients. The expansion into Chevy Chase continues that growth while bringing its signature menu of rotating flavors, vegan options, and even dog-friendly treats to a new neighborhood.

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.