Silver Spring man found guilty in MS-13 killing
A federal jury has found a Silver Spring man guilty of participating in a gang killing in Frederick. Raul Ernesto Landaverde-Giron was among seven defendants charged in the murder of Merlin Garcia more than four years ago. Giron was one of three MS-13 members who followed an order from gang members in El Salvador to track down Garcia and kill him, according to prosecutors. With his conviction, Giron is facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison. [WTOP]
Bill banning bump stocks advances in Maryland legislature
The Maryland House of Delegates on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would ban bump stocks, one of several measures the legislature is considering to address gun violence. Bump stocks accelerate the firing of a semiautomatic weapon, and the Las Vegas shooter who killed 58 people last year used one of the devices. The legislation sponsored by Del. David Moon of Montgomery County would prohibit the manufacture, sale, possession and use of bump stocks in Maryland. [Washington Post]
Opioid epidemic could form key issue in 6th District race
The state’s opioid crisis could become a central issue in the race for the 6th Congressional District seat. Allegany County, which lies inside the district, had the highest rate of opioid prescriptions of any Maryland county in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And many of the candidates for the seat have already talked about the way the epidemic has touched their own lives. One candidate, Christopher Hearsey of Gaithersburg, at age 13 watched his father collapse from an overdose. Another, David Trone, experienced the death of a nephew from an overdose. [Baltimore Sun]
Gaithersburg plans new police station
Gaithersburg officials are working to finalize the design for a new police station. The project will cost an estimated $12 million, with construction expected to begin in 2019. The new building will be at 16 S. Summit Ave. and will span about 40,000 square feet. [Montgomery Community Media]
Smattering of snow, rain possible for Thursday
A slight chance of snow flurries is in the forecast for Thursday morning, with the possibility of rain and snow into the afternoon. Temperatures could top 50 degrees during the day and hit a low of 31 overnight.
Kagan Says Video Proves She Was Touched Inappropriately By Lobbyist
District Taco Comes to Silver Spring
Teens From More Than Two Dozen Montgomery County Schools Plan D.C. March