Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this crime or the suspect involved to call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Callers may remain anonymous.
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Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced El Salvadoran national Jose Lopez Rivera, age 27, of Elmont, New York, formerly residing in Maryland, to 26 years in federal prison for a racketeering conspiracy involving a violent murder connected to his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise also known as MS-13, and for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other central American countries. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Since at least 2015, Lopez Rivera was a member of the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (“FLS”) MS-13 clique.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) tweeted the following at 11am on Friday, June 2: “Happening @MCDOTNow: Our Highway Services crews are investigating a possible sinkhole on MidCounty Highway at Miller Fall Road. Please avoid the area if possible.”
We will post an update when additional information is available.
Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.
Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.
A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region
One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.
This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.
“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”
A Strong Partnership Network
Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.
Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)
Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Patrol Investigations Unit are investigating a series of inappropriate touchings committed by a suspect who groped women in the adjacent neighborhood along the Trolley Trail located between Edson Lane and Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. Detectives have released video of the male suspect and are urging anyone who may be a victim of an inappropriate touching by this suspect to come forward.
The investigation by detectives has revealed that on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a female victim was walking on Nicholson Lane near the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center when she was approached by the suspect who was riding an electric scooter. The suspect then knocked her to the ground and groped her before she was able to escape and call police.
Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland
The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a house fire in the 11500 blk of Brundidge Terrace, near Brandermill Drive in Germantown on Thursday, June 1 around 6pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated along the base of a fence and was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damage is estimated to be ~$50K and there were no injuries reported. Piringer reminds residents, “Tossing your butt off the deck may seem like the easiest way to get rid of a ‘lit’ cigarette, but it can also be the easiest way to start a fire. Don’t be a flicker.”
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are warning residents to be aware of a phone scam involving police impersonators that is currently active in Maryland.
Maryland State Police have received reports from multiple residents advising that callers contact them claiming to be state troopers or police officers. The reports are attempts to gain financial information or money from residents. The impersonator tells the potential victims that they need to obtain information from the caller due to a police investigation or they are asking for a donation to support law enforcement and their families.
Crave Café is now open at 1200 East-West Highway in Silver Spring, according to a report by Source of the Spring. The coffee shop is located in the space previously occupied by Bump ‘n Grind, which closed in May 2021. Menu items include 16 different blends of coffee, breakfast sandwiches, muffins/bread, soups, paninis, and salads. The restaurant is part of Jeffeary Miskiri’s Miskiri Hospitality Group, which describes itself as a unique collective of Black, family and woman-owned products and restaurants in the DC area.
According to its website, “Situated in the popular and vivacious Downtown Silver Spring, Crave Cafe will offer a lively, energetic, classy comfortable, and intimate environment. We looking forward to serving local coffee blends as well as a selection of healthy food choices to families, the college communities, and the workforce that frequent the area!”
Mr. Franklin is from Alexandria. His military family traveled the U.S. and England. Since 1981, the Arlington resident has been playing acoustic guitar and singing the blues at community events, local festivals, international festivals, clubs, cafes and other venues. Rick’s musical style is an acoustic finger style blues with vocals known as the “Piedmont Blues.” That style is identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore, along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson and Archie Edwards. Rick has taught guitar and is committed to the preservation and diffusion of the blues.
Per Montgomery College: Montgomery College (MC) announced Dr. Michelle A. Campbell will be its next senior vice president for advancement and community engagement, following a national search. Campbell comes to the College, located in Montgomery County, Md., from Middlesex College in New Jersey, where she served as vice president for institutional advancement. She begins her new role at Montgomery College on June 5, 2023.
Campbell will serve on the College’s senior leadership team as a member of the President’s Cabinet. She will oversee the strategic vision of the College’s advancement team, which includes the Office of Development, the Montgomery College Foundation, the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College (PIC MC) Foundation, the Alumni Association, Community Engagement, Grants and Sponsored Programs, and Special Events. Her oversight also includes the Office of Communications, which manages MC’s marketing, website, public relations, social media, publications, and Montgomery College Television.
Lola has been living her best life with her new dad, Josh. Josh is a Maryland State Trooper who not only deserves a thank you for his occupation, but he deserves a HUGE thank you for the life he has given Lola. Lola goes on daily adventures. She just got back from a little vacation in Ocean City and absolutely loved the beach. She gets her exercise daily and is now getting around better than before despite her arthritis.
Lola is in the process of hopefully becoming an emotional support animal at the hospital for cancer patients. She has also helped young children who have been afraid dogs, to not be so afraid. She is truly one of a kind who just loves everyone she meets. Lola is exactly where she needs to be and is living her best life. We are incredibly thankful to Josh and his family for giving her the life she derserves.”
Last June we let you know that Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden was coming to 7747 Tuckerman Ln in Cabin John Village, taking over the space that was previously home to Lahinch. Lahinch closed permanently last May. Since then, Common Plate Hospitality has decided to bring a new concept to the space– The Grove. According to a report by Eater DC, the restaurant believes its chef, Jose Lopez-Picazo, “has the potential to win a Michelin star here,”.
According to the article, The Grove will feature Mediterranean cuisine (Spain, Italy, and Greece) and hopes to open in July. “We realized there’s nothing there to cater to a higher-end, fine-dining experience,” says (Commonplate Founder) Chad Sparrow). “People don’t have to go to D.C. — we can offer that at the Grove.” The Grove had its hearingwith Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services on Thursday, May 4th at 11am, where it was granted its license. Construction is ongoing at the restaurant.