Traffic congestion in Maryland’s urban areas among worst in nation, report finds
Average commute times in state — 32.7 minutes — are second-longest in nation. [WTOP]
Trial likely to be delayed for Silver Spring Coast Guard officer charged with plotting attack
The trial for Christopher Hasson, 49, of Silver Spring, will likely begin later than the scheduled date of May 20 due to large amounts of evidence prosecutors must review. Hasson, a former Coast Guard officer, has been accused of threatening to attack several journalists and Democratic politicians. Among the evidence prosecutors have found so far are a $14,000 arsenal, nine rifles, six handguns and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. He remains in jail on several drug and weapons charges. [WUSA]
Maryland Senate passes budget
The Maryland Senate passed its version of the $46.6 billion state budget Thursday by a vote of 47-0. State Sen. Cheryl Kagan, a Montgomery Democrat, had considered adding discrimination protections for private school students, but ultimately did not add the amendment. She said she hopes other protections for those with disabilities and different genders are still put in place. [Maryland Matters]
Germantown woman missing since Thursday
Montgomery County police say Tylasia Claudia Russell, 19, of Germantown, has been missing since Thursday when she was last seen leaving her home on Aberstraw Way. Russell is described as an African American woman who is four feet, 11 inches, weighs 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red jacket with a white shirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes. [WUSA]
Today’s weather
Temperatures will reach a high of 52 degrees Friday with rain and wind in the afternoon. The rain will end this evening, but winds of 20 to 30 mph will continue.
