Downtowner April 4, 2018


Charges Against Turkish Guards Dismissed

Federal prosecutors have dismissed assault charges against 11 guards in a brawl in D.C. last May. Video of the incident showed guards for visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan beating protesters who gathered outside Sheridan Circle near the Turkish ambassador’s residence. A total of 15 guards were indicted in July, but prosecutors dismissed charges in November and in March the cases were dropped altogether.

Mike Isabella Sued by Former Employee

Disgraced chef Mike Isabella is in even bigger trouble. Chloe Caras, a former Isabella Eatery director of operations, filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court against Isabella, beverage director Taha Ismail, Kapnos executive chef George Pagonis, director Nick Pagonis and CFO Johannes Allender. Caras recalled multiple instances of abuse and a “bro culture.” On the heels of the lawsuit, Nationals Park announced the elimination of Isabella’s two concession stands — a move said to have been planned before the allegations came out.

Mayor Releases FY19 Budget Proposal

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has released her Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal. Among its noteworthy investments in infrastructure is the District’s $178.5-million commitment to dedicated annual funding for Metro. Investments in education include a $94-million increase in funding for DC Public Schools. Money is also allotted to achieving the goals of reducing homelessness and increasing employment through training and other programs.

First D.C.-Made Wine Announced

District Winery, a boutique urban winery located in the Yards, announced its very first D.C-made wine. The 2017 dry rosé will be available later this month, marking the first time a wine has been commercially produced in the District from beginning to end Led by head winemaker Conor McCormack, District Winery’s production team is said to blend old-world methods with a willingness to go beyond boundaries.

‘Hyperloop’ Route Between D.C. and Baltimore

Last year, Elon Musk announced a project for a “Hyperloop” transportation system between D.C. and New York City. So far, Musk’s Boring Company has been focusing its efforts in Maryland, working on a 12-mile tunnel between Baltimore and D.C. According to Electrek, the project would include dual tunnels 35 miles long connecting the downtown areas of D.C. and Baltimore.

Museum of Historically Black Colleges Opens

The new HBCU Museum opened at 7610 A Georgia Ave. NW last month. Family-owned, the 638-square-foot museum is devoted to the history of historically black colleges and universities and their impact on black culture in America, displaying memorabilia and photographs relating to the schools and their famous graduates. More than 90 HBCUs were created between 1861 and 1900.

 

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