June Downtowner News Briefs
By • June 14, 2023 0 1203
D.C. Council Passes Emergency Bill to Cap Rent Increases
Despite high inflation numbers, the D.C. Council passed an emergency bill earlier this month to stabilize rental housing in the city by capping rent increases, starting July 1. Those who live in rent-stabilized housing won’t see more than a six percent rent increase. Such caps have reached their highest levels this year due to high inflation. Nevertheless, senior citizens will see even more protection, with the cap being eight percent over the same previous two-year timespan.
No Charges for Off-Duty FBI Agent Who Shot Man in Metro
An off-duty FBI agent who shot a man last December will not face charges. The shooting took place on the Red Line platform at Metro Center shortly after 6 p.m. on December 7, 2022. The agent intervened to stop a fight occurring on the platform, according to prosecutors. The decedent was Troy N. Bullock, age 28.
Welcome, Baby Gorilla!
The Smithsonian National Zoo has welcomed its newest member of their family May 27. The baby female gorilla was born at The Great Ape House to her mother Calaya, 20, and father Baraka, 31. The little one is the second for both parents and joins the zoo’s group of gorillas, including Baraka and Calaya’s son Moke, a 41-year-old female named Mandara and her daughter Kibibi, age 14. As of press time, the zoo was holding a contest to name the baby with options being: Lola, Mkali or Zahra.
Woman Sues Neighbor to Stop Smoking Weed
Josefa Ippolito-Shepherd has won a lawsuit against a neighbor whom she claimed was smoking marijuana resulting in the pungent smell wafting into her home. Judge Ebony Scott ruled that Ippolito-Shepherd successfully argued that the smell in question was a private nuisance to her. Scott ordered her neighbor, Thomas Cackett, to stop the smoking. While Cacket is licensed to buy medical marijuana, he does “not possess a license to disrupt the full use and enjoyment of one’s land,” said Judge Scott in her decision file.
“Bob’s Burgers,” “Arrested Development” Actor Arrested for January 6 Involvement
Actor Jay Johnston, who’s had roles in shows like “Bob’s Burgers” and “Arrested Development,” was arrested earlier this month due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Johnston was nabbed in Los Angeles on charges that included civil disorder, a felony. He held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters during the attack. Over 1,000 people have been charged with crimes for participating in the deadly riot.
Uber Drivers to Get Dash Cams
With hopes to solve more crimes, D.C. leaders are giving free dash cams to people who spend a lot of time driving, like rideshare and food delivery drivers. The effort is funded through a $500,000 donation from DoorDash and will include handing out cameras later this summer at designated locations. “Advancing the safety of our entire community is incredibly important to everyone at DoorDash,” said John Horton, a spokesman for the company.
