Downtowner: New Divorce Law; Metro Fares; Cicadas; Carjackings
By • February 14, 2024 0 1513
D.C. Law Removes Waiting Period Before Divorce
There’s a new law in the District jettisoning the waiting period for couples who want to divorce. The law is in response to an effort to help domestic violence survivors leave abusive spouses faster. Before the law went into effect, couples could divorce after living separately for six months, as long as both parties agreed. If one half of the couple objected to the divorce, the duo would have to remain legally married for one year.
Metro Avoids Closing Stations but Fare Increases Loom
If the WMATA budget is approved, riders will see a 12.5 percent increase in fares starting July 1. All Metro stations (98 to be exact) will stay open, but in addition to fare increases, riders will have to deal with more six-car trains running than eight-car ones. D.C.’s Metro system is distinctive in that its funding comes from three separate sources rather than just one, like most public transportation systems.
Two Fathers, One a Former Trump Official, Die After Carjacking Spree
Mike Gill, a father of three and former Trump official died nearly a week after a carjacking spree spanning the District and Maryland. Former top exec in the Housing Policy Council, Gill was sitting in his car parked along K Street NW just before 6 p.m. on January 29 when the suspect jumped into Gill’s Jeep, shot him and left the scene. The suspect later carjacked and killed another person, Alberto Jasquez, Jr., 35, on the 300 block of N St. Gill, 56, was a member of the Parish Council at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown and leaves behind his wife Kristina and three children.
Mike Gill died after a carjacking spree in downtown D.C. Photo by Marion Meakem.
Next Round of Cicada Invasions Will (Thankfully) Skip the Area
Cicada broods XIII and XIX, which come out every 17 years and 13 years, respectively, will not be gracing the area with their presence this summer. The first time both broods have synced arrival since 1803, the broods are set to meet in Illinois. Researchers plan to examine the bugs’ mating capabilities. Luckily, Washingtonians’ ears will be spared.
While Brood X will not be emerging this summer, others will center on Illinois and luckily, D.C. will be spared. Wikipedia photo.
Columbia Heights Safeway Boosts Security, Installs Gates in Wake of Soaring Crime
The Safeway on Columbia Road has added security gates where customers will need to scan receipts to leave the store. The security measures come in the wake of an employee at the store hearing “unknown items” falling and being knocked over. Three suspects in ski masks demanded the employee get to the ground. The worker then ran to the basement of the Safeway and called 911. The suspects destroyed an ATM and took an undisclosed amount of cash.
