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>> Prosecutors in D.C. have dropped rape charges against an Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in Cleveland Park late last year, reports the Post. Though police thought they had a solid case against the driver, conflicting statement from both the victim and the driver over whether or not the sex was consensual—and even what type of sex they had—pushed prosecutors into deciding not to press charges.
>> A new strict gun control bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly now heads to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s desk for his signature, writes the Examiner. The bill bans assault weapons and magazines that hold more than 10 bullets, requires licenses and fingerprinting for handgun sales, and forbids those that are mentally ill from owning a gun.
>> A former Georgetown basketball player who won a national title in 1984 got lucky again recently: he won a $1 million D.C. Powerball drawing, reports WTOP. Michael Graham said that he’d be investing the money in his waste management consulting company and donating some of it to charity.
Briefly Noted: Democrats in Virginia looking to gain majorities in state House, Senate … Virginia to help rebuild oyster population in Chesapeake Bay with $2 million program … Driver killed by deer crashing through windshield … Maryland General Assembly passes cyber-bullying bill … D.C. public school students use cameras to protest security measures at schools.
This Day in DCist: On this day in 2012, Marion Barry made some eyebrow-raising comments about Asian Americans and then kinda apologized, and D.C. signed a crafty contract to purchase two more streetcars. In 2011, the a looming federal shutdown threatened D.C. budget negotiations.
Martin Austermuhle