Metro Briefs

DISTRICT

Council postpones rent-control bill

A D.C. Council committee has postponed a vote on changes to the city’s rent-control law, opening the possibility for a provision setting aside some apartments for lower-income tenants.

The original measure by council member Jim Graham, Ward 1 Democrat and chairman of the Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Committee, would tighten limits on rent increases when rent-controlled apartments become vacant.

Landlords say such limits would discourage them from properly maintaining the city’s rental properties. Mayor Anthony A. Williams, a Democrat, is proposing a compromise that would include a “means test” on prospective tenants, allowing the rent-controlled units to go to those who need them the most.

Ex-boyfriend jailed in stabbing death

Police have arrested a former boyfriend in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman Friday night in her home.

A Metropolitan Police Department spokesman said Denise Smith, 43, was found just before 11 p.m. with multiple stab wounds inside her home in the 1300 block of David Street Northeast. She was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators yesterday morning arrested her former boyfriend, Jerrold Vincent, 46, of no fixed address. He has been charged with first-degree murder while armed.

MARYLAND

WHEATON

Fire that injured 3 ruled accidental

An apartment fire Friday night that injured three persons was started accidentally, Montgomery County officials said.

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