Breakfast links: Airbnb is expanding in Arlington
Arlington renters can now list their places on Airbnb
As of Saturday, Arlington County renters can apply for the “accessory homestay” zoning designation. Created last month, it allows residents to list properties on home share sites. One caveat: this isn't allowed if your lease prohibits subletting. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
The new Congress will probably be more involved in DC affairs
Congress is signaling that it will take a more granular interest in DC's laws, perhaps becoming more involved than any time since home rule was established in 1973. The first move will likely be to block a new law that lets doctors help terminally ill patients end their own lives. (Aaron C. Davis, Peter Jamison / Post)
Area universities are struggling with the new immigration ban
All of the universities in the area have advised their international students and staff to be wary of travel in light of the United States' new immigration policy. Each has condemned the new rules, but none are sure how to proceed. (Drew Hansen / WBJ, Liam Stack / NY Times)
Lead poisoning in a government-approved house in DC
After this homeless family moved into a new house provided by the District, their 2-year-old daughter came down with the worst case of lead poisoning seen in decades. DC's inspectors basically just relied on an eye test when testing for lead, and the landlord just assumed the house was safe. (Terrence McCoy / Post)
Car2go is bringing roomier, more luxurious options to DC
Car2go will replace some of the older cars in its fleet with new Mercedes sedans and SUVs. DC is among the first cities to get the new, roomier vehicles, which Car2go says will make up the majority of its fleet by the end of the year. (Christina Sturdivant / DCist)
Take a look at the approved design for the SunTrust Plaza development
The debate over what to do with Adams Morgan's SunTrust Plaza building has been contentious. DC's historic review board has approved a new design that incorporates a number of changes requested back in October. The seven-story building will have 60 residential units above ground-level retail space. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
Local bobcat on the lam
A female bobcat escaped from the National Zoo yesterday Morning, likely into Rock Creek Park. While she probably doesn't pose much danger to humans, residents should keep an eye on their pets and should not approach the animal if they see her. (Michael E. Ruane / Post)
Here’s what could happen to transit funding under Trump
Elaine Chao will likely be confirmed as the new secretary of transportation on Tuesday. Trump's transportation plan is rumored to contain huge slashes to federal transit spending. It could even be based on a detrimental budget cooked up by an anti-transit think tank. (Josh Cohen / NextCity)
Time to knock down these freeways
Often times, cities find that removing decrepit freeways cuts traffic congestion and increases quality of life in the surrounding area. Here's a list of ten urban freeways that this author says ought to come down. (Angie Schmitt / StreetsBlog)