Breakfast links: Metro is taking precautions against spying in its new rail cars
![](/images/made/images/posts/_resized/12144622035_bbe279dddd_k_800_535_90.jpg)
An old Metro car by Caroline Angelo used with permission.
US officials fear the spying potential of rail cars from China
Metro recently added cyber security safeguards to specifications for its next generation of rail cars following security experts' warnings that China’s state-owned rail car manufacturer, a strong contender for the $1 billion contract, could use them to spy on US officials during their commutes. (Robert McCartney and Faiz Siddiqui / Post)
The DC mayor pledges 36,000 new housing units by 2025
Although DC Mayor Muriel Bowser did not specify any policy changes to reach the goal, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson said denser construction is possible with changes to the zoning code. Housing analysts say the mayor’s goal is achievable, with DC averaging 4,500 permits for new housing units per year over the last eight years. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
The shutdown puts millions of low-income tenants at risk of eviction
The Department of Housing and Urban Development sent a letter to 1,500 landlords of tenants using various housing assistance programs asking them to not evict tenants because of funding that lapsed due to the shutdown. Local public housing authorities are estimated to be able to fund housing vouchers only through February. (Jeff Andrews / Curbed)
Rockville and Gaithersburg reps plan to push for election reform and enviroment
At a forum for Maryland District 17 residents, elected state officials representing Rockville and Gaithersburg said they plan to prioritize election reform and environmental matters at the state legislature, including a renewable energy bill. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat)
The DC Council may lower hurdles for high density developments
Calling it a “high priority,” DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson plans to take up a bill amending the District's comprehensive plan that could reduce legal hurdles to move dozens of developments forward with higher density projects. (Katie Arcieri / WBJ)
DC nonprofit Bread for the City breaks ground for SE expansion
With the expansion on Good Hope Road SE, Bread for the City expects to serve 75,000 residents with access to legal and medical services in addition to featuring a job center and rooftop garden. The nonprofit currently serves about 52,000 residents each year. (Melissa Howell / WTOP)
Elected officials blocking critics on Facebook violates the First Amendment
A federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia ruled unanimously that Phyllis J. Randall, chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, violated the First Amendment when she temporarily blocked a community-activist constituent on Facebook. (Ann E. Marimow / Post)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.