Breakfast links: Suits and straws

LinksBy Sam Sherwood (Contributor) February 7, 2014

Photo by thisisbossi on Flickr.

Rest easy, Councilman

A federal judge has dismissed a $100 million lawsuit against Jim Graham. The suit was related to the same Metro development/

lottery contract situation that earned him a reprimand from the DC Council last year. (City Paper)

Bowser wins straw poll

Muriel Bowser came out on top in the Ward 4 straw poll. While her margin fell short of the threshold to secure an official endorsement, this is the second time she’s beat the incumbent mayor in this kind of contest.  (DCist)

Rideshare regulators

The DC Taxicab Commission wants to regulate UberX, Lyft, and Sidecar as ‘private sedans’ for hire. Proposed regulations will be announced in March, and will likely include additional insurance requirements. (WAMU)

Ride on

Some people put their butt where their mouth is. A weatherman who has sworn off air travel to reduce his carbon footprint took the bus from Wisconsin to Georgia to avoid flying and was happy doing so. (Slate, Jasper)

Density is good for your health

A new study looks to untangle which aspects of “walkability” lead to better health outcomes. The conclusion: housing density and non-residential uses you can walk to are the key. (Streetsblog)

Buying density with affordable housing dollars

Fairfax County is considering requiring developer contributions to an affordable housing trust as a condition of increased density through rezoning. (Fairfax Times)

Where we run

Your friends who publicly broadcast their runs may be creating a useful data set, not just bragging rights. What do our jogging preferences say about us, and what might planners be able to do with this information? (FlowingData, Gil)  (Tip: Gil)

Stop the bridge

CSG is looking for your help to stop a Virginia bill that would advance a new, unnecessary, traffic- and sprawl-inducing bridge across the Potomac.

And…

Natural Bridge will become a Virginia state park. (Post) … The Maryland Senate has voted to ban sales of high-proof alcohol. (WAMU) … What are the political barriers to 24/7 transit service? (Atlantic Cities)