Photo by Rich Renomeron

>> As part of an expansion plan that has nearby residents upset, Arlington National Cemetery officials plan on cutting down 822 historic trees, writes the Examiner. An original plan called for the removal of 900 trees dating back to the Civil War, but complaints from residents led the Army Corps of Engineers to modify the number downwards—by 78 trees. Cemetery officials say some trees need to be cut down to make room for the 30 acres needed to bury an additional 30,000 service members. They’ve said they will plant new trees and shrubs to make up for the ones being cut down.

>> The Uber driver arrested for allegedly raping a passenger was not charged yesterday, reports the Post, and was instead released. Despite assurances from police that he would be charged for the December incident, prosecutors opted to take no action against Anouar Habib Trabelsi. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office would only say that the matter remains under investigation.

>> With Congress and President Obama always fighting over the federal budget, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton wants to make sure D.C. is protected if the federal government is forced to shut down. The Washington Times writes that Norton has again introduced a bill that would allow the D.C. government to remain open if the feds close; currently, the D.C. government is treated like a federal agency and is forced to shut down if a budget deal isn’t made.

Briefly Noted: Fairfax County official apologizes for insulting Prince George’s County … D.C. Public Charter School Board says it wants to do away with zero tolerance policies at schools … Dulles Toll Road fees could increase … Maryland resident who died from rabies got the disease through an organ transplant … Ocean City turns down advertising offer from Old Bay.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2012, Virginia was for lovers (of conservative academia) and a D.C. shadow senatorial candidate asked for jail time—and got it. In 2011, a true sinkhole appeared.