Good morning, Washington. It’s Columbus Day, the least observed of all the federal holidays — or is that Veterans’ Day? Unless you work directly for the government or your job is absolutely dependent on it being open for business, odds are about even you’re sitting at your desk at the usual time this morning, as a trade-off for getting to take the Friday after Thanksgiving off. It’s also, of course, a controversial day, and is no longer celebrated in a handful of states. All federal, state and local government offices, such as schools, libraries and courts, are closed today. Buses are operating on a normal weekday schedule, but Metro is running on a modified Saturday schedule. If you do happen to have the day off today, the Smithsonian museums are all open.

Metro Could Save $4 million with Simple Conservation: The Post details a new audit by Pepco that shows that Metro is one of the worst energy consumers in the city. The agency could stand to save in the order of $4 million a year by implementing simple measures such as changing the way their office lights are controlled and installing energy-efficient window panes. That would amount to a pretty hefty dent in Metro’s $173 million budget shortfall.

West End Shooting Overnight: As many as four people may have been shot, with at least two confirmed to be injured, around 3 a.m. on the 1100 block of 21 St. NW between M and L. None of the injuries are life-threatening. Police are still investigating. The shooting took place outside of a building that contains a large space that can be rented for weddings and parties, but it isn’t yet known what kind of event was being held there Sunday night.

Briefly Noted: Unidentified runner dies in Army Ten-miler … Body found on school yard identified … Riders injured in Six Flags malfunction … Gray plans to introduce universal pre-K bill.

This Day in DCist: In 2004 we were getting ready for a big Bush v. Kerry debate and getting excited about the opening of Amsterdam Falafel.

Photo by IntangibleArts