Photo by Joe in DC

Good morning, Washington. As we reported late yesterday, Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. (D-Ward 5) tendered his resignation last night, and today he heads off to court to formally plead guilty to charges that he stole over $350,000 and failed to report as much in income on his tax returns. As the City Paper notes, a number of Ward 5 contenders are already stepping up to fight for his seat in a special election that’s likely to come in May. We’ll have more coverage as the day goes on.

Occupy Indoors: Some protesters who are part of the Freedom Plaza Occupy Washington, D.C. encampment have decided to move into two homes and shift their protest into “phase 2,” reports the Examiner. The protesters say that they’re not fleeing because of the weather or fear of the U.S. Park Police, but rather because they want to push their cause by raising money and starting a public-access TV show. One house is located in Mt. Rainier, the second in the District. In related news, Occupy Frederick…wait, there’s an Occupy Frederick?

You’re Welcome, America: If you’re usually late on filing your tax returns, you’ll have two more days to do it this year — and the District is partially to thank for that. NBC4 reports that since April 15 falls on a Sunday and the following day is Emancipation Day in the District, taxpayers across the country will have until Tuesday, April 17 to get their returns in. Got that, Marion?

D.C. Remains Top Moving Destination: Via the Huffington Post, the AP reports that the nation’s largest moving company reports that the District remains the most popular destination in the country. And the state leading the country in terms of people that are leaving it? Illinois, at 61 percent of outbound moves.

Briefly Noted: Prince George’s County records first homicide of the year … Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell comes out against state Republican Party loyalty oath … McDonnell helps Republican governors bring in over $44 million … It will soon be easier to boat, fish and hunt in the Old Dominion.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, we reported that foiling Metro’s bag searches isn’t particularly hard and we found that Mayor Vince Gray is an experienced tax-hiker — he raised fees when he was president of his fraternity. In 2010, Gilbert Arenas was suspended from the NBA and the Holocaust Memorial Museum shooter died in the hospital.