Photo by ekelly80

>> If you missed yesterday’s sad news, the National Zoo’s panda cub died. In a press conference, the zoo’s director called the news “devastating.”

>> Even though D.C. officials have long pushed for the ability to tax non-residents who work in the city, the Examiner reports that some admit that the much-desired commuter tax isn’t likely to happen. Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), who recently introduced a ceremonial resolution pushing for the tax, said that he doesn’t think that legislators from Maryland or Virginia will ever let a commuter tax see the light of day.

>> You could legally be allowed to own and carry a gun in Virginia and Maryland, but if you’re caught with it while you drive through D.C., you’re likely to be arrested. But as the Washington Times reports, the D.C. Council will hold a hearing today on legislation that would make make non-residents caught with a guns or ammunition registered elsewhere face an administrative penalty, instead of a criminal one.

>> If there’s one thing Pepco customers don’t need right now, it’s even worse customer service. But that’s what they might get if Pepco workers go on strike, which might happen if the union representing the workers and the company’s management can’t come to an agreement on a number of contract-related issues this week, writes the Post. That last time Pepco workers went on strike was 1985.

Briefly Noted: Virginia GOP happy to see Constitution Party candidate polling in the single digits … Comcast provides Internet access to low-income families at low cost … Seventeen Virginia co-workers to split $250,000 lottery jackpot … Ocean City lifts 30-year-old skateboarding ban … Two stabbed in Bloomingdale robbery over the weekend.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, organizers announced a much smaller dedication for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. In 2010, NBC 4’s Jim Vance’s laughter made everything better.