Photo by fdmount

>> It’s Columbus Day, so that means Metro is running on a weekend schedule and, as WTOP reports, D.C. parking enforcers are taking the day off.

>> While gambling and same-sex marriage have become the hot topics in Maryland leading up to a November 6 vote, the Washington Times reports that a measure that would allow illegal immigrants who finish high school in the state to enjoy in-state tuition rates at public universities hasn’t attracted nearly as much attention. Opponents and proponents of both gambling and marriage equality had pumped millions into making their case, while supporters of the immigration ballot question, which leads in the polls, have only put $54,000 towards advertising.

>> At some point in the future, you might be able to live a block from the National Mall and the many Smithsonian museums lining it. The Post reports that federal officials have started floating the idea of turning unused or underutilized federal buildings along Independence Avenue into new developments featuring offices, retail and, yes, housing. The plans—which are very preliminary—would model the area after Penn Quarter or Columbia Heights, and there’s even a name that has been proposed: Federal Triangle South.

Briefly Noted: D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton faces tough balance on budget autonomy referendum … Montgomery County legislator wants bike lanes … Family homelessness grows across region … Not as many commuters as expected are taking advantage of new 11th Street Bridge … Gov. Martin O’Malley to join Baltimore Ravens linebacker in marriage equality fundraiser.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Occupy D.C. protesters were maced at the Air and Space Museum and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said a controversial MLK Memorial quote concerned him. In 2010, Ward 3 went easy on Mayor-elect Vince Gray.