Photo by Elvert Barnes

>> You might love that new electronic gadget you got over the holidays, but just be careful with how you use it. Metro officials are warning riders not to become to enthralled with their phones and gadgets, as thefts typically rise around this time of year, reports WTOP. While there are usually one or two thefts a day throughout the system, on Wednesday seven were reported.

>> It’s been a year since Harry Thomas, Jr. pleaded guilty to stealing over $350,000 in city funds, but the fallout continues. A former D.C. official who helped him take $110,000 meant for drug prevention programs and use it instead for an inaugural party was charged with tax fraud yesterday, reports the City Paper. At the time of the offense, Millicent West headed up the Children & Youth Investment Trust Corp., a public-private partnership that Thomas used to funnel some of the funds he stole. West then went on to head up the city’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency; she resigned from that post last year.

>> Average gas prices in D.C. have exceeded the $4 mark, capping off 35 straight days of increases, writes the Washington Times. D.C. is joined by New York, California and Hawaii as the only states to jump about $4; the national average stands at $3.78.

Briefly Noted: Former ATF agent shot and killed while walking dog in Woodbridge … Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) has at least one person on his side: Marion Barry … Arlington property taxes could go up … Police searching for man who used Mace on Metrobus driver … Virginia drone moratorium heads to Gov. Bob McDonnell.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2012, a man accused of threatening to blow up the U.S. Capitol had an interesting past and the death of a Toki Underground chef was ruled a suicide. In 2011, Walmart announced that its D.C. stores would not sell guns.