Breakfast links: DC Council’s endless day

And…

Even some taxi drivers are skeptical of a medallion system. (City Paper) … A “Merge Right” sign makes no sense. (Park View, DC) … Hertz will offer electric vehicles in a car sharing location at Union Station. (Get Energy Smart Now, A Siegel) … Jane Jacobs, Shepard Fairey-style. (BeyondDC)  (Tip: A Siegel)

Redistricting map released

The ward redistricting committee released a map and report which splits Hill East but keeps Eastern and Eliot-Hine schools in Ward 6. It moves Shaw into 6 but not the Convention Center and puts Penn Quarter back in 2, creating a very gerrymandered shape for the ward. (Post)

Budget passes with bond tax

The DC budget passed first reading yesterday. Tommy Wells successfully got an amendment that takes reinstating the bond exemption off the priority list. He had to cut a deal with Vincent Orange to transfer $500,000 from homeless services to an earmark for the Lincoln Theater for Emancipation Day. (Post)

Many customers not charged for bags

DC government inspectors found that 38% of stores are failing to charge 5¢ for bags as the law requires. Some customers and cashiers are confused about the law’s applicability. (TBD)

DC passes on real estate taxes

A local real estate lawyer is alleging that DC’s tax office has been improperly applying a 2001 change in tax code that may have cost the city millions of dollars in recordation tax revenue. (Post)

Carjackings occur at WMATA garages

Four men carjacked a father and daughter, shooting the daughter, at the Largo Metro garage yesterday. It might be connected to another carjacking at New Carrollton Friday. (Examiner)

Asian population grows sharply

The region’s Asian population grew by 60% in the past decade. The growth is concentrated in certain areas, with the least in DC, Prince George’s and Prince William counties.

One juror’s thoughts on the map contest

Bob “Dr. Gridlock” Thomson, one of our jurors, explains his thinking about the challenges in revising the Metro map and why he leaned toward a familiar look. (Post)