Good morning, Washington. It’s still very cold out this morning, but temperatures are expected to creep back up above freezing by the afternoon, just in time to spoil any chance we might have had at snow when a winter storm rolls in tomorrow. Instead, it’s looking like we’re in store for some lovely cold rain. And by lovely, we mean pretty much totally crappy. Definitely no white Christmas this year, kids. Sad face.

Nickles Upholds Voluntary Agreements for Bars During Inauguration: Planning on partying an hour or two later in your favorite bar during the extended hours surrounding the presidential inauguration? Make sure to check whether it has a strong voluntary agreement with its ANC or neighborhood association first. The Examiner reports that Attorney General Peter Nickles has now officially determined that all voluntary agreements must be stuck to between Jan. 17-21, despite the recent D.C. Council measure allowing bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. on those days. That’s going to include some 300 bars, restaurants and clubs that may not be able to take advantage of the longer hours, depending on the nature of their agreements.

City Looking for More Proposals for Empty School Buildings: The Post has a story up about the latest request for proposals for 11 of the District’s currently empty school facilities. Mayor Fenty said yesterday that his office will accept proposals that could include anything from retail space, offices or housing. In September, the city sought proposals from charter schools and nonprofit groups for another set of recently closed school buildings.

Briefly Noted: Three injured in rowhouse fire on Franklin Street NE … Fewer D.C. residents traveling for the holiday … Police to shut down 6th District substation.

Photo by soleil1016