Good morning, D.C, and welcome to the first day of the long-awaited Inaugural weekend. Of course, a large portion of this morning’s headlines are Inauguration-based: whether that’s examining the tradition of the “President’s Pew” at St. John’s Episcopal Church where Obama will take in services before the Inauguration, the Mayor flexing his tow truck muscle, or a profile of the 550 or so street vendors who will be hawking souvenirs and food this weekend.

And just for perspective: before you start thinking about how busy your weekend will be — shuffling around in the cold, more than likely with out-of-towners in tow — take a gander at Mayor Fenty’s schedule for the next few days. Yowza. Do us proud, Mr. Mayor, and we’d keep the caffeinated beverages coming.

Otherwise around town:

>> The Post reports that House subcommittees will hold hearings on the D.C. voting rights bill beginning on January 27, in an effort to push the bill through as soon as possible. Supportive Congresspeople are confident that the bill will move quickly towards a vote — even as the legislative focus remains almost completely on Obama’s new economic plan.

>> An ABC 7 reporter recieved mixed results in her suit against Prince George’s County. Andrea McCarren, who had been following Cpl. Danon Ashton on a tip, suddenly found her car surrounded by seven armed officers, some with weapons drawn. McCarren suffered a torn rotator cuff and a dislocated shoulder as police subdued her. The jury agreed that the police used excessive force, but refused to adjudge that the county was “interfering with her pursuit of a story” — McCarren was seeking $500,000 in damages, but was awarded a mere 1% of that.

>> Parts of I-295 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and certain exit ramps may be closed on Tuesday. The real story here? One FBI official tagging the Inauguration as “the largest event ever in the world.” Hyperbole much?

photo by erin m.