Photo by Forsaken Time

>> Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) is still green compared to most of his D.C. Council colleagues, but after six months in the John A. Wilson Building he’s committed to upend his part of town’s reputiation as the city’s “dumping ground.” In an interview with The Washington Post, McDuffie says he understands why parking lots and trash facilities move to Ward 5—home to 70 percent of D.C.’s industrial zones—but that he believes it’s part of his job to “take a more balanced approach.”

>> Columbia Heights residents like to joke about that never-quitting Christmas tree that sits at 14th and Otis streets NW, but what about the people who actually need to have their trees removed? The Washington Times reports that used Christmas trees have a variety of uses, including wildlife habitats, “underwater fences” that redevelop algae communities and restoring beaches in the wake of hurricanes.

>> It’s pretty yucky out there today. D.C. and the immediate area is experiencing freezing rain and sleet, with a winter weather advisory in place until 1 p.m. The western suburbs are getting far worse, with sustained sleet and heavy snow, with some areas expecting as much as six inches of sleet and ice.

Briefly Noted: Be quiet! Serious writers are time-sharing here. … Volunteers at the 16th Street JCC wrapped 1,500 Christmas presents for homeless shelters and seniors. … Virginia trails D.C. and Maryland in pay equity. Police still looking for suspects in Capitol Hill shooting.