Photo by TABauknight on Flickr.

Obama takes one step for DC rights

President Obama has agreed to place “Taxation Without Representation” plates on the presidential limousine for his second term. President Clinton used them, but Bush removed them; Obama did not restore them during his first term. (DCist)  

Inauguration items

Many bars will remain open until 4 am this weekend. (DCist) … On Inaguration Day, about 50 bus lines will run different routes and there will be no Circulator service. (Post, Patch) … For $47,000,  you could get a “social media butler” as part of an opulent hotel package. (City Paper)  

Norton asks for statehood, again

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced a DC statehood bill in the House of Representatives, as she has several times before. Her bill reached a vote only once, in 1993, when it lost 153-277. (Post)  

Better biking past the White House

The Secret Service has agreed to better accommodate cyclists going through the White House area, including storing temporary barriers more consistently and parking vehicles out of the way. (CCCT)  

New housing won’t have free parking

A new affordable apartment complex in Alexandria will not provide free parking, but a paid parking lot. Neighbors worry they will park on the street, and the 2 new councilmembers voted against the plan. (WAMU)  

Maryland will consider bottle bill

Maryland Delegate Maggie McIntosh wants to create a refundable deposit for cans and bottles. Supporters say it will significantly reduce litter in the Anacostia and Baltimore Harbor. (Trash Free Maryland)  

Wells approaching mayoral run

Councilmember Tommy Wells may announce a mayoral election exploratory committee as soon as next month, which would allow him to raise funds and hire staff for the 2014 election. (Post)  

Tennessee drops highway

Tennessee has cancelled a $1.5 billion, 65-mile highway segment, citing a lack of funds. The highway was intended as part of the I-69 corridor from Mexico to Canada, whose construction is now uncertain. (Streetsblog)  

And…

Is Transit-Oriented Development the new black in DC? (Globe St) … What words do we use to talk about urban planning? (Atlantic Cities) … Metro trains are starting to run on the Silver Line, for testing. (BeyondDC)