Life of the Party:  D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton attended the taping of the Colbert Report’s farewell episode last night, chatting with Grover Norquist and taking this uncomfortably fantastic photo with Stephen Colbert planting a big ‘ol kiss on her non-voting cheek. Norton has appeared on the show many times over the years, including one notable segment in which the two of them debated whether D.C. is actually part of the United States. Norton told Roll Call she had a “whale of a time” last night. +7

Girl Power: During his press conference today, President Barack Obama called on all female reporters—-eight of them!—-to lob him questions. +11

Wet Christmas:  Much of the eastern U.S., from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, will likely be dealing with a winter storm filled with wind gusts, heavy rain, and snow during Christmas travel next week. -2

Out of Gas: Good news: The water in Shaw is no longer contaminated with petroleum, which means it’s once again drinkable. +6

Yesterday’s Needle rating: 43 Today’s score: +22  Friday Bonus: +2 Today’s Needle rating: 67