Good morning. It’s snowy out! According to the National Weather Service, significant snowfall is expected to begin around 1 PM, with temperatures dipping to a chilly 30°F tonight as the snow persists. Areas could receive up to six inches of snow! Get ready for some quality time with your kids, as they’ll be home for a while. The Capitals currently have no representatives in the 4 Nations Face-Off, which puts them on a break until February 22. You can connect with me on Bluesky or reach me at @abeaujon.87 on Signal; my email is linked at the bottom of this post.

What I’m currently listening to:

Mdou Moctar with “Funeral for Justice (Injustice Version).” Known for dynamic live performances, this Tuareg guitarist ignites his Stratocaster with exhilarating sounds while his band captivates the audience with mesmerizing beats. This piece is from his upcoming album, “Tears of Injustice,” which reinterprets last year’s remarkable “Funeral For Justice” in an acoustic format, delivering a unique emotional impact. Mdou Moctar will be performing at the Birchmere tonight. 

Noteworthy administrative updates:

Arts leader appointed: President Trump announced yesterday that Richard Grenell will serve as the Kennedy Center’s interim executive director. The Jimmy Center lacks a formal executive director role, leaving some ambiguity regarding the current leadership’s status. (Washington Post) Notably, Bob Mondello has been following discussions surrounding the “drag shows” that seem to be a focus of Trump’s attention. (NPR)

• Trump is also preparing an executive order targeting DC, which includes proposals for clearing homeless encampments. (Washington Post)

Legal developments: A judge has granted an extension on the deadline for federal acceptance of Trump and Elon Musk’s “deferred resignation”/buyout proposal. (CNN) Another ruling revealed that the administration had not complied with a previous order to unlock federal grants. (NYT) Additional legal actions have halted cuts to health research funding in states that have filed lawsuits. (Politico) Plus, further directives require the FBI to disclose more details regarding Trump’s classified documents case. (Politico)

Musk news highlights: A new profile on Musk associate Steve Davis has emerged. (WSJ) FLASHBACK: “The Mr. Yogato Guy Is Helping Run Elon Musk’s DOGE,” by Jessica Sidman. (Washingtonian) Also, an online influencer known as ‘Big Balls,’ just 19 years old, has now assumed senior advisory roles at both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. (Washington Post) Republicans have expressed their concerns privately about Musk’s activities in Washington. (The Bulwark) Meanwhile: Musk is looking to acquire OpenAI. (NYT)

Pardon updates: NYC Mayor Eric Adams seems to be off the hook. (Fox News) Trump is also expected to extend a pardon to Rod Blagojevich. (Axios)

Notable updates in the news: Trump removed David Huitema, the head of the Office of Government Ethics. (CNN) Administration appointee Darren Beattie has previously expressed controversial views regarding sterilization policies. (NOTUS)

• Trump has also paused enforcement of a long-standing law aimed at preventing bribery by American firms toward foreign officials. (CNBC)

Will you remember the Democrats? Key party leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, are participating in a civil service rally at noon today.

• Nancy Mace took to the House floor last night, alleging her former fiancé and three other men were involved in drugging and assaulting her and other women, as well as taking explicit photos without consent. (NYT)

• In an unusual petition, some Danes are expressing interest in purchasing California. (KTLA)

Explore indie films this week! By Daniella Byck

If you’re looking to escape into another world, a film can offer that fleeting respite. The DC Independent Film Forum kicks off on Wednesday, February 12, offering over 60 independent films until Monday, February 17. Head to Regal Gallery Place to enjoy a diverse range of works, from a dramatic feature about a mishap in space tourism to a whimsical animated short featuring a hippopotamus’s dream (believe it!). Apart from screenings, attendees can engage in discussions and seminars with the filmmakers. Purchase your tickets here.

Highlights from Washingtonian.com:

• Check out Poplar, the new neighborhood eatery in Brightwood Park, which emphasizes a cozy, community feel.

• Explore romantic hotel offers for Valentine’s Day. (Remember, it’s on Friday!)

• “Honestly, I just couldn’t handle another Hinge date”: Savannah Quinn Crowder shares her insights on her experience on “The Bachelor.”

• The National Gallery of Art’s Gallery Nights program restarts this Thursday. Here’s how to secure tickets for these sought-after events.

Local news snippets:

• Booz Allen Hamilton has stepped down as a sponsor of WorldPride 2025 in response to Trump’s opposition to DEI initiatives. (WBJ)

• The Richmond area is encouraging laid-off federal employees to consider moving south. (Aaron Wiener)

• In relation to Richmond, Universal Pictures has decided to shelve “Golden,” a music project directed by Michel Gondry and centering around Pharrell Williams that was partly filmed there. (Variety)

• Traffic in Navy Yard managed to avoid congestion yesterday, thanks to many utilizing public transit. (Washington Post)

• Tom Goldstein was rearrested yesterday after a judge ruled him a potential flight risk. (Reuters)

• “A teacher’s assistant in Sterling has been apprehended for public intoxication while on school grounds.” (WUSA 9)

• A Stafford County man has been convicted for assaulting a fellow airplane passenger. (DC News Now)

• “They’ve moved into our territory for good, and we must learn to coexist with them.” No, they’re not MAGAs: it’s coyotes! (ARLnow)

Event highlights for Tuesday, by Briana Thomas:

The spirited production of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’s “In the Heights” opens today and will run through May 4.

Visions of Freedom: A Black Film Festival commences at Howard University.

The National Symphony Orchestra will perform Mozart and Beethoven hymns at Mount Vernon.

See Briana’s full list of picks here.

Missed our 100 Very Best Restaurants List? Check it out? If you adore your workplace, this is a great time to nominate it for Washingtonian’s upcoming Great Places to Work competition. Register now to get started.

It’s Tuesday. Let’s make the most of it!