Jack Smith Report, Pete Hegseth Hearing, Snoop Dogg’s inauguration plans

Our region is about to experience a very strange four years. Maybe we can help you manage it?

Last month, nearly three-quarters of American adults told pollsters that they have decided to do so tune out politics and government news after the presidential election. Our far less scientific research suggests that people around Washington, DC, are even more exhausted and tired than the rest of the country.

That’s why we’re launching (or more accurately, relaunching*) Washingtonian Today, an early morning roundup of administration news you might not have been able to handle the day before, plus local stories you should know about what we’ve been cooking at Washingtonian .com and a daily spotlight feature from our reporters—a dish our food reviewers discovered and loved, a local album you shouldn’t miss, an image that captures the DMV’s strange new era. Maybe we can even have a little fun together as we peek through our fingers at what’s unraveling outside.

The post appears around 7 every weekday. You can find me on Blueskyand there is a link to my email address at the bottom of this post. Okay, enough throat clearing. Let’s get to work.

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Good morning! It will be sunny and windy today, with a chance of rain this afternoon. High today is 32 degrees; low tonight is 5 p.m. The Capitals host the Anaheim Ducks at 19.00.

I can’t stop listening to:

“Man in black“, by Johnny Cash. I just read Cash’s 1975 autobiography of the same name and enjoyed writing this song, which he debuted at Vanderbilt University in 1971 to answer reporters’ questions about his faith, but claimed he couldn’t find a way to work in his main idea behind his trademark wardrobe: ” Black is better for the church.”

Here’s some Trump news you may have blocked out:

• First volume of Jack SmithThe report was issued early this morning. It claims so Donald Trump would have been convicted in DC, and also says DOJ prosecutors were considering charging him under the Sedition Act. (Washington Post)

• Here is the full report. (the US Department of Justice)

• Pete HegsethThe confirmation hearing is scheduled for 9.30. (Senate Armed Services Committee)

• Elon Musk gets office space in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. (NEW)

• Andrew McKenna will not lead the US Air Force. (Political)

• One-time Trump campaign manager and local carpet enthusiast Paul Manafort is back and “seeks to advise campaigns for opposition and far-right political factions in Latin America and Europe.” (NEW)

• Incoming officials have a question for career officials at the NSC: Are you loyal to Trump? (AP)

• Snoop Dogg will perform at Friday night’s “Crypto Ball” in the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. (Political)

• Carrie Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration ceremony, and the Village people will perform at an inauguration ball and at Trump’s rally at Capital One Arena. (AP)

The Best Thing I Tried Last Week by Ann Limpert

It shouldn’t have worked. Tomato water, mushroom and rum? But there they were, listed under a drink called Sonidero Cumbia, at Mita (804 V St., NW)the whimsical plant-based tasting room/restaurant opposite the 9:30 Club.

I’m a sucker for everything from airplane V-8s to breakfast (or dinner) Bloody Marys, so if a cocktail has tomato on the ingredient list, I order it, no matter how dubious the rest of it sounds.

But the beauty of this drink — which creator Lou Bernard says also contains basil liqueur and a blend of seven sour powders he calls “No Lime” — is that it doesn’t taste too strong of any of its ingredients, even the spicy mushroom tincture . It just is good. A little sour, a little herbal, very refreshing. It even paired well with an onslaught of the tasting menu’s early flavors. Mushrooms, tomato and rum – this is harmonious stuff on a Cynthia and Ariana level.

Recently at Washingtonian dot com:

• Is your workplace special? Tell us! We are accepting nominations for Great Places to Work until February 28.

• Our food editor Jessica Sidman tracks where Trumpworld eats and hangs around town, and she needs your help. PreviousSidman suggested where these people could go out and talk to hospitality people who predicted a rough landing for them.

• Here is a list of planned demonstrations and protests around Inauguration Day. Here is the long list of road closures. Text DCINAUG to 888-777 for DC Police alerts. See mayor Bowser‘s list of safety measures. And look up! You may see security drones…

• Metro unveiled its SmarTrip map for Trump’s inauguration.

• Did you receive a box of 27 packs of Penzeys’ “Resist!” spice free? Here’s why.

• The pandas’ public debut is scheduled for Jan. 24, and DC hotels have packages available — one starts at $5,500.

• I talked to Francesca ZambelloWashington National Opera’s artistic director, about the 20-minute operas she commissioned. The will premiere on Saturday.

Local news links:

• Intralot and a subcontractor will pay the district $6.5 million to settle allegations (without admitting wrongdoing) that they violated DC’s minority contractor requirements. The companies were behind DC’s failed sports betting program. (Washington City Paper)

• “Trophy” office spaces are still in demand. (WTOP)

• Virginia Tech’s odd-looking “Innovation Campus” building in Potomac Yard (which I love, though I think I could be wrong?) opens next week. (ALXnow)

• REI is closing its “experience” business, meaning no more local kayak tours. (Popville)

• Retiring US Attorney Matthew Graves reflecting the 6th of January. (WTOP)

• Tree felled. (ARLnow)

• Can you read cursive? The National Archives needs you. (WUSA)

Tuesday’s Event Pick, by Briana Thomas:

• Participate in a conversation with Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King by MLK Memorial Library. (Free)

• Steel yourself for a Profs and Pints ​​lecture called “Legal Guardrails for Trump 2.0” at Penn Social. ($16)

See all of Thomas’ picks for this week.

*Note to longtime readers: Yes, many years ago we published a morning post/newsletter of the same name, written by the great Brittany Shepherd, who is now a reporter for ABC News. We hope she sees this post as a tribute, and if she reads this far, maybe she’ll email to say what’s up?