News & Politics

Washingtonian Today: Mueller Mixtape Drops

Photograph by Evy Mages

About Washingtonian Today

Washingtonian Today is not just another political news roundup. Instead, this daily morning brief provides local context on national news, catches you up on what’s happening at Washingtonian, points you toward super duper awesome things to do around town, and lets you in on some special events going on in-house. Sign up here to receive Washingtonian Today in your inbox every morning.

Today’s the day US Attorney General William Barr plans to drop his Mueller mixtape—yes, really. According to CBS News, the special counsel’s report will be delivered to Congress via CD-ROM. I suppose that’s a more modern mode of delivery than, say, LaserDisc or carrier pigeon. The entire report will be available on the special counsel’s office website afterward, but wouldn’t it be kind of cool if folks passed around bootleg CD copies like back in the olden times? Alternatively, a Spotify or Apple Music drop could be convenient for everyone, too. Or perhaps Rosie O’Donnell is serious about reading the report aloud, town-crier-style. All of this to say, if you thought you were going to escape Mueller-related small talk, think again. I think we’re going to be here for a while.

Yesterday, roving Texas man Beto O’Rourke met with supporters in Alexandria, where a young boy named Harold asked the presidential hopeful whether he likes laser tag. Good news, Harold: He does. Little kid happy dance ensued. Not a lot of political analysis here, I just think we could all use some of Harold’s positive energy today.

Hello again, it’s your stationary Washington woman, Brittany Shepherd. Email me at bshepherd@washingtonian.com and follow me on Twitter, where you can share thoughts on today’s dispatch. Or if you just need a friend, I’m listening. If you haven’t already, subscribe to this newsletter.

Once in a while it’s nice to be reminded that at least some folks beyond the Beltway are concerned about DC statehood. During Cory Booker‘s Des Moines town hall yesterday, he was asked why statehood for the District is not a bigger deal nationally. The woman who asked the question was Tamyra Harrison, founder of Iowans for DC Statehood. Booker, who was born here, said he “fully supported” statehood and met with Mayor Bowser recently. Why do a group of Iowans even care? According to an interview with DCist, Harrison made DC statehood a personal priority after meeting with Shadow Senator Paul Strauss. (Apropos of nothing, “shadow senator” is kind of a boss title, don’t you think?) Harrison plans on meeting with other Democratic candidates to lobby their support for statehood.

Now for something completely different: Here is a photo of Washington from the International Space Station, where those lucky astronauts do not have to deal with World Bank Spring Meetings traffic. Lucky ducks.

What we have cooking at Washingtonian:

Our pick for things to do around town:

HOCKEY A few things were apparent in the Caps’ loss to the Hurricanes on Monday night: our guys aren’t invincible, and Alex Ovechkin can still knock a guy out. The Caps are opening up Capital One Arena for a Game 4 viewing party on Thursday night: doors open at 6:30 PM, and the game will be broadcast on the Jumbotron at 7 PM (RSVP at WashCaps.com). The series will return to Capital One Arena on Saturday night, so head to Chinatown on Saturday to see the action in person. Game 4: 4/18 (in Raleigh), 7 PM. Game 5: 4/20 at Capital One Arena, $84-$125 (plus resale options), 8 PM.

Good reads: 

Am I about to tell you to read a selection of stories about Italian-American restaurants across the US? Yes. Take the time to read Red Sauce America, a delightful break from the glum of politics. (Bon Appétit)

Big events from Washingtonian:

Sip sip rosé! Join us as we toast to spring at our Rosé Soirée on Thursday, May 16, at Long View Gallery! It will be an evening full of wine from local and national vendors, light bites, and music. Use code brittany for 15 percent off your ticket at washingtonian.com/rose.

An evening under the sea: We’re celebrating the best restaurants in the Washington area at Best of Washington, presented by Lexus, on Thursday, June 6, at the National Building Museum. Tickets are selling fast to the kick-off party of the summer, so get yours today at washingtonian.com/bestof. Want 20 percent off your tickets? Use code bestofbrittany.

Staff Writer

Brittany Shepherd covers the societal and cultural scene in political Washington. Before joining Washingtonian as a staff writer in 2018, Brittany was a White House Correspondent for Independent Journal Review. While she has lived in DC for a number of years now, she still yearns for the fresh Long Island bagels of home. Find her on Twitter, often prattling on about Frasier.