Who is to blame for D.C.’s frozen mess?

Hello, fellow tundra dwellers,

Paradoxically, snow reveals a lot. This week, I saw how high the tension is these days: On my walk to the grocery store, three separate groups of drivers yelled and honked at each other as they ran up against the laws of physics trying to pass each other on Petworth’s unplowed side streets.

But I’ve also seen how much we’ve come together to face this year’s challenges: Neighbors in my group chats were gamely coordinating snow-day childcare, swapping the stock lists at various hardware stores, and showing up to shovel each other’s sidewalks.

Whether we’ll get another layer this weekend is uncertain, but in today’s issue, Martin explains what exactly happened with snow removal this week. He’s also going deep on a story you might have missed amidst … everything else: The literal sh*tstorm that spilled into the Potomac River late last week.

We also take a look at Washington Gas’s ambitious attempt to replace old gas pipes across the city. Plus, Sam attended a Queer Eye watch party that spotlighted local efforts to preserve queer history. And finally, we’ve got some things to do this weekend (after you bundle up!).

Stay warm, stay informed, and see you Feb. 4 for Ask a D.C. Native, Live?

Gracie

Did D.C. drop the ball on snow-clearing, or were conditions uniquely bad?

Some say plows are missing in action, but D.C. officials say ice and frigid temperatures are to blame for the slow cleanup.

Goodbye Gas? Inside the battle over your home heat

D.C. and Washington Gas are at odds over the future of the city's pipeline network.

What you need to know about the big sewage spill in the Potomac

The spill is now largely contained, but people are still warned to avoid contact with the river.

Queer Eye spotlights D.C.'s LGBTQ history, and those working to preserve it

Karamo Brown's visit to the DC History Center, which documents queer history in the District, was featured in the final season of the hit Netflix series.

17 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Warm up with a Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party, take in theater performances filled with ghosts and vampires, and start making plans for your spring garden.

Train to protect your neighbors: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Plus, an anti-ICE student walk-out, performance oversight, and more.

Tell us about dating in the District

It's almost Valentine's Day, and that got our team talking about dating in the District. Whether life-changing or mortifying, plans with near-strangers make for great material. Do you have a story to share about the best — or worst — date you've ever been on while living in D.C.? Tell us about it via this form.

Here's some news you may have missed this week:

• The list of former councilmembers running for office this year is stacking up. This week’s new additions: Vincent Orange and Jack Evans, who each left amid controversy. [WJLA, WUSA, DCist]
• The Trump administration’s wrecking ball has ambitions beyond the White House’s East Wing. Meet Fedlandia. [CityLab]
• Some Washington Post staffers are urging the paper’s leadership not to proceed with rumored layoffs. [The Guardian]
• The elevator in their 10-story apartment building has been broken for six weeks, a group of low-income seniors says. It’s only the latest safety issue at the complex in Mount Vernon Triangle. [The Post]
• Councilmember Janeese Lewis George announced legislation to fund a climate change study by charging companies that fuel pollution. [Washington Informer]
• An MPD officer who drove drunk with sirens blaring from his marked cruiser (among other offenses) could be reinstated. [WCP]
• After all that … cleanse your palate by watching the zoo’s pandas play in the snow. [BBC]

Let's keep showing up,

Gracie