Week of Jan. 30, 2025

From the editor’s desk

It’s been an intense week, to say the least. 

President Trump froze trillions in federal funds; a federal judge blocked said freeze; and countless federal employees remain anxious—fearing for their jobs, their families, their students, and the work they do to serve their fellow Americans—as the judge’s ruling may be temporary.

Tensions were high during the Senate confirmation hearings for secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F Kennedy. (In one important moment, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto pressed Kennedy on his thinking on emergency abortions, and he faltered hard.)

Thinking of the potential suffering that could result from either a massive funding freeze or the confirmation of an unqualified HHS secretary is mindboggling and overwhelming. And those are just two of countless things going on this week.

Yesterday, for a mere four hours, I managed to disengage. From 6 to 8 p.m., I attended a happy hour with friends and colleagues, where I caught up on lots of interesting community art news. Then, despite the always-looming temptation to check for updates, I left my phone and my computer off all the way up until bedtime and caught up with my family. The latest in household news: Minecraft is still awesome; the concerted effort to voyage to the far reaches of audiophile nerdery continues; home-ground chuck makes a better burger, and the red Swiss chard still sprouting tender leaves in our icy backyard is definitely a perennial.

I strongly believe that knowledge is power; public participation is critical; and an informed citizenry is far more functional and humane than an uninformed one. But I also strongly believe that it’s OK to take a break from the 24-hour news barrage when you need to.

For me, an evening of connecting with friends, colleagues and family was a lifesaver in the midst of a week of stressful politics. If tuning out of the news cycle for a little while helps your stress levels and your mental health, too, by all means do it.

If you need some good ideas for escapes, the RN&R always has some. In recent days, we’ve brought you Bob Grimm’s review of The Brutalist, which he has deemed the best picture of 2024; Susan Winters’ preview of a new musical comedy-improv show that explores female friendships; and Kelley Lang’s weekly list of events you can attend if you want to spot bald eagles, celebrate Lunar New Year, or catch a traveling Broadway show—among others.

Keep an eye out for our February paper edition, which will hit the stands this weekend and through next week, with more news, art and music profiles, and entertainment recommendations.

Take care,

—Kris Vagner, managing editor