Washington is a city of symbols, be they of democracy, of death, of individual achievement, or of power. The District, while serving as a vibrant home to 600,000 residents, doubles as a reflection of America’s resolve and commitment to the country’s founding principles and those who have fought for them over the last 200 years — Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Roosevelt, and legions of soldiers and civil rights activists that have furthered the cause of…

>> More than 100 hand-colored Marc Chagall etchings illustrating the Hebrew Bible go on view this Wednesday at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Chagall is best-known for his colorful paintings, prints, theater sets, stained-glass windows, and murals. This series, from 1957, includes the depiction of Solomon shown at right. >> Also opening Wednesday is “New York Moves” at the Goethe-Institut. The exhibit features paintings by German-born artist Laurentz Thurn, who has developed a…

With the rainy, cloudy weather — all dominated by the intense news coverage of the death of Pope John Paul II — it hasn’t been the most uplifting past couple of days. Since we can’t add much more to what’s been said or written about the late pope, we’ll do a survey of obituaries and headlines on the jump. But first, here’s what you may have missed on DCist. — If you’re late for…

Washington Archbishop Theodore Cardinal McCarrick has cancelled his upcoming trip to Rome. The trip was unrelated to the Pope’s health. Instead, the Post reports that Cardinal McCarrick will officiate a special noon mass today for the ailing Pontiff at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in the District. In the event of the Pope’s death, all Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in Rome for a Conclave, a closely guarded gathering in…

Along with the following picks, don’t forget to check out DCist’s Arts Agenda (First Fridays in Dupont!) and Music Agenda for events that might tickle your fancy this weekend. FRIDAY: >> Intimate roots-rocker Jolie Holland (at right) brings her sparse yet uplifting music to Jammin Java in Vienna. With guitarist Brooks Williams. 8 p.m., $12. >> If you’re a fellow The OC freak (hey, we wear our obsession proudly on our sleeve), you’ll remember pre-lesbian…