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The 51st @51st.news · 9m

"Something interesting happened in the D.C. Council on Tuesday. But there’s only so much I can tell you about it — because much of it happened behind closed doors."

Don't miss @maustermuhle.bsky.social's Wilson Building Bulletin from this week:

Wilson Building Bulletin: Curfews and closed doors

The D.C. Council rejected a bill extending the youth curfew. Until it didn't.

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Reposted by The 51st

Martin Austermuhle @maustermuhle.bsky.social · 19h

If you've ever driven through the intersection at Georgia and Missouri Avenues NW, you've gone through Alan's Oasis, where a homeless man has been giving out free bottles of water for more than three years. This is a such a great profile of Alan: 51st.news/dc-alans-oas...

For 1,250 days, Alan has given out free water at a busy Brightwood intersection

He’s built a community that stood up for him when the threat of eviction loomed.

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The 51st @51st.news · 15h

Feeling overwhelmed recently? Action is the best antidote.

How to get involved locally this week: Watch a film about gentrification in D.C., attend an open mic (but make it historic) at @dcpubliclibrary.bsky.social, and find lots of opportunities to organize with @freedcproject.bsky.social.

Your weekly roundup of ways to get involved in D.C.

Plus, another visit to Capitol Hill.

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The 51st @51st.news · 16h

Looking for plans this weekend?

Our picks: Watch Palestinian films, pick from one of 800+ board games at @labyrinthdc.bsky.social, celebrate Spooky Season with a dog costume contest benefiting @cdckrescue.bsky.social, and more:

14 things to do around D.C. this weekend

The shutdown continues — but our local arts and culture scene is going strong.

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The 51st @51st.news · 17h

This story was reported by Alaena Hunt for @streetsensedc.bsky.social.

We republished it as part of our 2025 contribution to the D.C. Homeless Crisis Reporting Project, in collaboration with other local newsrooms.

See more from the project here:

2025 Archives - Street Sense Media

2025 Reporting

streetsensemedia.org

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The 51st @51st.news · 17h

For 1,250 days, Alan has given out free water at a busy Brightwood intersection.

He calls it Alan's Oasis — and his constant presence has built a community that stood up for him recently when he seemed to be facing eviction.

For 1,250 days, Alan has given out free water at a busy Brightwood intersection

He’s built a community that stood up for him when the threat of eviction loomed.

51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 17h

There's been a lot of talk about youth and crime in D.C. since President Trump retook office.

But Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (@cmzparker5.bsky.social) says he has a new plan that is actually aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

More here, in his opinion piece:

Opinion: Locking kids up isn't working. Here's what we should do instead.

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker introduced a policy package this week that he says is aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

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The 51st @51st.news · 18h

By the letter of the law, the D.C. Council shouldn't have been able to to discuss an issue behind closed doors that was on their public agenda that day.

But earlier this year, they created a loophole.

What happened this week, and why does it matter? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:

Wilson Building Bulletin: Curfews and closed doors

The D.C. Council rejected a bill extending the youth curfew. Until it didn't.

51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 18h

The D.C. Council is considering a bottle-deposit bill, touting it as a boon for recycling and a solution for litter that pollutes the Anacostia River.

Local brewers say it could threaten the survival of businesses already operating on slim margins, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.

D.C. breweries worry about effects of a bottle-deposit bill

Lawmakers are considering the measure to help clean up the Anacostia River.

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The 51st @51st.news · 18h

Ride-hailing app Empower's long and meandering five-year fight with the D.C. government seemed to be finally approaching the end.

But then, this week, the company made a Hail Mary play, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports. Will it make a difference?

Ride-hailing app Empower may finally shut down in D.C.

The company, which claims to provide a better service than Uber or Lyft, has been defying regulators for five years.

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The 51st @51st.news · 18h

📰 Extra, extra: Check your inbox for the latest newsletter from our team!

In today's issue: A ride-hailing service's long legal saga, explained. Also, a surprising opponent of the bottle bill, a locked door at the D.C. Council, and more.

Not on the list yet? Subscribe here: www.51st.news/signup

Is it finally the end for Empower?

The long legal saga, explained. Also, a surprising opponent of the bottle bill, a locked door at the D.C. Council, and more.

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The 51st @51st.news · 1d

Soon after purchasing a home in Anacostia, Meche Martinez was invited to a small gathering to talk about a development project that her neighbors feared would price them out.

That organizing would shape her career — and change lives in her neighborhood:

This Anacostia nonprofit is fighting displacement east of the river

The Douglass Community Land Trust is creating permanent affordability and “pay-it-forward” homeownership to protect longtime D.C. residents.

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The 51st @51st.news · 2d

Christina wrote more about why we're looking for 551 new members to join: 51st.news/why-real-d-c...

Why real D.C. news is so important right now

With powerful people spreading misinformation about our city, The 51st’s work is more vital than ever.

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The 51st @51st.news · 2d

When people in the highest levels of our government are leaning on narratives about D.C. that we know aren’t true — but could influence our political future, our independent journalism is even more vital. Will you support it?

51st.news/signup

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The 51st @51st.news · 2d

The Douglass Community Land Trust was born from Ward 8 residents’ efforts to ensure D.C.’s first elevated public park would actually benefit existing residents and businesses.

Today, they're creating permanent affordability and “pay-it-forward” homeownership to protect longtime D.C. residents.

This Anacostia nonprofit is fighting displacement east of the river

The Douglass Community Land Trust is creating permanent affordability and “pay-it-forward” homeownership to protect longtime D.C. residents.

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The 51st @51st.news · 3d

The documentary "Cracked Shells" focuses on D.C.'s rapid gentrification and displacement of longtime — often Black — residents, centering the voices of veteran community organizers, activists, and business owners.

@christurdisani.bsky.social spoke with director Ruth Tedla:

New documentary dives deep into gentrification in D.C.

We interview the filmmaker behind “Cracked Shells.”

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The 51st @51st.news · 3d

D.C. did away with the death penalty 44 years ago, but the president says he's bringing it back.

What does that actually mean for the people of D.C.? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:

Capital punishment: What it means that Trump reinstated the death penalty in D.C.

D.C. did away with the death penalty 44 years ago, but the president is bringing it back.

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Reposted by The 51st

Andrew Notarian (he/him) @anotarian.bsky.social · 4d

I used to be the guy on Twitter reminding people that contractors like me do not get back pay. “And then also contractors experience permanent economic harm because they don’t get back pay.” Thanks to OMB Circular A-76 far more of the federal workforce is contractors than you know.

The 51st @51st.news · 5d

ICYMI, the federal government is still shut down.

Here's what that means for the people of D.C.

The federal government has shut down. Here’s what it means for D.C.

You can’t legally get married, for one, and the city’s economy will take a hit.

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The 51st @51st.news · 4d

Since 2021, DCPS has become D.C.'s leading sponsor of H1-B visas for its employees.

But some 200 teachers who took jobs under the expectation that the school system would sponsor a green card are now facing uncertain futures, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.

51st.news/dc-green-car...

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Reposted by The 51st

Kristen Parisi @kris10p.bsky.social · 4d

For women's soccer fans - Washington Spirit is currently up 1-0 in the first half against the San Diego Wave

If you're *not* familiar with the Spirit, check them out. The matches are incredible, the players are great, & politically vocal

@51st.news takes a deep dive:

51st.news/dc-spirit-tr...

Washington Spirit games provide a field for Trump resistance

Women's soccer fans have taken to the stands with banners, flags, and pro-D.C. chants.

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The 51st @51st.news · 4d

Every Thursday, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers.

Organizing something? You can submit to the roundup via this form: airtable.com/apphCzP0k9DV...

See past roundups here:

Civics Roundup - The 51st

Every week, we curate some ways to get involved in the city – whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share…

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The 51st @51st.news · 4d

Two opportunities to get involved in the city this week, from @colleengrablick.bsky.social's Civics Roundup:
• Tuesday, Oct. 7: @freedcproject.bsky.social's Ward 3 campaign orientation
• Wednesday, Oct. 8: "Angry" hour for pissed-off optimists benefiting @peacefordc.bsky.social

Your weekly roundup of ways to get involved in D.C.

Plus, plenty of chances to plug into Free DC this week.

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The 51st @51st.news · 5d

ICYMI, the federal government is still shut down.

Here's what that means for the people of D.C.

The federal government has shut down. Here’s what it means for D.C.

You can’t legally get married, for one, and the city’s economy will take a hit.

51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 5d

The documentary "Cracked Shells" is "a tool against the erasure" of D.C. natives' rich culture, history, and capacity for resilience, its director tells @christurdisani.bsky.social.

Learn more about the film — including when you can catch a free screening next weekend:

New documentary dives deep into gentrification in D.C.

We interview the filmmaker behind “Cracked Shells.”

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The 51st @51st.news · 6d

Still looking for plans this weekend? Here's our roundup of local events 👀

11 things to do around DC this weekend

On the agenda: An extremely local music festival, stargazing, and celebrating one of South Korea’s biggest holidays.

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