Annie Osburn
@annieosburn.bsky.social
Nonprofit comms in DC & pre-dawn pictures on the Anacostia 🏳️🌈
Reposted by Annie Osburn
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit newsroom — so our team is deeply involved in both the day-to-day and major decisions involved in running the organization.
See if you can spot us in this @innovationrji.bsky.social research 👀
See if you can spot us in this @innovationrji.bsky.social research 👀
Worker-friendly newsrooms are not all the same
Co-ops, staff-run nonprofits and democratic newsrooms take a mix-and-match approach to how they operate.
rjionline.org
February 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit newsroom — so our team is deeply involved in both the day-to-day and major decisions involved in running the organization.
See if you can spot us in this @innovationrji.bsky.social research 👀
See if you can spot us in this @innovationrji.bsky.social research 👀
Reposted by Annie Osburn
BREAKING: We are filing an unprecedented civil RICO lawsuit to dismantle a fraudulent slumlord empire in DC.
The Razjooyans spun a web of brazen fraud and severe housing neglect that exploits tenants, lenders, and the District — and worsens DC's housing crisis.
We will shut it down.
The Razjooyans spun a web of brazen fraud and severe housing neglect that exploits tenants, lenders, and the District — and worsens DC's housing crisis.
We will shut it down.
February 12, 2026 at 3:08 PM
BREAKING: We are filing an unprecedented civil RICO lawsuit to dismantle a fraudulent slumlord empire in DC.
The Razjooyans spun a web of brazen fraud and severe housing neglect that exploits tenants, lenders, and the District — and worsens DC's housing crisis.
We will shut it down.
The Razjooyans spun a web of brazen fraud and severe housing neglect that exploits tenants, lenders, and the District — and worsens DC's housing crisis.
We will shut it down.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
NEWS: @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social is suing notorious D.C. slumlord Sam Razjooyan and two family members under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a law used to dismantle the mob. He says they ran a "sprawling illegal enterprise" that mostly impacted low-income residents.
February 12, 2026 at 2:55 PM
NEWS: @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social is suing notorious D.C. slumlord Sam Razjooyan and two family members under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a law used to dismantle the mob. He says they ran a "sprawling illegal enterprise" that mostly impacted low-income residents.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
The bill in the Senate this week that will attempt to interfere in DC's tax code is chaotic, bad, and should get voted down — but don't take our word for it.
Here's a running thread of the people and organizations who want Senators to VOTE NO on S.J. Res102: 🧵
Here's a running thread of the people and organizations who want Senators to VOTE NO on S.J. Res102: 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
The bill in the Senate this week that will attempt to interfere in DC's tax code is chaotic, bad, and should get voted down — but don't take our word for it.
Here's a running thread of the people and organizations who want Senators to VOTE NO on S.J. Res102: 🧵
Here's a running thread of the people and organizations who want Senators to VOTE NO on S.J. Res102: 🧵
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Brandi Carlile's accompaniment for "America the Beautiful" before the game last night was SistaStrings. The duo, Chauntee and Monique Ross, played another American anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," on the Library's Stradivarius instruments in 2024.
Here's a clip of that impromptu performance. ⬇️
Here's a clip of that impromptu performance. ⬇️
February 9, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Brandi Carlile's accompaniment for "America the Beautiful" before the game last night was SistaStrings. The duo, Chauntee and Monique Ross, played another American anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," on the Library's Stradivarius instruments in 2024.
Here's a clip of that impromptu performance. ⬇️
Here's a clip of that impromptu performance. ⬇️
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Ring trying to compete with Flock launching a nationwide surveillance system via doorbell cameras under the guise of looking for a missing dog.
*whispers* this isn’t about dogs
*whispers* this isn’t about dogs
February 9, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Ring trying to compete with Flock launching a nationwide surveillance system via doorbell cameras under the guise of looking for a missing dog.
*whispers* this isn’t about dogs
*whispers* this isn’t about dogs
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Rock me, I’m a dais
[On yesterday’s date in 1998, Austrian 1980s-era hitmaker Falco died.]
Refresh your earworm memory: bit.ly/2UrwLdc
[On yesterday’s date in 1998, Austrian 1980s-era hitmaker Falco died.]
Refresh your earworm memory: bit.ly/2UrwLdc
February 7, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Rock me, I’m a dais
[On yesterday’s date in 1998, Austrian 1980s-era hitmaker Falco died.]
Refresh your earworm memory: bit.ly/2UrwLdc
[On yesterday’s date in 1998, Austrian 1980s-era hitmaker Falco died.]
Refresh your earworm memory: bit.ly/2UrwLdc
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Planned changes to D.C.'s Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families will impact 15,000 children, pushing them deeper into poverty.
@childrenslawcenter.org CEO Judith Sandalow and United Planning Organization CEO Andrea Thomas explain in this opinion piece:
@childrenslawcenter.org CEO Judith Sandalow and United Planning Organization CEO Andrea Thomas explain in this opinion piece:
Opinion: D.C. must restore TANF, pull children out of poverty
Planned changes to Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families will impact 15,000 children, pushing them deeper into poverty.
51st.news
February 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Planned changes to D.C.'s Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families will impact 15,000 children, pushing them deeper into poverty.
@childrenslawcenter.org CEO Judith Sandalow and United Planning Organization CEO Andrea Thomas explain in this opinion piece:
@childrenslawcenter.org CEO Judith Sandalow and United Planning Organization CEO Andrea Thomas explain in this opinion piece:
Reposted by Annie Osburn
📬 This week's newsletter:
✊ Solidarity with Washington Post journalists
🗳️ How candidates say they'd have handled the snowstorm
🥊 The D.C. Council lawyers up against Mayor Bowser
📆 What to do during Black History Month
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
✊ Solidarity with Washington Post journalists
🗳️ How candidates say they'd have handled the snowstorm
🥊 The D.C. Council lawyers up against Mayor Bowser
📆 What to do during Black History Month
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
The news doesn't stop — and neither do we
Candidates for D.C. office weigh in on the snowstorm response, the council lawyers up against Mayor Bowser, and more.
51st.news
February 5, 2026 at 7:31 PM
📬 This week's newsletter:
✊ Solidarity with Washington Post journalists
🗳️ How candidates say they'd have handled the snowstorm
🥊 The D.C. Council lawyers up against Mayor Bowser
📆 What to do during Black History Month
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
✊ Solidarity with Washington Post journalists
🗳️ How candidates say they'd have handled the snowstorm
🥊 The D.C. Council lawyers up against Mayor Bowser
📆 What to do during Black History Month
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Do you think DC needs journalists covering local DC news? Subscribe to @51st.news!
🧵 1/ We’re devastated about the layoffs at The Washington Post, which are gutting D.C. reporting. These journalists are an incalculable loss for our city. The 51st’s mission has always felt urgent, but now we know it needs to kick into high gear.
February 4, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Do you think DC needs journalists covering local DC news? Subscribe to @51st.news!
Reposted by Annie Osburn
If you live in the DC area, you should definitely do this
6/ The Post has lost over 375,000 subscribers in just over a year. If 10% of those readers subscribed to The 51st instead, we could hire 10 reporters and five editors, dramatically scaling our coverage of the city at this critical time. 51st.news/signup
Join The 51st
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit news source for D.C. Our reporting is rooted in our conviction that local journalism is meant to make people’s lives better — no paywalls, ever. But that's only…
51st.news
February 4, 2026 at 7:27 PM
If you live in the DC area, you should definitely do this
Reposted by Annie Osburn
As the @51st.news's first full-time reporter, I don't actually disagree with this. We're building something new one brick at a time, but at this point it's simply not a one-for-one replacement for what's being lost at the Post. (Please read and support us, though!)
People keep saying that this is The 51st, but with respect, I don't think it is. The 51st has (admirably) positioned itself as an outlet to give voice to underserved communities. But the city needs, like, a sports page, an arts page
Spitballing/bargaining stage of grief: A “Washington Banner” outlet, spun off the successful Baltimore Banner and taking advantage of its backend, built out of laid off Washington Post Metro and Sports staffers and funded via a mixed nonprofit and subscription model…
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
As the @51st.news's first full-time reporter, I don't actually disagree with this. We're building something new one brick at a time, but at this point it's simply not a one-for-one replacement for what's being lost at the Post. (Please read and support us, though!)
Reposted by Annie Osburn
We’re working on it! But growing the newsroom our city deserves takes time, and way more resources than we currently have. BUT every member helps get us closer to building a newsroom Bezos can’t destroy: 51st.news/signup
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
We’re working on it! But growing the newsroom our city deserves takes time, and way more resources than we currently have. BUT every member helps get us closer to building a newsroom Bezos can’t destroy: 51st.news/signup
Reposted by Annie Osburn
We fought hard to deliver a locally funded Child Tax Credit for families struggling with the cost of living in DC.
Now, House Republicans have passed a measure that pulls that support and undermines our tax code. DC families deserve better, and we won't stop fighting to keep money in their pockets.
Now, House Republicans have passed a measure that pulls that support and undermines our tax code. DC families deserve better, and we won't stop fighting to keep money in their pockets.
This week the House is expected to vote on a resolution that would repeal a D.C. bill that decoupled the city's tax code from some of the tax changes Republicans made last year. City officials say that if it passes Congress, it would cost D.C. $600 million over four years.
February 3, 2026 at 6:18 PM
We fought hard to deliver a locally funded Child Tax Credit for families struggling with the cost of living in DC.
Now, House Republicans have passed a measure that pulls that support and undermines our tax code. DC families deserve better, and we won't stop fighting to keep money in their pockets.
Now, House Republicans have passed a measure that pulls that support and undermines our tax code. DC families deserve better, and we won't stop fighting to keep money in their pockets.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
ICE tear gassed a bunch of children on Saturday. This was a massive escalation of force. They were shooting tear gas at the back of the crowd, it took these unmasked people maybe 3-5 minutes in the cloud of tear gas to escape in without trampling. www.theverge.com/policy/87278...
ICE is afraid of children protesting
“Next time, I’ll be back with a gas mask.”
www.theverge.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:11 PM
ICE tear gassed a bunch of children on Saturday. This was a massive escalation of force. They were shooting tear gas at the back of the crowd, it took these unmasked people maybe 3-5 minutes in the cloud of tear gas to escape in without trampling. www.theverge.com/policy/87278...
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Weekend protests in Portland against federal immigration actions were again met with thick clouds of tear gas outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. Here's what to know about how the city is reacting to tear gas, ICE’s use of force and other factors tied to the facility.
How Portland is using city policies to try and punish an ICE facility
Local officials are also looking toward a number of bureaucratic sanctions within their control to limit ICE’s actions against protesters.
www.opb.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Weekend protests in Portland against federal immigration actions were again met with thick clouds of tear gas outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. Here's what to know about how the city is reacting to tear gas, ICE’s use of force and other factors tied to the facility.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
DC neighbors - you helped @51st.news hire our first full-time reporter last year. He's covered local DC for more than a decade. Want to ask him anything?
Pretty excited for this: I'm doing an AMA over on the D.C. subreddit on Tuesday afternoon! (It's a great community, so very excited about.) So jump on over and ask any questions about D.C. politics, nerdy government stuff, pro cycling, whatever. www.reddit.com/r/washington...
From the washingtondc community on Reddit: AMA with The 51st's Martin Austermuhle - Tuesday 2/3
Explore this post and more from the washingtondc community
www.reddit.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:43 PM
DC neighbors - you helped @51st.news hire our first full-time reporter last year. He's covered local DC for more than a decade. Want to ask him anything?
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Last year, congressional republicans barred DC from utilizing nearly $1 billion of its own revenue and attempting to block another.
Congress should respect D.C.’s decision-making and allow our self-governing!
www.cbpp.org/blog/congres...
Congress should respect D.C.’s decision-making and allow our self-governing!
www.cbpp.org/blog/congres...
Congress Must Allow D.C. to Spend Its Own Local Dollars
Congressional Republicans, who last year barred the District of Columbia from spending $1 billion of its own revenue in its 2025 budget, are now moving to block another DC law.
www.cbpp.org
February 2, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Last year, congressional republicans barred DC from utilizing nearly $1 billion of its own revenue and attempting to block another.
Congress should respect D.C.’s decision-making and allow our self-governing!
www.cbpp.org/blog/congres...
Congress should respect D.C.’s decision-making and allow our self-governing!
www.cbpp.org/blog/congres...
Reposted by Annie Osburn
I was not far from the ICE building when they started launching gas at the crowd from atop the building, and I did not hear any warning over the building loud speakers. I heard someone in the crowd say “they’re coming out” right before flash bangs hit the pavement.
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Federal officers’ use of tear gas on protesters, children in Portland set to go before a judge
Protesters suing the federal government say the past weekend’s violence at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland shows the need for a judge to limit federal officers from using ...
www.opb.org
February 2, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I was not far from the ICE building when they started launching gas at the crowd from atop the building, and I did not hear any warning over the building loud speakers. I heard someone in the crowd say “they’re coming out” right before flash bangs hit the pavement.
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Reposted by Annie Osburn
I am reminded that I meant to share this the other day www.forbes.com/sites/thomas...
The Men Making Millions Selling Pepper Spray To ICE
Safariland, owned by billionaire Warren Kanders, remains the number one supplier of pepper spray and tear gas to ICE and CBP, via a large federal distributor run by a MAGA-aligned former Marine.
www.forbes.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:59 AM
I am reminded that I meant to share this the other day www.forbes.com/sites/thomas...
Reposted by Annie Osburn
I just got tear gassed along with thousands of union members, many of whom had their families with them. Federal agents at the ICE facility tear gassed children. We must abolish ICE, DHS, and we must have prosecutions. I expect to see enforcement of our city code prohibiting the use of tear gas.
February 1, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I just got tear gassed along with thousands of union members, many of whom had their families with them. Federal agents at the ICE facility tear gassed children. We must abolish ICE, DHS, and we must have prosecutions. I expect to see enforcement of our city code prohibiting the use of tear gas.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Just got gassed pretty good at the labor union anti-ICE protest in Portland. Massive march, 5-10k strong. Vibes were very much liberal rather than radical. Lots of kids and older folks.
They gassed the whole crowd as soon as it marched on ICE, in broad daylight.
They gassed the whole crowd as soon as it marched on ICE, in broad daylight.
February 1, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Just got gassed pretty good at the labor union anti-ICE protest in Portland. Massive march, 5-10k strong. Vibes were very much liberal rather than radical. Lots of kids and older folks.
They gassed the whole crowd as soon as it marched on ICE, in broad daylight.
They gassed the whole crowd as soon as it marched on ICE, in broad daylight.
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Congrats to ICE for dropping a metric ton of tear gas on a bunch of nurses, teamsters and children just now
February 1, 2026 at 1:52 AM
Congrats to ICE for dropping a metric ton of tear gas on a bunch of nurses, teamsters and children just now
Reposted by Annie Osburn
PDX bike vigil for all those killed by ICE, 1500 folks? the bestest of vibes! (except some dude in an suv who tried to kill us nbd)
riding the esplanade in the sun and crossing the tillikum bridge was really sweet with so many cool bikers
riding the esplanade in the sun and crossing the tillikum bridge was really sweet with so many cool bikers
February 1, 2026 at 1:24 AM
PDX bike vigil for all those killed by ICE, 1500 folks? the bestest of vibes! (except some dude in an suv who tried to kill us nbd)
riding the esplanade in the sun and crossing the tillikum bridge was really sweet with so many cool bikers
riding the esplanade in the sun and crossing the tillikum bridge was really sweet with so many cool bikers
Reposted by Annie Osburn
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com