Martin Austermuhle
@maustermuhle.bsky.social
Wandering reporter with @51st.news, Switzerland and D.C. Formerly of WAMU 88.5 and DCist.
🚨 Starting a new thread here because I think there may still be more attempts to delay ranked-choice voting in D.C.
It is currently set to be implemented for next June's primary, but some back and forth today makes me think two councilmembers could try to derail that.
It is currently set to be implemented for next June's primary, but some back and forth today makes me think two councilmembers could try to derail that.
Interesting: In testimony to the D.C. Council about implementing ranked-choice voting next year, elections board director Monica Evans says reporting results will take longer, up to 10 days after the election. That's because all mail ballots need to be received before counting.
November 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
🚨 Starting a new thread here because I think there may still be more attempts to delay ranked-choice voting in D.C.
It is currently set to be implemented for next June's primary, but some back and forth today makes me think two councilmembers could try to derail that.
It is currently set to be implemented for next June's primary, but some back and forth today makes me think two councilmembers could try to derail that.
In further back and forth with @cmcharlesallen.bsky.social, Evans clarifies what will change with vote tabulations under RCV.
"We are looking at a cadence where it may not be a final tabulation but they may do interim tabulation rounds to provide information to voters," she says.
"We are looking at a cadence where it may not be a final tabulation but they may do interim tabulation rounds to provide information to voters," she says.
Interesting: In testimony to the D.C. Council about implementing ranked-choice voting next year, elections board director Monica Evans says reporting results will take longer, up to 10 days after the election. That's because all mail ballots need to be received before counting.
November 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
In further back and forth with @cmcharlesallen.bsky.social, Evans clarifies what will change with vote tabulations under RCV.
"We are looking at a cadence where it may not be a final tabulation but they may do interim tabulation rounds to provide information to voters," she says.
"We are looking at a cadence where it may not be a final tabulation but they may do interim tabulation rounds to provide information to voters," she says.
Interesting: In testimony to the D.C. Council about implementing ranked-choice voting next year, elections board director Monica Evans says reporting results will take longer, up to 10 days after the election. That's because all mail ballots need to be received before counting.
November 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Interesting: In testimony to the D.C. Council about implementing ranked-choice voting next year, elections board director Monica Evans says reporting results will take longer, up to 10 days after the election. That's because all mail ballots need to be received before counting.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Within a month, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations shot at D.C. drivers two separate times.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability
D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.
51st.news
November 22, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Within a month, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations shot at D.C. drivers two separate times.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
Interesting: D.C.'s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration says the number of applications for medical cannabis cards more than *tripled* from July 2024 (2,130) to June 2025 (7,181). That generally aligns with the big increase in dispensaries in the city.
November 21, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Interesting: D.C.'s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration says the number of applications for medical cannabis cards more than *tripled* from July 2024 (2,130) to June 2025 (7,181). That generally aligns with the big increase in dispensaries in the city.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
A federal judge ruled yesterday that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in D.C. was unlawful.
It illegally infringes upon the city’s ability to direct law enforcement and undermines Congress’s local authority, the ruling says.
What comes next? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:
It illegally infringes upon the city’s ability to direct law enforcement and undermines Congress’s local authority, the ruling says.
What comes next? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:
Federal judge rules Trump’s deployment of National Guard in D.C. is ‘unlawful’
The 2,300 Guardsmen aren’t headed home just yet, though.
51st.news
November 21, 2025 at 2:25 PM
A federal judge ruled yesterday that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in D.C. was unlawful.
It illegally infringes upon the city’s ability to direct law enforcement and undermines Congress’s local authority, the ruling says.
What comes next? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:
It illegally infringes upon the city’s ability to direct law enforcement and undermines Congress’s local authority, the ruling says.
What comes next? @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports:
Two recent shootings by federal agents in D.C. have highlighted the big gaps in training, transparency, and accountability that exist between them and D.C.'s local police officers. MPD has one set of rules, federal agents another: 51st.news/federal-poli...
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability
D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.
51st.news
November 20, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Two recent shootings by federal agents in D.C. have highlighted the big gaps in training, transparency, and accountability that exist between them and D.C.'s local police officers. MPD has one set of rules, federal agents another: 51st.news/federal-poli...
NEWS: A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's deployment of the D.C. National Guard and Guardsmen from other states to fight crime in D.C. is unlawful. The ruling is a win for D.C., but the judge stayed it for 21 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal. oag.dc.gov/sites/defaul...
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 PM
NEWS: A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's deployment of the D.C. National Guard and Guardsmen from other states to fight crime in D.C. is unlawful. The ruling is a win for D.C., but the judge stayed it for 21 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal. oag.dc.gov/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Two shootings over the span of a month highlight how federal agents patrolling in D.C. don’t follow the same protocols that MPD officers do, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability
D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.
51st.news
November 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Two shootings over the span of a month highlight how federal agents patrolling in D.C. don’t follow the same protocols that MPD officers do, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
This week the House is set to vote on two bills targeting D.C.'s criminal justice laws. One would repeal a 2020 city law that imposed new training, discipline, and disclosure standards on police. The other would bring cash bail back to D.C. 30 years after it was eliminated.
We stand united against all 13 anti–DC Home Rule bills in Congress.
DC is home to more than 700,000 residents who pay taxes, run businesses, and serve in the military. Like all Americans, we deserve the right to set our own local laws.
Congress should reject this unprecedented federal overreach.
DC is home to more than 700,000 residents who pay taxes, run businesses, and serve in the military. Like all Americans, we deserve the right to set our own local laws.
Congress should reject this unprecedented federal overreach.
November 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
This week the House is set to vote on two bills targeting D.C.'s criminal justice laws. One would repeal a 2020 city law that imposed new training, discipline, and disclosure standards on police. The other would bring cash bail back to D.C. 30 years after it was eliminated.
D.C. IS FOR LOVERS: I'm told that D.C. issued *601* marriage licenses during the federal shutdown, which shuttered the Marriage Bureau in Superior Court. The D.C. Council passed an emergency bill in early October to let the city issue licenses and perform marriage ceremonies.
November 17, 2025 at 5:37 PM
D.C. IS FOR LOVERS: I'm told that D.C. issued *601* marriage licenses during the federal shutdown, which shuttered the Marriage Bureau in Superior Court. The D.C. Council passed an emergency bill in early October to let the city issue licenses and perform marriage ceremonies.
Interesting: After authoring a bill that expanded pre-trial detention in D.C. and pushing for the expanded youth curfew, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto has now unveiled package of 23 bills (called Prosper D.C.) focused on economic opportunities for residents. All the bills are below.
November 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Interesting: After authoring a bill that expanded pre-trial detention in D.C. and pushing for the expanded youth curfew, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto has now unveiled package of 23 bills (called Prosper D.C.) focused on economic opportunities for residents. All the bills are below.
THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT ARE GOING TO THE FINALS!
November 15, 2025 at 7:11 PM
THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT ARE GOING TO THE FINALS!
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
Absolutely HUGE game today! Hope to see everyone down at Audi Field in a few hours. LET’S F**KIN’ GO!
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 15, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Absolutely HUGE game today! Hope to see everyone down at Audi Field in a few hours. LET’S F**KIN’ GO!
MPD has released a more detailed narrative on the traffic stop/car chase along Benning Road NE yesterday afternoon where a federal agent shot their gun. It's still unclear here when and where the agent used their gun, though. (There were no injuries from it.)
November 14, 2025 at 8:26 PM
MPD has released a more detailed narrative on the traffic stop/car chase along Benning Road NE yesterday afternoon where a federal agent shot their gun. It's still unclear here when and where the agent used their gun, though. (There were no injuries from it.)
In a statement, Councilmember Wendell Felder says he's "deeply concerned" with the two shootings by federal agents in Ward 7 over the last month: "Situations like these underscore the need for all law-enforcement partners to operate in ways that strengthen rather than strain trust."
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
November 14, 2025 at 6:50 PM
In a statement, Councilmember Wendell Felder says he's "deeply concerned" with the two shootings by federal agents in Ward 7 over the last month: "Situations like these underscore the need for all law-enforcement partners to operate in ways that strengthen rather than strain trust."
Speaking on The Politics Hour, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is being coy about his own ambitions.
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
Earlier today @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social said she is considering a run for D.C. mayor, but no specifics on when she will make up her mind. She said she likes @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, but praised @mayorwu.boston.gov.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
November 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Speaking on The Politics Hour, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is being coy about his own ambitions.
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
November 14, 2025 at 3:04 AM
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Ahead of Saturday’s game, @maustermuhle.bsky.social spoke with @washingtonspirit.com captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury ⚽ 🥅
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Ahead of Saturday’s game, @maustermuhle.bsky.social spoke with @washingtonspirit.com captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury ⚽ 🥅
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Have you noticed Lime bikes suddenly have less juice? Read about why from @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
Why D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling slower
Officials say new limits are intended to address issues with speeding and crime, particularly among teens.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Have you noticed Lime bikes suddenly have less juice? Read about why from @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
This weekend the Washington Spirit play in the NWSL semi-finals, and I got a chance to chat with team captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury about the pressure of penalty kicks, the rowdy Spirit fanbase, and her favorite baked goods in the D.C. region: 51st.news/aubrey-kings...
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
This weekend the Washington Spirit play in the NWSL semi-finals, and I got a chance to chat with team captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury about the pressure of penalty kicks, the rowdy Spirit fanbase, and her favorite baked goods in the D.C. region: 51st.news/aubrey-kings...
D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling a little slower these days, in part because city officials pushed for lower speed limits and other changes to address concerns over teens and adults using them to commit crime: 51st.news/dc-lime-dock...
Why D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling slower
Officials say new limits are intended to address issues with speeding and crime, particularly among teens.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling a little slower these days, in part because city officials pushed for lower speed limits and other changes to address concerns over teens and adults using them to commit crime: 51st.news/dc-lime-dock...
Some news: The Washington Commanders have chosen an architect for the new $2.7 billion stadium the team will be building at RFK. (D.C. is kicking in $1 billion to prepare the site.) The choice: HKS, which worked on SoFi Stadium in California.
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Some news: The Washington Commanders have chosen an architect for the new $2.7 billion stadium the team will be building at RFK. (D.C. is kicking in $1 billion to prepare the site.) The choice: HKS, which worked on SoFi Stadium in California.
Really good reporting here by WaPo on the internal debates and discussions around how @mayorbowser.dc.gov has handled Trump since he took office again this year, especially amidst the federal takeover he launched in August: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Behind the scenes of the D.C. mayor’s battle to keep Trump at bay
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has worked behind the scenes to appease President Trump more often than has been publicly known since his reelection.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Really good reporting here by WaPo on the internal debates and discussions around how @mayorbowser.dc.gov has handled Trump since he took office again this year, especially amidst the federal takeover he launched in August: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...