The 51st
@51st.news
Information with representation, by and for D.C. residents.
Worker-led nonprofit newsroom, funded by readers like YOU.
🌐 https://51st.news
Support the work: https://51st.news/signup
Worker-led nonprofit newsroom, funded by readers like YOU.
🌐 https://51st.news
Support the work: https://51st.news/signup
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The 51st
@51st.news
· 12d
Help us explain D.C.
At The 51st, we aim to make living in the District easier for the residents who call it home. To that end, what topic should we explain next?
forms.gle
One of our goals as a newsroom is to make living in the District easier for the residents who call it home.
We want the regular explainers we publish to serve you, so... what do you want explained?
Let us know — and see some examples — here:
We want the regular explainers we publish to serve you, so... what do you want explained?
Let us know — and see some examples — here:
Reposted by The 51st
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?
Unfortunately, still relevant:
51st.news/everything-y...
51st.news/everything-y...
Everything you need to know about clearing snow (or not) in D.C.
We might love seeing snow come down, but let's be fair: we're not very good about shoveling it once its on the ground.
51st.news
February 2, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Unfortunately, still relevant:
51st.news/everything-y...
51st.news/everything-y...
Reposted by The 51st
This is excellent local reporting 😍
Washington Gas wants to spend $215M replacing gas pipes in D.C.
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
D.C. is battling Washington Gas over its pipelines
D.C. and Washington Gas are at odds over the future of the city's pipeline network.
51st.news
February 2, 2026 at 3:52 PM
This is excellent local reporting 😍
Reposted by The 51st
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 2:07 PM
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...
Looking to get involved in D.C.? Here are plenty of ways to start this weekend. 51st.news/dc-civic-eng...
Your weekly roundup of ways to get involved in D.C.
Plus, an anti-ICE student walk-out, performance oversight, and more.
51st.news
January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Looking to get involved in D.C.? Here are plenty of ways to start this weekend. 51st.news/dc-civic-eng...
One of the most frustrating statements D.C. natives hear from transplants is, “I’ve never met anyone who’s actually from here.” If that’s you, come to the next edition of Ask A D.C. Native, Live on Wednesday! RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...
January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
One of the most frustrating statements D.C. natives hear from transplants is, “I’ve never met anyone who’s actually from here.” If that’s you, come to the next edition of Ask A D.C. Native, Live on Wednesday! RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...
“I thought the episode did an incredible job of showing how much D.C.'s queer history is connected to D.C.’s queer present,” said Emma O'Neill-Dietel, Totman Fellow at the DC History Center 51st.news/netflix-quee...
Queer Eye spotlights D.C.'s LGBTQ history, and those working to preserve it
Karamo Brown's visit to the DC History Center, which documents queer history in the District, was featured in the final season of the hit Netflix series.
51st.news
January 31, 2026 at 1:12 AM
“I thought the episode did an incredible job of showing how much D.C.'s queer history is connected to D.C.’s queer present,” said Emma O'Neill-Dietel, Totman Fellow at the DC History Center 51st.news/netflix-quee...
The Heated Rivalry psychosis -- er, craze, continues with a themed dance party this weekend. Plus, film screenings, a home gardening workshop, and more. 51st.news/dc-events-th...
17 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Warm up with a Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party, take in theater performances filled with ghosts and vampires, and start making plans for your spring garden.
51st.news
January 30, 2026 at 8:01 PM
The Heated Rivalry psychosis -- er, craze, continues with a themed dance party this weekend. Plus, film screenings, a home gardening workshop, and more. 51st.news/dc-events-th...
Aggrieved residents say there's sNOw excuse for days of uncleared sidewalks and roadways after last weekend's storm.... but local officials claim a unique set of circumstances created the icy mess. @maustermuhle.bsky.social dug in (or out?) and explained the details. 51st.news/dc-storm-sno...
Did D.C. drop the ball on snow-clearing, or were conditions uniquely bad?
Some say plows are missing in action, but D.C. officials say ice and frigid temperatures are to blame for the slow cleanup.
51st.news
January 30, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Aggrieved residents say there's sNOw excuse for days of uncleared sidewalks and roadways after last weekend's storm.... but local officials claim a unique set of circumstances created the icy mess. @maustermuhle.bsky.social dug in (or out?) and explained the details. 51st.news/dc-storm-sno...
We dropped the ball on including the link: 51st.news/dc-storm-sno...
January 30, 2026 at 4:36 PM
We dropped the ball on including the link: 51st.news/dc-storm-sno...
Reposted by The 51st
I've been retired now from running a wastewater agency for 8 years and this kind of headline still makes my stomach lurch. This used to be considered a potential criminal affair.
A break in a pipe – carrying sewage from Dulles to a water treatment plant in D.C. – led to more than 200 million gallons of sewage flowing directly into the Potomac River north of the city. One of the largest environmental disasters of its kind: 51st.news/potomac-sewa...
What you need to know about the big sewage spill in the Potomac
The spill is now largely contained, but people are still warned to avoid contact with the river.
51st.news
January 30, 2026 at 1:07 AM
I've been retired now from running a wastewater agency for 8 years and this kind of headline still makes my stomach lurch. This used to be considered a potential criminal affair.
Have out-of-town family or friends asked you recently, with a sort of concerned tone in their voice: "So...what's it like D.C. right now?"
What do you tell them?
Let us know! We're evaluating what's changed for residents over the past 12 months. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
What do you tell them?
Let us know! We're evaluating what's changed for residents over the past 12 months. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
What's the vibe in D.C. right now?
Family and friends who don't live here have asked our team this question recently ... you too? As the first anniversary of President Trump's inauguration passes, we're evaluating what's changed for…
docs.google.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Have out-of-town family or friends asked you recently, with a sort of concerned tone in their voice: "So...what's it like D.C. right now?"
What do you tell them?
Let us know! We're evaluating what's changed for residents over the past 12 months. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
What do you tell them?
Let us know! We're evaluating what's changed for residents over the past 12 months. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
So many ways to help your neighbors and city, from a NARCAN training to D.C. Council performance oversight hearings, plug in: 51st.news/dc-civic-eng...
Your weekly roundup of ways to get involved in D.C.
Plus, an anti-ICE student walk-out, performance oversight, and more.
51st.news
January 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
So many ways to help your neighbors and city, from a NARCAN training to D.C. Council performance oversight hearings, plug in: 51st.news/dc-civic-eng...
How do you want to spend your weekend?
🏒 🕺 Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party
or
🍒 🧑🌾 Pretend it's not winter and start making garden plans
+ 15 other ideas: 51st.news/dc-events-th...
🏒 🕺 Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party
or
🍒 🧑🌾 Pretend it's not winter and start making garden plans
+ 15 other ideas: 51st.news/dc-events-th...
January 30, 2026 at 12:00 AM
How do you want to spend your weekend?
🏒 🕺 Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party
or
🍒 🧑🌾 Pretend it's not winter and start making garden plans
+ 15 other ideas: 51st.news/dc-events-th...
🏒 🕺 Heated Rivalry-inspired dance party
or
🍒 🧑🌾 Pretend it's not winter and start making garden plans
+ 15 other ideas: 51st.news/dc-events-th...
Washington Gas wants to spend $215M replacing gas pipes in D.C.
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
D.C. is battling Washington Gas over its pipelines
D.C. and Washington Gas are at odds over the future of the city's pipeline network.
51st.news
January 29, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Washington Gas wants to spend $215M replacing gas pipes in D.C.
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
Critics say that locks the city into fossil fuels (and higher bills) just as electrification gets cheaper.
The decision is in the hands of D.C.'s Public Service Commission. Read more: 51st.news/inside-the-b...
A break in a pipe – carrying sewage from Dulles to a water treatment plant in D.C. – led to more than 200 million gallons of sewage flowing directly into the Potomac River north of the city. One of the largest environmental disasters of its kind: 51st.news/potomac-sewa...
What you need to know about the big sewage spill in the Potomac
The spill is now largely contained, but people are still warned to avoid contact with the river.
51st.news
January 29, 2026 at 11:24 PM
A break in a pipe – carrying sewage from Dulles to a water treatment plant in D.C. – led to more than 200 million gallons of sewage flowing directly into the Potomac River north of the city. One of the largest environmental disasters of its kind: 51st.news/potomac-sewa...
Whether you think D.C. totally dropped the (snow) ball or made an admirable effort under brutal conditions, most people seem to agree that the city's weather communication wasn't ideal. Martin dug into what happened
January 29, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Whether you think D.C. totally dropped the (snow) ball or made an admirable effort under brutal conditions, most people seem to agree that the city's weather communication wasn't ideal. Martin dug into what happened
Reposted by The 51st
Congrats to the team @51st.news — doubling their staff size and pioneering a path toward sustainable and pro-community local news.
Consider becoming a member and supporting that mission.
51st.news/bci-seed-commons-lo...
Consider becoming a member and supporting that mission.
51st.news/bci-seed-commons-lo...
Good news ... in these times?!
A glimmer of hope and a model for a brighter future.
51st.news
January 29, 2026 at 1:53 AM
Congrats to the team @51st.news — doubling their staff size and pioneering a path toward sustainable and pro-community local news.
Consider becoming a member and supporting that mission.
51st.news/bci-seed-commons-lo...
Consider becoming a member and supporting that mission.
51st.news/bci-seed-commons-lo...
Snow, Sewage, Gas...and Queer Eye. The four horsemen of the apocalypse or our newsletter this week? Read it here: 51st.news/archive/who-...
Who is to blame for D.C.’s frozen mess?
Plus, the battle over your home heat, that big sewage spill in the Potomac, and more.
51st.news
January 29, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Snow, Sewage, Gas...and Queer Eye. The four horsemen of the apocalypse or our newsletter this week? Read it here: 51st.news/archive/who-...
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Get our latest stories in your inbox this afternoon:
Get our latest stories in your inbox this afternoon:
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
January 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM
It's newsletter day! Are you signed up?
Get our latest stories in your inbox this afternoon:
Get our latest stories in your inbox this afternoon:
Opinion: "Nurses are consistently ranked as one of the most valued and trusted professions, despite efforts to devalue us. Our hospital administrators have failed to stand up for us or treat us with the respect that reflects the importance of our work."
Opinion: Washington Hospital Center nurses deserve more from management
Nurses bargaining for a new contract allege managers have been stealing wages by illegally changing timecards.
51st.news
January 29, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Opinion: "Nurses are consistently ranked as one of the most valued and trusted professions, despite efforts to devalue us. Our hospital administrators have failed to stand up for us or treat us with the respect that reflects the importance of our work."
Reposted by The 51st
Thrilled to share this news!
Learning about @dc-bci.bsky.social's SELF loan was so possibility expanding, not just for The 51st, but also for what could be possible in this world!
Learning about @dc-bci.bsky.social's SELF loan was so possibility expanding, not just for The 51st, but also for what could be possible in this world!
We've got good news to share, something in short supply these days:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
Good news ... in these times?!
A glimmer of hope and a model for a brighter future.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Thrilled to share this news!
Learning about @dc-bci.bsky.social's SELF loan was so possibility expanding, not just for The 51st, but also for what could be possible in this world!
Learning about @dc-bci.bsky.social's SELF loan was so possibility expanding, not just for The 51st, but also for what could be possible in this world!
We've got good news to share, something in short supply these days:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
Good news ... in these times?!
A glimmer of hope and a model for a brighter future.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 10:41 PM
We've got good news to share, something in short supply these days:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
We’re doubling the size of our full-time staff to four people — earlier than would be possible with fundraising alone — thanks to the DC Solidarity Economy Loan Fund.
More on how this loan works, and what it's enabling us to do:
Reposted by The 51st
I can't think too hard about ebook racketeering or I do want to start screaming and never stop. I don’t know if this will work but somebody's gotta do something
Your Libby rental was free for you, but did you know it cost the D.C. Public Library $59.99?
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
Libraries can't afford e-books. D.C. lawmakers have a plan.
The demand and price for e-books is up — and it’s busting the D.C. Public Library budget.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 12:33 AM
I can't think too hard about ebook racketeering or I do want to start screaming and never stop. I don’t know if this will work but somebody's gotta do something
Reposted by The 51st
AND did you know that for that $60, the library can either offer the book for a certain amount of time or a certain number of checkouts before they have to pay for the book all over again?!
Your Libby rental was free for you, but did you know it cost the D.C. Public Library $59.99?
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
Libraries can't afford e-books. D.C. lawmakers have a plan.
The demand and price for e-books is up — and it’s busting the D.C. Public Library budget.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 2:57 AM
AND did you know that for that $60, the library can either offer the book for a certain amount of time or a certain number of checkouts before they have to pay for the book all over again?!