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
Pinned
The 51st
@51st.news
· Nov 18
The 51st
Information with representation, by and for District of Columbia residents. A worker-led, independent nonprofit newsroom.
51st.news
For our end-of-year campaign, we’re setting a Big Goal that anyone reading this can help us achieve.
We need your help finding 3,000 new newsletter subscribers by the end of the year — paid or free.
⬇️
51st.news/signup
We need your help finding 3,000 new newsletter subscribers by the end of the year — paid or free.
⬇️
51st.news/signup
Reposted by The 51st
@51st.news for DC
Instead check out @zeteo.com @propublica.org @flaminghydra.com @404media.co @wired.com @marisakabas.bsky.social and the like.
If you've got an independent site or individual journalist you love, add them to the replies here.
If you've got an independent site or individual journalist you love, add them to the replies here.
January 5, 2026 at 12:43 AM
@51st.news for DC
It's our newsroom's first workday of the new year.
Here's what our reporting accomplished in 2025. Let's do even more together in 2026!
Here's what our reporting accomplished in 2025. Let's do even more together in 2026!
What our reporting accomplished this year
Tracking the impact of The 51st's local journalism.
51st.news
January 5, 2026 at 1:27 PM
It's our newsroom's first workday of the new year.
Here's what our reporting accomplished in 2025. Let's do even more together in 2026!
Here's what our reporting accomplished in 2025. Let's do even more together in 2026!
We're here to serve our city's info needs, and our "D.C. Explained" series is one of the most direct ways we work towards that goal.
This year's topics have included giving/receiving help locally, talking to kids about the federal occupation, and everything you need to know about the D.C. Council.
This year's topics have included giving/receiving help locally, talking to kids about the federal occupation, and everything you need to know about the D.C. Council.
D.C. Explained - The 51st
We equip readers with information that makes it easier to live in the District.
51st.news
January 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
We're here to serve our city's info needs, and our "D.C. Explained" series is one of the most direct ways we work towards that goal.
This year's topics have included giving/receiving help locally, talking to kids about the federal occupation, and everything you need to know about the D.C. Council.
This year's topics have included giving/receiving help locally, talking to kids about the federal occupation, and everything you need to know about the D.C. Council.
We were particularly proud of this October story on rising evictions in D.C. with @streetsensedc.bsky.social and American University's Investigative Reporting Workshop.
Several residents facing eviction shared their personal stories with our team, something that we never take for granted.
Several residents facing eviction shared their personal stories with our team, something that we never take for granted.
Evictions rising in DC as housing costs increase
New data shows evictions have surged past pre-pandemic levels, fueled by shrinking aid, high rents, and weakened tenant protections.
51st.news
January 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
We were particularly proud of this October story on rising evictions in D.C. with @streetsensedc.bsky.social and American University's Investigative Reporting Workshop.
Several residents facing eviction shared their personal stories with our team, something that we never take for granted.
Several residents facing eviction shared their personal stories with our team, something that we never take for granted.
Earlier this month, D.C. parent @aaronweso.bsky.social expressed frustration with changes to the English Language Arts curriculum at Alice Deal Middle School in an op-ed.
Responses from readers poured in, including Ward 3 SBOE Rep. @ejgoulet.bsky.social, who tweeted that he'd escalate the concerns.
Responses from readers poured in, including Ward 3 SBOE Rep. @ejgoulet.bsky.social, who tweeted that he'd escalate the concerns.
Opinion: DCPS middle-schoolers should be reading novels
Many parents like myself were shocked by a recent change to the English curriculum at Alice Deal Middle School.
51st.news
January 3, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Earlier this month, D.C. parent @aaronweso.bsky.social expressed frustration with changes to the English Language Arts curriculum at Alice Deal Middle School in an op-ed.
Responses from readers poured in, including Ward 3 SBOE Rep. @ejgoulet.bsky.social, who tweeted that he'd escalate the concerns.
Responses from readers poured in, including Ward 3 SBOE Rep. @ejgoulet.bsky.social, who tweeted that he'd escalate the concerns.
In September, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reported on the beleaguered remodel of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, and why the reopening was months delayed. Many readers reached out to say they'd been wondering what was going on — were you one of them?
The facility finally reopened earlier this month.
The facility finally reopened earlier this month.
Frozen out: Beloved D.C. ice rink faces uncertain future after $40 million rebuild
The Fort Dupont Ice Arena remains closed, and the group that ran it says D.C. has mismanaged its reconstruction.
51st.news
January 3, 2026 at 3:32 PM
In September, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reported on the beleaguered remodel of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, and why the reopening was months delayed. Many readers reached out to say they'd been wondering what was going on — were you one of them?
The facility finally reopened earlier this month.
The facility finally reopened earlier this month.
Earlier this year, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reported that activists had been calling for the D.C. Council to publicly question MPD about officers' continued collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
Within days, the council's Committee on Public Works & Operations scheduled a hearing.
Within days, the council's Committee on Public Works & Operations scheduled a hearing.
Questions remain about MPD’s work with ICE. Activists want lawmakers to step in
They say the D.C. Council should publicly question MPD about cooperation on immigration enforcement.
51st.news
January 2, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Earlier this year, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reported that activists had been calling for the D.C. Council to publicly question MPD about officers' continued collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
Within days, the council's Committee on Public Works & Operations scheduled a hearing.
Within days, the council's Committee on Public Works & Operations scheduled a hearing.
We hope you've gotten time these past days to slow down and spend time with people you love — and to reflect on what 2025 has meant for you.
We rounded up several stories that had real-world impact for D.C. communities, helping to make the year meaningful for us.
We rounded up several stories that had real-world impact for D.C. communities, helping to make the year meaningful for us.
What our reporting accomplished this year
Tracking the impact of The 51st's local journalism.
51st.news
January 2, 2026 at 1:23 PM
We hope you've gotten time these past days to slow down and spend time with people you love — and to reflect on what 2025 has meant for you.
We rounded up several stories that had real-world impact for D.C. communities, helping to make the year meaningful for us.
We rounded up several stories that had real-world impact for D.C. communities, helping to make the year meaningful for us.
A DC Water policy change this year left renters without access to water at home for weeks due to their landlords' inaction.
Four days after we published this story from @maustermuhle.bsky.social, the D.C. Council amended the municipal regulations.
Help us make more impact in 2026? 51st.news/signup
Four days after we published this story from @maustermuhle.bsky.social, the D.C. Council amended the municipal regulations.
Help us make more impact in 2026? 51st.news/signup
D.C. tenants face water shut-offs when landlords don’t pay bills
A change in policy has left renters stuck between property owners and DC Water.
51st.news
January 1, 2026 at 10:22 PM
A DC Water policy change this year left renters without access to water at home for weeks due to their landlords' inaction.
Four days after we published this story from @maustermuhle.bsky.social, the D.C. Council amended the municipal regulations.
Help us make more impact in 2026? 51st.news/signup
Four days after we published this story from @maustermuhle.bsky.social, the D.C. Council amended the municipal regulations.
Help us make more impact in 2026? 51st.news/signup
Whether it's spending a morning on the Potomac with local fishermen or gazing up at the sky over Mount Pleasant with neighbors, we want to tell the real D.C. stories — those that inspire community, teach you something new, and make you feel more connected to the place you love.
Our recent faves:
Our recent faves:
Our favorite stories we published in 2025
Stories we hope never get lost.
51st.news
January 1, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Whether it's spending a morning on the Potomac with local fishermen or gazing up at the sky over Mount Pleasant with neighbors, we want to tell the real D.C. stories — those that inspire community, teach you something new, and make you feel more connected to the place you love.
Our recent faves:
Our recent faves:
Reposted by The 51st
DC area peeps, SUBSCRIBE, DAMN IT!
I'm currently languishing in North Carolina, but I still subscribed, because @51st.news is the best way to stay informed about what's REALLY going on in my favorite city.
SUBSCRIBE!
I'm currently languishing in North Carolina, but I still subscribed, because @51st.news is the best way to stay informed about what's REALLY going on in my favorite city.
SUBSCRIBE!
This COULD be the first time we don't meet a goal for @51st.news 😰
Our nonprofit has been working to reach 3K new email subscribers (free or paid) by 2026.
But we're only 1/3 of the way there: we'd need 2K new people in 2 days.
Can YOU help? 51st.news/signup
(More on the why and the how ⬇️ 🧵)
Our nonprofit has been working to reach 3K new email subscribers (free or paid) by 2026.
But we're only 1/3 of the way there: we'd need 2K new people in 2 days.
Can YOU help? 51st.news/signup
(More on the why and the how ⬇️ 🧵)
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 poss...
51st.news
December 31, 2025 at 11:50 PM
DC area peeps, SUBSCRIBE, DAMN IT!
I'm currently languishing in North Carolina, but I still subscribed, because @51st.news is the best way to stay informed about what's REALLY going on in my favorite city.
SUBSCRIBE!
I'm currently languishing in North Carolina, but I still subscribed, because @51st.news is the best way to stay informed about what's REALLY going on in my favorite city.
SUBSCRIBE!
Reposted by The 51st
So, THANK YOU to all of our subscribers, for building this with us: 51st.news/this-season-...
If you don't subscribe, please do: <1 minute, free, can be undone anytime if you're dissatisfied.
No matter what, PLEASE MESSAGE YOUR PEOPLE. I'm still choosing to believe we can reach 2,000 new folks. 🤞🏼
If you don't subscribe, please do: <1 minute, free, can be undone anytime if you're dissatisfied.
No matter what, PLEASE MESSAGE YOUR PEOPLE. I'm still choosing to believe we can reach 2,000 new folks. 🤞🏼
This season, we’re thankful for you
Our worker-led newsroom wouldn't be possible without your people power.
51st.news
December 30, 2025 at 7:06 PM
So, THANK YOU to all of our subscribers, for building this with us: 51st.news/this-season-...
If you don't subscribe, please do: <1 minute, free, can be undone anytime if you're dissatisfied.
No matter what, PLEASE MESSAGE YOUR PEOPLE. I'm still choosing to believe we can reach 2,000 new folks. 🤞🏼
If you don't subscribe, please do: <1 minute, free, can be undone anytime if you're dissatisfied.
No matter what, PLEASE MESSAGE YOUR PEOPLE. I'm still choosing to believe we can reach 2,000 new folks. 🤞🏼
Reposted by The 51st
As a journalist and DC resident who worked for both, @51st.news is better. Just not yet as large or well resourced.
But as a founder, I'm biased.
So don't take my word for it. Here's what subscribers are saying: 51st.news/nine-reasons...
But as a founder, I'm biased.
So don't take my word for it. Here's what subscribers are saying: 51st.news/nine-reasons...
December 30, 2025 at 7:02 PM
As a journalist and DC resident who worked for both, @51st.news is better. Just not yet as large or well resourced.
But as a founder, I'm biased.
So don't take my word for it. Here's what subscribers are saying: 51st.news/nine-reasons...
But as a founder, I'm biased.
So don't take my word for it. Here's what subscribers are saying: 51st.news/nine-reasons...
Reposted by The 51st
While 3,000 new ppl is a LOT, we know so many more local residents who *want* local online news, and who already know our journalists, are out there.
When WAMU laid me off in '24 and experimented w/ blocking public access to DCist[dot]com, we had more than 70K subscribers: 51st.news/lost-51-000-...
When WAMU laid me off in '24 and experimented w/ blocking public access to DCist[dot]com, we had more than 70K subscribers: 51st.news/lost-51-000-...
LOST: 51,000+ DCist readers
Can you help us find them? We're offering fun rewards via our ~brand-new referral program~.
51st.news
December 30, 2025 at 6:58 PM
While 3,000 new ppl is a LOT, we know so many more local residents who *want* local online news, and who already know our journalists, are out there.
When WAMU laid me off in '24 and experimented w/ blocking public access to DCist[dot]com, we had more than 70K subscribers: 51st.news/lost-51-000-...
When WAMU laid me off in '24 and experimented w/ blocking public access to DCist[dot]com, we had more than 70K subscribers: 51st.news/lost-51-000-...
Reposted by The 51st
We also focus on subscribers because it's the most reliable way to stay in touch.
The Internet is bursting w/ AI slop, misinformation, and tools for ppl to make disinformation appear credible.
Trustworthy local news, sent straight to you, is priceless (and free, it's our mission) 51st.news/signup
The Internet is bursting w/ AI slop, misinformation, and tools for ppl to make disinformation appear credible.
Trustworthy local news, sent straight to you, is priceless (and free, it's our mission) 51st.news/signup
December 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We also focus on subscribers because it's the most reliable way to stay in touch.
The Internet is bursting w/ AI slop, misinformation, and tools for ppl to make disinformation appear credible.
Trustworthy local news, sent straight to you, is priceless (and free, it's our mission) 51st.news/signup
The Internet is bursting w/ AI slop, misinformation, and tools for ppl to make disinformation appear credible.
Trustworthy local news, sent straight to you, is priceless (and free, it's our mission) 51st.news/signup
Reposted by The 51st
^It’s no wonder our “guide to giving and receiving help in D.C.” explainer—published in January 2025— remains a top-performing story on our site.
That public service journalism is *my* favorite kind of work we do. Here are some others selected by our team: 51st.news/our-favorite...
That public service journalism is *my* favorite kind of work we do. Here are some others selected by our team: 51st.news/our-favorite...
Our favorite stories we published in 2025
Stories we hope never get lost.
51st.news
December 30, 2025 at 6:54 PM
^It’s no wonder our “guide to giving and receiving help in D.C.” explainer—published in January 2025— remains a top-performing story on our site.
That public service journalism is *my* favorite kind of work we do. Here are some others selected by our team: 51st.news/our-favorite...
That public service journalism is *my* favorite kind of work we do. Here are some others selected by our team: 51st.news/our-favorite...
!!!
This COULD be the first time we don't meet a goal for @51st.news 😰
Our nonprofit has been working to reach 3K new email subscribers (free or paid) by 2026.
But we're only 1/3 of the way there: we'd need 2K new people in 2 days.
Can YOU help? 51st.news/signup
(More on the why and the how ⬇️ 🧵)
Our nonprofit has been working to reach 3K new email subscribers (free or paid) by 2026.
But we're only 1/3 of the way there: we'd need 2K new people in 2 days.
Can YOU help? 51st.news/signup
(More on the why and the how ⬇️ 🧵)
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 poss...
51st.news
December 31, 2025 at 11:44 PM
!!!
Reposted by The 51st
Another reason I know this is achievable today: bsky.app/profile/51st...
If only 6% of our Bluesky followers subscribed to our newsletter (it's free!), we'd reach our end of year goal. Have you subscribed yet?
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…
www.51st.news
December 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Another reason I know this is achievable today: bsky.app/profile/51st...
Reposted by The 51st
Local news is essential! I love and support @washingtoninformer.com and @51st.news, in addition to @streetsensedc.bsky.social. I’m also hopeful @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social’s proposed legislation to fund local news outlets with neighbor “news coupons” passes.
December 31, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Local news is essential! I love and support @washingtoninformer.com and @51st.news, in addition to @streetsensedc.bsky.social. I’m also hopeful @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social’s proposed legislation to fund local news outlets with neighbor “news coupons” passes.
“It has been so inspiring to see the way that people are like, ‘OK, I'm not just gonna sit by. I'm gonna do something. We're gonna do something in Congress. ... We're gonna do something in the streets. And we're going to continue to be here."
—Frankie Seabron, @harrietsdreams.bsky.social
—Frankie Seabron, @harrietsdreams.bsky.social
D.C. residents fought Trump's attacks in 2025
Life in the District was turned upside down by the Trump Administration this year. Here’s how residents responded.
51st.news
December 31, 2025 at 8:07 PM
“It has been so inspiring to see the way that people are like, ‘OK, I'm not just gonna sit by. I'm gonna do something. We're gonna do something in Congress. ... We're gonna do something in the streets. And we're going to continue to be here."
—Frankie Seabron, @harrietsdreams.bsky.social
—Frankie Seabron, @harrietsdreams.bsky.social
We're always tracking our work's impact — awards we've received, radio appearances and press coverage, legislative or judicial action, and more.
What means the most to us is seeing and hearing that our local journalism is making our neighbors’ lives better.
This year's top moments:
What means the most to us is seeing and hearing that our local journalism is making our neighbors’ lives better.
This year's top moments:
What our reporting accomplished this year
Tracking the impact of The 51st's local journalism.
51st.news
December 30, 2025 at 9:15 PM
We're always tracking our work's impact — awards we've received, radio appearances and press coverage, legislative or judicial action, and more.
What means the most to us is seeing and hearing that our local journalism is making our neighbors’ lives better.
This year's top moments:
What means the most to us is seeing and hearing that our local journalism is making our neighbors’ lives better.
This year's top moments:
As we're counting down the final days of 2025, reminder that any $ support you send our way before Jan 1 will be DOUBLED thanks to a program called Newsmatch.
If you've been thinking about joining as a member or donating, now is a great time.
If you've been thinking about joining as a member or donating, now is a great time.
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
December 30, 2025 at 7:01 PM
As we're counting down the final days of 2025, reminder that any $ support you send our way before Jan 1 will be DOUBLED thanks to a program called Newsmatch.
If you've been thinking about joining as a member or donating, now is a great time.
If you've been thinking about joining as a member or donating, now is a great time.
Nabiha isn't just a source of home-cooked food, it's a safe gathering space for local Palestinians and activists, owner Nesrin Abaza says.
This story about the "protest restaurant" was one of the team's favorites we published this year:
This story about the "protest restaurant" was one of the team's favorites we published this year:
D.C.'s 'protest restaurant' brings Palestinian food and culture to U Street
Nesrin Abaza says Nabiha isn't just a source of home-cooked food, it's a safe gathering space for local Palestinians and activists.
51st.news
December 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Nabiha isn't just a source of home-cooked food, it's a safe gathering space for local Palestinians and activists, owner Nesrin Abaza says.
This story about the "protest restaurant" was one of the team's favorites we published this year:
This story about the "protest restaurant" was one of the team's favorites we published this year:
Reposted by The 51st
Add supporting local journalism to your new year resolutions, please and thank you!
Who would have guessed that running the 51st costs more *just* because we report on D.C.?
The unexpected costs of running The 51st
So you're telling me ... it's more expensive to be a newsroom in D.C.?
51st.news
December 29, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Add supporting local journalism to your new year resolutions, please and thank you!
To close out the year, @maustermuhle.bsky.social has a word for 51st readers:
A note from Martin
The 51st's first full-time reporter reflects on what it means to be a D.C. news outlet in 2025.
51st.news
December 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
To close out the year, @maustermuhle.bsky.social has a word for 51st readers: