Eric Falquero
@ericfalquero.bsky.social
DC community journalist: ericfalquero[at]51st[dot]news.
Co-founder of the worker-led nonprofit @51st.news 📰. Past professional lives at WAMU/DCist and Street Sense Media.
Appalachian, Llanito, bird nerd 🦅, @footballclubgroup.com member / owner / fan ⚽
Co-founder of the worker-led nonprofit @51st.news 📰. Past professional lives at WAMU/DCist and Street Sense Media.
Appalachian, Llanito, bird nerd 🦅, @footballclubgroup.com member / owner / fan ⚽
Pinned
You can help build billionaire-free local news.
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Let's fight misinformation, help good journalists to make a decent living, and stick a big ol' finger in Jeff Bezos' eye.
Repost this -> I give $1
Follow @51st.news -> I give $1
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Donate -> I match your gift
Let's fight misinformation, help good journalists to make a decent living, and stick a big ol' finger in Jeff Bezos' eye.
I'm so grateful @russ41.bsky.social is back to help us add local reporters covering DC. When Bezos fire, we hire!
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
I'm so grateful @russ41.bsky.social is back to help us add local reporters covering DC. When Bezos fire, we hire!
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
You can help build billionaire-free local news.
Repost this -> I give $1
Follow @51st.news -> I give $1
Follow me -> I give $1
Donate -> I match your gift
Let's fight misinformation, help good journalists to make a decent living, and stick a big ol' finger in Jeff Bezos' eye.
Repost this -> I give $1
Follow @51st.news -> I give $1
Follow me -> I give $1
Donate -> I match your gift
Let's fight misinformation, help good journalists to make a decent living, and stick a big ol' finger in Jeff Bezos' eye.
February 13, 2026 at 7:56 PM
I'm so grateful @russ41.bsky.social is back to help us add local reporters covering DC. When Bezos fire, we hire!
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
Even if you've already supported or can't—you can help by sharing his challenge on other social media platforms: Every follow + repost=another $!
All details are in his thread here ⬇️
Reposted by Eric Falquero
"At least one member of the U.S. Marshals Service shot and killed a person in Northeast D.C.’s Mayfair neighborhood Wednesday afternoon, a law enforcement source told WTOP."
wtop.com/dc/2026/02/u...
wtop.com/dc/2026/02/u...
Member of US Marshals Service shoots, kills person in DC’s Mayfair neighborhood - WTOP News
Members of the U.S. Marshals Service shot and killed a person Wednesday afternoon in Northeast D.C.’s Mayfair neighborhood, a law enforcement source told WTOP.
wtop.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM
"At least one member of the U.S. Marshals Service shot and killed a person in Northeast D.C.’s Mayfair neighborhood Wednesday afternoon, a law enforcement source told WTOP."
wtop.com/dc/2026/02/u...
wtop.com/dc/2026/02/u...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Help keep DC's local news alive by becoming a member or donating to the @51st.news.
51st.news/the-51st-is-...
51st.news/the-51st-is-...
The 51st is expanding
D.C. needs more local journalists. You can help us hire them.
51st.news
February 12, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Help keep DC's local news alive by becoming a member or donating to the @51st.news.
51st.news/the-51st-is-...
51st.news/the-51st-is-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
NEWS: Congress has repealed a D.C. tax bill, potentially throwing tax-filing season into total chaos for residents and businesses. City officials could fight it, but it's unclear if they will. For @51st.news: 51st.news/republicans-...
Republicans just f*cked D.C.’s tax-filing season. City leaders could fight back.
Congress' repeal of a D.C tax bill will cost the city more than $600 million in revenue.
51st.news
February 12, 2026 at 9:37 PM
NEWS: Congress has repealed a D.C. tax bill, potentially throwing tax-filing season into total chaos for residents and businesses. City officials could fight it, but it's unclear if they will. For @51st.news: 51st.news/republicans-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
📬 This week's special edition newsletter:
PROOF OF LIFE, in partnership with The Pack World
🍫 Is D.C. still Chocolate City?
✊🏾 Two D.C. natives fighting to preserve the city's Black culture
💃🏾 The history of D.C.'s official dance style
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
PROOF OF LIFE, in partnership with The Pack World
🍫 Is D.C. still Chocolate City?
✊🏾 Two D.C. natives fighting to preserve the city's Black culture
💃🏾 The history of D.C.'s official dance style
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
Is D.C. still Chocolate City?
These native Washingtonians have found "proof of life."
51st.news
February 12, 2026 at 10:03 PM
📬 This week's special edition newsletter:
PROOF OF LIFE, in partnership with The Pack World
🍫 Is D.C. still Chocolate City?
✊🏾 Two D.C. natives fighting to preserve the city's Black culture
💃🏾 The history of D.C.'s official dance style
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
PROOF OF LIFE, in partnership with The Pack World
🍫 Is D.C. still Chocolate City?
✊🏾 Two D.C. natives fighting to preserve the city's Black culture
💃🏾 The history of D.C.'s official dance style
Get the next edition in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup
Reposted by Eric Falquero
NEW: How are you getting involved around the city this week?
Our weekly Civics Roundup includes a film screening about D.C.'s gentrification, a general strike teach-in, and more ways to show love to your community.
More from @colleengrablick.bsky.social:
Our weekly Civics Roundup includes a film screening about D.C.'s gentrification, a general strike teach-in, and more ways to show love to your community.
More from @colleengrablick.bsky.social:
Dive deep into Chocolate City: Your weekly Civics Roundup
A film screening about D.C.'s gentrification, a general strike teach-in, and more ways to show love to your community.
51st.news
February 13, 2026 at 12:29 AM
NEW: How are you getting involved around the city this week?
Our weekly Civics Roundup includes a film screening about D.C.'s gentrification, a general strike teach-in, and more ways to show love to your community.
More from @colleengrablick.bsky.social:
Our weekly Civics Roundup includes a film screening about D.C.'s gentrification, a general strike teach-in, and more ways to show love to your community.
More from @colleengrablick.bsky.social:
Reposted by Eric Falquero
NEW: Hand dance goes back to 1950s. Today, Washingtonians are still trying to keep it alive.
I spoke with dancers of all ages, visited a school that teaches hand dance & dug through books/documentaries/oral histories to understand what makes DC's official dance so unique.
51st.news/dc-official-...
I spoke with dancers of all ages, visited a school that teaches hand dance & dug through books/documentaries/oral histories to understand what makes DC's official dance so unique.
51st.news/dc-official-...
After 75 years, hand dance is still bringing Washingtonians together
The history of D.C.'s official dance.
51st.news
February 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
NEW: Hand dance goes back to 1950s. Today, Washingtonians are still trying to keep it alive.
I spoke with dancers of all ages, visited a school that teaches hand dance & dug through books/documentaries/oral histories to understand what makes DC's official dance so unique.
51st.news/dc-official-...
I spoke with dancers of all ages, visited a school that teaches hand dance & dug through books/documentaries/oral histories to understand what makes DC's official dance so unique.
51st.news/dc-official-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
"Maybe all we do is frustrate," Star said. "Give someone one more day with their daughter or their dad.
"But if you lost your dad, or you lost your daughter, you would give anything to have one more day with them. And that’s what we can do.”
My latest for Slate
"But if you lost your dad, or you lost your daughter, you would give anything to have one more day with them. And that’s what we can do.”
My latest for Slate
Activists Are Fighting ICE Even Though It Could Get Them Killed. Here’s Why.
ICE is still trying to subjugate Minneapolis. It's still failing.
slate.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM
"Maybe all we do is frustrate," Star said. "Give someone one more day with their daughter or their dad.
"But if you lost your dad, or you lost your daughter, you would give anything to have one more day with them. And that’s what we can do.”
My latest for Slate
"But if you lost your dad, or you lost your daughter, you would give anything to have one more day with them. And that’s what we can do.”
My latest for Slate
Reposted by Eric Falquero
7/ Our goal is to become D.C.’s go-to source for local news, one where residents of all 8 wards feel seen, heard, and connected.
Help us get there by signing up as a monthly or annual member — or upping your recurring tax-deductible contribution, if you’re already on board. ⤵️
Thanks for reading!
Help us get there by signing up as a monthly or annual member — or upping your recurring tax-deductible contribution, if you’re already on board. ⤵️
Thanks for reading!
The 51st is expanding
D.C. needs more local journalists. You can help us hire them.
51st.news
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
7/ Our goal is to become D.C.’s go-to source for local news, one where residents of all 8 wards feel seen, heard, and connected.
Help us get there by signing up as a monthly or annual member — or upping your recurring tax-deductible contribution, if you’re already on board. ⤵️
Thanks for reading!
Help us get there by signing up as a monthly or annual member — or upping your recurring tax-deductible contribution, if you’re already on board. ⤵️
Thanks for reading!
Reposted by Eric Falquero
6/ As a small team, we’re under no illusion that we alone can fill the void left by the journalists we’ve lost at The Post.
But we also know that we’re building in a steady and sustainable way, funded predominantly by reader support — far sturdier than a billionaire's whims.
But we also know that we’re building in a steady and sustainable way, funded predominantly by reader support — far sturdier than a billionaire's whims.
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
6/ As a small team, we’re under no illusion that we alone can fill the void left by the journalists we’ve lost at The Post.
But we also know that we’re building in a steady and sustainable way, funded predominantly by reader support — far sturdier than a billionaire's whims.
But we also know that we’re building in a steady and sustainable way, funded predominantly by reader support — far sturdier than a billionaire's whims.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
5/ We want to be the newsroom D.C. needs — so we’re raising funds to triple (!!!) our reporting capacity, and beef up our editing team to support these writers.
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
The 51st is expanding
D.C. needs more local journalists. You can help us hire them.
51st.news
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
5/ We want to be the newsroom D.C. needs — so we’re raising funds to triple (!!!) our reporting capacity, and beef up our editing team to support these writers.
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
Reposted by Eric Falquero
4/ The 51st grew out of the ashes of another catastrophic loss in WAMU’s decision to shutter DCist and lay off 16 people.
With your help, we’re fighting back *again* against the destruction of journalism — creating news that makes people’s lives better, funded by readers + led by local journalists.
With your help, we’re fighting back *again* against the destruction of journalism — creating news that makes people’s lives better, funded by readers + led by local journalists.
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
4/ The 51st grew out of the ashes of another catastrophic loss in WAMU’s decision to shutter DCist and lay off 16 people.
With your help, we’re fighting back *again* against the destruction of journalism — creating news that makes people’s lives better, funded by readers + led by local journalists.
With your help, we’re fighting back *again* against the destruction of journalism — creating news that makes people’s lives better, funded by readers + led by local journalists.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
3/ Less than 3 days after the layoffs, we had 700+ new paying members — with more joining every day to say loudly and clearly: D.C. needs local news.
🥳 To those who’ve helped us spread the word about The 51st: Thank you!
🤗 To our new members and followers: Welcome!
🫵 You can join us today:
🥳 To those who’ve helped us spread the word about The 51st: Thank you!
🤗 To our new members and followers: Welcome!
🫵 You can join us today:
The 51st is expanding
D.C. needs more local journalists. You can help us hire them.
51st.news
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
3/ Less than 3 days after the layoffs, we had 700+ new paying members — with more joining every day to say loudly and clearly: D.C. needs local news.
🥳 To those who’ve helped us spread the word about The 51st: Thank you!
🤗 To our new members and followers: Welcome!
🫵 You can join us today:
🥳 To those who’ve helped us spread the word about The 51st: Thank you!
🤗 To our new members and followers: Welcome!
🫵 You can join us today:
Reposted by Eric Falquero
2/ One week ago, The Washington Post's billionaire owner fired the majority of the paper's local reporters.
It's a brutal blow to D.C.’s ability to hold elected officials accountable, make informed decisions, and feel connected to our neighbors.
But this is a city of people who get the job done.
It's a brutal blow to D.C.’s ability to hold elected officials accountable, make informed decisions, and feel connected to our neighbors.
But this is a city of people who get the job done.
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
2/ One week ago, The Washington Post's billionaire owner fired the majority of the paper's local reporters.
It's a brutal blow to D.C.’s ability to hold elected officials accountable, make informed decisions, and feel connected to our neighbors.
But this is a city of people who get the job done.
It's a brutal blow to D.C.’s ability to hold elected officials accountable, make informed decisions, and feel connected to our neighbors.
But this is a city of people who get the job done.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
🧵 1/ It’s hard to find hope amidst so much collapse.
But in the wreckage of today’s crises, people are also powering solutions — and The 51st, backed by the community of D.C., is one of them.
Will you help us build a local newsroom that a billionaire can’t break?
But in the wreckage of today’s crises, people are also powering solutions — and The 51st, backed by the community of D.C., is one of them.
Will you help us build a local newsroom that a billionaire can’t break?
February 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
🧵 1/ It’s hard to find hope amidst so much collapse.
But in the wreckage of today’s crises, people are also powering solutions — and The 51st, backed by the community of D.C., is one of them.
Will you help us build a local newsroom that a billionaire can’t break?
But in the wreckage of today’s crises, people are also powering solutions — and The 51st, backed by the community of D.C., is one of them.
Will you help us build a local newsroom that a billionaire can’t break?
Reposted by Eric Falquero
The 51st has produced so much valuable reporting in just a single year, with only one full-time reporter. Can you imagine what a second year could look like if this newsroom had triple the reporting capacity?
The good news is that we don't have to imagine — we can make it happen. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
The good news is that we don't have to imagine — we can make it happen. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
5/ We want to be the newsroom D.C. needs — so we’re raising funds to triple (!!!) our reporting capacity, and beef up our editing team to support these writers.
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
More on our plans here, and how you can help 👇
The 51st is expanding
D.C. needs more local journalists. You can help us hire them.
51st.news
February 11, 2026 at 8:26 PM
The 51st has produced so much valuable reporting in just a single year, with only one full-time reporter. Can you imagine what a second year could look like if this newsroom had triple the reporting capacity?
The good news is that we don't have to imagine — we can make it happen. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
The good news is that we don't have to imagine — we can make it happen. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Eric Falquero
this is where I used to teach in DC! so proud of this kiddo for writing this and putting it out there (and thanks to @51st.news for running it!)
Kids deserve consideration in school reopening plans, writes a Jackson-Reed High School student in this opinion piece: 51st.news/opinion-dc-s...
February 10, 2026 at 3:36 PM
this is where I used to teach in DC! so proud of this kiddo for writing this and putting it out there (and thanks to @51st.news for running it!)
Reposted by Eric Falquero
We’re ready to strike for a fair contract after fighting for job security, a fair disciplinary process, wages that reflect the value of our work and clear guardrails around AI for more than two years. www.propublicaguild.org/updates/the-...
The ProPublica Guild is Ready to Strike for a Fair Contract — ProPublica Guild
The ProPublica Guild is prepared to strike. We have shown up and compromised at the bargaining table for more than two years, but our newsroom’s management has slow-walked negotiations , offering w...
www.propublicaguild.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:34 PM
We’re ready to strike for a fair contract after fighting for job security, a fair disciplinary process, wages that reflect the value of our work and clear guardrails around AI for more than two years. www.propublicaguild.org/updates/the-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Anyone know how we can reach her?
MacKenzie Scott has the chance to do the funniest thing right now.
February 4, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Anyone know how we can reach her?
Reposted by Eric Falquero
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 Eric Falquero
Anyone got grant-sized money they’ve been looking to find a home for? This would be an amazing opportunity for everyone.
8/ This is also a chance to take a big swing. Do you want to create local journalism jobs in D.C.? Or know someone who has the money to? We want to be the place to do it. Please reach out. hello@51st.news
February 4, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Anyone got grant-sized money they’ve been looking to find a home for? This would be an amazing opportunity for everyone.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Been meaning to do this for a while, just signed up. Everyone should have legitimate local news reporting
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 7:37 PM
Been meaning to do this for a while, just signed up. Everyone should have legitimate local news reporting
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Sickened by today's layoffs at The Washington Post. Journalism is essential.
Sharing this thread from a non-profit outlet covering DC news. Our democracy, and our communities, need work like this to succeed.
Sharing this thread from a non-profit outlet covering DC news. Our democracy, and our communities, need work like this to succeed.
🧵 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 7:33 PM
Sickened by today's layoffs at The Washington Post. Journalism is essential.
Sharing this thread from a non-profit outlet covering DC news. Our democracy, and our communities, need work like this to succeed.
Sharing this thread from a non-profit outlet covering DC news. Our democracy, and our communities, need work like this to succeed.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
There are a lot of things we can't control. But we can do a little bit to control whether local news gets funded, and by whom. This is a terrific newborn outlet. Please support them!
🧵 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
There are a lot of things we can't control. But we can do a little bit to control whether local news gets funded, and by whom. This is a terrific newborn outlet. Please support them!
Reposted by Eric Falquero
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!