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.
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.
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
Hi Bluesky, we’re hard at work on an illustrated newsletter that brings our contributors’ lived experience journalism to life through art. Join the list to get the first issue in your inbox when it debuts.
Link here ➡️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Link here ➡️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
February 18, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Hi Bluesky, we’re hard at work on an illustrated newsletter that brings our contributors’ lived experience journalism to life through art. Join the list to get the first issue in your inbox when it debuts.
Link here ➡️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Link here ➡️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Breaking MS NOW:
DHS has launched a nationwide campaign to investigate and prosecute naturalized citizens who may have improperly voted in past elections — an effort spurring deep concern that the admin's true goal is to intimidate voters from participating in future elections.
DHS has launched a nationwide campaign to investigate and prosecute naturalized citizens who may have improperly voted in past elections — an effort spurring deep concern that the admin's true goal is to intimidate voters from participating in future elections.
Memo shows White House directing DHS to hunt for voter fraud by naturalized citizens
Agents will be required to turn over names of immigrants who voted before they became citizens — and then explain to the White House why they weren’t charged with a crime.
www.ms.now
February 18, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Breaking MS NOW:
DHS has launched a nationwide campaign to investigate and prosecute naturalized citizens who may have improperly voted in past elections — an effort spurring deep concern that the admin's true goal is to intimidate voters from participating in future elections.
DHS has launched a nationwide campaign to investigate and prosecute naturalized citizens who may have improperly voted in past elections — an effort spurring deep concern that the admin's true goal is to intimidate voters from participating in future elections.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Today President Trump signed the resolution approved by Congress that repeals a D.C. bill that decoupled the local tax code from some provisions of the federal tax code.
It's only the fifth time in the last 50 years that a D.C. bill has been repealed by Congress.
It's only the fifth time in the last 50 years that a D.C. bill has been repealed by Congress.
February 18, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Today President Trump signed the resolution approved by Congress that repeals a D.C. bill that decoupled the local tax code from some provisions of the federal tax code.
It's only the fifth time in the last 50 years that a D.C. bill has been repealed by Congress.
It's only the fifth time in the last 50 years that a D.C. bill has been repealed by Congress.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
DHS workers exposed to asbestos as Noem expands DC headquarters by demolishing nearby buildings
Noem is using national security secrecy to skirt safety laws around removing asbestos while workers remain unprotected!
Scoop from @pabloreports.bsky.social migrantinsider.com/p/demolition...
Noem is using national security secrecy to skirt safety laws around removing asbestos while workers remain unprotected!
Scoop from @pabloreports.bsky.social migrantinsider.com/p/demolition...
Demolition Poisons Workers at DHS Headquarters (SCOOP)
Trump’s embattled DHS secretary Kristi Noem ordered historic buildings demolished. Now her workers are inhaling asbestos on the daily — and are not happy about it.
migrantinsider.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:30 AM
DHS workers exposed to asbestos as Noem expands DC headquarters by demolishing nearby buildings
Noem is using national security secrecy to skirt safety laws around removing asbestos while workers remain unprotected!
Scoop from @pabloreports.bsky.social migrantinsider.com/p/demolition...
Noem is using national security secrecy to skirt safety laws around removing asbestos while workers remain unprotected!
Scoop from @pabloreports.bsky.social migrantinsider.com/p/demolition...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Hey, you know that horrible "Journalism schools are teaching fear of the future" article we're all outraged about?
It never would have happened if the Cleveland Plain Dealer weren't hollowed out by a big corporation.
Stand up against the corporate takeover; support real local news.
It never would have happened if the Cleveland Plain Dealer weren't hollowed out by a big corporation.
Stand up against the corporate takeover; support real local news.
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 16, 2026 at 5:14 AM
Hey, you know that horrible "Journalism schools are teaching fear of the future" article we're all outraged about?
It never would have happened if the Cleveland Plain Dealer weren't hollowed out by a big corporation.
Stand up against the corporate takeover; support real local news.
It never would have happened if the Cleveland Plain Dealer weren't hollowed out by a big corporation.
Stand up against the corporate takeover; support real local news.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Looking for an additional reason to support local news in D.C. right now?
Russ will match your gift $$$ if you send him a screenshot of your support! ⬇️
Russ will match your gift $$$ if you send him a screenshot of your support! ⬇️
February 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Looking for an additional reason to support local news in D.C. right now?
Russ will match your gift $$$ if you send him a screenshot of your support! ⬇️
Russ will match your gift $$$ if you send him a screenshot of your support! ⬇️
Reposted by Eric Falquero
This is so shameful wapo.st/4tHiffM
February 17, 2026 at 10:52 PM
This is so shameful wapo.st/4tHiffM
Reposted by Eric Falquero
what level have I reached in DC trash picking/thrifting if I have actually found the same photo of Madeline Albright before lol bsky.app/profile/musi...
February 14, 2026 at 10:46 PM
what level have I reached in DC trash picking/thrifting if I have actually found the same photo of Madeline Albright before lol bsky.app/profile/musi...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Up & @ 'em, Skeeple!
Doesn't billionaire-free news sound like an awesome goa to strive towards?
Doesn't billionaire-free news sound like an awesome goa to strive towards?
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 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Up & @ 'em, Skeeple!
Doesn't billionaire-free news sound like an awesome goa to strive towards?
Doesn't billionaire-free news sound like an awesome goa to strive towards?
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Seven area natives share how the spirit of Chocolate City is still alive in this excerpt from PROOF OF LIFE, a recent book from D.C.-based content and experience company The Pack World:
New book 'Proof of Life' highlights D.C. history, culture
Seven area natives share how the spirit of Chocolate City is still alive.
51st.news
February 16, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Seven area natives share how the spirit of Chocolate City is still alive in this excerpt from PROOF OF LIFE, a recent book from D.C.-based content and experience company The Pack World:
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Here's a fun - and potentially doubly impactful! - way to help @51st.news hire more local journalists. You can help even if you can't donate money!
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 7:59 PM
Here's a fun - and potentially doubly impactful! - way to help @51st.news hire more local journalists. You can help even if you can't donate money!
Reposted by Eric Falquero
i really need more people to understand that the musk - bezos killing media thing extends to substack. if you're on substack, you're in the line of fire.
February 5, 2026 at 3:50 AM
i really need more people to understand that the musk - bezos killing media thing extends to substack. if you're on substack, you're in the line of fire.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Anyone reporting on WaPo's gutting and failing to mention this is doing free propaganda for one of the richest men on earth. This wasn't a simple business decision, let's be CLEAR about the conditions.
Jeff Bezos’s wealth has increased an average of $70 million every day of 2026, meaning that he could have offset The Post’s losses with what he’s made since Monday.
February 5, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Anyone reporting on WaPo's gutting and failing to mention this is doing free propaganda for one of the richest men on earth. This wasn't a simple business decision, let's be CLEAR about the conditions.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Someone has sure already made this observation but the fact they can convert all those empty warehouses into prison camps means they could have converted them into housing, community centers, job training centers or, hell, libraries or schools all along. It’s always a matter of will not resources.
February 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Someone has sure already made this observation but the fact they can convert all those empty warehouses into prison camps means they could have converted them into housing, community centers, job training centers or, hell, libraries or schools all along. It’s always a matter of will not resources.
I don't have the personal capital to do much of anything. But I believe wholeheartedly in our effort to hire more local journalists for DC in the wake of the Post layoffs.
And after seeing Russ's extra contribution for Minneapolis (⬇️), I had to give that same amount here. 51st.news/the-51st-is-...
And after seeing Russ's extra contribution for Minneapolis (⬇️), I had to give that same amount here. 51st.news/the-51st-is-...
February 16, 2026 at 4:59 AM
I don't have the personal capital to do much of anything. But I believe wholeheartedly in our effort to hire more local journalists for DC in the wake of the Post layoffs.
And after seeing Russ's extra contribution for Minneapolis (⬇️), I had to give that same amount here. 51st.news/the-51st-is-...
And after seeing Russ's extra contribution for Minneapolis (⬇️), I had to give that same amount here. 51st.news/the-51st-is-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
I'm gonna toss in a sweetener here because Valentine's Day sucked and I need a pick-me-up.
TONIGHT ONLY: if you make a donation to/buy a membership for @51st.news tonight - of any amount - not only will I match it, but I will send $50 to a good cause in Minneapolis (TBD, but it'll be legit).
TONIGHT ONLY: if you make a donation to/buy a membership for @51st.news tonight - of any amount - not only will I match it, but I will send $50 to a good cause in Minneapolis (TBD, but it'll be legit).
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 16, 2026 at 3:25 AM
I'm gonna toss in a sweetener here because Valentine's Day sucked and I need a pick-me-up.
TONIGHT ONLY: if you make a donation to/buy a membership for @51st.news tonight - of any amount - not only will I match it, but I will send $50 to a good cause in Minneapolis (TBD, but it'll be legit).
TONIGHT ONLY: if you make a donation to/buy a membership for @51st.news tonight - of any amount - not only will I match it, but I will send $50 to a good cause in Minneapolis (TBD, but it'll be legit).
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Just signed up for a year, looking forward to good journalism that also gives Bezos a 🖕
February 13, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Just signed up for a year, looking forward to good journalism that also gives Bezos a 🖕
Reposted by Eric Falquero
We're off to a great start, and we're more than a third of the way to our goal.
We don't have to settle for oligarch-owned, corporate-controlled news any more.
We don't have to settle for oligarch-owned, corporate-controlled news any more.
![Screenshot from the 51st fundraising page:
"Help grow DC's billionaire-free local news
[The 51st logo superimposed over a black and white image of a protest]
Worker-led, reader-funded, not for profit
(Ted Eytan/Flickr)
Support the 51st
$141,693 of $375,000"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tisp66r56nphvvy3fp5k7cam/bafkreigkvh743bcz3ei7gsh4whswz5o2zop7p5jusx2b3mljpi2o7af53y@jpeg)
February 14, 2026 at 5:53 PM
We're off to a great start, and we're more than a third of the way to our goal.
We don't have to settle for oligarch-owned, corporate-controlled news any more.
We don't have to settle for oligarch-owned, corporate-controlled news any more.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
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 Eric Falquero
I already do the latter three but I can always repost and maybe you can do them all!
The Post is only generating 3-4 local stories per day now. We can grow @51st.news to fill the void and do it even better.
The Post is only generating 3-4 local stories per day now. We can grow @51st.news to fill the void and do it even better.
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 14, 2026 at 10:53 PM
I already do the latter three but I can always repost and maybe you can do them all!
The Post is only generating 3-4 local stories per day now. We can grow @51st.news to fill the void and do it even better.
The Post is only generating 3-4 local stories per day now. We can grow @51st.news to fill the void and do it even better.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
Yes it’s Valentine’s Day. But it’s also the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass who was born in 1818 on a plantation in Talbot County, Maryland. He escaped from slavery & rose to become the most eloquent and forceful voice for the abolition of slavery & for Black voting rights in the U.S.
February 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Yes it’s Valentine’s Day. But it’s also the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass who was born in 1818 on a plantation in Talbot County, Maryland. He escaped from slavery & rose to become the most eloquent and forceful voice for the abolition of slavery & for Black voting rights in the U.S.
Reposted by Eric Falquero
I've tried to get this point across myself. Here, @brianbeutler.bsky.social does a great job of it. Liberal bias is a political tool — not a critique of performance — and it will assert itself regardless of how well the newsroom does on truthtelling and fairness. www.offmessage.net/p/a-requiem-...
February 12, 2026 at 12:10 AM
I've tried to get this point across myself. Here, @brianbeutler.bsky.social does a great job of it. Liberal bias is a political tool — not a critique of performance — and it will assert itself regardless of how well the newsroom does on truthtelling and fairness. www.offmessage.net/p/a-requiem-...
Reposted by Eric Falquero
The @51st.news is great--here's an easy way to support their work!
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 8:03 PM
The @51st.news is great--here's an easy way to support their work!