Martin Austermuhle
@maustermuhle.bsky.social
Wandering reporter with @51st.news, Switzerland and D.C. Formerly of WAMU 88.5 and DCist.
Why D.C.'s mayor doesn't have an official residence is a very D.C. story that involved fights over the location, local and federal concerns, and more: dcist.com/story/12/04/...
January 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Why D.C.'s mayor doesn't have an official residence is a very D.C. story that involved fights over the location, local and federal concerns, and more: dcist.com/story/12/04/...
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
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
Interesting: An administrative judge in D.C. has reversed MPD's firing of an officer who in late 2023 drove his department-issued vehicle while under the influence to try and interfere with D.C. police who had stopped his fiancée for allegedly driving under the influence.
January 2, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Interesting: An administrative judge in D.C. has reversed MPD's firing of an officer who in late 2023 drove his department-issued vehicle while under the influence to try and interfere with D.C. police who had stopped his fiancée for allegedly driving under the influence.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Subscribe to @51st.news, damn it! That’s a direct order from your favorite former DCist editor.
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
January 1, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Subscribe to @51st.news, damn it! That’s a direct order from your favorite former DCist editor.
This Petworth home wins the holiday season.
January 1, 2026 at 12:19 AM
This Petworth home wins the holiday season.
NEWS: The Trump administration has canceled the 50-year lease given to the National Links Trust to manage the D.C. golf courses at East Potomac Park, Rock Creek, and Langston. The group won the leases five years ago, and had started work renovating the Rock Creek course.
December 31, 2025 at 6:37 PM
NEWS: The Trump administration has canceled the 50-year lease given to the National Links Trust to manage the D.C. golf courses at East Potomac Park, Rock Creek, and Langston. The group won the leases five years ago, and had started work renovating the Rock Creek course.
Interesting: Here's the solicitation put out by the D.C. Board of Elections earlier this month for a consultant to help implement ranked-choice voting for 2026.
"This is a significant undertaking, and a RCV expert can help make this transition to RCV voting smoother," it says.
"This is a significant undertaking, and a RCV expert can help make this transition to RCV voting smoother," it says.
December 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Interesting: Here's the solicitation put out by the D.C. Board of Elections earlier this month for a consultant to help implement ranked-choice voting for 2026.
"This is a significant undertaking, and a RCV expert can help make this transition to RCV voting smoother," it says.
"This is a significant undertaking, and a RCV expert can help make this transition to RCV voting smoother," it says.
Per the D.C. CFO, the impact of the federal government layoffs may finally be hitting the city's revenues. He says in a new revenue estimate that sales/withholding tax collections for October were down, potentially reflecting the layoffs taking effect.
December 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Per the D.C. CFO, the impact of the federal government layoffs may finally be hitting the city's revenues. He says in a new revenue estimate that sales/withholding tax collections for October were down, potentially reflecting the layoffs taking effect.
What. A. Year. It. Has. Been.
Locals have lost jobs because of the slashing of the federal workforce. D.C.'s local laws and budget have been targeted by the GOP. And Trump flooded the streets with federal troops.
I can't imagine a more important time for independent media.
Locals have lost jobs because of the slashing of the federal workforce. D.C.'s local laws and budget have been targeted by the GOP. And Trump flooded the streets with federal troops.
I can't imagine a more important time for independent media.
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 7:52 PM
What. A. Year. It. Has. Been.
Locals have lost jobs because of the slashing of the federal workforce. D.C.'s local laws and budget have been targeted by the GOP. And Trump flooded the streets with federal troops.
I can't imagine a more important time for independent media.
Locals have lost jobs because of the slashing of the federal workforce. D.C.'s local laws and budget have been targeted by the GOP. And Trump flooded the streets with federal troops.
I can't imagine a more important time for independent media.
There's been another setback for the @dcaffordability.bsky.social ballot initiative that would impose a two-year rent freeze in D.C., among other provisions. A legal assessment from @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social says a provision changing how D.C. spends money on affordable housing is unlawful.
December 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
There's been another setback for the @dcaffordability.bsky.social ballot initiative that would impose a two-year rent freeze in D.C., among other provisions. A legal assessment from @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social says a provision changing how D.C. spends money on affordable housing is unlawful.
Interesting: @brianneknadeau.bsky.social has a new bill that would require that D.C.'s mayor set five-year goals for housing construction (affordable and market) and give them additional authority to propose ways to reduce barriers to construction in places that don't meet the goals.
December 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Interesting: @brianneknadeau.bsky.social has a new bill that would require that D.C.'s mayor set five-year goals for housing construction (affordable and market) and give them additional authority to propose ways to reduce barriers to construction in places that don't meet the goals.
NEWS: D.C.'s CFO comes bearing gifts today. He's told the D.C. Council that there's $51 million in additional money from the last fiscal year (which ended Sept. 30), and that it will be used to pay for programs and items on the council's contingency list.
December 24, 2025 at 5:50 PM
NEWS: D.C.'s CFO comes bearing gifts today. He's told the D.C. Council that there's $51 million in additional money from the last fiscal year (which ended Sept. 30), and that it will be used to pay for programs and items on the council's contingency list.
Gotta give big props to the Downtown D.C. Holiday Market. In the last few years it has gotten *way* better, and proves that people will absolutely come out for well-planned car-free spaces and events. More of this, D.C.!
December 23, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Gotta give big props to the Downtown D.C. Holiday Market. In the last few years it has gotten *way* better, and proves that people will absolutely come out for well-planned car-free spaces and events. More of this, D.C.!
We knew it was coming, but @mayorbowser.dc.gov has formally created the RFK Stadium Project Management Office, which will take the lead on coordinating and facilitating all the work to build a new Commanders stadium and the related residential and retail development at RFK.
December 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
We knew it was coming, but @mayorbowser.dc.gov has formally created the RFK Stadium Project Management Office, which will take the lead on coordinating and facilitating all the work to build a new Commanders stadium and the related residential and retail development at RFK.
NEWS: The Department of Justice has sued D.C., claiming that the city's elections board did not turn over extensive amounts of voter information, including driver's license and partial Social Security numbers. DOJ has sued 22 states for not turning over all that information.
December 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
NEWS: The Department of Justice has sued D.C., claiming that the city's elections board did not turn over extensive amounts of voter information, including driver's license and partial Social Security numbers. DOJ has sued 22 states for not turning over all that information.
OK, I need some help: For anyone who's got a 12-year-old kid, what books are they reading and really loving? Looking for ideas of books to get my daughter. (If you're reading this, kiddo, get off of social media.)
December 18, 2025 at 9:32 PM
OK, I need some help: For anyone who's got a 12-year-old kid, what books are they reading and really loving? Looking for ideas of books to get my daughter. (If you're reading this, kiddo, get off of social media.)
NEWS: D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, joined by her 12 colleagues, has sent a letter to Chief Pamela Smith asking for answers on MPD's cooperation with federal agents on law enforcement/immigration enforcement. She says answers would help "ensure accountability & bolster public trust."
December 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
NEWS: D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, joined by her 12 colleagues, has sent a letter to Chief Pamela Smith asking for answers on MPD's cooperation with federal agents on law enforcement/immigration enforcement. She says answers would help "ensure accountability & bolster public trust."
Interesting: Trump may just have legalized recreational weed sales in D.C.
A congressional rider has banned those sales in D.C. since 2015. But it specifically references Schedule I drugs, which weed was. With Trump rescheduling marijuana, the rider may no longer apply.
A congressional rider has banned those sales in D.C. since 2015. But it specifically references Schedule I drugs, which weed was. With Trump rescheduling marijuana, the rider may no longer apply.
President Trump Reschedules Marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 Controlled Substance
President Trump Reschedules Marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 Controlled Substance
YouTube video by C-SPAN
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Interesting: Trump may just have legalized recreational weed sales in D.C.
A congressional rider has banned those sales in D.C. since 2015. But it specifically references Schedule I drugs, which weed was. With Trump rescheduling marijuana, the rider may no longer apply.
A congressional rider has banned those sales in D.C. since 2015. But it specifically references Schedule I drugs, which weed was. With Trump rescheduling marijuana, the rider may no longer apply.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie announced this week he’s stepping down from @councilofdc.bsky.social after 13 years in office.
Given his open musings about running for mayor, the news isn't a surprise, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports — but it's setting off an unprecedented chain of events.
Given his open musings about running for mayor, the news isn't a surprise, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports — but it's setting off an unprecedented chain of events.
Wilson Building Bulletin: The aftermath of McDuffie’s resignation
Also: a push to delay ranked choice voting fails and a lawmaker looks to restrict MPD cooperation with ICE.
51st.news
December 18, 2025 at 6:40 PM
At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie announced this week he’s stepping down from @councilofdc.bsky.social after 13 years in office.
Given his open musings about running for mayor, the news isn't a surprise, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports — but it's setting off an unprecedented chain of events.
Given his open musings about running for mayor, the news isn't a surprise, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports — but it's setting off an unprecedented chain of events.
For you football-loving drivers: A new bill from soon-to-depart Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie would create a Washington Commanders specialty license plate in D.C., with the tag fees going to a fund for youth sports in the city. The Nats, Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics have their own tags.
December 17, 2025 at 8:07 PM
For you football-loving drivers: A new bill from soon-to-depart Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie would create a Washington Commanders specialty license plate in D.C., with the tag fees going to a fund for youth sports in the city. The Nats, Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics have their own tags.
Interesting point here: In response to recent accusations from House Republicans and U.S. Attorney for D.C. that MPD officials were fudging crime numbers, Carroll says he's going to establish a dedicated team to audit crime data and ensure it's accurate.
Today @mayorbowser.dc.gov is appointing 21-year MPD veteran Jeffrey Carroll as interim police chief in the wake of Pamela Smith’s resignation at the end of the year.
December 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Interesting point here: In response to recent accusations from House Republicans and U.S. Attorney for D.C. that MPD officials were fudging crime numbers, Carroll says he's going to establish a dedicated team to audit crime data and ensure it's accurate.
Today @mayorbowser.dc.gov is appointing 21-year MPD veteran Jeffrey Carroll as interim police chief in the wake of Pamela Smith’s resignation at the end of the year.
December 17, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Today @mayorbowser.dc.gov is appointing 21-year MPD veteran Jeffrey Carroll as interim police chief in the wake of Pamela Smith’s resignation at the end of the year.
In testimony to D.C. Council, Metro General Manager Randy Clarke says a key to getting people to and from the new Commanders stadium at RFK will be bus rapid transit from Union Station. "It's critical... we need to be able to get a lot of people on the Red Line and take BRT to the site," he says.
December 17, 2025 at 4:46 PM
In testimony to D.C. Council, Metro General Manager Randy Clarke says a key to getting people to and from the new Commanders stadium at RFK will be bus rapid transit from Union Station. "It's critical... we need to be able to get a lot of people on the Red Line and take BRT to the site," he says.
Inbox: @mayorbowser.dc.gov will be announcing her interim chief of police today at 1:30. Current Chief Pamela Smith departs on December 31.
December 17, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Inbox: @mayorbowser.dc.gov will be announcing her interim chief of police today at 1:30. Current Chief Pamela Smith departs on December 31.
"Public service is much like seasons. I know when it’s time to step forward into a new season," says McDuffie in his final comments from the D.C. Council dais.
"I am not done serving the residents," he adds, hinting to his upcoming mayoral run.
"I am not done serving the residents," he adds, hinting to his upcoming mayoral run.
NEWS: At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie says he will be resigning from the D.C. Council on January 5, 2026. That's in preparation for his run for mayor, since he will be changing his party affiliation to Democrat and he's currently in an At-Large seat reserved for non-Democrats.
December 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
"Public service is much like seasons. I know when it’s time to step forward into a new season," says McDuffie in his final comments from the D.C. Council dais.
"I am not done serving the residents," he adds, hinting to his upcoming mayoral run.
"I am not done serving the residents," he adds, hinting to his upcoming mayoral run.