If you’re on social media, you might have already heard about the buzzy oxtail pizza spot in Brookland, but you may not know the people behind the viral pies. Senior reporter Elliot C. Williams spent time with the owners and staff: returning citizens who say they've learned from their past and want to innovate with food while inspiring younger Washingtonians.
And amidst the chaos surrounding the Kennedy Center, Elliot also dug into how D.C. residents can make their voices heard and support local arts in the District.
Also, there are finally some updates on the Capitol Gateway Marketplace, a.k.a. the plan to bring a grocery store and commercial corridor to Ward 7 that has bedeviled the District’s last four mayors. Senior reporter Alex Koma reports why the project has been delayed for decades, and how recent developments might help it inch forward.
Speaking of food access, I wrote about a new report on hunger in the greater Washington region, which found that a staggering 39% of D.C. residents experienced food insecurity in the past year — a consequence of a rough set of economic conditions in the District and ongoing cuts to social safety net programs.
And in case you missed it, Alex was also at the Prettyman Courthouse this week as Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White’s federal bribery trial began. Alex wrote about how undercover videos captured why White is one of Southeast D.C.’s most beloved politicians, and why federal prosecutors believe he used his office to take tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.
Looking for plans over the next week? As usual, we got you covered with our weekend events and civics guide.
And mark your calendars for Thursday, October 8 — The 51st is celebrating our 2nd birthday! Come hang out and get your hands on our first-ever print edition, in collaboration with The Pack World. Tickets are almost gone, so be sure to snag your spot by RSVPing here.
See ya next time,
— Sam
P.S. Have five minutes? Help shape the future of your local newsroom here by filling out our audience survey! (Plus, you'll have a chance to win a $151 gift card for participating.)
In our Ask A D.C. Native column, native Washingtonians answer your questions about navigating the nuances of life in our city. How can dating in D.C. suck less? Is D.C. considered the North or the South? Why does everyone ask what I do for work?
Do you have a question that will help you better understand D.C. history and culture? Submit it here!
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
Wondering what your neighbors are complaining about? A City Cast analysis of August 311 calls gives a peek into what’s bothering some District residents. [City Cast]
Balancing work and motherhood is hard — but the new moms of Washington Spirit are making it work, with the support of their team. [Washington Sun]
Current and former D.C. jail inmates are suing the facility, alleging that after an inmate started a fire, jail guards did nothing to stop it. [The Post]
Black college students in the D.C. region are reigniting a movement of civic engagement and civil rights ahead of the midterm elections. [The Informer]
With your help, we pursue stories that hold leaders to account, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District. Our members help keep local news free and independent for all:
Sam Delgado
Alex Koma
