A bumpy road for WorldPride
Plus, everything you could ever want to know about ANCs, a column on D.C.'s inadequate reentry services, and more.
Hi 51st readers,
It's a solemn Thursday morning after two Israeli Embassy workers were shot and killed on Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke to the press after the shooting and said "the horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city and our country" and "we will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city." The suspected shooter is a resident of Chicago. You can read more about what happened in our news roundup at the bottom of this newsletter.
This week, we've got a story on the difficult climate for WorldPride, which started last weekend and still has grand plans for weeks of parties and a Pride parade.
We've also got an explainer on the most local of local offices, data on just how much use those robo-toilets are getting, a word from our Ward 7 Community Connector, and an essay from a formerly incarcerated resident about how D.C.'s reentry services are failing returning citizens.
Continue on for a roundup of things to do this weekend, ways to get involved in the community, and some thoughts from reporter Martin Austermuhle about a critique from a reader on a recent story.
Have a peaceful long weekend and take care of yourselves.
Natalie
Despite hostile politics and sponsor retreat, WorldPride forges ahead
WorldPride officially kicked off Saturday, marking the start of three weeks of parties, performances, and community events across D.C. that culminate in the annual Pride parade as well as a march to the U.S. Capitol. But for organizers and local advocates, the path to this moment has been marked by mounting obstacles – including major budget cuts.
Everything you need to know about D.C.'s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
Unsung heroes of hyperlocal government, or petty tyrants? Read on to find out.
All hail D.C.'s robot toilets
No one ever asked for a “smart” bathroom. But D.C. has six of them, and they’re proving to be pretty popular.
A note from our community connector: Amplifying Ward 7 voices, on RFK and beyond
If you’ve been following The 51st, you know we’ve covered the RFK saga extensively. But even with all that coverage, we keep hearing from Ward 7 residents who still have thoughts, opinions, and ideas they want to share. To make sure we’re hearing you, we’ve created this form where you can sound off.
Opinion: D.C.'s disorganized reentry services fail returning citizens
After nearly 30 years in federal prison, Robert Barton is relishing his freedom. But not every returning citizen is as lucky, he writes in his inaugural column for The 51st.
15 (mostly free) things to do around D.C. this weekend
Perhaps the only thing the federal government is good for anymore is gifting us a blessed long weekend. This Memorial Day weekend, there's plenty to get up to in D.C. without breaking the bank: from film screenings to poetry slams to free dance performances.
TOPA For All: Your weekly Civics Roundup
You'll find more housing advocacy opportunities, a final seminar on Washington Gas utility hikes and the harm of gas stoves, and a public conversation with Badar Khan Suri, the Georgetown professor who was arrested and detained for over a month by ICE officials.
Building the 51st: A note from Martin
Two weeks ago, we received some thoughtful feedback on a story about ICE crackdowns that caused us to stop and reflect. Here's a response from veteran D.C. journalist Martin Austermuhle.
ICYMI: Ask a D.C. Native Live!
On the eve of D.C. Natives Day, The 51st brought one of our favorite columns to life at Ask a D.C. Native, Live! The sold-out trivia competition was hosted by Dwayne Lawson-Brown (also known as Crochet Kingpin). The two teams of D.C. natives were led by Rhonda Henderson of The Dap Project and Crystal Mayanja of Color Coded Style. Henderson’s winning team and two audience members won prizes generously donated by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Mosaic Theater, Roundhouse Theatre, Eaton DC, and Life Alive Organic Cafe. We were proud to partner on this event with Black.Native.Creative. and Eaton House. Thanks to our sponsors AVAD, LLC and Afro News, which published this awesome recap. See you at the next one!
Here's more news you may have missed this week:
- Police are investigating the background of the suspected shooter in the killing of two Israeli Embassy employees on Wednesday night. Elias Rodriguez allegedly shouted "free, free Palestine" after the shooting. [NYT]
- Soon you'll be able to pay for Metro with a tap of your credit card. [WTOP]
- Speaking of Metro ... the transit agency's leaders say they'll pay $5.6 billion to automate trains. Also, the agency is fighting with its safety watchdog. [The Post]
- For the love of God will Elon Musk ever get out of here? [Washingtonian]
- D.C. will soon have a public database of rent-controlled housing in the city. [Urban Turf]
- Protesters are gearing up to mobilize during the U.S. Army parade on June 14. [The Post]
- Rose Ave Bakery in Woodley Park is a passion project for founder and owner Rosie Nguyen, who left her job as a nurse to start the Asian American bakery. [WTOP]
- Drug overdose deaths dropped significantly in 2024 after years of rising. [Axios D.C.]
- A 9,000-square-foot art installation on the National Mall marked the start of Trans Pride. [WCP]
- How these blind birders identify birds. [The Post]
That's all for now!
Natalie
