The 51st is here, in part, to make sure D.C. residents have the information we need to participate in democracy — and as the June 16 primary approaches, the stakes are especially high.
This week, we published our voter guide, which explains where to vote, how to do it, and who is on the ballot. Share it with your group chat or neighborhood listserv!
The latest addition to our election coverage: 51st reporter Sam Delgado interviewed the three candidates in the D.C. Council At-Large special election. She also recaps the debate we hosted last week, in partnership with SpotlightDC and The Washington Informer, between the Democratic primary candidates for D.C. delegate to Congress.
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
As the mayoral candidates continue to trade attacks (some of whichwe fact-checked), new polling data from City Cast shows Janeese Lewis George with a slight lead, which may be complicated by the introduction of ranked-choice voting. [WAMU, The 51st, City Cast]
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro doubled down on last week’s threat to prosecute parents over youth curfew violations. As they continue to debate a controversial extension, local lawmakers have questions about how that would even work. [The Post]
WMATA says adding another Metro station near the new Commanders stadium is too expensive. Some nearby residents feel betrayed — and worried about the environmental impact of the alternatives. [WUSA9]
As go-go marks its 50th birthday, VIBE interviewed Rare Essence about the music’s local and national legacy — and continued fight for recognition. [VIBE]
DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee announced that he will step down at the end of the school year for a nonprofit job. Mayor Bowser will appoint an interim replacement, but the new mayor will pick who fills the role in the longer term. [The Post]
Though the upper lawn of Malcolm X Park remains closed for repairs, the lower section has reopened with water flowing from the fountains for the first time in seven years. But the politics behind the long-requested repairs are messy. [City Cast]
And finally, meet the D.C. native preserving and sharing the Black history that’s been buried at Benning Ridge’s 131-year-old Woodlawn Cemetery. [The Washington 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:
Martin Austermuhle
