Never heard of it? You're not late to the party — this is actually the first in what's hoped to be a long tradition of celebrating trusted local news sources across the country.
Since I began my career in 2011, I've written for more than a dozen D.C.-based publications. While many of them have shuttered, a few notable ones are surviving, such as Afro News, Washington City Paper, East City Art, East of the River, and Washingtonian Magazine. These outlets have undoubtedly made me a better journalist, and more importantly, they have contributed to more in-depth and robust coverage of the District.
These days, I’m proud to be part of The 51st, which reports stories that help D.C. residents understand the people, places, and policies that make our city tick. Almost 70% of our work is funded directly by readers like you, who care about their city and believe in local news enough to support it. On this Local News Day, we hope you’ll consider joining them.
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
D.C.’s unemployment rate is the highest in the country — not surpassing pandemic peaks, but specifically affecting former government workers. [The Guardian]
For nearly six months, D.C. neighbors have organized a “walking bus” to keep families safe from ICE as they travel to and from school. The stakes are high: between President Trump’s inauguration and March 10, ICE reported nearly 20,000 arrests in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. [NPR, The Post]
Replacing the RFK stadium site parking lots with mixed-use development involves building additional parking for the new stadium, but the National Capital Planning Commission says the planned 11-story garages are too tall. [The 51st, Axios]
Ward 3 Councilmember Brooke Pinto has been responding to questions about her family’s ties to Republican donors since her first campaign in 2020. As she runs for D.C. delegate, the questions are back. [WCP]
WMATA’s farecard vending machines haven’t changed much since Metro opened 50 years ago. Almost a year after the transit agency rolled out credit card tap-to-pay, its board of directors wants more than $93 million to overhaul its “customer terminals.” [Greater Greater Washington, WJLA]
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
Abigail Higgins
