ICE threats spark anxiety in D.C.

Dear readers,

A good friend of mine has two Pulitzer Prizes. I'm super proud of her and always joke that her wins make me Pulitzer-adjacent. Well, I'm proud to report that I've done it again ... kinda!

The 51st contributed to a local reporting partnership that won The Baltimore Banner and The New York Times the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. As the D.C. newsroom selected for the project, we reported for the first time that older Black men in D.C. are dying of opioid overdoses at some of the highest rates in the country. I'm honored that The 51st was able to publish this necessary story. (And thank you to our co-founders and talented reporters Abigail Higgins and Colleen Grablick for writing it).

But at the end the day, this work isn't about accolades. It's about accountability. We believe our journalism is a public service, so we're accountable to you, the readers, for providing news that helps you become more informed and engaged District residents.

So just like every other week, that's the kind of news we have for you today:

• How District residents grappled with ICE threats at restaurants and schools this week
• D.C. Councilmembers' stances on repealing Initiative 82
• Bowser's evolution on stadium deals

Plus, ways to have fun and stay civically active, an opportunity to weigh in on the Commanders proposal, and some news you might have missed this week.

– Christina Sturdivant Sani

‘It’s terrifying’: ICE threats spark week of anxiety in D.C.

Following rumors of ICE enforcement circulating over the weekend, multiple D.C. restaurants were visited by feds conducting immigration checks, while parents and school administrators prepared for the worst.

D.C. Council has little appetite for reviving the tipped wage fight

On Monday, Mayor Bowser proposed repealing Initiative 82, which was approved by 74% of voters in 2022. But at least six councilmembers say they’re opposed or skeptical of her plan, which would bring many restaurant workers' wages back down to $5.95 an hour. 

Wilson Building Bulletin: Remember when Bowser was a stadium skeptic?

According to Mayor Bowser, time is tight for the D.C. Council to sign off on the Commanders' return to the RFK site. But should she be more sympathetic to councilmembers' questions, given she was in their very position during the 2014 Audi Field negotiations?

12 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with flower arrangements and historic homes, tour artist studios and European embassies, and watch poetry and music performances. And if you’re feeling bold, be the one to perform!

Why is your utility bill so high? Your weekly Civics Roundup

Find out why utility costs are spiking in D.C., take an environmental justice tour, march for Black moms, and more.

As someone who lived walking distance from RFK in the '90s, I know how an active stadium can affect the dynamics of a neighborhood and a city. As critiques of the $3.7 billion Commanders deal heat up, we want to hear your thoughts on the team's possible return to D.C. and what you'd like to see at the RFK site. Fill out the survey below.

Here's more news you may have missed this week:

• D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities defends giving more than $500,000 in grants to artists outside of D.C. [WCP]
• Landlord owes $6.8 million for dangerous and illegal conditions in nine District apartment buildings. [The Post]
• Renewed concerns about airspace safety after a helicopter forced three commercial aircrafts to abort landings at DCA. [Informer]
• Trump says he’ll replace Ed Martin as his pick for U.S. attorney for D.C. amid concerns from Senators. [The Post]
• A new report uses pandemic recovery data to project how the city's economy might fare through Trump 2.0. [GGWash]
• Temporary lane closures, trail detours, and parking restrictions set for Water Street NW near the Capital Crescent Trail. [DC Water]
• RFK Jr. heckled at Cucina MORINI. [Popville]

Until next time,

-Christina Sturdivant Sani