Introducing: Our Ward 7 Community Connector

Surprise! We're back with one more newsletter before The 51st team logs off (or tries to) for the holiday break.

We've launched a new program called Community Connectors, and it'll be kicking off in Ward 7 with local journalist and Hillcrest resident George Kevin Jordan. In his first blog post, Jordan explains what he'll be up to as a Community Connector, what he'll ask his neighbors, and why he's proud to call Ward 7 his home.

Also today: for the procrastinators, we're reminding you of our local gift guide. FYI: many of the holiday markets have ended, but our roundup may strike some inspiration regardless. And if not ... why don't you consider giving the gift of local news this year? A 51st gift subscription is sure to please all sorts of people in your life — from your friend who never has any idea what's going on in D.C., to the one who's constantly looking for weekend plans, or the one who is always saying "damn, I miss DCist!" We've got something for everyone.

For fun, we're boosting our list of wintry day trips for anyone looking for an end-of-year escape, and we're saying a final goodbye to the Circulator. And ICYMI, we've already got one Christmas miracle!

Okay, have a warm and happy holiday. We'll see you next year.

With love,
The 51st Team

We’re launching a program called Community Connectors. First up, Ward 7

When we started building The 51st, we knew we wanted to create a new model of local journalism, one where journalists' reporting is guided by direct conversations with the communities they cover. To that end, we've launched our Community Connectors program, starting in Ward 7. Over the next few months, local journalist and Hillcrest resident George Kevin Jordan will be meeting with neighbors one-on-one and in small groups, conducting surveys, and attending meetings to learn what Ward 7 residents want in their local news.

Your D.C. gift guide

It's late, but it's not too late. Cross off the final gifts on your list with some local ideas, curated by The 51st contributor Cornelia Poku.

5 day trips to make you feel like the protagonist of a holiday romcom

If you've made it through Netflix's annual slate of holiday rom-coms that make little to no narrative sense, maybe it's time to live out your own Hallmark movie this holiday season. The 51st Contributor Tim Ebner compiled five picturesque day trips near D.C. with plenty of holiday charm. And they're all accessible by train!

51st Remembers: The Circulator

Circulator busses will take their last trips on New Year's Eve, after the mayor's budget cut the bus service for 2025. Earlier this fall, we compiled some of our readers' favorite Circulator memories — from rides of shame to generous drivers.

Well, that's all for this special-edition newsletter. Happy Holidays!

Abby, Christina, Colleen, Eric, Maddie, Natalie, and Teresa