I spent part of the snowy, blustery weekend shilling cookies and cupcakes at a sidewalk bake sale. It was a little neighborhood effort to raise money for grocery deliveries (given what 2025 has unleashed, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that requests are up and donations are down to our local mutual aid).
If I’m being honest, a bake sale seemed a little twee (I’m a grinch) and when someone first suggested it, I doubted it was the most effective fundraising tool. But I was wrong. Over three bake sales, we raised over $11,000! It reminded me of a couple things: one, that people really want to help (someone delivered cookies from Baltimore!) and two, that getting outside (even in below freezing temps) and doing something with my neighbors and my hands is really good for winter blues. I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got some suggestions.
Lastly, we have a humble request: Can you tell your friends, family, group chats, and anyone who will listen about us? Instead of a traditional fundraising campaign this giving season, we’re aiming to get 3,000 more newsletter subscribers. All sign-ups – paid or free – count. We’ve still got a lot of ground to cover and your help would mean the world.
More than half a dozen people have already put their names in the hat to temporarily fill his spot. Also: a push to delay ranked choice voting fails and a lawmaker looks to restrict MPD cooperation with ICE.
The 51st's Community Connector George Kevin Jordan, 51st contributor Cornelia Poku, Ward 7 resident Heather Ferris, and The Strand co-owner Kelly Mikel Williams pictured at our happy hour.
Here's what we heard from residents during our happy hour takeover at The Strand.
Thanks to everyone who has referred a friend to the campaign! We’ve still got a ways to go, with 2,289 more subscribers needed by the end of the year. That might seem like a stretch but we’d meet it today if 23% of you have one friend sign up! Reach out to your people and help us build a strong local news community for 2026.
Pour yourself a bowl of Cinnamon Crankin’ Crunch GoGoPuffs, a local couple’s tribute to their love of breakfast cereal and D.C.’s signature sound: “Ingredients are cinnamon, brown sugar, and go-go.” [WCP]
67 people died in January when a helicopter and airplane collided just outside of D.C. Yesterday, the U.S. government admitted some liability, due to the actions of an air traffic controller and the Army helicopter pilot. [The Post]
Your gas bills will be more expensive in the new year thanks to Washington Gas's modernization project. The utility company says it's necessary to update the city's leaky infrastructure, but critics wonder why the city is doubling down on fossil fuel dependence — and why tax payers are footing the bill. [WCP]
Get festive at local bars featuring holiday treats such as spiced eggnog punch, cranberry negronis, coconut-rum coquitos, and a Hannukah bar with a 16-foot “shotnorah.” And if you're looking for Christmas trees, the city has them in spades. [Washingtonian]
Northern Virginia has the world's largest concentration of data centers, and as artificial intelligence companies clamor for data processing power, debate is growing about adding them to other local jurisdictions. [WAMU]
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:
