Meet Metro’s super fans 🚇

Plus, healthcare cuts hit hard and the uncertain future of Alan’s Oasis.

Hey y’all,

The cherry blossom tree behind my house is blooming, so I’ll be avoiding the touristy Tidal Basin. But best of luck to those who are venturing out!

This week, 51st contributor Daniel Egitto reports on the impacts of the District’s cuts to healthcare programs for low-income and immigrant residents. “If I walk, I feel a cramp. I feel hurt … sometimes I can’t walk, because it hurts,” said a mother of three, who previously received injections every six months for chronic back pain. Now, a single injection would cost her $7,000 out-of-pocket — several times the amount that her household earns in a typical month.

We also have an update from our friends at Street Sense on Alan’s Oasis in Brightwood, which reportedly faced eviction by the city again this month.

And over the past month, we’ve been reporting on rising Pepco bills for D.C. residents. Today, we’ve got an opinion piece from the chairman of the Public Service Commission about the factors that contribute to our energy bills.

As a little treat, 51st senior reporter Martin Austermuhle talked to Metro superfans and collectors as WMATA celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Finally, if you’ve been here before, you know we always recommend what to do this weekend and how to fight the dread by getting civically involved around the city.

Thanks as always for reading,

Gracie


D.C. healthcare cuts leave low-income residents with fewer options and worse care

A black and white photo collage with doctors, a dentist, pills, and a stethoscope.
(Maddie Poore)

Steep city budget reductions mean patients are going without medicine, losing teeth, and living with pain.


As Metro turns 50, transit diehards are keepers of its history, quirks, and identity

A collection of vintage Metro pennants
(David Anderson)

They collect memorabilia and create tributes to the iconic system.


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After the city tells Alan’s Oasis to move, its future is uncertain

Alan and a friend carry his sign from the median where he hands out water.
(Alaena Hunt)

Handing out water every day has made Alan a fixture at this Brightwood intersection.


Opinion: Regulators aren’t the main reason for your spiking energy bills

A view of power lines against the sky
(Nikola Johnny Mirkovic / Unsplash)

The officials who oversee Pepco don’t have control over a majority of the increases in your bill, writes Public Service Commission Chairman Emile C. Thompson.

Members-only merch returns

ront and back of The 51st 3 words Shirt, black shirt with stacks of three words 'joyful, serene, home' stacked on top of each other, next to a red stars and bars DC flag
A little treat for our favorite people

The pre-order link for our members-only merch is live again for a limited time. Place your order before April 1 to show off your D.C. pride and love of local journalism!

14 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Cherry blossoms in front of the Jefferson Memorial in D.C.'s Tidal Basin.
(jan go / Flickr)

From celebrating women in jazz to peak bloom festivals, this weekend will spring you into a good time.


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Dance & taxes: Your weekly Civics Roundup

A couple dancing in a park.
(Elvert Barnes / Flickr)

Plus, a clothing swap, a cooperative movement meeting, and more ways to get involved.


Here are some stories you may have missed this week:


See you next week,

Gracie

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