Three beers for journalism đŸ»

Plus, Bowser’s big announcement, a "procott," and an incoming childcare cliff.

Happy Wednesday-that-feels-like-a-Friday, readers!

In a fun coincidence, this newsletter is the 501st post published on The 51st's website.

In case you missed it, yesterday we published a story on the surprising news that Mayor Muriel Bowser will not run for reelection.

In today’s issue, Martin reports from his trip to MPD's wet lab, where police train to spot drunk drivers by serving up drinks to volunteers. Plus, local organizers are launching a campaign encouraging District residents to buy holiday gifts from local businesses, Sam Delgado reports. And for our opinion section, former D.C. government official Beatriz Otero warns that our recent progress on childcare accessibility is under threat.

As always, we have roundups of how to get involved and events happening around the city. Speaking of events, we'd love to see you at our next one: Tickets are now on sale for our holiday edition of "Ask a D.C. Native, Live!" on Tuesday, December 9 at KBird, where you can also shop for holiday gifts from Black-owned vendors!

Want to get goodies from us without leaving the house? Join our referral challenge.

Happy reading,

– Gracie


D.C. police got me buzzed to help stop drunk drivers

A police officer holds a pen in front of a man in a puffer jacket's eyes.
(Courtesy of Martin Austermuhle)

A dispatch from MPD’s wet lab, where police train to spot impaired motorists.


This holiday season, Free DC wants you to "procott" these local businesses

A hand holding a ceramic ornament in the shape of Washington D.C, with pottery in the background.
(Courtesy of Studio Kusi)

A new shopping guide features dozens of places that have pledged to support D.C.'s autonomy.


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Opinion: D.C. is headed toward a child care cliff

A photo of two toy cars in the foreground with children playing on the floor in the background
(BBC Creative on Unsplash)

But it’s not too late for the mayor to do something about it.


This season, we’re thankful for you

Rows and rows of 51st stickers that say I heart DC's worker-led, nonprofit, independent, local newsroom,
(Maddie Poore)

Our worker-led newsroom wouldn't be possible without your people power.


ICYMI: More news on the Trump takeover

Federal judge: National Guard deployment in DC is ‘unlawful’
The 2,300 Guardsmen aren’t headed home just yet, though.

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ICYMI: Help find the lost DCist readers

LOST: 51,000+ DCist readers
Can you help us find them? We’re offering fun rewards via our ~brand-new referral program~.

Turkey trotting and boycotting: Your holiday civics roundup

A crowd of runners lined up at a starting line, under a Thanksgiving-themed arch of balloons.
(Elvert Barnes/Flickr)

Plus, a place to volunteer, a healthcare hearing, and more.


23 things to do around D.C. this week

People ice skate on a rink with a museum in the background.
(Courtesy of National Gallery of Art)

There are plenty of things to do if you're in town over the long holiday weekend.



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


If you're still reading, don't miss our new referral challenge — you could win prizes by sharing this newsletter with your friends!

TTFN,

Gracie

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