Questions remain about MPD’s work with ICE. Activists want lawmakers to step in
They say the D.C. Council should publicly question MPD about cooperation on immigration enforcement.
Plus, saving trees from invasive vines, the city’s $$$ problems, and more.
Happy Thursday readers,
This week, our lead story digs into the looming cuts to the DC Health Care Alliance, which insures 26,000 low-income residents. It will leave few options for undocumented Washingtonians who depend on lifesaving medications.
“I’m really going out of my mind, just trying to understand — what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to afford it? I can’t. I just can’t,” one resident told us.
Over at the Wilson Building, 51st reporter Martin Austermuhle explains how the economic climate has changed the focus for lawmakers, who are more used to debating how to spend rather than what to cut.
And many of you have expressed concerns and outrage about masked federal officers making arrests across the city. 51st contributor Sam Delgado dove into the legal landscape and the toll that anonymous feds are taking on the psyche of the city.
On a more hopeful note, we caught up with volunteers who are fighting non-native invasive vines and learned how easy it can be to help save D.C.’s trees.
Keep scrolling for a recap of the ice cream social hosted by our Ward 7 Community Connector George Kevin Jordan (also thanks to everyone who showed up to Ask A D.C. Native, Live! on Monday). And don't miss our roundups of weekend events and ways to get civically engaged, plus some news you may have missed this week.
Enjoy,
Christina

The first round of cuts to the city-funded DC Health Care Alliance go into effect next week. Advocates say the city's plan will have disastrous consequences over the next few years.

Spending a couple hours cutting vines with your neighbors can give dozens of trees up to 15 more years of life

The slowing local economy has ended more than a decade of growing budgets. Now, lawmakers and city officials are being forced to be more disciplined about spending.

President Trump’s thirty-day crime emergency may have ended, but life in D.C. is anything but back to normal. People are still reporting masked federal officers intimidating residents. And while it's legal for federal agents to hide their identity, the practice is leaving people afraid, angry, and mistrustful.


Over the weekend, The 51st team closed out the summer with our Ward 7 neighbors at an ice cream social. While downing cookies and cream ice cream and raspberry sorbet, we chatted with folks about what they love about their communities — and what they’d like to see change.

Gear up for a bike festival, a punk-themed dog fest, and a chance to check out some lowriders.

Lobby for D.C. on Capitol Hill, attend a workshop on economic justice, and more.

Here's some news you may have missed this week:
Until next time,
Christina
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