Our favorite stories from this summer

Hi everyone,

It's been a busy, disorienting, and horrifying summer. As the federal takeover stretches into its fourth week, and Trump continues to stick his hands (what's going on there, btw?) into local matter after local matter, D.C. is ending this season on a fearful, infuriating note. We've been following this takeover the best way we know how: cutting through the noise, offering facts and clarity while the administration relies on fiction, and highlighting the ways D.C. residents are standing up to protect their neighbors. And we will continue to do this – it's why we started The 51st!

But the takeover wasn't the only D.C. story worth telling this summer. We've rounded up our five favorite pieces we published over the past few months. In these, you'll learn about the workers, artists, storefronts, and even bugs that make D.C. what it is: a beautiful, imperfect, and fascinating place that's home to hundreds of thousands of people.

If you're feeling fed up, pissed off, and exhausted, we hope one of these can bring some light to your Monday and remind you why we're all fighting to protect this place. And if you want to support worker-led journalism like ours — the kind that centers community and people over profits — become a paid member today.

Happy Labor Day! We'll see you later this week.

-The 51st team

These D.C. workers pick up dead animals, and they’re very busy

Did you know D.C. only has two people dedicated to dealing with this issue? Martin did, of course. Meet Terrence Robinson and Joseph Shelton, the D.C. Department of Public Works employees taking care of flattened rats, misguided deer, and once, a headless goat, so you don't have to. (Reading with food is ill-advised!)

The man behind the vibes at Banneker Pool

Officially, Marcus Truman is known as the pool manager of Banneker Pool. Informally, he's known as the emcee and vibe-curator of one of the city's most upbeat summer hangs. With outdoor public pools closing for the season today, head to Banneker for one last Marcus-led party. Or, read our interview with him to learn how he makes a public pool seem more like an all-ages dance club.

This D.C. artist's pro-Palestine mural keeps getting vandalized

In our newsletter last week, we made a display of the words that come to mind when our readers think of D.C. "Resilient" was a common answer. The story of Rose Jaffe, a local artist, and her commitment to her pro-Palestine public mural in Petworth is a perfect encapsulation of that resiliency. The wall has been defaced six times in the past year, and each time, Jaffe has returned with her brushes (and now, a friend) to cover it with another message of solidarity.

Best World closes for good

Despite months of fundraising and years of litigation, the beloved Mount Pleasant international grocery store closed its doors in July. Contributor India Kea spoke to the owners, shoppers, and employees — not only to say goodbye, but to capture how the store (and the community it fostered) will be remembered in the neighborhood. As we see videos and photos online of ICE agents patrolling the street where Best World used to sit, this one feels especially important today.

Spotted lanternflies: Not the enemy you think

You know the drill: You see one, you step on it. But what's it all for, really? We dove deep into the famous bugs and their favorite meal – the invasive Tree of Heaven – that's growing in all types of places across D.C. The bottom line? There are mitigation measures, but we probably don't need to be freaking out about spotted lanternflies in the city. We have a much bigger, scarier, life-threatening invading force to be concerned about right now, anyway.