Yesterday, we published a story about why D.C. residents' Pepco bills have skyrocketed. Today, 51st contributor Sam Delgado followed up on her reporting with what you can do in the short term, info about financial assistance programs, energy audits, and how to avoid being scammed.
Sam's stories kick off our new series on affordability in D.C., where we’ll zoom in on your most burdensome bills and examine how they impact your daily life and long-term stability. Take this quick survey to tell us where your money is going.
Here's what else is on the docket today:
51st contributor Emily Blumberg spoke to seven fired federal workers about how their job losses affected them, what they’ve been up to since, and where they hope to go next.
This week marks two years since DCist was shut down, and we decided to start The 51st — a people-powered, community-centered, local news outlet that D.C. residents deserve. Now, we’re working hard to expand our newsroom from one full-time editor and reporter to two editors and THREE reporters. Today, we’re 60% of the way toward our goal to raise $375,000. If you haven’t supported yet, or feel inclined to throw in a little extra, here’s some added incentive:the chair of our Board of Trustees, Viyas Sundaram, is offering an $80,000 match toward this effort. That’s on top of a donation match offer from our friend Russ on Bluesky (you have to tell him how much you gave). This means any amount you give can be tripled! Thanks for building The 51st with us, we’re so glad you’re here.
For D.C. residents in prison, voting is one of the last connections we have to our communities, writes Robert Barton, co-founder of More Than Our Crimes.
Where is your money going? We're gearing up for our series about the rising cost of living in D.C. If you haven't yet, please complete our brief survey to help direct our affordability coverage.
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
This year's edition of Washington City Paper's Answers Issue delves into parks and parking, trash cans and transportation, quirks, kinks, and more. [WCP]
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:
Sam Delgado
Martin Austermuhle
