This week, we're publishing our first story in partnership with The 19th: A look at what it's like for parents raising trans kids in D.C. right now, directly in Trump's backyard. Five families spoke with us about the challenges of getting their children medical care, worries about potential changes in school policy, and fears for their children's safety.
We're also bringing you a feature about the beloved Fort Dupont ice rink, which is facing opening delays after issues with its $40 million rebuild.
Brian and his daughter at their home in Arlington, Virginia. (Shedrick Pelt)
The 19th and The 51st spoke with five families in the D.C. region struggling to protect their kids as the Trump administration undercuts access to gender affirming care. Many of their struggles are exacerbated by being in the federal government's backyard.
“We deserve to live here. She deserves to live here,” one parent said. “No trans person is asking for more rights. Just stop picking on us. Stop picking on them.”
The problems became clear earlier this month, when the stalagmites appeared. These mineral formations are a natural curiosity in a cave, but in an ice rink they’re a problem — especially after a $40 million renovation.
Demolition of RFK stadium will continue into next year. The upper decks were recently removed. (Martin Austermuhle)
It wasn’t really in doubt going into Wednesday’s final vote, but there were still sighs of relief and scattered applause in the D.C. Council’s chambers after lawmakers gave final approval to the $3.7 billion deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to D.C. – and into a 65,000-seat roofed stadium at the old RFK site.
D.C. doesn’t have its own prison, so its residents are sent to federal facilities all over the country. This is a bad system that serves no one, writes incarcerated resident Askia Afrika-Ber.
Join The 51st on Saturday, September 20 for a FREE ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Swing by Benning/Dorothy Height Library 12-3 p.m. (Illustration by George Kevin Jordan)
ICYMI: Kids back in school, council back in session
The 51st team has heard from a few readers who said their children are struggling emotionally in this challenging moment — for example, having nightmares after seeing armed National Guard in their neighborhood. This led us to wonder: What strategies have you found to support your kids? And what information might help you to do a better job — or even just reassure you that you're doing the best you can? Weigh in below.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, is facing mounting pressure to retire as even her allies question her ability to represent the District. [The Post]
Your Bloomingdale/Eckington neighborhood guide: where to shop, where to eat, and what to do. [Washingtonian]
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:
Martin Austermuhle
