Raising trans kids in Trump's D.C.

Hi everyone,

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.

We've got updates from the Wilson Building for you (surprise: the Commanders got their stadium), a column about how the Federal Bureau of Prisons is failing D.C. residents, and, per usual, things to do this weekend and ways to get involved in your community.

Plus: Scroll down to weigh in on how you're talking about this political moment with your children, or other young people in your life.

That's all for now,

Natalie

What it's like to raise trans kids in the D.C. area right now

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.” 

Frozen out: Beloved D.C. ice rink faces uncertain future after $40 million rebuild

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.

Wilson Building Bulletin: The Commanders get their stadium

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.

Opinion: The Federal Bureau of Prisons fails D.C. residents

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.

Live in Ward 7? 🍦🍨

ICYMI: Kids back in school, council back in session

The D.C. Council is back. Here’s what lawmakers are up to.

Trayon White returns, final votes on the Commanders stadium deal, and a controversial housing bill.

The 51stMartin Austermuhle

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.

21 (!) things to do around D.C. this weekend

Choose your own adventure: Brazilian drumming? '90s nostalgia? A clay festival?

Tree love: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Plus, "enter the villa" for a cause and learn about resistance from Star Wars.

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

• GOP lawmakers grilled the mayor over crime today and celebrated Trump's crackdown in the city. [The Post]
• Jeff Bezos vs D.C. [Truthdig]
• The city's sidewalks are in dire need of repair. [Informer]
• The beloved Fridge Gallery, featuring local street and graffiti artists, is returning to Barracks Row. [WCP]
• The Baltimore Banner is gearing up for an expansion. [The Post]
• Loyalty Books on Upshur says its sales are down 60% since Trump began his federal surge in Washington. [NBC Washington]
• Nearly 40% of child care workers in D.C. are immigrants — and they're afraid to step outside. [The 19th]
• 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]

See you next week.

Natalie