Ready to vote a new way?

Hi 51st readers,

Thanks for being with us this wintery Thursday. We've got the latest on D.C.'s efforts to prepare for next year's election — the first citywide races since voters approved ranked choice voting.

Also, the House put the kibosh on a Chuck Brown post office, and there's been a pause in the never-ending tipped wage rigamarole. Plus, a Q&A with a local filmmaker re: her new documentary exploring the legacy of D.C.'s Black lesbian pioneers.

For fun, we've got a holiday gift guide for the D.C.-lover in your life, some ways to get involved in the community, and a list of things to do this weekend.

And finally, some announcements: Looking to get some 51st merch? We've got a special t-shirt jus t for a members. (Only available to order through 12 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 5!)

And the holiday edition of Ask a D.C. Native, Live! is happening on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at KBird, where you can also shop for holiday gifts from Black-owned vendors. Use code "DCFREE" for free tickets!

Is D.C. ready for ranked-choice voting?

Educating voters will be a big task ahead of the 2026 local elections.

Also: D.C. gets no deference from Congress, and there won't be a referendum on the tipped wage (though the fight isn't over).

The artist and activist has been photographing an ever-changing city for more than six decades.

Many parents like myself were shocked by a recent change to the English curriculum at Alice Deal Middle School.

The best present is … the promise of future presents, especially when they celebrate our city.

We're trying to bring in 3,000 new subscribers — paid or free. We're more than 10% of the way there, and we know we'll make it with your help.

439 of 3,000

Every subscriber helps us build this worker-led newsroom in D.C.

If you're already subscribed, you can still help out by joining our referral challenge! Bonus: You have the chance to win some fun 51st prizes.

Plus, a massive public safety hearing, ways to support mutual aid, and more.

Stay warm indoors with art shows and classical music concerts, or brave the cold for a cleanup of Rock Creek Park and even a fireworks show.

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

Most immigrants detained during Trump's crackdown in D.C. had no criminal record. [The Post]
D.C. police are now patrolling with the National Guard after last week's fatal attack. [The Post]
Learn the history of an H Street carriage house that once served as ENIKAlley Coffeehouse, a refuge for Black gay and lesbian artists and activists. [WCP]
Need to lift your spirits? Maybe these local holiday light displays can help. [Washingtonian]
Archaeologists found the location of the Native American villages at Fones Cliffs, referenced in 1660s documents from John Smith. [The Post]
Where to eat at Union Market. [City Cast]
A celebration of D.C. legend and master organizer, Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler. [Informer]
The zoo welcomed three new Canadian lynx to its enclosures. They're teens, they're brothers, and they're not easy to win over. [WTOP]

Thanks for reading & don't let the dreary winter light get you down.

Natalie