Happy Friday eve! We're back in your inbox with news you can use. And because we value transparency, we shared a deeper dive into our finances and goals earlier this week. Be sure to give it a read – after all, we're building The 51st with you.
Plus, weekend events, an opportunity to influence our reporting on Ward 7, some news you may have missed, and a couple upcoming public meetings. Oh, also, ICYMI: last week’s immigration resources roundup are now available on our site in Spanish and Amharic.
Reproductive justice protestors in front of the Supreme Court. (Elvert Barnes/Flickr)
While it’s not certain what steps the new administration will take against abortion rights, reproductive rights advocates say people can protect themselves by focusing on what we do know: abortion remains a protected right in D.C. To that end, we’ve gathered tips from experts on how abortion-seekers living in and traveling to the D.C. area can find authentic clinics, funding, logistical support, and more.
On Monday, Dec. 16, the D.C. school lottery will open for parents across the city — and their anxieties may vary. Whether they view it as a simple-to-use tool or the equivalent of playing Powerball with their kids' academic futures, it's a process that can't be avoided for many caretakers. To relieve some concerns, The 51st Contributor Martin Austermuhle wrote a handy guide to navigating the system.
Mural by Alex Mattison at the East River Park Shopping Center. (Eric Falquero)
This is such a hotly debated topic because D.C. natives are territorial, in a good way. We have so much pride in our city that we’re offended when people who clearly weren’t raised here (I’m looking at you Silver Springers and Alexandrians!), claim to be. To aid me in figuring out my own criteria, I polled some friends and relatives, then sought wise counsel in two deep-dive interviews about what it means to be a D.C. native. I hope you enjoy my response … I’m sure there will be lots of thoughts and opinions!
The Thomas Jefferson Building/Library of Congress stays open late on Thursdays for happy hour snacks and drinks and special performances or curated conversations. (m01229/Flickr)
We've got holiday markets, holiday parties, and holiday shows. Plus, performances by Step Afrika! the Gay Men’s Chorus, and more.
Got questions for the incoming Ward 7 Councilmember?
Thanks to everyone who submitted responses last week! We've decided to give folks extra time to submit queries for Wendell Felder, who will be stepping into Vincent Gray's longtime post as the Ward 7 Councilmember. What would you like to ask Felder — a former chair of the Ward 7 Democrats and ANC leader — about his new role? Your questions will help guide our reporting.
The council probe into Trayon White came out yesterday; it found substantial evidence he violated council rules by using his office for financial gain. Councilmembers will meet Monday to review the findings. [Post]
What happens when you cater to people with smartphones? The elderly, unhoused, and poor folks may miss out. [Post]
An investigator in D.C.’s Office of the Inspector General faces charges for assaulting dancers on the Metro. [WCP]
D.C. has a housing shortage. It also has 123,000 vacant homes. So what gives? [WTOP]
A popular D.C. synagogue canceled an event with the former Israeli Defense Minister after protests. [Forward]
Initial renderings for a revamped Wonder Plaza at Howard. [Urban Turf]
Your Civics Download
You’ll find this handy guide to public meetings at the bottom of every edition of The 51st. We’ll refine and improve along the way! So if you think we’re missing resources, please let us know!
On Monday, Dec. 16, Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee will host a meeting on MetroAccess. Agenda topics include customer service, inclement weather policies, and fares. There’s a window for public comment at the end of the meeting. The meetings stream virtually, and you can find log-in information on Metro’s calendar.
The D.C. Council session is winding down next week. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, they’ll hold their final legislative meeting of the year. This December also marks the end of the two-year legislative period, so any bills that don’t make it through a vote on Tuesday must be re-introduced in the next session. The agenda hasn’t been posted yet, but you can tune in to the meeting to watch the votes you’re interested in. The meetings stream live on the council’s website.
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