Snowcrete cleanup cost how much!? 👀

Plus, how Trump is threatening D.C. wildlife conservation, and things to do this weekend.

Hey friends,

Happy almost Friday! It’s Sam Delgado, and I’m wrapping up my first week as a full-time reporter with The 51st. I’ve spent most of that time running around town for some upcoming stories — and feeling pretty dang grateful to cover our beautiful, complicated city.

Okay, that’s enough sappiness from me. Here’s what our newsroom has cooked up for you this week:

Not to remind us of this dreadful winter, but we’re talking about snowcrete again: Martin reports on the hefty financial cost the city incurred from the weeks-long cleanup after January’s storm.

We also have a story from contributor Elizabeth McGowan on how the Trump administration’s targeting of D.C.’s public golf courses threatens long-term conservation efforts. Speaking of federal intervention, Councilmember Charles Allen and Founding Director of Tzedek DC Ariel Levinson-Waldman wrote an op-ed on why the District’s progress on traffic safety means Congress should keep its hands off our local laws.

For our latest “Ask A D.C. Native” column, Rhonda Henderson writes about why the same question comes up when meeting new people in D.C. — what do you do for work?and other questions you can ask instead.

Looking for plans for the weekend? Don’t fret — we have a whole weekend's worth of things to do around the city and ways to flex your civic muscles, too. We also have two events of our own coming up: a debate for the congressional delegate race on May 14 and a D.C. native poetry set on May 19. Come through!

See you around,

— Sam


D.C. spent $67 million cleaning up after January's snowstorm

A photo of a pile of snowcrete on the street.
(Eric Falquero)

Critics say the big spending was "obscene" and avoidable.


Trump's attempted golf course takeover threatens years of wildlife conservation

Construction equipment atop a pile of dirt, with the Washington Monument visible in the background.
(Elizabeth McGowan)

East Potomac Golf Links isn't just a a golf course — it's part of a critical bird migration corridor.


ADVERTISEMENT

Opinion: Congress should keep its hands off D.C. traffic safety laws

An image of a traffic light with pedestrians in the background and signs to yield to pedestrians
(William F. Yurasko / Flickr)

The city has made crucial steps forward in traffic enforcement, argue a D.C. Councilmember and a local advocate. Congress threatens to take us backward.


Ask A D.C. Native: Why does everyone ask what I do for work?

A stock image of people in professional attire.
(iStock / FG Trade)

Inquiring about a person’s career is largely due to the city’s transient, career-climbing nature. But there are more interesting questions to be asked.


15 things to do around D.C. this weekend

A photo of several kids in the Italian Embassy.
(Italy in US / Flickr)

Spring is here, and the city is full of festivities, including a tiki vinyl night, a migratory bird celebration, and a Mother’s Day bike ride fundraiser.


ADVERTISEMENT

9 ways to get involved around D.C. this week

A mural in Ben Ali Way.
(Daniella Manera / Flickr)

A movement block party, a labor chorus concert, and more.


Here are some stories you may have missed this week:

  • An internal investigation by MPD on crime statistics has shaken up the department, with over a dozen high-ranking police officers facing termination. [City Paper, The Post]
  • D.C.’s public charter school leaders are fighting for funding equity this budget season. [The Informer]
  • In the latest on Trump’s targeting of the District’s golf courses, a federal judge warned the federal government not to move forward with renovations without first giving notice. [The Post]
  • After five days of being perched atop the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, anti-war activist Guido Reichstadter finally came down this week. [The Post]
  • A D.C. landlord who was named in a real estate racketeering case filed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb was recently indicted in a drug conspiracy case in Virginia. [City Paper]
  • D.C. might be getting its own messy reality TV show — or maybe it won’t, but it’s still fun to read about. [Washingtonian]
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street opened its doors again last Friday after 9 months of renovation. [Washingtonian]

See you next week,

Sam

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.

Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.

You've successfully subscribed to The 51st.

Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.

Success! Your billing info has been updated.

Your billing was not updated.

Join