The man behind the vibes at Banneker Pool

Plus, is "Better Bus" actually better? And why your Pepco bill is so high.

Happy Thursday everyone,

Our lead story this week is about Marcus Truman, a lifeguard who’s informally known as the emcee at one of D.C.’s buzziest summer hangouts.

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You don’t have to jump in a pool or know CPR to keep local news — and stories about heroes like Marcus — alive. Donate to our campaign to grow The 51st and sustain community journalism.

And have you recently questioned why your Pepco bill has shot up? We've got answers. Plus, one month after WMATA overhauled its entire bus network, we report what some commuters, bus drivers, and Metro officials have to say about the rollout.

Scroll on for a harrowing story about a D.C. muralist's activism, ways to have fun and get civically engaged, and news you might have missed this week.

Happy reading,

Christina Sturdivant Sani


Meet Marcus, the emcee of 'Club Banneker'

Man wearing hat with arms folded standing next to lifeguard stand at pool.
(Shedrick Pelt)

Banneker Pool is the place to see and be seen in the summer, and Marcus, the pool manager, is a big part of the reason why. We sat down with him on the pool deck to talk about how he ended up at Banneker, what makes the pool special, and why people can’t stop coming back.


Why is your electricity bill so high?

Electricity lines crisscross in the sky.
(Tonyglen14/Flickr)

A new auction just set the average Pepco customers’ monthly bill to $138 — the highest power price in nearly a decade. If you ask Pepco what’s behind the jump, they’ll point to tightening supply and rising demand from data centers and industrial facilities. But consumer advocates and energy experts say that doesn’t tell the whole story.


A month in, how's the new Metrobus overhaul?

A Metrobus pared at a station.
(Jazmyn Gray)

WMATA revamped the entire bus network at the end of June, re-routing lines and changing bus stops in an effort to improve the system. So how’s it been going for riders? We heard from more than 30 of them.



This D.C. artist's pro-Palestine mural has been defaced six different times

Photo of woman in a black t-shirt and brown hat standing in front of a painting.
(India Kea)

Over the past year, local muralist Rose Jaffe has been dealing with persistent vandalism outside her Petworth studio. Each time her mural is defaced, she returns with her brushes to craft another message in solidarity with Palestine.


12 things to do around D.C. this weekend

A red bike sits on grass near waterfront.
(washingtonydc/Flickr)

Summer is not over (yet)! Keep this August weekend full with bike rides, Broccoli City, art openings, and a pickle swap.


Heat mapping: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Fried egg on dirt/concrete.
(Jen/Flickr)

Collect data on the hottest parts of the city, rally to save the Anacostia Community Museum, or make activism-themed zines.


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


That's all for this week. Take care!

Christina