The other winner of the Ward 8 election
Plus, what to know about summer curfew rules for kids and the debut of a new Fringe fest.
Hi friends,
What a week of local news. From a major budget vote at the D.C. Council to a special election in Ward 8, there's been a lot going on. If your head is spinning, we're here to help.
- Per usual, we've got your Wilson Building drama, and there's even more than usual. Federal charges did not stop Trayon White from securing victory in the Ward 8 race (but maybe ranked-choice voting would have?); the police union picked a public fight with Chairman Phil Mendelson; and AI has entered the chat.
- Plus, the city recently expanded its curfew rules for minors. Here's everything you need to know about the policy.
- In case you missed this week's budget news, we have the latest on I-82 and I-83, plus an explainer breaking down the council's full budget vote.
- Bummed about the loss of Capital Fringe? Meet ... District Fringe.
Keep scrolling for your weekend events, ways to get involved in your community, and some news links with good reads from the week.
Natalie Delgadillo
P.S. Have you heard? We're raising money to hire the intrepid and irreplaceable Martin Austermuhle. We're 20% of the way to our goal and could use your help. If you appreciate Martin's reporting (it is all over this newsletter), donate what you can and share the link with your friends!
Wilson Building Bulletin: Ward 8 and the case for ranked-choice voting
Could ranked-choice voting have changed the special election result? Plus, Mendo vs. the police union, and AI vs. everyone.
D.C. wants to stop kids from gathering at night
Here's everything you need to know about the city's extended summer curfew rules.
ICYMI:
Martin Austermuhle
District Fringe revives D.C.'s indie summer theater fest
The new festival picks up the baton from Capital Fringe, which ended last year after two decades.
ICYMI
Martin Austermuhle
Opinion: Respect the will of voters, fund semi-open primaries
The D.C. Council just voted to fund ranked-choice voting, but the other aspect of Initiative 83 is still in limbo, writes Lisa Rice, CEO of Grow Democracy DC and the proposer of I-83. Lawmakers must also vote to fund the part of the law allowing independents to vote in local primaries.
12 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Outdoor concerts, a flower potluck, a kids' rock show, and more.
Mario Kart for a cause: Your weekly Civics Roundup
A violence prevention block party, comedy with a cause, a walk to the polls, and more ways to get engaged this week.
Here's more news you may have missed this week:
- Tens of thousands of people are protesting the Trump administration today, on the anniversary of Congressman John Lewis's death. Here are some words from the civil rights leader from a 2017 interview with Street Sense. [Axios DC; Street Sense]
- A great year for ticks is a bad year for us. [The Post]
- A local landlord is trying to evict a Republican Congressman who allegedly owes $85,000 in back rent. [The Post]
- Why the weather gods have it out for us this year. [Capital Weather Gang]
- It's a more precarious time than ever for the Washington Informer and other publications of the Black Press. [NBC Washington]
- Your D.C. area airport guide. [Washingtonian]
- City Paper's "best of" guide for 2025 is out, featuring readers' choices as well as staff picks on the best places to walk your dog, wander around for free, see an up-and-coming band, and more. [WCP]
- What riders have to say (so far) about the Better Bus redesign of the city's bus routes. [Washington Informer]
And that's all for us this week!
Natalie
Oh, and P.S. – thanks for coming to our happy hour! We had a blast mingling, chatting, and learning with all of you. We even debuted some merch! In case you missed it, we announced that we're running our second crowdfunding campaign to grow The 51st and hire an editor (Christina Sturdivant-Sani) and a reporter (Martin Austermuhle) full-time. We've been building this thing as part-time contractors, but now it's time to invest and grow.
(Photos by Henry Kan)
