What happened to all the weed shops?

Hi, and happy Thursday. Welcome to another edition of The 51st.

Yesterday, walking in wind and snow flurries in Capitol Hill, I looked to my left and saw the Capitol building looming in the distance. I remembered myself a decade ago on the same walk, enjoying that view. I find it's gotten harder to think nice thoughts among the buildings and monuments of federal Washington.

Local D.C., though? Still good. Last weekend, walking down Columbia Road, I suddenly heard screams of joy coming from Perry's drag brunch. I thought: They can keep trying to make this place suck, but they're never going to win.

Here's your rundown of local news for the week:

• An in-depth exploration of what's happening with D.C.'s weed market
• Some historically informed speculation about what it would actually look like for the federal government to take over D.C.
• A rundown of city politics (yes, Bowser would like taxpayer money for that stadium, thank you)
• Our latest Ask a D.C. Native about where to find hope

If you're in need of something lighter, we've also got overheards and weekend events, per usual.

And, lastly, we know it's a hard time for out-of-work federal employees, and we want to help. So we're creating a resource bank of local offerings, like discounts and free services for laid off federal workers. Contribute to the database here, and we'll publish it on our site soon.

Natalie

Weeded out: As D.C. shutters cannabis gifting shops, what comes next?

By now, you've probably noticed the shuttered doors and the posted notices of closure: D.C. has shut down 28 cannabis gifting stores since last fall, and another 28 closed voluntarily after receiving warnings from the city. The enforcement blitz on weed gifting shops is supposed to help make way for legal medical cannabis dispensers in the District – but those shops are facing stiff headwinds, too.

District of Congress? What could happen if Republicans repealed D.C.'s home rule

It’s February 20, 2027. It’s the second week in a row that your trash hasn’t gotten picked up. And you don’t even want to get started on the menacing potholes the next street over or the recreation center nearby that’s been closed for months because of a leaky roof. You’re frustrated. So you pick up the phone and start calling members of Congress. Sounds pretty silly, doesn’t it?

Using history as our guide, we make some educated guesses about what it might actually look like for the federal government to take over local control of D.C.

Wilson Building Bulletin: Bowser, the stadium tour

Yes, Bowser would like taxpayer funding for that new NFL stadium. Plus, a date is set for the Ward 8 special election, and more happenings from the seat of local government.

Ask a D.C. Native: What are you hopeful for?

This is a hard one to answer. With so much awful news bombarding us every hour of the day, it can feel impossible to turn toward the things that feel encouraging. But in this edition of Ask a D.C. Native, Christina shares her hopes for rest, peace, a thriving local news ecosystem, and D.C. home rule.

13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

You've made it through another long week of this very long winter. This weekend, manifest spring with a visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden's orchid showcase, get your caffeine fix with a Black-owned coffee crawl, and more.

Overheard in D.C.: Devil's Advocate

We miss you, DCist

Six more days and it will have been a full year since DCist shut down. In that time, what have you noticed is missing from the local news landscape? What would you like to see more of? What stories have you been glad to see covered? And what are your hopes for local independent news in the next year?

We'd love to hear from you! Submit your thoughts here.

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

• Unemployment is up in D.C. amid the Muskian takeover of the federal government. Since Trump has taken office, nearly 4,000 workers in the city have filed for unemployment, a sharp spike. [CNBC]
• Relatedly, Miriam's Kitchen has seen donations drop since Trump's election, and the organization's leaders worry worse is coming. [WTOP]
• And in yet more amazing news, Trump said Wednesday night that the federal government should "take over the governance of D.C." [Post]
• The Washington Post came this close 🤏 to running a "Fire Elon Musk" full page ad. [The Hill]
• Activists are calling on D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb to issue public guidance that clinics are not allowed to deny care based on gender identity. [Washington Blade]
• Washingtonian's union contract is still in negotiations after four years. [WCP]
• In absolutely tragic news, E Street Cinema is reportedly closing next month. [Popville]
• Learn about the life and history of Black organizer A. Philip Randolph. [Afro]
• The Kennedy Center, now with Trump at its helm, has canceled a Pride concert featuring the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington. [Washingtonian]
• Metro is doing big things. [Axios DC]
• Actually, the housing market is not collapsing amid federal layoffs. [Post]

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!

• Tonight, Feb. 20, FREE DC will host its Ward 6 team meeting over Zoom. Residents will discuss neighbor-to-neighbor organizing opportunities like house parties, doorknocking, community events, and more. Register for the Zoom here. 
• On Saturday, Feb. 22, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George will host a “Listen As We Climb” session for residents of Lamond, Riggs Park, and South Manor Park. These sessions are opportunities for residents to raise concerns and offer feedback on legislation and budget priorities. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lamond Riggs Lillian J. Huff Library. Register here.
• On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Park East Co-Op Project will host a walking tour of tenant organizing history in Adams Morgan. Led by D.C. historian Dr. Amanda Huron, participants will learn about residents' victories in the co-op movement and ways to work against displacement in their neighborhoods. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at Rabaut Park, 2900 Mt Pleasant St NW. Reserve your spot here.  

Have a great weekend <3

Natalie