The 51st

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 3. While the Democratic nominees for high-profile positions are expected to cruise to victory, other races down the ballot are still up in the air, @alexkoma.bsky.social reports. Here's what you need to know:

Send this to all your family outside DC who assume it’s just peachy. Seen this repeated over and over with so many people, including ones who aren’t even specialized or former Feds/contractors.

One of our main goals at The 51st is to make D.C. an easier place to live. One way to do that is by explaining stuff that is otherwise confusing, mystifying, or intentionally opaque! What do you want to know more about? What can we help you understand? Let us know:

Can confirm. Would not recommend.

Early voting started today in next week's general election. Curious who is on your ballot, or what is your ANC district and who is running? @alexkoma.bsky.social has just the guide you need!

Tough but essential read

NEW: "It’s been hell." "I’m dead inside." "I honestly don’t know if I will ever find work in the U.S. again, let alone D.C." "It’s akin to screaming into a void." What is going on with D.C.'s job market? Contributor Abi Newhouse investigated:

Are you a D.C. native? Want to test your hometown knowledge in front of a live audience? We're looking for contestants for "Ask A D.C. Native, Live!" — our trivia game show presented in partnership with Black.Native.Creative. More info + how to apply:

A few sample clues..... Scarlet ___ (D.C. state tree) ___-Addison Elementary (school in Shaw) One of three on the D.C. flag Try it out: 51st.news/crossword

These seven trusted favs serve everything from soul food to Lebanese kabobs to Peruvian chicken, all at or under $15 a meal — including, in a couple cases, a drink.

Today in local journalism as a public service: Piping hot ANC election drama 🍿🍿🍿 51st.news/dc-election-...

Know about a cool event happening in (or around) the city soon? Let us know via the form below. We publish two roundups each week — one featuring fun weekend events, and the other sharing opportunities to get more civically engaged. Submitting by Sunday night ensures we see it in time!

"Many live in horrific conditions — mold, no functioning stove or refrigerator, alarm that blares nonstop, no AC, no elevators. Yet they show up and continue to fight." — Christine Kim of @breadforthecity.bsky.social on the work of tenant organizers in Faria Management properties

What's your vibe this weekend? 🐸 A peek into the inner workings of the Muppets 🤘 Punk show at the base of the Washington Monument 🎞️ Weekend-long celebration of Palestinian art and film 👻 A Halloween-themed bike ride on Capitol Hill More on these events and others in our weekend guide:

Pumpkins for a cause? Film screenings? If you're looking for ways to get more involved around the city, don't miss our weekly roundup:

It’s an old saying in D.C. political circles that the lower the stakes, the greater the drama. This election season, that's showing as a few hyperlocal ANC races have gotten disproportionately contentious, @alexkoma.bsky.social reports:

D.C. property manager Buwa Binitie has been thrust into the headlines in recent weeks. Meet the tenants who helped lay the groundwork for the reckoning:

Dinner under $15? It's possible at these seven D.C. spots:

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and we’re firmly in the grip of spooky season. Don't miss @ilechelm.bsky.social's picks for what to do this weekend:

Very useful when filling out my ballot!

Latest from @51st.news, Suzie Amanuel writes: "Drawn from across the prominent developer’s sprawling housing portfolio, dozens of his tenants had united in their shared misery for months...Now, on a sweltering June afternoon, they were bringing the battle to his doorstep." 51st.news/buwa-binitie...

Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. Here's this week's guide, from @colleengrablick.bsky.social:

NEW: Most of D.C.'s hyperlocal ANC races are uncontested — but some of the exceptions are getting messy. @alexkoma.bsky.social reports on bitter fights over bike lanes, allegations of stolen signs, at least one MAGA figure, homemade attack flyers, and a whole lot of name-calling:

📬 This week's newsletter is out! What's inside... 🏚️ A reckoning for unaccountable landlords 🍿 Hyperlocal election drama 🤑 Where to get dinner for under $15 Get our next update in your inbox: www.51st.news/signup

This is tonight, y'all! See you there?

NEW: What are you doing this weekend? @ilechelm.bsky.social's picks include a punk show on the Mall, a Palestinian film festival, a Halloween-themed bike ride, and more 👻

NEW: It's likely not news to you that local food prices are rising. These budget-friendly options will help you preserve your capital in the capital — serving up soul food, Lebanese kabobs, Peruvian chicken, and more.

NEW: For years, tenants in properties run by Buwa Binitie's Faria Management have waged individual battles — reporting mold, rats, sewage leaks, and intimidation. Now, working together, they believe they finally have a shot at real change for renters across the city. Suzie Amanuel reports:

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Looking for ways to get involved in D.C.? We've got you covered. This weekend, celebrate the city's solidarity economy, participate in an early voting day of action, and more. 51st.news/11-ways-to-b...

Here's why one longtime guitarist and staunch defender against Trump says you should still support the free concerts at the Kennedy Center. 51st.news/yasmin-willi...

This week there are plenty of autumnal ways to connect with community, from harvest festivals to pumpkin carving. Tap in with our full Civics Roundup, pubbed every week! 51st.news/11-ways-to-b...

Ranked choice quirkiness, foie gras, ANC/SBOE races and much more: here’s what you need to know before DC’s general election rolls around! Not as much drama as the primaries, perhaps, but a lot is still happening!

Celebrating 2 years of @51st.news! In a note to readers, they wrote that *5 companies* control 90% of the media, and *9 of America’s 10 richest men* are media execs and owners 🤢 The 51st is DC's worker-owned newsroom, and I hope you support them today and every day ✊

The math leads to ✨5,100✨ paid members by New Year's Day: individual people helping to make our reporting available for all of DC 💪🏼 If that already includes you, please send our call for aid (⬇️) to a local friend or two. If it doesn't, and you have the means—please join us 🙏🏼 51st.news/membership/

Support local journalism #journalismsky

When D.C. struck a deal with the Commanders for a new stadium, officials said it would be the "most sustainable" football facility in the country. But early plans have already thrown that claim into question. 51st.news/commanders-r...

"I’ve also had plenty of people who condemned me for being in a bad situation. Like, you think you don't like the situation I'm in? Imagine how I must feel." 51st.news/dc-housing-i...

After a raucous Democratic primary, D.C.’s general election can seem a bit sleepy. But there's plenty on the ballot to pay attention to, @alexkoma.bsky.social runs down what you need to know for Nov. 3: 51st.news/dc-general-e...