The library ebook business is such a scam. Good to see dem state lawmakers are considering banding together to negotiate fairer deals.

As we plan our 2026 local election coverage, we want to know what matters to D.C. residents. What issues do you think candidates need to address the most? And what questions do you have for candidates? Let us know via this form, so we can keep track of what you share:

You’ve probably noticed that your electric and gas bills have been getting more and more expensive recently... well, now your water bill might do the same. In our latest D.C. Explained, @maustermuhle.bsky.social breaks down what's going on at D.C. Water. 51st.news/your-dc-wate...

Cargo bike borrow request form is now live! Click here to sign up: forms.gle/PfjRuaz4m1j1... #bikedc

This is cool: “a brand-new service at the MLK Library: Notary Services” www.popville.com/2026/01/psa-...

This is how you write an actually good article about the DC golf situation. Other reporters take note. Thank you @51st.news @maustermuhle.bsky.social

In the first story on our new Health Equity beat, reporter Daniel Egitto looked at the impacts of the new-year changes to Medicaid, which have made accessing affordable healthcare more challenging for thousands of D.C. residents. 51st.news/healthcare-c...

Interesting: D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll is not responding to detailed written questions from the D.C. Council about MPD's cooperation with federal agencies on immigration enforcement. "The council and the public need answers to these questions," says Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto today.

This is legit. Russ followed through promptly when offering a similar donation campaign to my nonprofit newsroom.

Let's goooooo! ⚽

What should "D.C. Explained" cover next? Tell us here:

Local news is essential! I love and support @washingtoninformer.com and @51st.news, in addition to @streetsensedc.bsky.social. I’m also hopeful @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social’s proposed legislation to fund local news outlets with neighbor “news coupons” passes.

Local news matters! Sign up for the FREE email - it is absolutely worth it, friends.

Wore my @51st.news t-shirt to brunch with the besties today and they both wished they had one. Because we support employee-driven local media. Get on it, folks. Subscribing to the newsletter is totally free. @elizqueenmama.bsky.social @bogrosemary.bsky.social pls amplify!

Subscribe to @51st.news, damn it! That’s a direct order from your favorite former DCist editor.

Sign-up y’all! Support local independent news #newssky

I subscribed. It took less than 30 seconds / 10 clicks and was free. And now I get real, top shelf, independent local news.

What. A. Year. It. Has. Been. Locals have lost jobs because of the slashing of the federal workforce. D.C.'s local laws and budget have been targeted by the GOP. And Trump flooded the streets with federal troops. I can't imagine a more important time for independent media.

This COULD be the first time we don't meet a goal for @51st.news 😰 Our nonprofit has been working to reach 3K new email subscribers (free or paid) by 2026. But we're only 1/3 of the way there: we'd need 2K new people in 2 days. Can YOU help? 51st.news/signup (More on the why and the how ⬇️ 🧵)

Interesting: @brianneknadeau.bsky.social has a new bill that would require that D.C.'s mayor set five-year goals for housing construction (affordable and market) and give them additional authority to propose ways to reduce barriers to construction in places that don't meet the goals.

“There's nothing more important than local news presented by locals — especially in a city that doesn't have the same fundamental rights as other cities and states. It's time we hear what's going on from people who are on the ground experiencing it.” – Jacquelyn, Ward 6 51st.news/nine-reasons...

Did you know? Free and paid subscribers *both* count toward our goal — everyone can help! Subscribe today: 51st.news/signup or if you're already signed up, help spread the word and win prizes with our referral challenge: 51st.news/referral-cha...

If only 6% of our Bluesky followers subscribed to our newsletter (it's free!), we'd reach our end of year goal. Have you subscribed yet?

To close out the year, @maustermuhle.bsky.social has a word for 51st readers:

Add supporting local journalism to your new year resolutions, please and thank you!

Or give a one-time gift: 51st.news/donate We can also accept DAFs, our EIN: 99-3371005

Pope Leo said in a Christmas Eve sermon that the story of Jesus being born in a stable because there was no room at an inn should remind Christians that refusing to help the poor and strangers today is tantamount to rejecting God himself. For @reuters.com

Our executive editor @christurdisani.bsky.social wrote for @ampress.bsky.social about our expanding Community Connectors project: Working with people who genuinely connect with D.C. natives and Ward 7 residents, "the program bridges our news outlet and the communities we’re trying to reach."

for no reason whatsoever, feels like a good day to promote this stellar, independent, local media

For all of us DMV residents -- I highly recommend subscribing to the @51st.news. Local news is incredibly important and they're doing amazing reporting all around. It's free if you need it, but consider a paid membership if possible! Sign up here: 51st.news/membership/?...

People in DC and elsewhere--you should sign up for the newsletter from @51st.news! It's a great a worker-led nonprofit local news source in DC, and their end of year goal is just to get 3,000 more subscribers, free or paid. Support journalism to stay informed & to help save democracy!

Did you know we have a video series featuring interviews with D.C. natives? Watch the latest — with entrepreneur Michelle "Noodles" Smith, who owns Cookie Wear on Upshur Street NW: www.instagram.com/p/DScnp-aDih_/

The People for Fairness Coalition reports that at least 78 people were known to have died while experiencing homelessness in DC this year. The vast majority of those individuals known by these advocates, were "matched" to housing support but had not yet received it.

I loved talking to Lindsay Adams for this piece. If you are in DC, check her out at the Irene and Richard Frary gallery at the John Hopkins Bloomberg Center.

Hunting for gifts and community — or a good story to tell your family later this month? We’ve got you covered with this weekend's events:

Join @51st.news at The Strand on Tuesday (12/16) 🥂 Swing by anytime from 4-7 to catch up with my colleagues! www.instagram.com/p/DSLiJ29jm4...

I have a fun little contribution in this workshop tomorrow, merging two of my favorite things: journalism and birding. Do you pay attention to DC wildlife? Maybe even take a photo here and there? Come learn with us at MLK Library tomorrow morning at 10? www.eventbrite.com/e/documentin...

My favorite quote in the piece might be from @maddiepoore.bsky.social of worker-owned media co-op @51st.news:

Leigh H. Mosley's six decades of work form an intimate record of D.C.'s ever-shifting community. India Kea interviewed the photographer and activist ahead of the release of her latest documentary, which explores the legacy of local Black lesbian elders.

Looking for plans this weekend? Our picks include: 🏡 A concert and crochet 101 at @rhizomedc.bsky.social 🌱 Invasive plant removal in Rock Creek Park 📚 @dcpubliclibrary.bsky.social's Black Studies book club 🎅🏾 Go-go santa at Sycamore & Oak 👑 A reimagined Macbeth in Capitol Hill

maybe we'll get the Wammies to do RCV too

You can help Bolts continue to provide crucial coverage of local elections. Here's how: - Repost this = I donate $1. - Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1. - Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation. (Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)

If you get an email saying that “on Giving Tuesday, you can help keep independent local journalism strong in D.C. by becoming a member,” you can do just that… …by joining @51st.news, a truly independent local journalism enterprise 51st.news

Janeese Lewis George is running for D.C. mayor. She enters the race as "the progressive hopeful," @maustermuhle.bsky.social writes: A self-declared democratic socialist channeling D.C.'s anger over President Trump’s aggressive interference in local affairs. Are other candidates coming soon? 👀

"I'm out of office because I'm a single mom paying $3,000 for childcare with no paid leave to fall back on." "I'm OOO in the hospital for preeclampsia but I don't qualify for FMLA because I've been at my job less than 12 months. www.marieclaire.com/politics/out...

The sudden(-ish) lack of LGBTQIA-centered merch in the Kennedy Center gift shop is depressing, albeit not surprising - and conspicuous to anyone who's been and window shopped a couple times. This is my first visit since Trump took over. Context: www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...

Watching any holiday romcoms this weekend? Here are our suggestions for day trips in the D.C. region that will make you feel like the main character of your own — and they're all transit accessible, choo choo!

If you're scrolling right now, we don't need to tell you what day it is. Fight back against the e-commerce giants with @freedcproject.bsky.social's shopping guide, which features dozens of local businesses that have pledged to support D.C.'s autonomy.

There are plenty of things to do if you're in town over the long holiday weekend. @ilechelm.bsky.social's recommendations: Take in a show, go ice skating, or even wander through a museum. And of course, the holiday festivals and art fairs are multiplying. More details: