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Eric Falquero

@ericfalquero.bsky.social
1.8K followers 1.4K following 303 posts

DC community journalist: ericfalquero[at]51st[dot]news. Co-founder of the worker-led nonprofit @51st.news. Past professional lives at WAMU/DCist and Street Sense Media. Appalachian, Llanito, bird nerd w/ dcbirdalliance.org, ⚽ @footballclubgroup.com fan

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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 6h
Thursday Oct 15, 7-11am @ these 🚇 stops (while supplies last) Ward 1: Columbia Heights 🟢🟡 Ward 2: Gallery Place-Chinatown 🟢🟡🔴 Ward 3: Tenleytown-AU 🔴 Ward 4: Georgia Ave-Petworth 🟢🟡 Ward 5: Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood 🔴 Ward 6: Eastern Market 🔵🟠🩶 Ward 7: Minnesota Avenue 🟠 Ward 8: Anacostia 🟢
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The 51st @51st.news · 10/10/2026
Whether you rode the X2 down H Street or the 70 up George Ave., you don’t want to miss the transit edition of Ask A D.C. Native, Live! We’re pullin’ up at metrobar on Oct 22. Tickets are free.
eventbrite.com
Ask A D.C. Native, Live! The Transit Edition
Watch as two teams of D.C. natives go head to head answering trivia Qs about the District's transportation systems, history, and culture.
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The 51st @51st.news · 09/10/2026
On Nov. 7, the beloved Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant will open their doors to patrons for the last time. “Some restaurants are more than just a place to eat,” one customer wrote. “They become part of the fabric of a city. Dukem will never be forgotten.” 51st.news/dukem-ethiop...
51st.news
Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant closes after a nearly 30 year run
As the iconic U Street Ethiopian restaurant prepares to close, thousands on social media shared their praise and memories
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Elliot C. Williams @ecwilliams.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Southwest Waterfront is getting a radical new arts space. Its founding partners hope their collaborative non-profit model can support small and midsize arts orgs across the city: One of the founders tells me: "The principles are very mutual aid, very co-op, very solidarity economics."
51st.news
Southwest DC is getting a radical new arts space
The Revada Arts Center will be home to a theater company, film house, and “anti-opera” collective.
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Hanaa’ Tameez @hanaatameez.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
One thing I love about @niemanlab.org's redesign is the “This Day in History” on the homepage. Journalism’s future is uncertain. But our past offers perspective on how far we’ve come, what we’ve tried, and what’s worth carrying forward or leaving behind. I will be coming back to this section a lot!
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The 51st @51st.news · 08/10/2026
The Sun’s publisher, billionaire Robert Albritton, has had his sights set on building a true competitor to the Post for decades. Now the advertising blitz has begun. 51st.news/washington-s...
51st.news
The Washington Sun launches an aggressive local ad blitz
The outlet is pitching its newly robust metro section with ads and activations around town
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The 51st @51st.news · 09/10/2026
So glad you were there to celebrate with us, Martin! You'll always be a part of The 51st! ❤️
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The 51st @51st.news · 10/10/2026
Looking to lend a hand? Support book access, testify about tech in schools, and more ways to get involved in D.C. this week. 51st.news/12-ways-to-b...
51st.news
Volunteer and civic opportunities in D.C.
Support book access, testify about tech in schools, and more ways to get involved in D.C. this week.
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Alex Koma @alexkoma.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
New: The D.C. Housing Authority was already facing a budget crunch...then auditors discovered an apparent spreadsheet error that left $52M in expenses uncounted. DCHA is considering painful belt-tightening moves. For many, it's "Groundhog Day" at the long-suffering agency: 51st.news/dc-housing-a...
51st.news
D.C.'s public housing agency faces a budget crunch
The public housing agency is considering cost-cutting measures that could lead to major changes for the 20,000 residents it serves.
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Jason D. Salvagni @salvagni.org · 01/10/2026
Great great great article, DC folks ⬇️
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The 51st @51st.news · 30/09/2026
NEW: Domo Wells’ women’s soccer merch designs have deep roots in D.C. culture. Read @samdelgado.bsky.social's profile of the creative wizard behind the apparel and design company Dead Dirt:
51st.news
Meet the local designer behind your favorite Washington Spirit merch
Domo Wells’ merch for the National Women's Soccer League has deep roots in D.C. culture.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The personal archive in this 🧵is a treasure trove. As is the lasting impact of the editor mentioned at the end. Seeing it really reinforces what Ernie wrote here for @tedium.co: tedium.co/2019/09/12/f...
tedium.co
Free Daily Newspaper History: A Model for Another Time
For decades, ad-supported free daily newspapers defined commuting. But the Washington Post Express’ demise shows the model is headed towards the history books.
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The 51st @51st.news · 30/09/2026
We expect this event to sell out — so get your RSVPs in today! Our newsletter list got an early heads up about this event 👀 Not yet getting our email updates? Subscribe today: www.51st.news/signup
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The 51st @51st.news · 22/09/2026
NEW: Looking to lend a hand? Each week, we round up ways to work with our neighbors to build a better D.C. Here's this week's list:
51st.news
13 ways to volunteer and organize in D.C. this week
Crafting in community, an organizing festival, and more.
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Mike Elk @mikeelk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The U.S. media has largely ignored this story, but the union activists, who read Payday Report, have crowdfunded nearly $20,000 to film this! Help us finish it and cover the Brazilian presidential election. Donate here: paydayreport.com/marielle-viv...
paydayreport.com
Trailer: "Marielle Vive! How an Assassination Changed Brasil & Inspired a Movement"
In 2018, a college classmate of mine, Marielle Franco, a socialist Rio city councilwoman, was assassinated.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
And for many other ways to clear out things you don't need (that others could use, or that need special disposal), you *know* @51st.news has your back, with this entry in our DV Explained series: 51st.news/dc-recycle-d... (by @samdelgado.bsky.social)
51st.news
How to donate, recycle, sell, and toss unwanted stuff in D.C.
Whether you're spring cleaning or just looking to get rid of something specific, you've got options.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
DPW accepts a lot more than halogen lightbulbs at these events - that was just the one thing I couldn't get rid of anywhere else. Here's the full rundown: dpw.dc.gov/specialwaste And again, if you didn't RSVP today but have some of this stuff, it's not too late to walk/bus/Metro or bike over. 🧵⬆️
dpw.dc.gov
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), E-cycling, & Document Shredding | config
The safe disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW), batteries, and unwanted electronic equipment helps prevent the release of dangerous, toxic substances into the environment and harm or injury to D...
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I saved halogen 💡s for *years* as they failed, never able to grab an RSVP fast enough to drop them off, I thought. Turns out I didn't need to wait! *The 💡s lasted so long that the ACE stores that sold them w/ a recycling guarantee stopped accepting them because they no longer carried them.
Photo of a swirly halogen light bulb.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
And to Mr. Anthony for making the actual collection a breeze for walkers and bikers! 🌞 *Pro-tip* You can just walk up (literally) for these events. RSVP capacity is to keep it moving for cars.
Photo showing a sign that says "walk-in dropoff"
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🧵 Shout-out to the DC Zero Waste workers making today's DPW hazardous waste dropoff go smoothly. 2 folks especially: The woman in reflective gear guiding car dropoffs and stopping traffic on Independence for pedestrians like me (sidewalk closed for road work 🤦🏼) www.eventbrite.com/e/dpw-specia...
eventbrite.com
DPW Special Waste Collection Event (Thur, Sep 24, 2026, at RFK Lot 8)
The DC Dept of Public Works free drop-off event for household hazardous waste, electronics recycling, and secure document shredding
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I don't do much for publication anymore. But I did make our rate card and sponsorship deck for these: ✨ a print newspaper ✨and our second birthday bash — both coming up fast next month! So, you could be magic supporter #51, of @51st.news; AND be a part of something really cool: 51st.news/advertise/
Photo of text that says "✨2 special opportunities

» We're publishing our first print newspaper in October!

» Our second birthday bash will double as the release party. 

The People are excited — show up with us by advertising in the paper, sponsoring the event, or both! Download details below:"; followed by two file download links; and a button that says "Questions? Book time for answers"
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Elliot C. Williams @ecwilliams.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The team behind DC’s viral oxtail pizza spot doesn’t just make delicious slices — they aim to give back to a community they once “tore apart.” My story on 🍕 and redemption for @51st.news: 51st.news/oxtail-pizza...
51st.news
Behind the scenes at DC's viral oxtail pizza carryout
For the team at Today's Pizza, it's always been bigger than the pies.
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sam delgado @samdelgado.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
NEW: Food insecurity in the D.C. region hit a new high in the past year, according to a new report. The District had the third-highest food insecurity rate among seven nearby counties/cities surveyed. Read for more details in @51st.news: 51st.news/dc-food-inse...
51st.news
Food insecurity in the DC area hits a new high
Cuts to SNAP, surging costs, and federal layoffs are making it difficult for District residents to put food on the table.
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Alex Koma @alexkoma.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Undercover videos shown at Trayon White's trial displayed two sides to the councilmember: A public official making plans to help the incarcerated/school kids...but also one lamenting the cost of his lavish vacations/real estate deals. My take on the trial's first day: 51st.news/trayon-white...
51st.news
At trial, two sides of Trayon White emerge
Undercover videos show the Ward 8 councilmember both deeply involved in the community and taking wads of cash from a businessman.
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The 51st @51st.news · 18/09/2026
Are you worried about the future of the Kennedy Center? Tonight, @kcunions.bsky.social, Hands Off the Arts, @tarahoot.bsky.social, and more supporters are gathering at the closed arts complex for a protest. More details in @ecwilliams.bsky.social's reporting:
51st.news
How to support DC arts amid the Kennedy Center drama
Patronize theaters, join a protest, and other ways to get involved.
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MK @youarespring.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Great read regarding eviction and discussion of @brian-goldstone.bsky.social's book There Is No Place for Us from @dissentmag.bsky.social (cc @evictionlab.bsky.social). I am really looking forward to reading the research on mutual aid funds! dissentmagazine.org/article/afte...
dissentmagazine.org
After Eviction - Dissent Magazine
Brian Goldstone’s There Is No Place for Us challenges the widespread public perception of homelessness as a reflection of individual choices, but it also looks beyond the assumption that soaring home ...
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The 51st @51st.news · 18/09/2026
The end of summer is upon us. But festival season is in full swing with a plethora of celebrations, cultural events, and fairs. What are you up to this weekend?
51st.news
15 things to do in D.C. this weekend
Explore the globe right from our hometown at an Oktoberfest gathering, an international street festival, or an Ethiopian New Year’s party.
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The 51st @51st.news · 07/09/2026
A better world is possible. Take five minutes to help us build our independent newsroom by and for D.C.: www.51st.news/2026survey
The two guys on a bus meme

One side reads: Local news is dead
The other reads: Shaping the future of local news in D.C. by taking The 51st's 5-minute reader survey
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Elliot C. Williams @ecwilliams.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
How do Smithsonian employees around DC feel about this? DMs open / Signal: ecwilliams.30
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Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Immigration enforcement including Midway Blitz cost Cook County more tha $1 billion, the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago found, and we first reported over the weekend www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/06/c...
chicagotribune.com
Operation Midway Blitz, one year later: A changed Chicago forges on after the resistance
For 64 days, the federal government carried out a militarized immigration enforcement operation under the guise of making Chicago safer. A year later, why do people still feel so unsafe?
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The 51st @51st.news · 02/09/2026
"Yes, D.C. has to do a better job with public safety," Dr. Kevin Beckford writes in an opinion piece for The 51st. "But this curfew does nothing to make neighborhoods like Navy Yard any safer."
51st.news
Opinion: D.C.'s Black teens deserve better than curfews
Policing in Navy Yard is already out of control, and criminalization is likely to only make things worse.
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The 51st @51st.news · 03/09/2026
It's newsletter day! Are you signed up? Get our latest stories in your inbox this afternoon:
51st.news
Join The 51st
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit news source for D.C. Our reporting is rooted in our conviction that local journalism is meant to make people’s lives better — no paywalls, ever. But that's only…
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Amanda Katz @katzish.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I finally got my hands on some pawpaws last summer but am not totally sure what I think about them. They seemed to be one of those fruits that skip from not-quite-ripe to treacly/borderline-alcoholic overnight without much of a pause in the middle. Advice welcome
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Karen Attiah @karenattiah.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
BREAKING: After the Washington Post fired me last year for speaking the truth in the wake of the Charlie Kirk killing, I fought back. And I'm happy to announce: I won my case against the Washington Post. They have been ordered to reinstate me immediately. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/b...
nytimes.com
Washington Post Ordered to Rehire Fired Columnist Karen Attiah
An arbitrator ordered the newspaper to reinstate Karen Attiah, who was fired after posting about “white men who espouse hatred and violence” following Charlie Kirk’s killing.
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The 51st @51st.news · 25/08/2026
NEW: Looking to lend a hand? Each week, we round up ways to work with our neighbors to build a better D.C. Here's this week's list:
51st.news
20 ways to volunteer and organize around D.C. this week
Fundraiser happy hours, collective bike rides, neighborhood cleanups, educational trainings, and more ways to get involved around the city.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The year of unmasked testimony, via @404media.co: "This was a thought out plan that was exacted only after cumulative frustration from hundreds of people being ignored and months and months and months of trying things quote unquote the right way and it not working." www.404media.co/darth-vader-...
404media.co
The Man Behind the Anti-Flock Darth Vader Mask Wants to Know: 'When Will This End?'
Anthony Ralphs has been speaking against Flock at San Diego City Council meetings for almost a year straight. When he showed up as Darth Vader, the world started watching.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
@ashleyclarkejourno.bsky.social did y'all see this? 😬
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sam delgado @samdelgado.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
D.C.’s presumptive congressional delegate Robert White has launched a new project: Defend DC. The initiative has several local political groups as partners. They’re asking residents to pack a bag, travel to key House districts, & canvass for pro-statehood candidates. 51st.news/defend-dc-mi...
51st.news
In the midterms, Defend DC is fighting for statehood
Robert White, Free DC, and other partners are deploying residents to campaign for Democrats in key House races as part of a new political initiative.
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Elliot C. Williams @ecwilliams.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Anyone here a fan of harvesting pawpaw fruit in and around DC? Where do you find them? And are there restaurants, shops, or pop-ups where you can find them on menus? Let me know!
A ripe pawpaw fruit.Pawpaws on a tree.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
"About 4.9% of households in the DMV include...a "shadow buyer" — an employed adult between ages 25 and 39 who's living in their parents' home ... Buyers need an income of $181,000 to buy a median-priced home here — but the median wage of shadow buyers is $41,000." www.axios.com/local/washin...
axios.com
Why young Washington workers can't afford to move out
Prince George's has the mid-Atlantic's most "shadow buyers."
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implemented a new policy on August 5, 2026, granting officers the discretion to deny immigration benefit applications without first issuing requests for evidence or notices of intent to deny." documentedny.com/2026/08/17/u...
documentedny.com
New USCIS Rule: What It Means for Your Pending Application
A new USCIS policy lets officers deny immigration benefit requests immediately if the required evidence was not filed.
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Eric Falquero @ericfalquero.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
"Most damning: the government never seriously disputed that what the district court found inside Adelanto — including inconsistent access to potable water and adequate medical care — was unconstitutional." via @migrantinsider.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/migranti...
open.substack.com
BREAKING: DHS Loses Bid to Dodge Blame for Dangerous Conditions at Adelanto
A three-judge panel unanimously rejected the government’s bid to pause a court order over dangerous conditions at Adelanto — and taxpayers, not GEO, are the ones on the hook for what happens next.
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Mike Elk @mikeelk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
A reader donated $13,000 to Payday Report - we've now fundraised to replace 2/3 of a grant we lost due to Trump cuts. Donate to help us replace the rest & keep labor reporting alive! paydayreport.com/reader-donat...
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Elliot C. Williams @ecwilliams.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
As a father now, this conversation I had with the D.C.’s Episcopal bishop really stuck with me. We live among heroes across the city…
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The 51st @51st.news · 19/08/2026
Two years ago, The 51st was just an idea. Now, we're an independent, worker-led local newsroom with a full-time staff of six — and growing! Where should we go next? Help us decide by taking our five-minute audience survey: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Help shape the future of The 51st!
Two years ago, The 51st was just an idea. Now, we're an independent, worker-led local newsroom with a full-time staff of six — and growing! — thanks to the thousands of D.C. residents who have…
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The 51st @51st.news · 20/08/2026
Some news app news: Our reporting is now available on Apple News! If you use the app (or have the widget on your homescreen), follow us here: apple.news/TylOT36VOQwa...
A screenshot of Apple News on desktop, showing six recent stories from The 51st
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Dhruv Mehrotra @dmehro.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
For this story, we obtained hundreds of files from Flock’s login pages. Those files contained code for screens and functionality that ordinarily sit behind a police login. @dell.bsky.social and I used the code to rebuild parts of the system. We adapted/embedded it so readers can see how it works.
public.flourish.studio
OS Investigate v2
A Flourish data visualization by Dhruv
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The 51st @51st.news · 10/08/2026
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:
docs.google.com
Sign up to be a contestant on Ask A D.C. Native, Live!
Ask A D.C. Native, Live! is a trivia game show presented by The 51st and Black.Native.Creative. Hosted by Dwayne Lawson-Brown, two teams of D.C. natives go head-to-head in five rounds, testing their…
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The 51st @51st.news · 12/08/2026
Birth control, poison, and calls for a more peaceful coexistence... Is the District finally winning the rat race?
51st.news
DC's war on rats reaches new heights
Birth control, poison, and calls for a more peaceful coexistence. Is the District finally winning the rat race?
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