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SpotlightDC

@spotlightdc.bsky.social
227 followers 23 following 59 posts

The Capital City Fund For Investigative Journalism Website: spotlightdc.org Linktree: linktr.ee/spotlightdc

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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Clearing D.C. homeless encampments caused confusion and chaos last year among people experiencing homelessness in the District and changed the reality of living outside. @streetsensedc.bsky.social obtained official emails—some of them written in Comic Sans—that show how it went down.
spotlightdc.org
Inside the clearing of D.C.'s homeless encampments | SpotlightDC
Newly obtained emails reveal internal turmoil between D.C. agencies, local police, and the National Security Council.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
At Anacostia Park in D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8, decades of deferred maintenance has left facilities in decay. Funds allocated for repairs have not been spent, even as the Department of the Interior has prioritized parks in other parts of the District.
spotlightdc.org
National Park Service Has Neglected Anacostia Park
Unsafe playground equipment. Crumbling roads and trails. Burned picnic tables and rusted, inoperable water dispensers.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Renters at risk. A million-dollar bill for human fire alarms in a D.C. government building. Our latest newsletter turns up the heat with this summer's accountability reporting. Read the newsletter here: mailchi.mp/spotlightdc/...
Dear readers and supporters,

Amid the heat and orange skies from Canadian wildfires, SpotlightDC is keeping our focus on supporting impactful, accountability reporting where we live. The nation is focused on District matters more than ever, since Donald Trump has focused his obsessions on remaking landmarks, national parks and homeless encampments. Here are a few projects recently funded:
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Does D.C. want robotaxis? Will Waymo kill jobs? On the Dream City Podcast, hear Waymo's responses to key questions in the D.C. debate around autonomous vehicles, including warnings about lost jobs.
spotlightdc.org
Waymo's case for Robotaxis in D.C.
How the company responds to labor’s warnings about lost driving jobs in D.C. and accusations it is trying to "steamroll" the District.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
D.C. housing and tenant advocates are sounding the alarm about a 2025 bill that overhauled the city’s housing law and weakened protections for tenants. One key question: do renovated buildings count as "new" buildings? @51st.news reports, in a story funded by SpotlightDC.
spotlightdc.org
D.C. Tenant Advocates Sound Alarm About a RENTAL Act Loophole - SpotlightDC
Tenant organizers fought to exempt renovated buildings from the sweeping housing law, but advocates say that isn’t working in practice.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Days before D.C.'s primaries, President Trump threatened the District over its mayoral race. "Maybe we take back Washington" if Janeese Lewis George wins, Trump said. On the Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt Dil and @trsdc.bsky.social break down the home stretch of the race.
spotlightdc.org
Podcast: Trump Just Jumped Into D.C.'s Mayoral Race - SpotlightDC
Dream City breaks down the president's threat to "take back Washington"
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The work of the DC Food Policy Council might seem a little wonky. But after all, as a Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner points out, "Everybody has to eat everyday." Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed budget would eliminate the council. @51st.news explores what's at stake.
spotlightdc.org
D.C. has a food access problem. Advocates say Bowser’s budget would make it worse. - SpotlightDC
The mayor proposed eliminating an office that has helped low-income students access food over the summer and made it easier to start farmers markets.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
As repairs dragged on in one of D.C.'s largest office buildings, the D.C. government spent more than $1 million on a team of contractors to manually watch for fire. It was supposed to be temporary. Taxpayers ended up footing the bill for almost a year.
spotlightdc.org
D.C. Spent $1 Million Hiring Humans to Yell ‘Fire!’ in Government Office - SpotlightDC
Taxpayers paid $1,539,835 for a human fire watch and fire alert system repairs as the work dragged on for 11 months in the Marion Barry Building, which has been plagued by maintenance issues for years...
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Disputed charges. Mounting debt. Chaotic electricity bills. D.C.'s deregulated energy market has left some residential customers vulnerable to excessive charges and predatory practices. In @wcp.bsky.social, Suzie Amanuel reports on the third-party power market: spotlightdc.org/third-party-...
spotlightdc.org
D.C. Third-Party Power Customers Paid 70 Percent More Than Pepco Rates, Costing Households Millions - SpotlightDC
Low-income customers faced even higher losses, while commercial users saved about $193 million, Department of Energy and Environment data shows.
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The 51st @51st.news · 14/05/2026
LIVE: We're hosting a debate between the candidates for D.C.'s delegate to Congress. Watch Trent Holbrook, @gregjaczko.bsky.social, Brooke Pinto, @robertwhite-dc.bsky.social, and @kinney4dc.bsky.social face off. Starts at 6 p.m. ET — with @washingtoninformer.com and @spotlightdc.bsky.social:
51st.news
Live at 6 p.m. ET: D.C. Delegate to Congress Debate
Watch as the candidates in the Democratic primary for D.C.'s Congressional representative face off.
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The 51st @51st.news · 01/05/2026
D.C. hasn’t elected a new delegate to Congress since 1990. There’s a lot at stake this time. Join The 51st, @washingtoninformer.com, and @spotlightdc.bsky.social for a debate on May 16. The candidates: Trent Holbrook @gregjaczko.bsky.social Brooke Pinto Robert White @kinney4dc.bsky.social
eventbrite.com
DC DELEGATE TO CONGRESS DEBATE
Primary candidates for D.C.’s congressional delegate debate issues from criminal justice and the environment to public health and education.
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The 51st @51st.news · 28/04/2026
What are you doing Thursday, May 14? Want to hear from the candidates to represent us as D.C.'s Congressional Delegate? We're partnering with @spotlightdc.bsky.social and @washingtoninformer.com on a debate at Sycamore & Oak. See you there? RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-delegat...
Meet the Candidates
Thursday, May 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Sycamore & Oak
1110 Oak Dr. SE, Ste. 9
D.C. Congressional Delegate Debate
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The 51st @51st.news · 23/04/2026
🎤 Thanks so much to everyone who attended our mayoral candidate forum this week — whether IRL at the MLK Library or virtually via the livestream! Big shoutout to our partners @washingtoninformer.com, @spotlightdc.bsky.social, and @dcpubliclibrary.bsky.social. Missed the fun? Here's the recording:
51st.news
The 51st hosted a DC mayoral debate
We held the forum alongside The Washington Informer and Spotlight D.C.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Dream City Podcast, a SpotlightDC awardee, dropped their latest episode yesterday with Brooke Pinto about her campaign for Congress. Watch below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts70...
youtube.com
Brooke Pinto on Running for Congress, Trump, and D.C.'s Future
YouTube video by Dream City Podcast
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
ICYMI: Sloane Airey breaks down what last week's court ruling on Pepco's rate hike means for Washington City Paper, supported by SpotlightDC ⬇️
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
"The AG’s case confirms much of City Paper’s previous reporting, including accounts from tenants in multiple Razjooyan-managed buildings who endured months without heat, repeated flooding, inhumane conditions, and threats of eviction." washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7794...
washingtoncitypaper.com
D.C. Attorney General Targets D.C. Slumlord With RICO Lawsuit, Alleging Corrupt Enterprise Across 70 Rent-Controlled Buildings
Despite the AG’s lawsuit, another notorious slumlord has reappeared as a representative at a building in Razjooyan’s enterprise.
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Mitch Ryals @mitchryals.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
And thanks to @spotlightdc.bsky.social for its essential support of this reporting: spotlightdc.org/impact-story...
spotlightdc.org
Washington City Paper Series Nails DC Slumlord and Prompts AG Fines -
Reporters Suzie Amanuel and Alex Koma's reporting on the troubling practices of landlord Sam Razjooyan has led to increased scrutiny over the controversial property owner.
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Mitch Ryals @mitchryals.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
@wcp.bsky.social investigative reporter Suzie Amanuel has been reporting on Razjooyan and his associates since 2024, including his doctoring of loan documents and tricking tenants out of their rights as he has built a portfolio of neglected slums: washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7541...
washingtoncitypaper.com
How a D.C. ‘Slumlord’ Scammed Tenants and Lenders to Build a Portfolio of Neglected Properties, According to Lawsuits and Tenant Accounts
Ali “Sam” Razjooyan and his associates are accused of doctoring loan documents and tricking tenants out of their rights. While they get rich, tenants are displaced.
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NBC4 Washington @nbcwashington.com · 20/01/2026
D.C. Council Chairmen Phil Mendelson announced he’s nominating Doni Crawford to fill the seat of Kenyan McDuffie, who resigned to run for mayor.
nbcwashington.com
DC Council chair taps McDuffie staffer Doni Crawford to fill vacant seat
D.C. Council Chairmen Phil Mendelson announced Monday he’s nominating Doni Crawford to fill the seat of Kenyan McDuffie, who resigned to run for mayor. Crawford is 36 years old and lives in Ward 5. Th...
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The 51st @51st.news · 08/01/2026
This story was reported with support from @spotlightdc.bsky.social. You can read more about what we're hoping to do with our new beat below. What health stories should we tell in 2026? 51st.news/health-equit...
51st.news
We’re launching a health equity beat
We want to hear from you: What D.C. health stories should we tell?
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The 51st @51st.news · 08/01/2026
When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, accessing healthcare got more challenging (and expensive) for thousands of D.C. residents. In the first story on our new Health Equity beat, reporter Daniel Egitto explains how these changes are impacting our neighbors. 51st.news/healthcare-c...
51st.news
Healthcare cuts hit 20,000 D.C. residents
New Medicaid ceilings paired with soaring premiums risk punishing bills and loss of coverage for thousands.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
See you in an hour! If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, don’t worry — it’s not too late to join us for free pizza and good conversation!
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
ICYMI ⬇️
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Come for the love for local news, stay for the free pizza 🍕 On 12/11, SpotlightDC will be celebrating the people who bring important local stories to life: reporters, editors, and funders.
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The 51st @51st.news · 25/11/2025
When DCist was shut down, it had 70,000+ subscribers. The 51st is proud to carry forward the spirit with which DCist served our city. But we can’t stop thinking about how most of those subscribers — our neighbors and friends — are just no longer receiving the kind of local news they signed up for.
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The 51st @51st.news · 25/11/2025
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details — and little accountability. @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports, with support from @spotlightdc.bsky.social:
51st.news
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability
D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
We’re excited to announce the latest SpotlightDC-funded project: Dream City, a new independent podcast that will explore the inner workings of D.C.’s political and business worlds.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
The latest Spotlight-funded story is a collaboration between @streetsensedc.bsky.social and @51st.news: New data shows that D.C. is experiencing record eviction levels. Reporters James Jarvis and Taylor Nichols explain how our city got here ⬇️ streetsensemedia.org/article/d-c-...
streetsensemedia.org
DC renters face record eviction levels
Last year, evictions rose to record levels, with 1,869 households removed from their homes. And these trends show no signs of slowing down.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 05/10/2025
D.C. police officers are feeding information to the Justice Department as it probes accusations of manipulated crime data, according to the D.C. Police Union, and as public safety in the nation's capital continues to capture the president’s attention.
wapo.st
As feds probe D.C. crime stats, some police eager to help build a case
At the heart of the investigations by the DOJ and a House committee is whether there has been a widespread effort to intentionally downplay crime in D.C.
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Street Sense Media @streetsensedc.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Tomorrow is the start of D.C.'s Homeless Crisis Reporting Project week! Follow Street Sense and other local outlets to stay updated and read everything throughout the week, or go to bit.ly/DCHCRP to see articles as they are posted.
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The 51st @51st.news · 06/10/2025
Since 2021, DCPS has become D.C.'s leading sponsor of H1-B visas for its employees. But some 200 teachers who took jobs under the expectation that the school system would sponsor a green card are now facing uncertain futures, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports. 51st.news/dc-green-car...
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Street Sense Media @streetsensedc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
D.C. is failing to collect critical income data for participants in one of its key homelessness intervention programs, raising concerns about whether the program is meeting its goals, according to a new alert from the Office of the D.C. Auditor. bit.ly/3KB4gpC
streetsensemedia.org
D.C. auditor finds data is missing from singles homeless program - Street Sense Media
Rapid Rehousing for Individuals is missing key income data needed to gauge effectiveness, according to the Office of the D.C. Auditor.
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The 51st @51st.news · 04/10/2025
The documentary "Cracked Shells" is "a tool against the erasure" of D.C. natives' rich culture, history, and capacity for resilience, its director tells @christurdisani.bsky.social. Learn more about the film — including when you can catch a free screening next weekend:
51st.news
New documentary dives deep into gentrification in D.C.
We interview the filmmaker behind “Cracked Shells.”
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The 51st @51st.news · 29/09/2025
“What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to afford it? I can’t.” The first round of cuts to the DC Health Care Alliance go into effect this week. Advocates say the plan will have disastrous consequences over the next few years.
51st.news
DC phases out Health Care Alliance, impacting thousands
Advocates say the elimination of DC Health Care Alliance, which insures 26,000 low-income residents, could have disastrous consequences.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
ICYMI: "In Trump's D.C. surge, helicopters hovered and surveilled day and night" www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
washingtonpost.com
In Trump’s D.C. surge, helicopters hovered and surveilled day and night
Park Police helicopters circled more often than they did in the same time period last year and at lower altitudes than other law enforcement helicopters in D.C. this August.
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Washington City Paper @wcp.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
After the Council declined activists' push to protect the heritage trees around the RFK stadium site, the Commanders pledged to save some of the towering oaks and elms. Full story from @holaculturadc.bsky.social:
buff.ly
Commanders Promise to Preserve Some of RFK Stadium’s Heritage Trees
The D.C. Council failed to enshrine those protections into law, but the Commanders have pledged to save the majority of the towering oak and elm trees on the 180-acre site.
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Washington City Paper @wcp.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Tenants in Columbia Heights were promised 20% ownership of their apartment community by two affordable housing developers. Three years later, they’re facing mold, rodents, disrepair, and drastically reduced equity. “He love-bombed us,” one resident says. Full story:
buff.ly
‘He Love-Bombed Us’: Urban Village Tenants Say They Were Duped By Affordable Housing Developers
Tenants believed they would own 20 percent of the apartment community. But the two developers are now accused of turning a community jewel into a neglected property where “mold allowed to grow like…
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The 51st @51st.news · 26/09/2025
D.C. has one of the lowest rates of uninsured residents across the U.S. Looming cuts to a city-funded healthcare program could change that — with disastrous consequences, advocates say. What’s behind the decision, and what are the alternatives?
51st.news
DC phases out Health Care Alliance, impacting thousands
Advocates say the elimination of DC Health Care Alliance, which insures 26,000 low-income residents, could have disastrous consequences.
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SpotlightDC @spotlightdc.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
ICYMI ⬇️ From @19thnews.org, how increased ICE presence is affecting child care workers in DC.
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Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
"...[DC local police] MPD is cooperating with ICE, frequently turning routine traffic stops into detention and other immigration enforcement actions." new investigation by @51st.news @evidentmedia.org and @bellingcat.com 51st.news/dc-police-wo...
51st.news
WATCH: MPD collaborates with ICE
D.C. used to limit police collaboration with immigration enforcement. This video investigation shows how much that's changed.
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The 51st @51st.news · 09/09/2025
Share our takeover coverage, now translated into Spanish. We've received messages of gratitude about our coverage of the federal encroachment on D.C., and we want that same level of information to be available to as many people as possible. 51st.news/tag/en-espan...
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Washington City Paper @wcp.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Some D.C. tenants were relocated during demolitions with a promise they could return to the new buildings. Now they’re facing eviction notices for units that no longer exist. Contributor Suzie Amanuel investigates:
buff.ly
Evicted from Nowhere: D.C. Landlords Are Trying to Evict Tenants from Demolished Apartments
Some D.C. tenants were relocated while their buildings are torn down with the promise they can return to the new buildings. But now some landlords are trying to evict them from nonexistent…
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Russ @russ41.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Now through this weekend, I'll donate $1 to @51st.news for each: - person who reposts this post - new follower @51st.news ws gets - new follower @maustermuhle.bsky.social gets - new follower @christurdisani.bsky.social gets - new follower I get And tag/DM me your donation = I'll match it 1:1.
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Sloane Airey 📰 @sloaneairey.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Check out my @spotlightdc.bsky.social -funded investigation @wcp.bsky.social into allegations Pepco misspent $94 million promised for infrastructure upgrades the company collected from hiking your bill -- following by DC awarding them another bill hike washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7686...
washingtoncitypaper.com
Pepco Raked in $108 million Thanks To Recent Rate Increases. Another Bump Could Kick in Next Year, But It’s Being Challenged in Court.
As D.C. endures extreme heat and rising electricity bills, the Office of People’s Counsel has accused Pepco of misspending $94 million
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The 51st @51st.news · 28/07/2025
Martin’s hard at work today reporting on the council’s second budget vote — happening now! Help us reach $50,000 by tonight (only a little more than $6k away!) to ensure we can hire Martin full-time, and continue delivering you this unbeatable budget coverage. givebutter.com/SsQ8CG
givebutter.com
Time to Grow The 51st
Help us hire Christina and Martin Full-Time!
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Washington City Paper @wcp.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
A new racial equity report says Mayor Bowser’s RENTAL Act will deepen housing inequality and disproportionately harm Black D.C. residents. Contributor Suzie Amanuel breaks it down:
buff.ly
D.C.’s ‘Two-Tiered Justice System’: How the RENTAL Act Threatens Black Tenants
A new racial equity assessment sounds the alarm on D.C.’s RENTAL Act, warning that it could disproportionately displace Black residents.
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The 51st @51st.news · 25/07/2025
Per usual, Congress is interfering in local affairs. This time, a new congressional rider could prevent D.C. from suing oil companies over climate change. 51st.news/dc-lawsuit-o...
51st.news
Republicans try to bar D.C. lawsuit against oil companies
Even some advocates for D.C. autonomy were surprised by how targeted and specific the new policy rider is.
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The 51st @51st.news · 14/07/2025
The 51st recently hired our first salaried employee (!) by bringing Christina on full-time as Executive Editor. Now, we need to hire Martin as our full-time reporter!!! You can help us get there by tossing a few dollars (or more...) to our fundraiser. 🥳 51st.news/help-us-hire...
51st.news
Help us hire Martin Austermuhle!
The 51st is growing — but we can’t do it without you.
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Martin Austermuhle @maustermuhle.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
All of this is detailed in a new story for @51st.news, with valuable assistance from @spotlightdc.bsky.social. Clearly DC Water should be paid, but advocates say tenants with no control over the bills shouldn't be victims when it doesn't happen. 51st.news/dc-building-...
51st.news
D.C. tenants face water shut-offs when landlords don’t pay bills
A change in policy has left renters stuck between property owners and DC Water.
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Washington City Paper @wcp.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Mayor Bowser wants to roll back tenant rights for 34,000 renters in newer D.C. buildings, saying they rarely use them. We spoke to tenants who have seen TOPA’s benefits. Here are their stories.
buff.ly
Beyond Affordability: How D.C.’s Tenant Rights Law Empowers D.C.’s Market-Rate Tenants
As the D.C. Council debates Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed exemptions to TOPA, a longstanding tenant’s rights law, tenants who stand to lose their protections describe how they’ve used the law to…
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