by Peggy Robin
If you've been a Listserv member for more than a few years, you'll know that a recurring topic of discussion (well, mainly complaint) is how the Washington Post seems to have lost interest in covering its own home base. The most experienced Metro reporters have taken buyouts, while the Metro section itself is now a skimpy version of its former robust self, tucked away at the back of a combined section headed up by the mostly frothy, fashion-centered Style section. (See past Listserv discussions accessible at Message #227708, Message #206898, and Message #226928, as examples)
Where can we go to find up-to-the-minute local news written and edited by people who actually give a damn about what happens in DC?
I have three good contenders:
1. Washingtonian. Great reporters. Even greater photographers. Daily feed that's more than just headlines -- lots of insider info, too. I've been keeping up with what's happening in the federal takeover of policing in DC through articles like this one, written by a reporter who wasn't just typing up the official line handed out a press conference but went out into the neighborhoods to talk to people who are most affected.
“My Life Is Not a Political Football”: How Community Leaders in DC’s Neighborhoods With the Most Crime Are Reacting to Trump’s Takeover
They're open to help from the feds but say infringing on DC’s autonomy won't make them safer.
Written by Franziska Wild | Published on August 13, 2025
Here's an article with some solid, practical advice for anyone stopped at an ICE checkpoint:
Here Are Your Rights at an ICE Checkpoint in DC
Last night, Washingtonians heckled federal agents at a traffic stop near the U Street corridor.
Written by Ike Allen | Published on August 14, 2025
 |
And here's a separate link to some chilling photos:
PHOTOS: Federal Police Spread Out Across DC
Some wore masks as they patrolled Georgetown and the Wharf.
Written by Washingtonian Staff | Photographed by Evy Mages | Published on August 13, 2025
2. DC News Now. Both a TV Channel and a local news website. Emphasis on crime, scandal, and tabloid-y shock -- but there's plenty of good neighborhood coverage, too. This six-minute video report on the federal takeover goes over some practical tips for what neighbors can do -- and it's the only news report I've seen that recommends getting in touch with your ANC commissioners to keep up with city policy (The segment, "What do neighbors need to know?" begins at 3:36 mnutes into the video).
3. The 51st - started in 2024 by reporters who lost their jobs when DCist was cancelled by its owner, WAMU. the year-old news site still seems a bit shaky, with a tiny staff and consequently not as much output as I'd like -- but it still takes the #3 position on my list, mainly due to its star reporter, Martin Austermuhle. No one to my mind knows the ins and outs of DC better than Martin Austermuhle -- a clear and lively writer, too! (Don't let that calm, rational Swiss demeanor fool you!) For an example of Martin's writing at its best, I offer this voter information piece on Initiative 83 (Oct 17, 2024), which lays it all out for the undecided voter in a way that's both fair and easy to follow:
D.C.'s ranked-choice voting initiative, explained
Here’s everything you need to know about Initiative 83, appearing on your ballots this fall.
by Martin Austermuhle
One more thing I like about The 51st is its resistance to gloom-and-doom reporting (which I'd say is the main flaw of DC News Now), making it a good place to read about what's right with DC -- as in this weekend events write-up, "15 things to do this weekend (because D.C. is still a beautiful, creative, fun place to live)
While a short-term D.C. resident attacks Home Rule, here are ways to celebrate the District like a real Washingtonian.
by Mikka Kei Macdonald
14 Aug 2025
------------------
Still Life with Robin is published on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.
No comments:
Post a Comment