Martin Austermuhle
@maustermuhle.bsky.social
Wandering reporter with @51st.news, Switzerland and D.C. Formerly of WAMU 88.5 and DCist.
This week the House is set to vote on two bills targeting D.C.'s criminal justice laws. One would repeal a 2020 city law that imposed new training, discipline, and disclosure standards on police. The other would bring cash bail back to D.C. 30 years after it was eliminated.
We stand united against all 13 anti–DC Home Rule bills in Congress.
DC is home to more than 700,000 residents who pay taxes, run businesses, and serve in the military. Like all Americans, we deserve the right to set our own local laws.
Congress should reject this unprecedented federal overreach.
DC is home to more than 700,000 residents who pay taxes, run businesses, and serve in the military. Like all Americans, we deserve the right to set our own local laws.
Congress should reject this unprecedented federal overreach.
November 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
This week the House is set to vote on two bills targeting D.C.'s criminal justice laws. One would repeal a 2020 city law that imposed new training, discipline, and disclosure standards on police. The other would bring cash bail back to D.C. 30 years after it was eliminated.
D.C. IS FOR LOVERS: I'm told that D.C. issued *601* marriage licenses during the federal shutdown, which shuttered the Marriage Bureau in Superior Court. The D.C. Council passed an emergency bill in early October to let the city issue licenses and perform marriage ceremonies.
November 17, 2025 at 5:37 PM
D.C. IS FOR LOVERS: I'm told that D.C. issued *601* marriage licenses during the federal shutdown, which shuttered the Marriage Bureau in Superior Court. The D.C. Council passed an emergency bill in early October to let the city issue licenses and perform marriage ceremonies.
Interesting: After authoring a bill that expanded pre-trial detention in D.C. and pushing for the expanded youth curfew, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto has now unveiled package of 23 bills (called Prosper D.C.) focused on economic opportunities for residents. All the bills are below.
November 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Interesting: After authoring a bill that expanded pre-trial detention in D.C. and pushing for the expanded youth curfew, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto has now unveiled package of 23 bills (called Prosper D.C.) focused on economic opportunities for residents. All the bills are below.
THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT ARE GOING TO THE FINALS!
November 15, 2025 at 7:11 PM
THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT ARE GOING TO THE FINALS!
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
Absolutely HUGE game today! Hope to see everyone down at Audi Field in a few hours. LET’S F**KIN’ GO!
Washington Spirit goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend.
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
But the pressure is on for today's NWSL Championship semifinal at Audi Field against the Portland Thorns.
Our reporter @maustermuhle.bsky.social interviewed Kingsbury ahead of the game:
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 15, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Absolutely HUGE game today! Hope to see everyone down at Audi Field in a few hours. LET’S F**KIN’ GO!
MPD has released a more detailed narrative on the traffic stop/car chase along Benning Road NE yesterday afternoon where a federal agent shot their gun. It's still unclear here when and where the agent used their gun, though. (There were no injuries from it.)
November 14, 2025 at 8:26 PM
MPD has released a more detailed narrative on the traffic stop/car chase along Benning Road NE yesterday afternoon where a federal agent shot their gun. It's still unclear here when and where the agent used their gun, though. (There were no injuries from it.)
In a statement, Councilmember Wendell Felder says he's "deeply concerned" with the two shootings by federal agents in Ward 7 over the last month: "Situations like these underscore the need for all law-enforcement partners to operate in ways that strengthen rather than strain trust."
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
November 14, 2025 at 6:50 PM
In a statement, Councilmember Wendell Felder says he's "deeply concerned" with the two shootings by federal agents in Ward 7 over the last month: "Situations like these underscore the need for all law-enforcement partners to operate in ways that strengthen rather than strain trust."
Speaking on The Politics Hour, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is being coy about his own ambitions.
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
Earlier today @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social said she is considering a run for D.C. mayor, but no specifics on when she will make up her mind. She said she likes @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, but praised @mayorwu.boston.gov.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
November 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Speaking on The Politics Hour, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is being coy about his own ambitions.
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
"I have given serious thought to running for mayor," he said. "I cannot tell you what [Bowser] will do. I am not making a decision based on what others are going to do."
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
November 14, 2025 at 3:04 AM
There was another incident tonight where a Homeland Security agent shot at someone in D.C., the second such shooting in a month. For context, MPD has had five officer-involved shootings in the *entire year* thus far.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Ahead of Saturday’s game, @maustermuhle.bsky.social spoke with @washingtonspirit.com captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury ⚽ 🥅
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Ahead of Saturday’s game, @maustermuhle.bsky.social spoke with @washingtonspirit.com captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury ⚽ 🥅
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
Have you noticed Lime bikes suddenly have less juice? Read about why from @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
Why D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling slower
Officials say new limits are intended to address issues with speeding and crime, particularly among teens.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Have you noticed Lime bikes suddenly have less juice? Read about why from @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
This weekend the Washington Spirit play in the NWSL semi-finals, and I got a chance to chat with team captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury about the pressure of penalty kicks, the rowdy Spirit fanbase, and her favorite baked goods in the D.C. region: 51st.news/aubrey-kings...
The Washington Spirit move on in the playoffs
Goalie and team captain Aubrey Kingsbury saved the day last weekend, but the pressure now ramps up.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
This weekend the Washington Spirit play in the NWSL semi-finals, and I got a chance to chat with team captain and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury about the pressure of penalty kicks, the rowdy Spirit fanbase, and her favorite baked goods in the D.C. region: 51st.news/aubrey-kings...
D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling a little slower these days, in part because city officials pushed for lower speed limits and other changes to address concerns over teens and adults using them to commit crime: 51st.news/dc-lime-dock...
Why D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling slower
Officials say new limits are intended to address issues with speeding and crime, particularly among teens.
51st.news
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
D.C.'s dockless e-bikes are rolling a little slower these days, in part because city officials pushed for lower speed limits and other changes to address concerns over teens and adults using them to commit crime: 51st.news/dc-lime-dock...
Some news: The Washington Commanders have chosen an architect for the new $2.7 billion stadium the team will be building at RFK. (D.C. is kicking in $1 billion to prepare the site.) The choice: HKS, which worked on SoFi Stadium in California.
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Some news: The Washington Commanders have chosen an architect for the new $2.7 billion stadium the team will be building at RFK. (D.C. is kicking in $1 billion to prepare the site.) The choice: HKS, which worked on SoFi Stadium in California.
Really good reporting here by WaPo on the internal debates and discussions around how @mayorbowser.dc.gov has handled Trump since he took office again this year, especially amidst the federal takeover he launched in August: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Behind the scenes of the D.C. mayor’s battle to keep Trump at bay
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has worked behind the scenes to appease President Trump more often than has been publicly known since his reelection.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Really good reporting here by WaPo on the internal debates and discussions around how @mayorbowser.dc.gov has handled Trump since he took office again this year, especially amidst the federal takeover he launched in August: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Earlier today @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social said she is considering a run for D.C. mayor, but no specifics on when she will make up her mind. She said she likes @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, but praised @mayorwu.boston.gov.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
November 12, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Earlier today @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social said she is considering a run for D.C. mayor, but no specifics on when she will make up her mind. She said she likes @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, but praised @mayorwu.boston.gov.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
"I really love her leadership style and the work she has done," she said.
Interesting: D.C. has placed two speed-sensing cameras along the Metropolitan Bike Trail that show a smiley face if you’re riding under 15 mph or a frown if you’re above. City officials say it’s to encourage safer riding, but they are also collecting speed data from cyclists.
November 12, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Interesting: D.C. has placed two speed-sensing cameras along the Metropolitan Bike Trail that show a smiley face if you’re riding under 15 mph or a frown if you’re above. City officials say it’s to encourage safer riding, but they are also collecting speed data from cyclists.
Never thought I would live to see the day the Metropolitan Branch Trail stretch from Fort Totten to Takoma along Blair Road NW opened, but here we are!
November 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Never thought I would live to see the day the Metropolitan Branch Trail stretch from Fort Totten to Takoma along Blair Road NW opened, but here we are!
Here's more details on the proposed D.C. ballot initiative that would freeze rents across the city for two years. The proposer is Ward 8 ANC @salimadofo.bsky.social, and the organization behind it includes @aeidinger.bsky.social, who has been involved in lots of initiatives over the last 10 years.
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Here's more details on the proposed D.C. ballot initiative that would freeze rents across the city for two years. The proposer is Ward 8 ANC @salimadofo.bsky.social, and the organization behind it includes @aeidinger.bsky.social, who has been involved in lots of initiatives over the last 10 years.
BIG: @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social says that the former owner of the rent-controlled Marbury Plaza in Ward 8 will pay tenants and the city $41 million for years of problems with housing conditions. Almost $30 million of that will go to repay tenants for 75% of rent they paid from 2017 to 2024.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
BIG: @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social says that the former owner of the rent-controlled Marbury Plaza in Ward 8 will pay tenants and the city $41 million for years of problems with housing conditions. Almost $30 million of that will go to repay tenants for 75% of rent they paid from 2017 to 2024.
Update on SNAP payments in D.C.: City officials tell me that the $30 million in local funds being used to cover SNAP will be fully paid out by next week. If federal funds start flowing before that, they may be able to make a swap and save some of the local funds being used.
The federal shutdown has now lasted more than a month — approaching the record 35 days in 2018-2019.
Late last week, though, D.C. took a step to keep the situation from getting even worse for tens of thousands of local households.
Late last week, though, D.C. took a step to keep the situation from getting even worse for tens of thousands of local households.
D.C. will use its own money to pay for SNAP amid shutdown
The Trump administration has refused to use contingency funding to pay for food assistance.
51st.news
November 7, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Update on SNAP payments in D.C.: City officials tell me that the $30 million in local funds being used to cover SNAP will be fully paid out by next week. If federal funds start flowing before that, they may be able to make a swap and save some of the local funds being used.
“I am not under investigation. I have not been contacted by federal officials. We haven’t been contacted at all,” says @mayorbowser.dc.gov on now-conflicting reports that she is under federal investigation for allegations of bribery.
Now Axios is reporting that Bowser may not be under investigation after all: www.axios.com/2025/11/07/d...
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
“I am not under investigation. I have not been contacted by federal officials. We haven’t been contacted at all,” says @mayorbowser.dc.gov on now-conflicting reports that she is under federal investigation for allegations of bribery.
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
This whole story is very weird. As some Green Teamers have observed to me, Bowser wouldn't need bribes to be close to Qatar: Her pal, Vinoda Basnayake, already lobbies for them a ton. Ex-chief of staff John Falcicchio worked with Qatari investors. What is the quid pro quo here?
November 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
This whole story is very weird. As some Green Teamers have observed to me, Bowser wouldn't need bribes to be close to Qatar: Her pal, Vinoda Basnayake, already lobbies for them a ton. Ex-chief of staff John Falcicchio worked with Qatari investors. What is the quid pro quo here?
Reposted by Martin Austermuhle
D.C.'s youth curfew extension is temporary, but Mayor Bowser wants to make it permanent.
Activists and their Council allies like @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social are worried: "We cannot continue to implement tools that invite surveillance or more policing of our kids."
From @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
Activists and their Council allies like @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social are worried: "We cannot continue to implement tools that invite surveillance or more policing of our kids."
From @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
With another extension, debate continues on youth curfew
It's temporary for now, but Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to make it permanent.
51st.news
November 7, 2025 at 4:28 PM
D.C.'s youth curfew extension is temporary, but Mayor Bowser wants to make it permanent.
Activists and their Council allies like @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social are worried: "We cannot continue to implement tools that invite surveillance or more policing of our kids."
From @maustermuhle.bsky.social:
Activists and their Council allies like @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social are worried: "We cannot continue to implement tools that invite surveillance or more policing of our kids."
From @maustermuhle.bsky.social: