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Happy Friday, D.C. City Paper opened a membership program yesterday, and we’ve been so encouraged to see so many of you join. Thank you. Learn more about City Paper membership here. 

THE NEWS: 

This week 20 journalists and 75 contractors lost their jobs after Washington Post Express shut down. 

Since 2003, Express provided residents a free daily commuter newspaper, but on Thursday, the Post published the last edition of the paper that has been an integral part of D.C. metro residents’ morning routines.     

“With the growth of WiFi in Washington’s Metro system, The Post can now serve those readers in ways that couldn’t have been imagined when it launched 16 years ago,” reads a Post public relations blog. 

The cover of Express’ final edition didn’t hold back: “Hope you enjoy your stinkin’ phones.”

Meanwhile, Express workers are in search of new jobs. 

“I moved to DC specifically for this job and signed a 12-month lease literally two weeks ago so I guess I need some DC-based work,”wrote Express Sports Editor Sarah Kelly on Twitter. She worked for the paper for five months.  

Express journalists were excluded from the Post union, the Washington Post Guild, and so didn’t receive the same protections. It’s unclear how much they got in severance, but they received minimal notice. As for the dozens of contractors who handed out the paper to commuters, they received no notice or severance.   

This year has been hard on media and many D.C. residents who’ve been laid off as shops close. Have you or has someone you love been impacted? How are you coping? City Paper wants to hear from you (for a possible article) so please reply to this newsletter or reach out to me directly. —Amanda Michelle Gomez (agomez@washingtoncitypaper.com)

MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE:

  • Judge says George Washington University Hospital broke labor law. [WCP]

  • Within 24-hours, police opened fire on three different men in the D.C. region. [Post]  

  • Airbnb hosted 175,700 people between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. [PoPville]

  • “Welcome rat king”: Baltimoreans greet President Donald Trump. [WTOP]

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Mitch Ryals (tips? mryals@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • Mayor Muriel Bowser refunded $20,000 in contributions to her inaugural committee. [WCP]

  • Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is suing CBS for reporting about the sexual assault allegations against him. [WAMU]

  • The most popular books at D.C. libraries. [NBC4]

  • A Shark-tank themed protest will greet Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans when he returns from summer recess. [Facebook]

  • MPD Chief Peter Newsham argues that time of year, time of day, and location should factor into whether his officers discriminate when they stop people. [Twitter]

  • ICYMI: Low level offenders in D.C. don’t have the right to a jury trial. [WCP]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Laura Hayes (tips? lhayes@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • What do D.C. bartenders really think of our karaoke skills? [WCP]

  • Have you tried the spicy fried chicken sandwich slathered with creamed spinach at Bub & Pop’s? [WCP]

  • José Andrés has now surpassed 100,000 meals served in the Bahamas. [DCist]

  • Seven Reasons gets three stars from critic Tom Sietsema. [Post]

ARTS LINKS, by Kayla Randall (tips? krandall@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • The Middle East Institute’s new gallery wants to teach us about art and life in the region. [WCP]

  • Theater J’s Love Sick marks a triumphant open to its season. [WCP]

  • New documentary Indelible features a host of local musicians. [DCist]

  • This centenarian makes killer hats. [Washingtonian]

SPORTS LINKS, by Kelyn Soong (tips? ksoong@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Elena Delle Donne, one of the biggest stars in pro basketball, has topped the WNBA’s most popular jersey list for the third straight year. [Forbes]

  • According to NFL.com’sIan Rapoport, running back Derrius Guice is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for his torn meniscus—his second major knee injury in two years. 

  • 19,871 fans showed up at Audi Field last month for the Washington Spirit. The team plays at the stadium again tomorrow night to take on Megan Rapinoe and the Reign FC. [nwslsoccer.com]

  • MLB announced Anthony Rendon as the Nats’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players’ involvement in their communities. [NBC Sports Washington]

MAKE PLANS, by Emma Sarappo (Love this section? Get the full To Do This Week newsletter here. Tips? esarappo@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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