Do you have a story about D.C.’s rats? It seems like almost everyone does — and when we asked to hear them, we heard from dozens of you with tales from the merely squirmy to the truly stomach-turning.
Why has it been so hard for D.C.’s government to fight the city’s rodent population? Sam Delgado’s latest story digs into the latest front in a decades-long battle — including what she learned at D.C. Health’s rat academy.
You’ve been seeing Sam’s byline a lot recently on our site. For two months, she’s been our tiny newsroom’s only full-time reporter — but that’s changing. More below!
On August 11, 2025, life in D.C. changed overnight as President Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers throughout the city.
Almost a year later, with the National Guard set to be on our streets until 2029, we want to hear from D.C. residents: What sticks out to you most about the past year of occupation? What questions do you have about the ongoing takeover? And what are you seeing in the streets? Tell us here!
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
The budget drama continues: Mayor Bowser said she wouldn’t sign it, although it was passed last month by the D.C. Council, which added hundreds of millions of dollars to her original proposal. [City Cast]
On Monday, 350,000 Haitian immigrants across the country lost their Temporary Protected Status. One Takoma Park church hosted a mass in solidarity. [DC News Now]
Remember the woman who National Guard troops detained on her own front porch? She’s still injured from the encounter — and taking legal action. [City Cast]
The True Reformer Building was the country's first building designed, built, financed and owned by African Americans. This July, it is celebrating its 123rd anniversary. [The Afro]
Hundreds of would-be incoming Howard freshmen are struggling to find answers after the university suddenly un-enrolled them last week. [Washington Informer]
The potential entry of Waymo into the menu of transportation options has D.C. disability advocates divided: Will driverless taxis continue to leave some riders out? [NOTUS]
A street redesign near the Potomac Avenue Metro is adding a new traffic circle. Neighbors have voted to name it for Roberta Flack. [HillRag]
Thousands of National Guard troops will be moving into furnished apartments, instead of hotels, with their time here extended through the end of the president’s term. [NOTUS]
You’ve read this far … so you have at least a little time on your hands. Have you considered running for ANC? The deadline to submit your petition (including 25 signatures from your neighbors) is next Wednesday at 5 p.m.! [Greater Greater Washington]
With your help, we pursue stories that hold leaders to account, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District. Our members help keep local news free and independent for all:
