When federal agents shoot: Few details, little accountability

Plus, a forecast of 2026 elections, fishing with Ernie the Hog Snatcher, and more.

Afternoon faithful readers, here is what's in store for you this week:

Federal agents are policing D.C. in new ways since Trump surged federal resources into the city. Martin takes a look at how their police work plays out in our communities (hint: less local training and less accountability).

In political news, Martin details the state of our local elections as we race toward the June 2026 primary.

Meanwhile, our intrepid contributor Sam Delgado spent time with local fishermen like Ernie the Hog Snatcher (who's amassed more than 1.7 million followers on social media). For our opinion section, Dylan DelliSanti, of the Institute for Justice, wrote about a proposed program that would give D.C. residents free legal advice.

And finally, keep reading to learn about our new health equities beat (plus, how you can contribute) and, of course, tap in to fun things to do this weekend and ways to get civically engaged.

But first, some quick programming notes:

  • Money is tight in our region this season — we get it. So instead of focusing solely on an end-of-year fundraising campaign, we're asking readers to help us get 3,000 new subscribers — free or paid. If you appreciate our work, share our sign up link with friends.
  • Our holiday edition of Ask A D.C. Native, Live! is next month (more details soon). If you're a D.C. native who wants to compete, complete this sign up form.

Okay, now on to the news ...

– Christina


When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability

(Tyler M. Andrews)

D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.


The state of the 2026 D.C. races (so far)

Signage for an election drop box, in addition to the box.
(Tony Webster)

The mayoral contest is weirdly quiet, but a D.C. Council race in Ward 1 is not.


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'D.C. fishing is a culture': Meet some of the anglers casting into our rivers

A man wearing black stands in front of a river, holding a fishing pole and a catfish he caught.
(Sam Delgado)

We hit the banks of the Potomac and Anacostia with "Ernie the Hog Snatcher" and a host of other locals, who say fishing brings them peace, community, and fun.


a photo of a gavel against a white background
(Tingey Law Firm / UnSplash)

The courts are considering a proposed “community justice worker” program that would authorize trained people without law degrees to offer free legal advice.


We’re launching a health equity beat
We want to hear from you: What D.C. health stories should we tell?

We’ve created a new coverage area to explore the health issues that matter most to you, our readers. Because you’re at the center of what we do, we want to hear from you: What health stories matter most to you? What health issues does your family worry about? Are there any locals you want to shout out for finding creative solutions or working to address health issues in our city?


ICYMI: We need 3,000 new subscribers

(free or paid)

Why we’re setting our sights on a different kind of goal
In 2025 — a year unlike any other — we’re taking a non-traditional approach to year-end fundraising.

13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Two people in an art gallery point at a work that is out of frame to the right
(Farrah Skeiky/courtesy of USAN USAN)

We're looking forward to a few favorite annual events, the ramp-up of holiday markets, and opportunities to connect with the community.


Punk Market: Your weekly Civics Roundup

A phone booth with a book resting on top at dusk in Mount Pleasant, D.C.
(Mike Maguire/Flickr)

Plus, a Whole Foods picket, a local film screening, and more.


Here's some news you may have missed this week:


Enjoying our reporting? Help us grow by forwarding this newsletter to a friend who loves D.C. as much as you do!

Christina

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