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🌱 Patch AM: Which D.C. scandals and safety gaps defined 2025 for investigators?

And on the Washington Patch calendar - Last Call - Oliver Heldens

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Hello again Washington! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which D.C. scandals and safety gaps defined 2025 for investigators?
  • How much have deadly drunk-driving crashes fallen around D.C. this year?
  • Why was this deadly White House-area shooting moved to federal court?

Also on today's calendar: Ears Decor Christmas 2025 Special Offer | Elegant Diamond Earrings Gift Deals and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Morning mist; rather cloudy, with a high of 54 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Friday: Colder; a little p.m. rain, temps: high: 36, low: 33.
  • Saturday: Not as cold with low clouds, with a high of 44 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 8 stories you need to know before 2026, from the I-Team (wjla.com) — Several of the I-Team’s biggest 2025 investigations hit close to home in Washington, D.C., from a Capitol Hill landlord-tenant standoff to a funeral home mix-up and the staggering taxpayer cost of gun violence. Reporters also probed safety gaps in local schools’ weapons detectors, attacks on first responders, and clarified that Mayor Muriel Bowser is not currently a target of a federal investigation.
   

• Decline in deadly drunk driving crashes in DC area, report shows (dcnewsnow.com) — Deadly crashes involving drunk or drugged drivers have dropped 26% in the D.C. area, putting the region below the national average, but alcohol-related injuries are slightly up. Regional officials credit tougher enforcement, safety messaging, and strong transit options, and they’re urging Washington-area residents to plan sober rides. WRAP’s Sober Ride program is offering $15 Lyft credits late at night during the holidays.
   

• National Guard shooting case moved to federal court as prosecutors weigh death penalty • Louisiana Illuminator (lailluminator.com) — A National Guard member was killed and another wounded while on patrol near the White House in Washington, D.C., and the case has now been moved from D.C. Superior Court to federal court. Prosecutors are weighing whether to seek the death penalty as new filings detail the suspect’s cross-country trip, alleged acquisition of a stolen revolver, and the moments leading up to the Thanksgiving-eve shooting.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello everyone,
    I’m seeking recommendations for programs in the DC Metro area that support individuals with felony convictions in getting back on their feet. This… (Nextdoor Central South west)
  • Shout out to Father Factor, Inc.
    and all the organizations that collaborated to make sure our families received toys for Christmas. (Nextdoor Congress Heights)
  • Melwood Horticultural Training Center posted a job opening for FOREMAN CUSTODIAL 7:00 am - 4:00 pm in Washington. Apply here.
  • Utah Staffing posted a job opening for CF Shipping/Receiving in Washington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Washington here.

Ok Washington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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