Clearing the Air
A solutions journalism series examining air pollution across the DMV — its real impact on our communities, and what’s actually being done about it.
Take the SurveyDC received an “F” for air quality in 2025 · Solutions Journalism · We don’t just report the problem. We follow the work. · Impact-tracked reporting since 1964
Air Quality · DMV Communities
What Is Solutions Journalism? We Don’t Just Report the Problem. We Follow the Work.
Solutions journalism is rigorous reporting that goes beyond documenting what’s broken. It examines credible responses to community challenges — tracking what’s working, what’s not, and why.
For our air quality coverage, that means we don’t just ask “Is DC’s air getting worse?” We ask: Which neighborhoods are most affected? What are residents actually experiencing? Which policy changes, infrastructure investments, or community initiatives are making a measurable difference — and which aren’t living up to the hype?
Why Trust The Washington Informer on Air Quality?
Community-Embedded Reporting
We have established relationships with DMV residents, community organizations, and environmental advocates across all eight wards — giving our reporters access and trust other outlets don’t have.
Impact Tracking
We don’t just publish and move on. We track outcomes — returning to neighborhoods, organizations, and decision-makers to measure real change over time and report on what’s actually working.
60 Years of Community Trust
The Informer has served the DMV since 1964. Our readers trust us — and so do the community leaders, scientists, and policymakers we report on. We don’t compromise that trust.
Tell Us Your Story
How is air quality affecting your neighborhood, your health, or your daily life? Share your experience and help shape reporting that leads to real solutions and real accountability.
The Series
Reporting, data, and community voices — updated as the story develops.
Coverage launches April 2026.
Your survey responses shape what we report first. Articles, community voices, and accountability reporting will appear here as the series publishes.
This Coverage Takes Community Support.
Solutions journalism is resource-intensive. Following impact means multiple reporting trips, community interviews, data analysis, and sustained editorial investment across months.
Become a Washington Informer member today and keep solutions journalism in the DMV.
Support This Work