Listen to Dream City, the latest podcast funded by SpotlightDC
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Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism

Christine MacDonald

Catholic University and Other Schools Drive Significant Tree Loss In D.C., Sometimes Due to Competing ‘Green’ Initiatives

CUA removed more than 300 trees to build a massive solar farm, making it District’s top deforester by every measure.
By Christine MacDonald, Lori Rampani and Trinity Orosco, published 09/16/25
Spotlight funded
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The Shade Gap: How Development Is Taking a Toll on D.C.’s Tree Canopy, Putting Human Health At Risk

Since 2020, Ward 8 has lost more healthy trees to development than any other ward.
By Christine MacDonald, Lori Rampani and Francisco Rodriguez, published 05/29/25
Spotlight funded
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Podcast: The Climate Divide

This podcast explores how in D.C. and nationwide, past policies have left many low-income residents and communities of color disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards.
By Christine MacDonald, published 07/27/22
Spotlight funded
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D.C.’s Heat Islands

This three-part report focuses on summertime temperatures in D.C, the connection between heat, trees and human health, and how to cool down D.C.
By Christine MacDonald, published 09/24/21
Spotlight funded
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