Andrew Zaleski - Washingtonian

Andrew Zaleski

Andrew Zaleski is a Washingtonian contributing writer. On Twitter, he’s @ajzaleski.

Meet the Washingtonians of the Year

News & Politics

Meet the Washingtonians of the Year

Ten locals who made our region an even better place in 2025.

Washingtonians of the Year

January 9, 2026

Inside NASA’s Mission to Defend Earth From Deadly Asteroids

News & Politics

Inside NASA’s Mission to Defend Earth From Deadly Asteroids

Our Solar System contains tens of thousands of potentially dangerous asteroids that could wipe out an entire city, or worse. In Washington, a NASA office is leading efforts to spot and neutralize threats—before it’s too late.

Asteroids, NASA

December 18, 2025

Why PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk Is Still Getting in Our Faces

Health | News & Politics

Why PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk Is Still Getting in Our Faces

Four decades after cofounding People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in her Rockville apartment, the 76-year-old is still crusading for animal rights—and still willing to shock us into paying attention.

April 10, 2025

Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s Way Through

News & Politics

Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s Way Through

Facing what she calls “Parkinson’s on steroids,” the Virginia Congresswoman is leaving the House on her terms.

Congress, Disability, Jennifer Wexton

December 31, 2024

Meet the Smithsonian Bird Detectives Saving Lives

News & Politics

Meet the Smithsonian Bird Detectives Saving Lives

When birds collide with airplanes, their remains are sent to a special lab in Washington, DC. There, an elite team of avian detectives works to identify the exact type of bird—the better to prevent future catastrophes.

Birds, Features

July 3, 2024

Meet the DC Activist Behind the Alt-Meat Revolution

Food | News & Politics

Meet the DC Activist Behind the Alt-Meat Revolution

Bruce Friedrich was responsible for some of the animal-rights movement’s most notorious stunts—but now he’s working to win over meat eaters one bite at a time.

alternative-meat, sustainability

March 14, 2024

How Paul Reed Smith Went From Guitars to Spy Technology

News & Politics

How Paul Reed Smith Went From Guitars to Spy Technology

His creations are beloved by both Carlos Santana and the US Special Operations Command.

Annapolis, Intelligence, Led Zeppelin, Maryland

April 4, 2019