The Eagle’s advisory board has selected Local News Editor Gabrielle McNamee to be editor-in-chief for the 2026-27 academic year.
A junior in the School of Communication and School of Public Affairs, McNamee leads the News section’s local team. Under her direction, the paper has covered the National Guard’s deployment into the District, community response to the second Trump administration and protests of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement action.
McNamee has been a member of staff since her freshman year. In that time, she has contributed to coverage across the News, Sports and Multimedia sections. McNamee has also co-written three cover articles for The Eagle’s print magazine, on topics ranging from the University’s budget deficit to federal policy impacts on campus.
News Managing Editor Payton Anderson has worked with McNamee as a co-writer and an editor. Anderson said she’s watched McNamee expand the local news section by encouraging and mentoring new writers.
“It has really shocked me to see how some reporters have grown, specifically because of her direction and her leadership,” Anderson said. “Working with her is like no other.”
Amid cuts to local reporting in the District, McNamee has directed The Eagle’s resources to help fill those gaps, according to Anderson.
Originally from Pennsylvania, McNamee studies journalism, justice and law. She also works with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades as a Government Affairs intern. McNamee will take over as editor-in-chief in April 2026.
This article was copy edited by Avery Grossman.
