The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi: Recent Episodes
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Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.
Gun violence continues to claim more lives in the District. In 2023, 161 people have been murdered in the city – a 28% increase over this time last year. It’s prompted Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White to call for the National Guard to be potentially brought in. He joins the show to talk about the violence that has wreaked havoc in his ward and why he thinks the National Guard might be the answer.
Just three months ago, Representative Gerry Connolly’s staff members were attacked in his office. He talks to Kojo and Tom about how he and his staff are recovering and have dealt with the trauma of that day. Before becoming a Congressman, Connolly was Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. He discusses how a lack of a state budget can severely impact a county’s budget.
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It’s been an eventful first seven months in office for Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Cannabis became legal in the state. The Washington Commanders were finally sold and are exploring the possibility of moving from FedEx Field. A decision appears to be coming soon on where the new FBI headquarters might go. Education reform is being implemented across the state. Governor Wes Moore joins Kojo and Tom to discuss all of that and more.
While Moore is early in his political career, Virginia State Senator Dick Saslaw is set to retire at the end of the year from his post as Virginia State Senate majority leader after more than five decades. But before that happens, the long-time state senator remains in the middle of tense state budget negotiations. We talk to Senator Saslaw about those negotiations, reaching across the aisle, and his long career.
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On Thursday, a new bipartisan bill was introduced in the House that could be the next play in bringing football back to the District. The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act would extend the land lease between D.C. and the federal government for another 99 years while also allowing the construction of a new stadium on the site. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has continued to be a fan of any effort to bring the team back to the District, while Council Chair Phil Mendelson has remained more skeptical. Both will join us on the show to weigh in on this bill and what comes next.
The Montgomery County Council has approved a 6% rent cap increase after plenty of debate and compromise. The lead author of the legislation was Councilmember Natali Fani-González. She sits down with Kojo and our guest analyst Morgan Baskin to discuss how this compromise came to be, what it means for residents, and the next steps. Plus, a public hearing was held this week about pedestrian safety in the county. We ask Fani-González what can be done to keep locals safe while walking and biking in their communities.
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Metro is facing unprecedented challenges. A serious drop in ridership, infrastructure issues, and lack of dedicated funding have pushed the region’s public transportation system toward a fiscal cliff. A $750 million budget gap could lead to dramatic service cuts. Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joins us to discuss potential solutions, what’s needed, and his visions for the future. Plus, there are plans to potentially embark on the biggest rail expansion in decades. What could that mean for the region?
It’s a momentous time for many fans: After years of speculation and turmoil, the Washington Commanders finally have new owners. The NFL approved longtime owner Dan Snyder’s sale of the football team to a group led by Montgomery County native Josh Harris for just over $6 billion. Washington Post sports columnist and author John Feinstein comes on the show to talk about what this means for fans, his years writing about the team, and what could come next for the football franchise.
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The D.C. Council passed an emergency public safety bill this week, legislation some think will help stem the increase in violent crime across the city. Others disagree. Councilmember Zachary Parker voted for the bill, despite some backlash due to his support. He joins Kojo and Tom to explain why he gave his vote to this legislation. Plus, the Council voted unanimously to have the city's inspector general review the recent sexual harassment investigation into former deputy mayor John Falcicchio. We ask Parker what it means and when the review might take place.
With marijuana now legal in Maryland, a new bill is circulating in Prince George's County that would restrict where dispensaries can go. We talk to Councilmember Krystal Oriadha about why she introduced the legislation and her concerns about cannabis legalization. Plus, Prince George's County Schools are introducing new safety measures that will take effect when students return in the fall. We get Oriadha's take on the new rules, including requiring clear backpacks and installing metal detectors.
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Over the weekend, marijuana shops opened across Maryland as recreational sales become legal in the state. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joins Kojo and Tom to talk about how it has gone so far in the county, how the extra revenue might be used, and why he still has concerns about regulation. Plus, Montgomery County is contributing more than $190 million to Metro's budget. With the system falling off a fiscal cliff, Metro is asking for more money. We ask Elrich if the county can help pay the bills.
One of the biggest upsets of last month's Virginia primaries was Stella Pekarsky defeating long-time State Senator George Barker. She joins us to explain how she did it and her agenda if she were to prevail in November. Plus, as a current Fairfax County School Board member, Pekarsky helps govern the largest school system in the Commonwealth. We ask her about the challenges Fairfax County Public Schools has faced in recent months regarding security, safety, and employee background checks.
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In the wake of recent sexual harassment revelations against a former deputy mayor, D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau is introducing two bills aimed at changing how such cases against senior city officials are investigated. She joins Kojo and Tom to discuss the legislation and why it's needed. Plus, a public hearing was held this week for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bower's crime bill. Nadeau shares her thoughts and concerns about the much-discussed legislation.
WAMU and DCist Criminal Justice reporter Jenny Gathright attended those public hearings on Tuesday. She explains what she saw and heard inside the Wilson Building. Does the wide-ranging bill stand a chance of passing?
Plus, At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando tells us why he believes a proposed rent increase cap is still too high. Hundreds gathered outside of Montgomery County Public Schools offices to protest the lack of an opt-out policy for instruction using LGBTQ+ inclusive books. We ask the Councilmember his thoughts on the protests and how to deal with concerns.
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Virginia's primary elections were held this week after a campaign season that was full of drama and emotion. We wrap up everything that happened with WAMU Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel. Plus, we get an update on how ranked choice voting went in the Arlington County Board race and when we might have the final results.
One of the most closely-watched races was the one for Commonwealth's Attorney in Arlington and the City of Falls Church. The winner and incumbent Parisa Dehghani-Tafti joins Kojo and Tom to talk about why she thinks residents voted to give her a likely second term. Plus, what will her priorities be over the next four years as the county's top prosecutor?
Perhaps the biggest upset on Tuesday was Saddam Salim defeating long-time lawmaker Chap Petersen for the Democratic nomination to vie for a seat in Virginia State Senate representing the 37th District. We ask him about his unique path to the General Assembly and what locals can expect from him going forward.
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With a likely change in ownership, the Washington Commanders will soon accelerate their search for a new home. At-Large D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie wants the team to return home to the District and move back to the RFK site. He tells Kojo and Tom why he believes this would be in the best interest of the team and the city. Plus, the Councilmember has again introduced a bill calling for reparations. And for the first time, the D.C. Council held a hearing about it this week. McDuffie explains why this is a big deal and what comes next.
The Virginia primaries are next week and the races for all 140 General Assembly seats and local elected offices could determine the future of the Commonwealth. Washington Post reporter Teo Armus joins us with a preview of what to look for on Tuesday. Plus, how redistricting has made this year's elections unique and how Arlington's use of ranked choice voting for the first time could impact the race for County Board.
A cherished member of the WAMU and local politics community passed away over the weekend. We remember Bruce Romer with thoughts from Kojo and Tom. Plus, memories from U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, who worked with Bruce Romer in Montgomery County.
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Due to the ongoing Canadian wildfires, unhealthy air quality continues to plague the region. WAMU environment reporter Jacob Fenston joins us to discuss how local officials responded to this crisis. What has the region learned for when this happens again?
The D.C. Council passed emergency legislation this week capping rent increases to 6% at some apartment buildings. Chairman Phil Mendelson tells us how the bill came together and why this is needed now. And D.C. elections took center stage this week on Capital Hill with an hours-long hearing. It could result in a Republican-led bill changing how the city conducts its elections. We ask Chairman Mendelson about that. And what does he want in a new police chief?
Plus, Loudoun County Public Schools has hired a new superintendent after the previous one’s tenure ended in turmoil and controversy. Kojo and Tom sit down with incoming Superintendent Aaron Spence to talk about his approach to the job, gaining trust, and what residents can expect when he starts the position later this summer.
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D.C. Housing Authority leaders faced questions from lawmakers this week over agency issues highlighted in a federal report. DCHA Director Brenda Donald joins us to talk about the agency's response to the report, and how she plans to address them. And how could emergency legislation to reshape the DCHA board affect the agency?
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) announced a major change to Allen's Metro For D.C. bill: making Metrobus fares free in the District starting next summer. We talk with Mendelson about the plan. Plus, we look at how the council will change with new members being sworn in early next year.
After more than a week of counting votes, Democrats are set to lose control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Yet, the party of President Joe Biden is also set to hold the U.S. Senate. Still, even in the House, analysts — and electoral conventional wisdom — had projected much deeper losses than what the party actually incurred on Election Day. That’s thanks in part to Democrats like Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger holding strong amid tough fights for re-election. What was her secret to winning? And what might her re-election say about Virginia’s political future?
Also, Metro’s long-awaited Silver Line extension finally opened this week. A vision that started as far back as the 1960s finally became reality. How was the occasion marked? What did it take to get here? And what could it mean for Metro’s financial future? Will ask WAMU Transportation Reporter Jordan Pascale and Metro Board Finance Chair Matt Letourneau on the next Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi.
Kenyan McDuffie had quite the journey to his Tuesday night victory in the At-Large D.C. Council race. Currently the Ward 5 councilmember, he suspended his campaign for D.C. attorney general over questions of eligibility, and then entered the At-Large race after the primary. But his win means that one incumbent has been ousted: Elissa Silverman. McDuffie joins us to talk about his win and the future council.
Marylanders voted overwhelmingly to elect the state’s first Black governor, Wes Moore. In fact, it was an election of firsts: Aruna Miller will be the first immigrant and woman of color to serve as Maryland lieutenant governor. Anthony Brown will be the state’s first Black attorney general. And Brooke Lierman will be the first woman to serve as Maryland comptroller. But we’re not just here to talk about biographies — we’re here to talk politics. That’s where Maryland State Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-Montgomery County) comes in. She joins us to talk about what the post-Hogan years will look like, and what a Democrat in the governor’s mansion will mean for the party’s policy agenda.
Election Day is coming up fast. If you have yet to vote, join us for our election roundup. We talk with journalists Martin Austermuhle, Danielle Gaines, and Margaret Barthel about the races on the ballot in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. And don't forget to check out DCist's voter guides and election coverage.
Even though Halloween is over, three spooky words are still haunting Arlington County: missing middle housing. The Arlington Planning Commission submitted a new draft missing middle housing plan that addresses some concerns raised this fall. ("Missing middle" housing refers to housing types between single-family homes and large apartments. Think duplexes, triplexes, or small buildings with eight units.) Arlington County Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey (D) joins us to discuss. Plus, we ask whether any of Virginia's voter registration issues have affected Arlington County. And where does Dorsey stand on ranked-choice voting, something the county is considering?
It’s election season! WAMU and DCist have put together voter guides and election stories for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Find them here.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade continues to have ripple effects for abortion access in our region.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) has said that he’ll seek a 15-week abortion ban. Maryland, on the other hand, has expanded who can provide abortions. And in D.C., the future of abortion access lies in the hands of Congress, which means a Republican-led Congress could potentially ban abortion in the District outright.
Kojo and his guests discuss the future of abortion access in our region, and how things have already changed since the overturning of Roe. Plus, we look at how the abortion debate is shaping the midterm elections.
This election, D.C. voters will be deciding the fate of the tipped minimum wage. Here's how the system currently works: Tipped workers, including restaurant employees and bartenders, are paid a minimum wage of $5.35 an hour by their employer. If their tips don't bring them to the current minimum wage of $16.10 on average, the employer covers the difference. Initiative 82 would eliminate the tipped minimum wage over the course of five years for tipped workers, so employers would pay their employees the full minimum wage. We'll hear from people who support and oppose the plan, and talk about what it will mean for the industry if Initiative 82 passes.
The Montgomery County Council passed Thrive Montgomery 2050 this week, a contentious general plan that officials say is a roadmap for future land use and growth decisions. (In case you missed it, Kojo hosted a community event about Montgomery County housing earlier this month, where Thrive was a major topic.) Council Vice President Evan Glass joins us to talk about what happens next with housing and zoning rules. And perhaps he can give us an update on where things stand with the county planning board, where all five members resigned at the request of the council. Plus, we'll ask Glass about recent anti-LGBTQ events and demonstrations in the county.
It’s election season! WAMU and DCist have put together voter guides and election stories for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Find them here.
Two candidates are vying for the role of Maryland comptroller: Harford County Executive Barry Glassman (R) and Maryland Del. Brooke Lierman (D-Baltimore City). Lierman has emphasized her experience as a civil rights lawyer and a leader in the general assembly. Glassman has distanced himself from far-right GOP candidates, instead focusing on his 30-plus years of experience in the Maryland general assembly and as county executive.
The candidates sit down with Kojo and Tom to discuss why they’re running for comptroller — and what the comptroller even does, anyway. After that civics lesson, we’ll get into some of the issues. Where do they stand on plans to widen the Beltway and I-270? Would they make changes to the state retirement and pension system? And what changes would they make to the comptroller’s office itself?
Plus, WMATA and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission are struggling to agree on a plan to bring the 7000-series trains back into service. This could mean further delays in opening the Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport. Will the extension open in time for Thanksgiving? WAMU and DCist transportation reporter Jordan Pascale gives us the latest.
It’s election season! WAMU and DCist have put together voter guides and election stories for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Find them here.
Elections are less than a month away and races across the region are heating up. Tune in for this week's Politics Hour as we welcome:
Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD) currently represents Maryland's 4th congressional district, but last year announced he would not seek another term. Instead, he's running for Maryland Attorney General. Brown is widely seen as the favorite to win the post, as he's up against far-right attorney Michael Peroutka in deep-blue Maryland. Peroutka --- who joined us on The Politics Hour late last month --- is anti-abortion, pro-gun rights and says he "doesn't know" if the 2020 presidential election was stolen. But Brown ran against another Republican for statewide office before and lost --- in 2014 against current Governor Larry Hogan.
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) is up for re-election in Virginia's 7th congressional district, but it isn't the same district she ran for previously. After redistricting, her district may include more of blue Northern Virginia, but many of her constituents have now never been represented by her before. Her district now includes a good chunk of Prince William County, where her opponent Yesli Vega is the first Latina Board of Supervisors member ever elected in the county. Spanberger has made opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on abortion, along with a host of other national issues, a centerpiece of her campaign. But although a recent poll shows most Virginians agree with her views on abortion, she still has to contend with reintroducing herself to her own district and her opponent's powerful personal story.
It’s election season! WAMU and DCist have put together voter guides and election stories for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Find them here.
Amid a regional housing shortage and rising rents, Montgomery County is grappling with a complex issue: How to create more housing.
Officials have proposed ideas like building more housing, including designated affordable units, near Metro stations. And they are considering allowing single-family neighborhoods to be rezoned to allow different housing types, like duplexes and triplexes. Many of these proposals are included in the new general plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050.
But the plan and its proposals have drawn both praise as well as vocal opposition. Residents, including many homeowners, are concerned that measures to increase housing density could change the character of neighborhoods, cause environmental damage, and increase traffic. On the other hand, some worry that the plan doesn’t do enough to address affordable housing and racial equity.
In this hour, Kojo Nnamdi talks with local officials, advocates, and residents about housing in Montgomery County, and the path forward.
This broadcast is an edited version of a live Kojo In Our Community event that took place on October 11, 2022 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
WMATA announced this week that it will start issuing citations to riders who evade fares beginning in November. We sit down with Phyllis Randall (D), chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, to talk about how the county wants to tackle the issue. And, how convinced is she that the Silver Line will open on time? Plus, we ask about the county's plan for data center growth.
Then, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who chairs the transportation and environment committee, joins us to talk about changes to traffic laws, including banning cars from turning right on red. Cheh gives us the latest on the District's efforts to boot cars with outstanding tickets. And we ask why she pushed back on a measure that, if passed, would allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Show note: President Joe Biden's pardon for people charged with marijuana possession covers anyone convicted under the D.C. Code. On the show, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh said she believes that D.C.'s executive would have to issue pardons for local violations. This is not correct.
Michael Peroutka, the Republican candidate for Maryland attorney general, faces an uphill battle to beat his Democratic opponent, Maryland Congressman Anthony Brown. The latest poll shows Peroutka behind by more than 20 points. What will it take for him to bridge that gap? We talk with the former Anne Arundel councilman about his priorities, which include election integrity and opposing abortion. And we ask whether he'll follow through on his campaign promise to prosecute public officials responsible for COVID lockdown measures.
A D.C. council committee approved a bill that, if it passes the full council, would give District residents up to $100 each month for Metro. We talk to the bill's mastermind, Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), about the proposal and how it would work in practice. Plus, what are his priorities as chair of the council's judiciary committee? We know that one of them will be a massive rewrite of the city's criminal code.
The D.C. Council is poised to make some significant traffic law changes, including banning right on red for drivers and allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. WAMU and DCist’s transportation reporter Jordan Pascale breaks down the latest news.
In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration has proposed a new school policies that would, among other things require school staff to refer to students by their legal name and by pronouns that match their sex assigned at birth. Supporters of the plan call it a win for parental rights in schools. Critics say it would result in restrictions for transgender and nonbinary students, who would be most affected by the policies. We talk with both a Republican and a Democratic Northern Virginia lawmaker, Del. Dave LaRock (R-Loudoun) and Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church), to get their take.
Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Produced by Cydney Grannan
In the past five months, the governors of Texas and Arizona have been sending migrants to D.C. And on Thursday, migrants were dropped off near Vice President Kamala Harris' residence. The influx of migrants in the District has created a crisis, with the mayor declaring a public emergency. We talk with Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D), who chairs the Human Services Committee, about how D.C. is working to assist migrants, specifically with housing and education. Plus, we get her thoughts on Amazon’s plan to invest $150 million dollars in affordable housing.
Renters and activists in Montgomery county have been advocating for rent control since COVID-related rent protections ended. Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz (D-At Large) gives us his thoughts on this issue. Plus, we ask when the council will vote on the contentious general plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050.
Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Prince George's County will begin enforcing its curfew for people under 17 years old -- an ordinance that has been on the books since the mid-90s, but hasn't been regularly enforced. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) talks about how she hopes leveraging this tool will reduce carjackings and crime.
Then, D.C. Auditor Kathy Patterson joins Kojo and Tom to talk about a forthcoming report that looks into the District's 911 services. Back in October, the auditor released a report looking at D.C.'s Office of Unified Communications’ emergency call system, finding issues with response time and pinpointing callers' locations. Patterson discusses a new status report from her office that looks into how much progress has been made. Karima Holmes, interim director of D.C.'s Office of Unified Communications, responds to the report.
Northern Virginians are bracing for the eight-month shutdown of Metro's Yellow Line starting Sept. 10. Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol (D) talks about what alternative transit methods will be available. Plus, Cristol tells us what's next for the county's "Missing Middle" Housing Study.
On Monday, D.C. kicked off the school year. D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee reflects on the first week. And we ask about concerns over school building conditions, delaying enforcement of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students, and teacher turnover.
Plus, Montgomery County finally has its results in the Democratic primary for county executive.
Prince William County Board Chair Ann Wheeler (D-At Large) talks about plans to bring data centers to the area, and how the county is addressing mental health. And D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At Large) talks about how the District is preparing for the school year, and what families need to know.
Incumbent Marc Elrich (D) appears to have won the Democratic primary for Montgomery County Executive. But the Montgomery County Board discovered more than 100 uncounted ballots, which could change the results. Elrich joins our show to talk about his apparent victory, and how he envisions working with the county council for his second term. Plus: D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine (D) talks about Texas and Arizona leaders sending migrants to D.C., and a recent win against a ghost gun manufacturer.
Maryland Matters' Bruce DePuyt explains the rifts in Maryland's Republican party. In Montgomery County, Natali Fani-González is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the newly created District 6 seat on the council. She joins us to talk about what a majority-female council could mean for the county. And D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks about gun violence, the breakup of a government agency, and monkeypox.
Maryland Matters's Bruce DePuyt joins Kojo and Tom to about the Maryland primary results across the state, as well as in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Democratic nominee for state comptroller Brooke Lierman talks about her win. Plus: Virginia State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) talks about the future of marriage equality in Virginia.
We're days away from Maryland's July 19 primary. The Baltimore Banner's Pamela Wood and Bethesda Magazine's Louis Peck get us up to speed on the primary races statewide and in Montgomery County. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) talks about the future of Beach Drive in Rock Creek park, and a contentious change in D.C. driving law.
Maryland's primaries are July 19, and early voting is already underway. Maryland Matter's Bruce DePuyt gives us the latest on the primary races for governor and the 4th Congressional District. Plus: Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson (D) says there's no quick fix for the city's police staffing shortage.
We recap this week's D.C. primary, and talk with incumbent Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) about her win. Plus, we talk with progressive candidate Zachary Parker, who won the Democratic nomination for the D.C. Council's Ward 5 seat. Plus: A look at the primaries in Virginia with Washington Post reporter Meagan Flynn.
The primaries are coming, the primaries are coming! And Virginia has a budget — well, almost.
With less than six weeks until the primary, many Maryland voters are unsure who they'll vote for in the race for governor. Goucher College's Mileah Kromer breaks down the Democratic and Republican primaries for Maryland governor. And Arlington County Board Member Takis Karantonis (D) makes his Politics Hour debut, where he explains why some residents are pushing back on the county's "Missing Middle" housing study.
We talk with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) about his reelection bid, and ask what makes him stand out among his challengers. Plus, Virginia lawmakers approved a two-year budget, and Democrats in the Virginia House elected a new leader. University of Mary Washington Professor Stephen Farnsworth joins us to talk about the Virginia politics news.
Hans Riemer, a Democratic candidate for Montgomery County executive and current councilmember, talks about his vision for the county. And D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh discusses Metro woes and how she made it onto Putin's "enemy list."
Alexandria City Councilman Canek Aguirre (D) talks about WMATA's woes of the week, including train operators' safety re-certification lapses and General Manager Paul Wiedefeld's early departure. And David Blair, a Democratic candidate for Montgomery County Executive, joins us to talk about his campaign and how he would address the county's issues, like affordable housing and business growth.
Kojo and Tom Sherwood talk with Matthew Graves, the U.S. Attorney for D.C., about his office's investigations into people involved with the January 6 insurrection and D.C. rewriting its criminal code. Plus, NBC4's Adam Tuss talks about the newly announced WMATA general manager.
D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At Large) and Virginia Del. Kathy Tran (D-District 42) join us to discuss what the uncertain future of Roe v. Wade could mean for our region. Plus: We dig into D.C.'s upcoming primary. And we see if Tran can help us solve the mystery of Virginia's missing budget.
Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood held a live debate for the top Democratic candidates for D.C. Mayor. Hear from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmembers Robert White and Trayon White on issues like public safety, housing, transit, and education.
Ahead of D.C.'s primary in June, we talk with the two Democratic candidates for D.C. Council chair: Incumbent Chairman Phil Mendelson and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Erin Palmer.
D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) is appealing a ruling from the D.C. Board of Elections saying he's ineligible to run for attorney general. WAMU reporter Martin Austermuhle gives us the latest. Plus, we talk about the region's big environmental issues with EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. Then, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) joins the show to talk about redeveloping the Blue Line Corridor, the rise in carjackings, and the latest news in Maryland politics.
Virginia State Sen. Scott Surovell (D-District 36) talks about Governor Glenn Youngkin's 26 vetoes. Plus, where do negotiations around the commonwealth's budget stand? Then, Kojo and Tom talk with Eric Luedtke (D-District 14), Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates, for a recap of this year's legislative session, where Democrats passed bills to expand abortion access and launch a paid family leave program.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) sought to end marijuana-gifting in the District, but his legislation was narrowly defeated. We talk about that, the mayor's budget, and the upcoming primary. Plus, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson (D) talks about budget priorities for the next fiscal year and police in schools.
On April 5, WAMU held a Kojo In Our Community call-in special about traffic safety. He talked with officials and advocates about why we saw an increase in traffic fatalities in 2021, and how new policies and changed infrastructure can help curb traffic crashes.
Prince William County Chair Ann Wheeler (D-At Large) talks about large data centers coming to the county and her priorities for the 2023 budget. Montgomery County Council Vice President Evan Glass (D-At Large) discusses traffic safety, the role of police in schools, and Maryland politics.
Arlington County Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey (D) talks about the new police oversight board. Maryland State Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-District 17) talks about how Democratic priorities are faring midway through the session, and how the delayed primary date could impact voting.
Goucher College's Mileah Kromer talks about the latest Maryland poll, which find that a majority support Governor Larry Hogan (R). And D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) talks about what a domestic workers bill of rights would mean for DC workers, and what she thinks of Mayor Muriel Bowser's (D) budget.
Maryland Matters senior reporter Bruce DePuyt gives us the latest Prince George's County redistricting news. D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) talks about masking in schools and the continuation of the Harris Rider. And Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall (D) talks about budget debates and how the county is helping to resettle Afghan evacuees.
Destination DC's Elliott Ferguson talks about the return of tourism to the District. And Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich talks about the Silver Spring apartment fire and masking in public schools.
On Tuesday, March 1, WAMU held a Kojo In Our Community call-in special: Parents, Teachers, Politicians, And Outrage In Schools. Who gets to decide what is safe, appropriate, and good for kids? Kojo talked with local school leadership, educators, students, and parents about learning during COVID and political imbalance.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA, 11th District) talks about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Wason Center's research lab director Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo walks us through the latest survey on Youngkin's approval ratings. And Eric Luedtke (D-District 14), Majority Leader in the Maryland House of Delegates, tells us about Democrats' priorities in Annapolis.
Kathy Hollinger, president and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, discusses the end of the vaccine mandate. Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At Large) talks about racial equity concerns in the Thrive 2050 plan. And Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay talks about the ending of school mask mandates and his 2023 budget priorities.
Washington Post reporter Erin Cox talks about Gov. Larry Hogan's decision to not seek U.S. Senate seat in 2022. D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) makes her debut on The Politics Hour, discussing period equity and business recovery. And Virginia State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-District 31) gives us his view of the session in Richmond.
Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
WAMU / DCist reporter Jordan Pascale joins us to talk about the retirement of WMATA CEO and General Manager Paul Wiedefeld. And Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz (D-At Large) talks about the county's response to the omicron variant and his 2022 priorities.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia talks about Senate Democrats' push to pass voting rights legislation, and if changing the filibuster could be in the cards. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks about his 2022 priorities and new D.C. Public Schools policies around COVID-19.