This week, the public weighed in on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's latest crime and policing bill. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson was there for the hours of testimony. He joins us in the studio to give his thoughts about the issue and what comes next. Plus, the Washington Teachers Union is urging the school system to come back to the table for contract negotiations. We ask Chairman Mendelson what the Council can do to get the two sides to agree on new terms. A judge ruled earlier this week that a Montgomery County gun law that bans the concealed carry of a firearm outside of one’s home or bus

Late last week, the General Services Administration announced it had selected a site in Prince George's County as the new home for the FBI headquarters. This decision didn't sit well with many Virginia elected officials, who were angling to have Fairfax County be the FBI's new home. U.S. Senator Mark Warner tells us why he's calling for an investigation into the selection process. Plus, the federal government once again narrowly avoided a federal shutdown. We ask Sen. Warner what impact these constant shutdown threats are having on the commonwealth's federal workforce. A <

It's a jam-packed week as we dive into the ramifications of this week's Virginia elections and the announcement that the FBI headquarters is planning a move to Prince George's County. This week, word came that federal officials had chosen a site in Greenbelt, Maryland to be the new home of the FBI headquarters. It's a decision that's been years in the making and has sent shockwaves through the local political landscape. Long-time U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer has <a href="https://hoyer.house.gov/content/ho

Control of Virginia’s legislature is up for grabs as residents head to the polls next week. All 140 seats in Virginia’s General Assembly are on the ballot this year. Currently, Republicans hold the House of Delegates, and the Democrats narrowly control the state senate, but that could change after Tuesday’s elections. The outcome could have major implications for abortion rights, tax cuts, statewide educational reforms, and climate policies throughout the commonwealth. WAMU’s Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel gives us a preview of what’s at stake. Plus,

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled her latest crime bill to address increasing violent crime in the city. The legislation calls for rolling back some police reforms and reinstating temporary “drug-free zones.” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is responsible for prosecuting many of the crimes committed in the District. He joins us to share his thoughts on the proposal and what it would mean for his office. Plus, why D.C. and 41 other states are suing the social media giant Meta and how the <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/10/03/pepco-pay-dc-57-million-anacos

It’s now Alexandria’s turn to debate new zoning rules with the goal of building more housing. A proposal on the table would eliminate single-family zoning, much like what Arlington did earlier in the year, among a number of other changes. Mayor Justin Wilson joins the show to discuss his thoughts, why it’s so controversial, and when a proposal could be passed. Plus, what Alexandria is doing to mitigate flooding that’s become so frequent in the city. The debate over eliminating the tipped minimum wage has <a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/battle-over-

In recent months, Metro has not only increased the frequency of trains, but is now expected to start offering 24-hour bus service on more than a dozen routes starting in December. This comes despite a looming financial crisis as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) faces a $750 million budget gap. Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joins the show to discuss this balancing act. Plus, what more can be done to stop <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/transportation/dc-council-to-hold-hearing-on-bill-making-it-easier-for-police-to-issue-fines-for-metro-fare-evasion/3441354/" rel="nofol

It’s an all-Maryland Politics Hour this week. In Montgomery County, councilmembers continue questioning school leaders about an ongoing investigation into a school principal who was promoted despite sexual harassment allegations. At-Large Councilmember Gabe Albornoz sits down with Kojo and Tom to discuss. Plus, a new stricter gun law took effect in Maryland this past weekend, but a federal judge had already struck down parts of it. We ask Councilmember Albornoz his thoughts and how it compares to legislation he introduced <a href="https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=42419&

Acting D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith testified before the D.C. Council’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee earlier this week, kickstarting the process to confirm her as the next chief. This comes as D.C. hit a tragic milestone, logging its 200th homicide at the earliest point in the year in more than a quarter of a century. Smith joins Kojo and Tom to discuss her plan to address crime in the District. A federal shutdown Oct. 1 is looking more and more likely. It could <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/09/13/federal-shutdown-would-hit-dc-region-economy-hard/" rel="nofollow" targ

The D.C. Council is back from summer recess and lawmakers are debating a wide variety of bills. That includes legislation about crime, dangerous drivers, and ebikes. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen joins the show to discuss a number of his own bills, as well as his thoughts on what his colleagues are proposing. Plus, a bill extending D.C.’s lease on the RFK Stadium site is moving forward in Congress. Does that mean a new home for the Washington Commanders

Violent crime in D.C. continues to increase at a rate the city hasn’t seen in decades. It’s left locals shaken and officials looking for answers. Because of the District’s unique status, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves is the one who prosecutes most adult crimes in the city. He joins Kojo and Tom to discuss how his office manages prosecutions, why they chose <a href="https://

The Politics Hour is returning to class as we check in with several local school officials as the new year begins. As enrollment at Arlington public schools continues to increase, there’s pressure to build more schools in the county. Superintendent Francisco Durán joins the show to discuss how he’s managing that. Plus, earlier this summer, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released guidelines on how to treat transgender and nonbinary students. We ask how the district is <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/08/16/some-northern-virginia-scho

Multi-million-dollar development along Metro’s Blue Line. The possible arrival of the FBI headquarters. FedEx Field’s future as the home of the Washington Commanders. Prince George’s County could see a lot of change in the coming years. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks joins the show to talk about the future of Prince George’s County, as well as her own. After protracted negotiations, there appears to finally be <a href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/08/25/virginia-budget-negotiators-a

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 th

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 Ko

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 come

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 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 <a href="https://dcist.com/story/

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 Pek

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 he

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

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 <a href="https://dcist.com/series/your-guide-to-northern-virginia-elect

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

New development along the Blue Line corridor could transform Prince George’s County in the coming years. We ask Prince George’s County Council Vice-Chair Wala Blegay about how she sees this playing out and her hoped-for vision for the future. Plus, Prince George’s County approved next year’s budget. Kojo and Tom talk with Vice-Chair Blegay about what’s in – and what’s out – of the $5.4 billion budget. And, with the Washington Commanders looking for a new home, what’s next for FedEx Field? After a months-long and sometimes contentious debate, the D.C. Council has passed a nearly $20 billion budget for next year. At-l

The Montgomery County Council passed next year’s budget, along with a nearly 5% property tax hike. Councilmember Kristin Mink will tell us why she thinks that isn’t high enough. Plus, how the county plans on supporting the school’s more than three billion dollar operating budget. Amazon is officially opening phase one of HQ2 next month. County Board Vice-Chair Libby Garvey joins Kojo and Tom to discuss the five-year journey to reach this point. And how would a possible shutdown due to the debt crisis affect Arlington? Plus, pickleball’s rising popularity has stirred up passion. We will ask the Vice-Chair how Arlington is providing more places to play while trying not to anger neighbors. Plus, WAMU transportation

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser testified before Congress on Tuesday about the city’s spiking crime rates. We talk with the Mayor about congressional interference, and her latest legislation to address public safety issues. Plus, members of Congress offered D.C. help with financial resources and hiring more federal prosecutors. Does she think the city will actually get it? The D.C. Council took a step toward approving the 2024 budget this week and reversed many of the Mayor’s proposals. The Mayor’s budget called for funding a remake of K Street with dedicated bus lanes and

Homelessness rose across the region from January 2022 through January 2023. We talk with WAMU reporter Morgan Baskin about the latest point-in-time count, and how local leaders are addressing the issue. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted a budget this week that will lower property tax rates for residents. But with rising real estate values, homeowners are still expected to see an annual increase in tax bills. Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D) joins Kojo and Tom to talk about the budget, which also includes a pay boost for supervisors and county employees. And does he have any endorsements to make in <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/05/05/meet-the-candidates-running-for-the-fairfax-board-of-supervisors/" rel="nofo

Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland announced this week he won’t be seeking reelection in 2024, marking the end of a political career spanning more than half a century. The senator joins our show to talk about the issues he’s championed over the years, like the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the Equal Rights Amendment. Days after Cardin’s announcement, notable Maryland Democrats are already jockeying for his open seat. Mileah Kromer of Goucher College gives us context on what to expect in the 2024 senate race. Plus, a new Goucher College / Baltimore Banner poll tells us how Marylanders think Gov. Wes Moore is doing. And early

There's not a lot of undeveloped land in D.C. But the need for more housing -- particularly affordable housing -- remains a top priority for lawmakers. We talk with D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) about her new idea to help D.C. create and retains its housing. And we ask Nadeau to weigh in on D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee's retirement announcement. Former Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart now sits on the Montgomery County Council, where lawmakers are considering duelling rent stabilization bills. Where does Stewart stand on the two proposals? Plus, we ask about public safety and the latest developments <a href="https://www.washingt

Harry Belafonte – a singer, songwriter, and activist – died this week of congestive heart failure. He was 96. Belafonte joined The Kojo Nnamdi Show in 2011, following the release of his memoir, “My Song.” He and Kojo talked about his music, the people and experiences that shaped him, and his role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Today, we bring you that conversation. Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow" t

Virginia primary season is well underway. And one trend we're seeing: Many progressive commonwealth's attorneys in Northern Virginia are being challenged by more moderate candidates. Kojo and Tom sit down with the Democratic candidates for Fairfax County commonwealth's attorney. Steve Descano was elected four years ago as a progressive reform candidate. Did his campaign promises turn into action? Attorney Ed Nuttall hasn't been happy with Descano's performance in office. What would he do differently as the top law enforcement officer in the county? Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follo

Lawmakers in Annapolis adjourned this week after passing a slew of substantial bills, including setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace and eliminating the statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits. Maryland House Majority Leader Marc Korman (D-Montgomery) joins the program to discuss what passed this year --- and any priorities that were left behind. Then, D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) makes his Politics Hour debut. We ask about his first months in office, and where he stands on the controversial plan to create bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue. Plus, we talk about his bill that would limit the amount that <a href="https://dcist.co

D.C. and Virginia legalized recreational marijuana, and starting this summer, Maryland will follow suit. But it’s still not possible to buy pot at a retail shop (aside from medical marijuana, which is legal in all three jurisdictions). Maryland will be the first to try to set up a recreational marijuana marketplace, where it’s under pressure to do so by July when legalization kicks in. In D.C., it’s a different story. Recreational marijuana use has been legal since 2015. And while District lawmakers have tried to create a recreational market, Congress has prevented those efforts. Some stores have created a workaround by “gifting” cannabis to customers – a practice that’s in a legal gray area. For this Kojo In Our Community call-in show, we get into the weeds about setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace. We’ll put the spotlight on Maryland, where lawmakers are rushing to set up the framework for regulating and taxing the industry as early as this summer.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb joins Kojo and Tom for his Politics Hour debut. Schwalb talks about his approach to public safety and how he's tackling discrimination against people with housing vouchers. Plus, we ask whether or not Schwalb is pursuing a pair of lawsuits against the Washington Commanders, which were first filed by former Attorney General Karl Racine. After a weeks-long manhunt, the onetime chief of staff to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was killed in an FBI-involved shooting. The details surrounding Roy McGr

In a hearing this week, U.S. House Republicans grilled D.C. officials on crime and police reform. We talk with D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), one of the officials called to testify, about the hearing and what happens next. Plus, we'll ask Allen what he thinks of the mayor's budget, and if District residents can still expect free Metrobus rides as early as this summer. Then, Majority Whip of the Maryland House of Delegates Jazz Lewis (D-Prince George's County) gives us the view from Annapolis. Lawmakers are rushing to <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/03/29/bills-cr

Late last week, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio resigned. This week, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she is investigating Falcicchio, her longtime adviser, for sexual harassment. WAMU/DCist reporter Martin Austermuhle gives us the context. Plus, we talk about next week’s congressional hearing on D.C. crime. A new investigation from WAMU/DCist’s Morgan Baskin finds that local real estate companies are taking advantage of D.C.’s Housing Choice Voucher program. The strategy: purchasing rent-stabilized buildings, buying out

The Arlington County Board is going to vote on an updated housing plan to expand what was previously called “Missing Middle” housing. The plan has been contentious, with fierce arguments on both sides. WAMU Northern Virginia Reporter Margaret Barthel joins The Politics Hour to discuss the upcoming vote and what exactly the board is voting on. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) released his proposed budget, including a property tax increase. Marc Elrich joins Kojo and Tom to discuss his proposal, plus the future of the I-270 toll lane project, and the latest on the deadly <a

For the first time in three decades, Congress has voted to block local D.C. legislation. The law in question: a revision to the city’s century old criminal code. We sit down with D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) to talk about the politics at play, and what’s next. In Maryland, the toll road operator has pulled out of the project to expand the Beltway and I-270, leaving the future of the project uncertain. WAMU transportation reporter Jordan Pascale gives us an update. Then: Richmond is bracing for brain-drain, as a slew of veteran Virginia lawmakers announce <a href="https://www.washington

President Joe Biden said Thursday he would not veto a measure in Congress that would block D.C.’s criminal code overhaul from becoming law. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen join Kojo and Tom to discuss what it means for the bill and the District’s autonomy.  Prince George’s County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha talks about the recently passed rent stabilization bill,  traffic safety measures, and the arrest of College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn on fifty six counts of possession of child pornography.  Then we discuss the end of the Virginia General Assembly legislative session with State Senator Barbara Favola. What was accomplished, what got caught in gridlock, and what’s a “skinny budget?”   Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/polit

Anacostia and Ward 8 D.C. have always been artistically rich. But the wealth in creativity hasn’t always been matched by resources. In this hour, Kojo Nnamdi talks with artists, officials, and community members about the art scene, arts education, and the intersection of arts and gentrification. Plus, we hear about a new effort to boost the local arts scene: A nearly $4 million grant to the area to create an Anacostia Arts District. This broadcast is an edited version of a live Kojo In Our Community event that took place on February 28, 2023 at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1" rel="nofollow"

Recently, the D.C. Council held their annual oversight hearing for WMATA. Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joins Kojo and Tom to talk about what happened. We also get the latest on everything from new improvement announcements to more about the safety concerns facing Metro. Maryland State Sen. Will Smith (D) talks about his reservations over Governor Wes Moore’s nominee for the Public Service commission, as well as all the issues up for debate during this legislative session, including setting up a recreational marijuana market, allowing Montgomery County to use ranked choice voting, and protection for abortion rights. Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo

This week, the National Park Service cleared out the homeless encampment at McPherson Square, the largest encampment in the District. This happened two months earlier than scheduled because of a request from D.C. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage. We talk with Turnage about the clearing, and pushback from unhoused residents and advocates. Then, we talk with D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At Large), who chairs the Housing Committee on the council. What's his response to the clearing, and what's the council's role in connecting unhoused residents with resources? Plus, we ask White about what he thinks about the mayor's D.C. Public Schools budget. Then, we talk about what's happening in Richmond, where la

Maryland's Board of Public Works approved $400 million for Prince George's County "Blue Line Corridor," a major development project that could include a new Commanders stadium. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) joins Kojo and Tom to talk about what's next for the project. Plus, we talk about her serving on Gov. Wes Moore's (D) transition team, and what's ahead for the county this year. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors put off a vote on data center zoni