The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi
WAMU 88.5Join 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.
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.
The Politics Hour: What this weekend’s big military parade means for local residents
The District is preparing for the military parade celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and falls on President Trump's 79th birthday. The procession features thousands of soldiers and 70-ton tanks and will require roads to close around the city as well as DCA airport. City officials are worried about what all of this heavy machinery could mean for local streets and infrastructure. At-Large D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson joined the show to weigh in.
Plus, she discussed the Council wanting more time to approve the RFK stadium deal. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser included a billion dollars for a new Washington Commanders football stadium in her proposed budget, which she unveiled late last month. The Mayor has said the Council needs to approve the deal and the budget by July 15, or the city risks the team backing out.
But some councilmembers, including Henderson, wants to deal with RFK stadium separately. She said six weeks isn't enough time to review the complex deal.
"We need the opportunity to do due diligence. And what I would say to the Commanders, if they're listening, is that I would say the vast majority of my colleagues have not said no," Henderson said, "And it is in your best interest that we get this right."
Last week, Prince George's County elected Aisha Braveboy in a special election for county executive. The county's former State's Attorney got behind the mic to discuss her top priorities, including the need to unify the county government. She said she’s in alignment with the council and has an excellent relationship with the school board. Another focus of her administration will be getting local government agencies on the same page, especially when it comes to telework policies.
"You know, it's very different from agency to agency, which I think creates a morale issue. It also creates a productivity issue," Braveboy said. "And I want people to be more oriented to come into the office to work collaboratively with their colleagues and also serve the public a little bit more efficiently."
Plus, Braveboy discussed the resignation of Prince George's County Schools Superintendent Millard House and her naming Shawn Joseph as the interim as a nationwide search gets under way.
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