The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

WAMU 88.5

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.

8hr 16min

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on the RFK stadium deal".

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on how a nearly $4 billion stadium deal with the Washington Commanders came together. Plus, what do congressionally-mandated budget cuts mean for city residents?

May 2, 202549min 33sec47.58 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Democratic nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi on her primary win".

State Senator Ghazala Hashmi on what her win means for Northern Virginia residents. Plus, WAMU's Margaret Barthel breaks down the primary results and what's next in Virginia. Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen talks budget and public safety legislation.

June 20, 202548min 41sec46.74 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: What this weekend’s big military parade means for local residents".

At-Large D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson on this weekend's military parade, and Prince George's new County Executive Aisha Braveboy shares her top priorities.

June 13, 202549min 40sec47.7 MB

Thumbnail for "D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser breaks down her proposed $22 billion budget".

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joins us to discuss the tough choices ahead for the city, why she's betting big on sports, and an update on preparations for President Trump's military parade.

June 6, 202549min 27sec47.48 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: How local leaders hope to navigate tough economic times ahead".

Maryland State Del. Marc Korman weighs in on funding Metro long-term. Plus, WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics Reporter Alex Koma and D.C. Policy Center Executive Director Yesim Sayin dig into D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's proposed budget.

May 30, 202550min 27sec72.68 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Remembering Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, and D.C. prepares for a military parade".

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis remembers Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly. Plus, Virginia State Sen. Dave Marsden reflects on Rep. Connolly’s legacy in Fairfax County, and Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker weighs in on the RFK stadium deal.

May 23, 202550min 29sec72.6 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes".

Loudoun County Board Vice Chair Michael Turner talks data centers and Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart breaks down funding schools without a tax hike. Plus, we preview Virginia's primaries.

May 16, 202549min 14sec70.81 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: What’s next for Prince George’s County if the Washington Commanders leave?".

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on the renewed fight over D.C.'s tipped minimum wage and the deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to the District. Prince George's County Council Chair Edward Burroughs on what's next for the county if the Washington Commanders depart its home of the last three decades.

May 9, 202549min 4sec47.11 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on the $3 billion deal for a new D.C. football stadium".

D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on public financing for a new football stadium. Plus, Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando on the Supreme Court case that would allow families to opt their kids out of lessons involving LGBTQ-themed books.

April 25, 202550min 30sec48.48 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Metro General Manager Randy Clarke lays out Metro’s future".

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke discusses Metro’s future, ridership, federal oversight, and safety concerns over automated trains. Plus, NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves breaks down the reported deal between D.C. and the Washington Commanders to build a new stadium at the RFK site.

April 18, 202549min 16sec47.3 MB

The Politics Hour: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on the RFK stadium deal

May 2, 202549min 33sec

On Monday, the District announced the city had struck a nearly $4 billion deal with the Washington Commanders to build a new football stadium and a massive mixed-use development at the old RFK site. The city is chipping in about $1 billion in infrastructure improvements to the site, including two parking facilities. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the show to share how the agreement came together and why she thinks it's a good deal for the District. The deal still needs approval from the D.C. Council; we asked how she plans to sell the idea to skeptical lawmakers.

Mayor Bowser said this would be the largest private investment in the city's history. “The square footage there is equivalent to four Wharfs," the Mayor said. "So, imagine making that area vibrant with activity for a sports district, an entertainment district, housing, hotels, and jobs for D.C. residents.”

Mayor Bowser said she’s been briefing the Council and has asked them to approve the deal by July 15th.

It's becoming increasingly unlikely the U.S. House will vote to fix their own error --one which prevents the District from using its own revenue to finish out the 2025 budget year. The lack of action will force the city to cut hundreds of millions of dollars over the next several months. We asked the mayor how she's grappling with this needless crisis . Plus, we asked about her 2026 budget.

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