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.

7hr 59min

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Winter storm clean-up and marking a year since the DCA plane crash".

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on getting the trains running again after a big winter storm and WAMU's Kayla Hewitt on the latest findings about what led to last year's DCA plane crash.

January 30, 202649min 19sec47.36 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay and 'Crossover Day' in Maryland".

Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay on Richmond voting to allow a Tysons casino. Plus, Maryland House Majority Whip Ashanti Martinez on the bills moving forward in the General Assembly.

March 27, 202639min 39sec38.07 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: VA State Sen. Scott Surovell on data center tax breaks and a Fairfax casino".

WAMU’s Alex Koma discusses the latest in D.C.’s big elections, including the mayoral race. And Virginia state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on the General Assembly failing to make a deal on the budget.

March 20, 202637min 57sec36.44 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: WAMU’s Montgomery County Executive candidate forum".

We were live from the Silver Spring Civic Building with Democratic candidates for Montgomery County Executive.

March 13, 202650min 32sec48.52 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Local reaction to Iran war; pushback on police cooperation with ICE".

U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman on why he believes the U.S. war with Iran is illegal. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson talks flushable wipes. And Arlington County's Matt de Ferranti on possible tax hikes.

March 6, 202650min 30sec72.61 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Virginia weighs ending data center tax breaks and Prince George’s aims to block ICE facility".

VA State Sen. Jennifer Boysko on eliminating data center tax breaks, WAMU’s Alex Koma on D.C.’s mayor and at-large races, and Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha discusses federal immigration detention centers.

February 27, 202650min 28sec48.46 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Latest on Potomac River sewage spill and Montgomery County's data center debate".

NBC 4's Mark Segraves updates us on the Potomac River sewage spill. Plus, Montgomery County Council's Marilyn Balcombe talks data centers and VA Del. Adele McClure on what will move forward as the General Assembly hits its midpoint.

February 20, 202650min 30sec72.61 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Redistricting update in Virginia and Maryland plus D.C.'s budget chaos".

Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker on a U.S. Senate move that could cause major budget and tax season headaches. Plus, MD Rep. April McClain Delaney and VPM's Jahd Khalil on the redistricting debate.

February 13, 202650min 28sec48.46 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy and D.C.’s Congress woes".

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy on winter storm cleanup challenges and county council upheaval. Plus, Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on the lastest Congressional interference in District affairs.

February 6, 202649min 27sec47.47 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: MD Governor Wes Moore and new D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford".

Maryland Governor Wes Moore on plans to close the state's budget gap. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford and WAMU's Margaret Barthel on the new Virginia governor's first week.

January 23, 202650min 28sec72.68 MB

The Politics Hour: Winter storm clean-up and marking a year since the DCA plane crash

January 30, 202649min 19sec

The D.C. area experienced one of its most significant winter storms in a decade, resulting in days of impassable roads, closed schools, and unshoveled bus stops. Criticism has mounted against local officials as they continue to struggle to get the region moving again.

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joined the show to discuss how Metro approaches storm cleanup, the challenges of returning to regular service, and what lessons can be learned. Plus, we asked about the ongoing debate over the best way to fund Metro and transit police's relationship with federal immigration agents.

A year ago this week, an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. WAMU's Kayla Hewitt joined the show to talk about her conversations with loved ones and first responders about that tragic day, which she did for a WAMU News special. Plus, Hewitt broke down the latest NTSB findings about what led to the crash and the steps lawmakers are taking to make DCA safer.

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