The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi WAMU 88.5

After more than a month of early voting, the Virginia primary elections are finally here. The Washington Post’s Teo Armus broke down the biggest Northern Virginia races for us, including for Congress, Arlington County Board, and Alexandria City Mayor.Last month, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb introduced legislation aimed at revamping how D.C.’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services works. The Attorney General joined the show to discuss the bill, plus why D.C. is part of a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and how the Office of the Attorney is helping to enforce the STEER Act.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

D.C. residents went to the polls this week, and the city's most contested race proved to be close with only a few hundred votes separating the top three candidates. On Thursday night, the Associated Press finally called the Ward 7 race for ANC Commissioner Wendell Felder. D.C Board of Elections Executive Director Monica Evans took us behind the scenes of how the votes were tallied and counted. Plus, she explained the concern for safety at the polls as angry callers besiege D.C. elections for following a new law that allows non-citizens to vote.Then, Washington Post reporter Michael Brice-Saddler explained why status quo prevailed in the D.C. primary elections with the all of the incumbents emerging victorious.Earlier this week, Montgomery County school officials announced they will have to lay off teachers and other school staff if they are to close a $30 million deficit. Councilmember and Chair of the Education Committee Will Jawando got behind the mic to give his thoughts. Plus, how is the county preparing for future incidents of extreme weather?Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

Last week, in tight financial circumstances, the Prince George’s County Council approved its $5.6 billion budget, with an emphasis on public safety. Councilmember and chair of the public safety committee Wanika Fisher joins the show to walk us through the budget and explain why she is advocating hiring more law enforcement. Also, what the council can do to get more kids attending school?The D.C. Council gave its initial approval on Wednesday to a $21 billion budget calling for tax hikes that will help avoid some big cuts proposed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Chairman Phil Mendelson breaks down the tax increases, who they might impact, and his response to Bowser’s “significant concerns” about the proposed hikes. Plus, Mendelson discusses why the city looks to be finally deciding to end its sports betting monopoly and allow private sportsbooks to operate in the District as soon as this summer.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

D.C.'s primary day is coming up fast and there are a number of notable races. In Ward 8, two challengers are attempting to unseat incumbent Trayon White. Washington Informer reporter Sam P.K. Collins joined the show to break down the race, and gave us the latest on the Ward 7 and Ward 4 contests.After last week's primaries in Maryland, voters are turning their attention to November's general election. Neil Parrott - Republican nominee in Maryland's 6th Congressional District race - weighed in on his own primary win and what it will take to defeat the Democratic nominee April McClain Delaney later this year.The fight over data centers in Loudoun County is intensifying with Google's announcement last month it was investing a billion dollars into Northern Virginia infrastructure. Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Juli Briskman got behind the mic to give her thoughts on the data center deal. Plus, Loudoun County schools pulls back on a delayed school start plan.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

It was a big win for Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. She beat out three-term congressman David Trone, despite being significantly outspent. Now, she moves on to the general election, where she will take on the popular former Maryland governor, Republican Larry Hogan, in a race that’s already garnering national attention. Alsobrooks joins the show to discuss how she defied the odds, what she heard from voters on the campaign trail, and how she’s preparing for November’s face-off against Hogan.There were other important primary races in Maryland as well. Maryland Matters reporter Will Ford gets behind the mic to break down the results in several Congressional District elections, plus more insight into what propelled Alsobrooks to a win.Congress is once again intervening in D.C. affairs. On Wednesday, the U.S. House voted to restrict the D.C. Council from passing any legislation changing sentencing laws in the District. While the bill still needs to pass the Senate and the president has expressed opposition, it has city officials deeply concerned. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen discusses why he thinks the legislation is a bad idea. Plus, could bike lanes be back in the plans for Connecticut Avenue?Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

With the primary now only days away, polls show a very tight race for Maryland’s Senate seat. The election is capturing national attention as record spending continues to define the campaign for the Democratic nomination. Josh Kurtz of Maryland Matters told us why the stakes are high, how it’s become so close, and what we might see happen on Tuesday.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and state lawmakers reportedly agreed on a deal for a new state budget. It’s been a long road to this point, but deal was reached that won’t include any tax increases. Delegate Mark Sickles was involved in these talks and joined us on the show to break down the deal for us.

Early Wednesday morning, D.C. police cleared an encampment of protesters on George Washington University’s campus. This came just before a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing into the city’s refusal to clear the encampment earlier. With protests continuing, D.C. Councilmember Robert White got behind the mic to give his take.

Plus, D.C. reaches agrees on a settlement with two women who accused former mayoral aide John Falcicchio of sexual harassment.


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