The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

WAMU 88.5
  • 4.8 (42)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

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

    Members of the local congressional delegation are strongly criticizing President Trump's decision to enter into a war with Iran. Iraqi war veteran and U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman joined the show from the U.S. Capitol to discuss why he thinks the military strikes were illegal and what might be next. Plus, Rep. Vindman weighed in on Virginia redistricting as early voting gets underway. The D.C. Council passed two bills this week aimed at increasing transparency around MPD's cooperation with federal immigration agencies. At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson got behind the mic to talk about the legislation and why the bills are necessary, despite objections from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. She also discussed her efforts to raise taxes on "flushable" wipes. Henderson introduced the bill following an incident in which wipes clogged pumps used to mitigate a sewage spill in the Potomac. It may say flushable on your package, and, sure, it may get down the drain in that immediate, but we know that it is causing backups, not just in the D.C water utility system, but in folks' homes and apartment buildings," she said. The tax revenue generated by the bill would go toward sewer maintenance and repair by D.C. Water. As a potential alternative to the wipes, Henderson's bill also offers a sales tax break on bidets Arlington County is facing major budget challenges that could lead the County Board to raise taxes. Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti sat down with Kojo and Tom to discuss how the board plans to navigate a nearly $40 million budget gap, including possibly eliminating a popular youth gymnastics program and saving the county nearly $1 million. But some residents are pushing back, saying the program serves thousands of kids. Board Chair de Ferranti said the county needs to make tough budget choices. "We have to be looking at all the services that might not be core services or might not be serving the most vulnerable," he said. De Ferranti said the board is considering other options for the program, like changing fees and focusing on serving kids with special needs. Plus, Board Chair de Ferranti talked about how leaders are preparing for a potential surge in federal immigration enforcement in the county. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    51 min

  2. FEB 27

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

    Virginia state lawmakers are considering eliminating a billion-dollar data center tax break to help balance the budget. This comes as local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, continue to debate restrictions amid plans for more data centers.  Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who sits on the senate finance committee and represents Fairfax County, joined the show from Richmond to discuss lawmakers' latest proposal. Plus, she explained her opposition to Fairfax County casino legislation, which is currently moving through the Virginia House of Delegates. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a legal opinion this week Congress missed its deadline to block D.C.'s tax code changes, meaning the District can move forward with its current rates. The Attorney General's legal opinion could set up a dramatic confrontation between Congress and the city over its ability to self-govern. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma broke down what's going on and what could happen next. Plus, Alex gives us the latest on the wild election season in the District, including races for Mayor and for two at-large council seats. Prince George's County leaders are pushing legislation to prevent the federal government from placing a detention facility in the county. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning a detention center in Hyattsville. Prince George's County Chair Krystal Oriadha joined the show to discuss what authority the county has to stop the federal facility. Plus, what does a slew of appointments on the Prince George's County Council mean for its future? Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  3. FEB 20

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

    D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser this week declared the Potomac River sewage spill a public emergency while also requesting federal help and money for cleanup. It's the latest move in a local disaster that has turned political. NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves joined Kojo and Tom to break down what exactly happened, how local officials are trying to manage the crisis, and what comes next. The data center debate has come to Montgomery County. Elected officials in recent weeks have taken competing stances on the best way to manage data center growth, including a proposal to restrict them to industrial areas. Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcomb represents the area around one controversial project. She got behind the mic to discuss why it's important for the county to limit where developers can build data centers, but still believes they have a place in the county. Balcombe said the county needs to think about data centers as a source of tax revenue. The county currently has four data centers, with a fifth being built in her district.  “Roughly $10 million per year per data center. So, if we have five data centers, that would be $50 million, she said. "That's a lot of money when we think about how to balance our budget." A public hearing for the proposed zoning amendment is scheduled for Tuesday.  The Virginia General Assembly session hit its midpoint this week, known as "Crossover Day," with approved bills moving forward to the other chamber. Virginia House Delegate Adele McClure, who represents Arlington County, joined us from Richmond to break down the docket and her priorities as the session moves into its final weeks. Plus, we discussed the latest court ruling halting Virginia's redistricting referendum. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    51 min

  4. FEB 13

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

    The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill to block D.C. from uncoupling the city's tax code from the federal code. It's a move that will cost the District nearly $700 million in revenue and will almost certainly lead the city to ax the first-of-its-kind local child tax credit. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker joined the show to discuss what Congress's interference means for the District. Parker said the change could also create tax season chaos. 360,000 District residents file personal income returns. The tax code shift might force the city to push back its tax filing deadline to the fall. "We don't fully have a picture of what that might mean, but it would certainly impact not only our cash on hand, but how we deal with tax season," he said. Parker also noted the Council is exploring its legal options. Plus, he talked about the Potomac River sewage spill, which now may be the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history. Virginia Democrats approved new congressional maps this week that could give the party a 10-to-1 seat advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Several steps remain before the maps could take effect, including a statewide referendum on April 21. VPM State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil joined us from Richmond to break down the news that the Virginia Supreme Court will allow the referendum to proceed. Rep. April McClain Delaney, who represents a portion of Montgomery County and western Maryland, introduced legislation this week to block the opening of an ICE facility in her district. She joined the show to explain why she's pushing against it, despite local officials voting in favor of bringing the facility to the county. Delaney said she spoke directly to John Barr, president of the county commission, about the planned detention center. "I said, "Listen, I've been in Minnesota at a field hearing and have seen the horrific state of what is happening there. I was at the Baltimore ICE facility.'... It’s unconstitutional, and I think a violation of human rights," she said. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  5. FEB 6

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

    Last month's winter storm continues to pose challenges for counties and cities across the region. In Prince George's County, some side streets are still snow- and ice-covered, and schools only reopened on Wednesday of this week. Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy joined Kojo and Tom to explain why the county is struggling with cleanup. Plus, we asked County Executive Braveboy why she supports some Maryland lawmakers' efforts to redraw Congressional maps. The bill allows Democrats to re-work the congressional map in their favor, with the goal of ousting the state’s lone Republican representative. \But the legislation is expected to stall in the state Senate, where Democratic leadership says it’s political and legally risky. County Executive Aisha Braveboy said she supports redistricting because of the outsized effect it could have on her county. “Politics, unfortunately, and especially at the federal level, really impacts Maryland disproportionately," she said. "We have about 65,000 federal workers in Prince George’s County. About 5,000 of them have lost their jobs over the past few months." She said the bill should receive an up-or-down vote since state delegates and Governor Wes Moore favor the new maps. The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to block D.C.'s tax plan, which, if approved by the Senate, would cost D.C. $600 million in revenue. Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen got behind the mic to explain why this would be a significant blow to the District's budget. If the District is forced to mirror federal tax cuts at the local level, it could cost the city $600 million in revenue. Beyond blowing a hole in the city’s budget, it also could lead to a massive administrative headache. Federal taxes would still be due in the spring, but the local filing deadline would be pushed to account for the change. “Every single person, every business, and every resident in the district will now have their entire tax filing upended by six or eight months," said Allen. "You're gonna be filing your taxes for D.C. in the fall. It's a mess." A vote in the Senate on the measure is expected in the coming weeks. Plus, we discussed the significant layoffs at the Washington Post this week. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    49 min

  6. JAN 30

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

    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. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    49 min

  7. JAN 23

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

    Maryland Governor Wes Moore is pitching a plan to close the state's $1.4 billion budget without tax hikes. Instead, he's proposing spending cuts, budget shifts, and drawing from a clean energy fund. The governor joined the show to break down his budget proposal. Plus, what's next in the redistricting battle. Maryland House Democrats introduced a bill Friday that would redraw the state’s eight congressional districts. The changes could give Democrats the ability to flip Maryland’s lone Republican District. This comes only days after the state’s redistricting commission recommended a "concept map" favoring Democrats in Congress. Governor Moore said Maryland can’t sit on their hands while President Trump pushes for redistricting in other states, like Texas. "This is going to end up being essentially the largest attack on black political leadership that we have seen in generations inside of this country," he said. However, Moore faces opposition in his own party. Senate President Bill Ferguson has so far opposed mid-cycle redistricting. But Moore's not deterred. "Bill Ferguson is one vote, and Democracy doesn’t stop because of one person," he said. The House is expected to vote on the bill next week. If passed, it would then head to the Senate for a vote. The D.C. Council this week selected Doni Crawford to take former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie's job on the council. The former McDuffie staffer and Ward 5 resident is somewhat of an unknown to the general public, though well-regarded in the Wilson Building for her experience in negotiating housing policy and budget matters. Councilmember Crawford got behind the mic to give us her stance on some of the city's biggest issues, including MPD's relationship with federal immigration agents and RFK Stadium.  New Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week pressed for legislation addressing affordability and signaled her support for redistricting in her first address to lawmakers. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel broke down Gov. Spanberger's first week in office. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  8. JAN 16

    The Politics Hour: Local officials grapple with the federal immigration crackdown

    Locals are protesting last week's fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, while officials wrestle with how to keep residents safe as the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown. In Montgomery County, elected leaders are proposing a law limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. County Executive Marc Elrich joined the show to discuss the Trust Act, and how the county is working to protect its most vulnerable residents. The Trust Act extends county services to all residents regardless of immigration status and prevents local police from working with federal immigration authorities in certain circumstances, including participating in federal immigration raids. County Executive Marc Elrich said that’s the extent of the county’s power. “If ICE was just generally saying they're gonna go into a workplace and they get into the workplace and they're going to pull out workers, we can't intervene," Elrich said. The county council expects to vote on the Trust Act within the next few months. Plus, we discuss Elrich's plans for funding county schools and federal cuts. A D.C. Council committee released a report saying District police have lost the public's trust by not being transparent about their continued cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chair Brooke Pinto is leading an effort to get clarity from interim police chief Jeff Carroll about MPD's relationship with ICE. Councilmember Pinto got behind the mic to discuss how the council is pressing District police. She said Chief Carroll's answers this week were “wholly inadequate."  "The public has a right to know which federal agents are here," Pinto said. "How many arrests have been made? How many immigration-related arrests have be made? What does that level of deployment response look like?" The MPD head will need to answer these questions at a public oversight hearing set for February 25th. We also ask her about the council's process for picking its next member and the 2026 election season. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  9. JAN 9

    The Politics Hour: Md. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Virginia Del. Vivian Watts

    Next week, Virginia's government shifts to Democratic control as the party takes over the Governor's mansion, the General Assembly, and the Attorney General's office. It gives the Democrats a rare opportunity to push through bold legislation, even as several longtime lawmakers depart. Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, got behind the mic to talk about top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including increasing the minimum wage, reproductive care access, and redistricting. Del. Watts, chair of the finance committee, also explained the need for Metro funding.  Last month, Maryland lawmakers made history by electing Prince George's County Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the state's new Speaker of the House. She's the first immigrant and Afro-Latina to take on the role. Challenges await her in Annapolis as Maryland faces a $1.5 billion dollar budget deficit, a record number of federal job losses, and a controversial redistricting debate. Speaker Peña-Melnyk joined the show to give us a preview of the upcoming legislative session and her plan for navigating the state through difficult times. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  10. 12/19/2025

    The Politics Hour: The year in local politics and what’s ahead in 2026

    Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha has a lot on her plate as she starts her one-year term. She’s looking to make child care more affordable, housing more obtainable, and the county safer. The council’s new leader will try to do all of this while navigating a growing budget gap. Chair Oriadha joined Kojo and Tom to discuss her priorities and whether data centers could be an answer to the county’s money challenges. 2025 was certainly an eventful year in national and local politics. We were joined for the last Politics Hour of the year by WAMU’s Regional Politics reporters Jenny Abamu, Margaret Barthel, and Alex Koma to talk about the year’s top stories and what’s ahead in 2026. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min
  • 10 Episodes

4.8
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

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.

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