• The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

  • By: WAMU 88.5
  • Podcast
The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi  By  cover art

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

By: WAMU 88.5
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © 2021 WAMU
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Will the District raise taxes to avoid budget cuts?
    May 31 2024

    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/donate

    Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

    Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

    Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Data center fight intensifies in Loudoun County; D.C. primary day nears
    May 24 2024

    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/donate

    Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

    Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

    Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks on her big primary win; D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen talks bike lanes and crime
    May 17 2024

    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/donate

    Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

    Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

    Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

    Show more Show less
    50 mins

What listeners say about The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.