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WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station for NPR news and information in the greater Washington DC area.
Congress has once again caused budget chaos in D.C., blocking a set of tax reforms and blowing a $600 million hole in the city's budget. Here's what local leaders are doing to respond.
With Congress blocking D.C.’s tax reforms, leaders scramble to solve another fiscal crisis
The city stands to lose more than $600 million in revenue in the coming years, prompting discussions about legal action or other measures to fill the hole blown in the D.C. budget.
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February 17, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Congress has once again caused budget chaos in D.C., blocking a set of tax reforms and blowing a $600 million hole in the city's budget. Here's what local leaders are doing to respond.
Across the region, today may just be a regular Tuesday, but in New Orleans it’s Mardi Gras! Otherwise known as “Fat Tuesday”, the annual celebration marks the last day before Lent on the Catholic calendar.
February 17, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Across the region, today may just be a regular Tuesday, but in New Orleans it’s Mardi Gras! Otherwise known as “Fat Tuesday”, the annual celebration marks the last day before Lent on the Catholic calendar.
In the latest installment of the WAMU series Hidden City, we play a round of putt-putt and discover what’s next for the country’s oldest continuously operated mini golf course.
The country's oldest mini golf course may soon see its final putt
In the latest installment of the WAMU series Hidden City, we play a round of putt-putt and discover what's next for the country's oldest continuously operated mini golf course.
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February 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
In the latest installment of the WAMU series Hidden City, we play a round of putt-putt and discover what’s next for the country’s oldest continuously operated mini golf course.
D.C.'s mayoral race is shaping up to be a bruising battle between Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. A fourth-month sprint to the primary will decide the city's first open-seat race in decades. buff.ly/RNXZYtW
February 13, 2026 at 7:59 PM
D.C.'s mayoral race is shaping up to be a bruising battle between Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. A fourth-month sprint to the primary will decide the city's first open-seat race in decades. buff.ly/RNXZYtW
Three elected seats in Prince George’s County just changed hands, without an election. Here’s what happened and why it matters to you.
How a cascade of appointments reshuffled the Prince George's County council
Political appointments are intended to quickly fill vacancies in the final year of a term. But some say the process favors insiders and needs to change.
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February 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Three elected seats in Prince George’s County just changed hands, without an election. Here’s what happened and why it matters to you.
On the Politics Hour, Rep. April McClain Delaney says she’s fighting against DHS opening an ICE detention facility in her MD district.
“It’s not about immigration and safety... It’s about chaos, terror, and bending to the will of this administration.”
“It’s not about immigration and safety... It’s about chaos, terror, and bending to the will of this administration.”
February 13, 2026 at 5:54 PM
On the Politics Hour, Rep. April McClain Delaney says she’s fighting against DHS opening an ICE detention facility in her MD district.
“It’s not about immigration and safety... It’s about chaos, terror, and bending to the will of this administration.”
“It’s not about immigration and safety... It’s about chaos, terror, and bending to the will of this administration.”
Councilmember Parker said the Council was not necessarily opposed to adopting new federal tax policies, such as eliminating the tax on tips. "We were hoping to revisit in the budget process."
February 13, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Councilmember Parker said the Council was not necessarily opposed to adopting new federal tax policies, such as eliminating the tax on tips. "We were hoping to revisit in the budget process."
On the Politics Hour, Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker says the U.S. Senate voting to block the District's tax code changes is “yet again this Congress working to undermine our local autonomy.”
February 13, 2026 at 5:29 PM
On the Politics Hour, Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker says the U.S. Senate voting to block the District's tax code changes is “yet again this Congress working to undermine our local autonomy.”
VPM's Jahd Khalil is giving us the latest update on redistricting: The Virginia Supreme Court ruled this morning that the statewide referendum can move forward on April 21... though it's possible the Supreme Court's eventual ruling could render the referendum moot.
February 13, 2026 at 5:11 PM
VPM's Jahd Khalil is giving us the latest update on redistricting: The Virginia Supreme Court ruled this morning that the statewide referendum can move forward on April 21... though it's possible the Supreme Court's eventual ruling could render the referendum moot.
We are now live on The Politics Hour with VPM News State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil with the latest on Virginia redistricting.
Then, we speak with Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker and MD Rep. April McClain Delaney
Then, we speak with Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker and MD Rep. April McClain Delaney
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.
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February 13, 2026 at 5:08 PM
We are now live on The Politics Hour with VPM News State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil with the latest on Virginia redistricting.
Then, we speak with Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker and MD Rep. April McClain Delaney
Then, we speak with Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker and MD Rep. April McClain Delaney
This week on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, a U.S. Senate vote this week could change DC’s tax code and create tax season chaos for District residents. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker explains.
February 12, 2026 at 10:19 PM
This week on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, a U.S. Senate vote this week could change DC’s tax code and create tax season chaos for District residents. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker explains.
Weeks after a major winter storm hit D.C., layers of snow and ice are still covering sidewalks and roads. That's made it especially challenging and unsafe for residents with disabilities to move around the city.
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February 11, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Weeks after a major winter storm hit D.C., layers of snow and ice are still covering sidewalks and roads. That's made it especially challenging and unsafe for residents with disabilities to move around the city.
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Large crowds gathered today in DC today to welcome a group of Buddhist monks as they ended their 15-week long walk for peace.The monks. along with their dog Aloka, started their journey in October. Today they stopped for a public event at American University before walking to the National Cathedral.
February 10, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Large crowds gathered today in DC today to welcome a group of Buddhist monks as they ended their 15-week long walk for peace.The monks. along with their dog Aloka, started their journey in October. Today they stopped for a public event at American University before walking to the National Cathedral.
The Washington Post cut nearly all of its sports writers last week.
Steven Goff spent over 30 years covering soccer for the Post. He joined WAMU the day after the layoffs to explain what they mean for coverage of local sports teams in D.C. and the future of sports journalism buff.ly/axsd63M
Steven Goff spent over 30 years covering soccer for the Post. He joined WAMU the day after the layoffs to explain what they mean for coverage of local sports teams in D.C. and the future of sports journalism buff.ly/axsd63M
'It's all gone': Veteran Washington Post sports reporter on what sports section layoffs means for the D.C. region
Veteran Washington Post sports reporter Steven Goff talks about what the cuts to the paper's sports coverage means for the D.C. region and for the future of sports journalism.
wamu.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The Washington Post cut nearly all of its sports writers last week.
Steven Goff spent over 30 years covering soccer for the Post. He joined WAMU the day after the layoffs to explain what they mean for coverage of local sports teams in D.C. and the future of sports journalism buff.ly/axsd63M
Steven Goff spent over 30 years covering soccer for the Post. He joined WAMU the day after the layoffs to explain what they mean for coverage of local sports teams in D.C. and the future of sports journalism buff.ly/axsd63M
In Wards 7 and 8, most students go to public school – but a small number have the opportunity to attend the Washington School for Girls, an independent catholic school that offers full scholarships to its students. This year, with a new campus, the girls are looking forward to a new chapter.
February 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM
In Wards 7 and 8, most students go to public school – but a small number have the opportunity to attend the Washington School for Girls, an independent catholic school that offers full scholarships to its students. This year, with a new campus, the girls are looking forward to a new chapter.
Figure skater Ilia Malinin is more than an athlete. The two-time reigning world champion also says he’s an artist.
He gained the nickname “the Quad God” after he became the first person to land a quadruple axel in competition - and now he's chasing a gold medal for Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
He gained the nickname “the Quad God” after he became the first person to land a quadruple axel in competition - and now he's chasing a gold medal for Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
February 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Figure skater Ilia Malinin is more than an athlete. The two-time reigning world champion also says he’s an artist.
He gained the nickname “the Quad God” after he became the first person to land a quadruple axel in competition - and now he's chasing a gold medal for Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
He gained the nickname “the Quad God” after he became the first person to land a quadruple axel in competition - and now he's chasing a gold medal for Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
Asked abt state bill to ban local cooperation w/ fed. immigration agents, Prince George's County Executive Braveboy described county's relationship w/ ICE
"If there are individuals who have ICE detainers in our county jails, we notify ICE because people who commit crimes don't deserve to be here."
"If there are individuals who have ICE detainers in our county jails, we notify ICE because people who commit crimes don't deserve to be here."
February 6, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Asked abt state bill to ban local cooperation w/ fed. immigration agents, Prince George's County Executive Braveboy described county's relationship w/ ICE
"If there are individuals who have ICE detainers in our county jails, we notify ICE because people who commit crimes don't deserve to be here."
"If there are individuals who have ICE detainers in our county jails, we notify ICE because people who commit crimes don't deserve to be here."
Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen, now on the Politics Hour, says he’s devastated by the huge staff cuts at the Washington Post.
“The reporters there hold me accountable and our city government accountable... they might as well take off ‘Democracy Dies in the Darkness’ off the masthead.”
“The reporters there hold me accountable and our city government accountable... they might as well take off ‘Democracy Dies in the Darkness’ off the masthead.”
February 6, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen, now on the Politics Hour, says he’s devastated by the huge staff cuts at the Washington Post.
“The reporters there hold me accountable and our city government accountable... they might as well take off ‘Democracy Dies in the Darkness’ off the masthead.”
“The reporters there hold me accountable and our city government accountable... they might as well take off ‘Democracy Dies in the Darkness’ off the masthead.”
We are now live on the Politics Hour with Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Later, we will be joined by Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen. Call in with your questions to 800-433-8850!
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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...
wamu.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:10 PM
We are now live on the Politics Hour with Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Later, we will be joined by Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen. Call in with your questions to 800-433-8850!
buff.ly/P98VZbJ
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Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy talks redistricting, winter storm clean-up, the Sphere coming to National Harbor, and the upheaval in the county council.
February 6, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy talks redistricting, winter storm clean-up, the Sphere coming to National Harbor, and the upheaval in the county council.
Hundreds of people rallied in support of Washington Post workers today and to protest sweeping layoffs at the paper. The Post fired more than 300 employees Wednesday, equal to about 30 percent of the entire newsroom.
February 5, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Hundreds of people rallied in support of Washington Post workers today and to protest sweeping layoffs at the paper. The Post fired more than 300 employees Wednesday, equal to about 30 percent of the entire newsroom.
Metro GM Randy Clarke acknowledges that the presence of the National Guard in Metro stations has contributed to a recent drop in crime in the system.
"We appreciate big time the eyes and ears [the National Guard] brings to the system."
"We appreciate big time the eyes and ears [the National Guard] brings to the system."
January 30, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Metro GM Randy Clarke acknowledges that the presence of the National Guard in Metro stations has contributed to a recent drop in crime in the system.
"We appreciate big time the eyes and ears [the National Guard] brings to the system."
"We appreciate big time the eyes and ears [the National Guard] brings to the system."
Metro GM Randy Clarke says Metro is not responsible for clearing bus stops, but understands the frustrations & is partnering with localities to get them cleared.
"We are prioritizing stops near hospitals, grocery stores, and senior centers... It's a big effort, and everyone is working really hard."
"We are prioritizing stops near hospitals, grocery stores, and senior centers... It's a big effort, and everyone is working really hard."
January 30, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Metro GM Randy Clarke says Metro is not responsible for clearing bus stops, but understands the frustrations & is partnering with localities to get them cleared.
"We are prioritizing stops near hospitals, grocery stores, and senior centers... It's a big effort, and everyone is working really hard."
"We are prioritizing stops near hospitals, grocery stores, and senior centers... It's a big effort, and everyone is working really hard."
Metro GM Randy Clarke just confirmed on The Politics Hour that he is NOT be running for D.C. Mayor this year.
"I'm humbled by it. But I'm honored and proud to be WMATA general manager... if you put your heart into it, you can do a lot for [in this job]."
"I'm humbled by it. But I'm honored and proud to be WMATA general manager... if you put your heart into it, you can do a lot for [in this job]."
January 30, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Metro GM Randy Clarke just confirmed on The Politics Hour that he is NOT be running for D.C. Mayor this year.
"I'm humbled by it. But I'm honored and proud to be WMATA general manager... if you put your heart into it, you can do a lot for [in this job]."
"I'm humbled by it. But I'm honored and proud to be WMATA general manager... if you put your heart into it, you can do a lot for [in this job]."
We are now live on The Politics Hour with Metro GM Randy Clarke! Call in live to 800-433-8850 with your questions!
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.
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January 30, 2026 at 5:08 PM
We are now live on The Politics Hour with Metro GM Randy Clarke! Call in live to 800-433-8850 with your questions!