WAMU 88.5
@wamu.org
WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station for NPR news and information in the greater Washington DC area.
This week on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, we’re joined by Governor Wes Moore to discuss how he’ll tackle Maryland's massive budget shortfall and why he’s excited about the Sphere coming to Prince George's County.
January 22, 2026 at 7:32 PM
This week on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, we’re joined by Governor Wes Moore to discuss how he’ll tackle Maryland's massive budget shortfall and why he’s excited about the Sphere coming to Prince George's County.
A single mom with serious health challenges saw her benefits drop after federal cuts. She and her 10-year-old son recently went grocery shopping, aiming to stretch their shrinking monthly food budget. buff.ly/qzlOgJj
This mother and son survive on food assistance. Cuts to SNAP are making it harder
A single mom with serious health challenges saw her benefits drop after federal cuts. She and her 10-year-old son recently went grocery shopping, aiming to stretch their shrinking monthly food budget.
wamu.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:23 PM
A single mom with serious health challenges saw her benefits drop after federal cuts. She and her 10-year-old son recently went grocery shopping, aiming to stretch their shrinking monthly food budget. buff.ly/qzlOgJj
Hundreds gathered at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. for a rally and march on the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration. The crowd made their way to the White House and the Wilson Building before dispersing.
January 20, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Hundreds gathered at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. for a rally and march on the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration. The crowd made their way to the White House and the Wilson Building before dispersing.
Scenes from Richmond, Virginia on Saturday as hundreds gathered to view the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger as Virginia’s first female governor.
January 17, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Scenes from Richmond, Virginia on Saturday as hundreds gathered to view the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger as Virginia’s first female governor.
Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto sent a letter signed by the entire Council to MPD about their relationship with federal immigration agents.
The answers from Interim Police Chief Jeff Carrol were “wholly inadequate,” she says.
“We need to have answers from our local police department.”
The answers from Interim Police Chief Jeff Carrol were “wholly inadequate,” she says.
“We need to have answers from our local police department.”
January 16, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto sent a letter signed by the entire Council to MPD about their relationship with federal immigration agents.
The answers from Interim Police Chief Jeff Carrol were “wholly inadequate,” she says.
“We need to have answers from our local police department.”
The answers from Interim Police Chief Jeff Carrol were “wholly inadequate,” she says.
“We need to have answers from our local police department.”
County Executive Marc Elrich said he disagrees with recent Council efforts to get rid of single-family zoning.
“It’s wrong to go after single-family neighborhoods,” he said, especially since the county has zoned other areas to supply enough housing through 2050.
“It’s wrong to go after single-family neighborhoods,” he said, especially since the county has zoned other areas to supply enough housing through 2050.
January 16, 2026 at 5:36 PM
County Executive Marc Elrich said he disagrees with recent Council efforts to get rid of single-family zoning.
“It’s wrong to go after single-family neighborhoods,” he said, especially since the county has zoned other areas to supply enough housing through 2050.
“It’s wrong to go after single-family neighborhoods,” he said, especially since the county has zoned other areas to supply enough housing through 2050.
Montgomery County Executive Elrich says he supports a new law that would limit county police’s cooperation with ICE. But he acknowledges there are limits.
“We can’t block [immigration] raids. We don’t have the power.”
“We can’t block [immigration] raids. We don’t have the power.”
January 16, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Montgomery County Executive Elrich says he supports a new law that would limit county police’s cooperation with ICE. But he acknowledges there are limits.
“We can’t block [immigration] raids. We don’t have the power.”
“We can’t block [immigration] raids. We don’t have the power.”
We are now live on The Politics Hour with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto.
Tune in now to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions to 800-433-8850.
buff.ly/uxPmNdc
Tune in now to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions to 800-433-8850.
buff.ly/uxPmNdc
The Politics Hour: Local officials grapple with the federal immigration crackdown
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich discusses what federal cuts mean for county spending and Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on demanding answers from MPD about its relationship with ICE.
wamu.org
January 16, 2026 at 5:07 PM
We are now live on The Politics Hour with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto.
Tune in now to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions to 800-433-8850.
buff.ly/uxPmNdc
Tune in now to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions to 800-433-8850.
buff.ly/uxPmNdc
This Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, we're joined by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to discuss much-needed funding for school repairs.
January 15, 2026 at 10:47 PM
This Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, we're joined by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to discuss much-needed funding for school repairs.
Former at-large D-C councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is officially running for mayor. McDuffie made the announcement on social media this morning, touting his record in local politics over the last two decades.
January 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Former at-large D-C councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is officially running for mayor. McDuffie made the announcement on social media this morning, touting his record in local politics over the last two decades.
Governor Wes Moore says Maryland will face budget cuts in 2026. At the same time, he’s urging the state to remain ambitious about its long-term goals.
January 9, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Governor Wes Moore says Maryland will face budget cuts in 2026. At the same time, he’s urging the state to remain ambitious about its long-term goals.
Speaker Peña-Melnyk says she supports two bills, including one limiting how Maryland localities work with federal immigration agents and another banning masks on law enforcement officers, which she acknowledges may not be enforceable for federal agents.
January 9, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Speaker Peña-Melnyk says she supports two bills, including one limiting how Maryland localities work with federal immigration agents and another banning masks on law enforcement officers, which she acknowledges may not be enforceable for federal agents.
Maryland is facing a $1.5 billion budget deficit, but tax hikes are “not on the table,” says Speaker Peña-Melnyk.”
Lawmakers will have to make cuts. “We are going to have to do the work... we are going to figure it out.”
Lawmakers will have to make cuts. “We are going to have to do the work... we are going to figure it out.”
January 9, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Maryland is facing a $1.5 billion budget deficit, but tax hikes are “not on the table,” says Speaker Peña-Melnyk.”
Lawmakers will have to make cuts. “We are going to have to do the work... we are going to figure it out.”
Lawmakers will have to make cuts. “We are going to have to do the work... we are going to figure it out.”
Del. Watts said redistricting “unfortunately, has become a necessity.”
The constitutional amendment is written as a response to other states’ redistricting efforts. “We didn’t start this fight.”
The constitutional amendment is written as a response to other states’ redistricting efforts. “We didn’t start this fight.”
January 9, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Del. Watts said redistricting “unfortunately, has become a necessity.”
The constitutional amendment is written as a response to other states’ redistricting efforts. “We didn’t start this fight.”
The constitutional amendment is written as a response to other states’ redistricting efforts. “We didn’t start this fight.”
Virginia House Delegate Vivian Watts says this upcoming legislative session can be summed up in one word: Affordability. She says that's what the General Assembly will focus on in Richmond.
January 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Virginia House Delegate Vivian Watts says this upcoming legislative session can be summed up in one word: Affordability. She says that's what the General Assembly will focus on in Richmond.
We are back for the first Politics Hour of 2026! We are joined by Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, and Maryland's new House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk .
Tune in to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions at 800-433-8850!
buff.ly/tc4sKQE
Tune in to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions at 800-433-8850!
buff.ly/tc4sKQE
The Politics Hour: Md. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Virginia Del. Vivian Watts
Maryland's new Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-Melnyk talks federal job losses and the budget crisis. Plus, Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate Vivian Watts on redistricting.
wamu.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:08 PM
We are back for the first Politics Hour of 2026! We are joined by Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, and Maryland's new House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk .
Tune in to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions at 800-433-8850!
buff.ly/tc4sKQE
Tune in to WAMU 88.5 and call in with questions at 800-433-8850!
buff.ly/tc4sKQE
The Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, Maryland's new Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-Melnyk discusses federal job losses and the budget crisis.
January 8, 2026 at 10:09 PM
The Friday on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, Maryland's new Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-Melnyk discusses federal job losses and the budget crisis.
Protestors gathered outside of the White House Saturday afternoon after President Donald Trump announced the large-scale military operation inside Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
January 3, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Protestors gathered outside of the White House Saturday afternoon after President Donald Trump announced the large-scale military operation inside Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Alexa listeners: If you’re having trouble getting WAMU to play, try saying “Alexa, play W‑A‑M‑U from N‑P‑R.”
Adding “from NPR” is a temporary workaround for an issue where Alexa selects the wrong station.
Learn more at wamu.org/help.
Adding “from NPR” is a temporary workaround for an issue where Alexa selects the wrong station.
Learn more at wamu.org/help.
December 30, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Alexa listeners: If you’re having trouble getting WAMU to play, try saying “Alexa, play W‑A‑M‑U from N‑P‑R.”
Adding “from NPR” is a temporary workaround for an issue where Alexa selects the wrong station.
Learn more at wamu.org/help.
Adding “from NPR” is a temporary workaround for an issue where Alexa selects the wrong station.
Learn more at wamu.org/help.
University of Maryland archivist John Davis notes in his new book Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, DC, zines originated in the 1940s with fans of science fiction literature and comic books.
In 'Keep Your Ear to the Ground,' local author and archivist traces the history of D.C. punk fanzines
In "Keep Your Ear to the Ground," University of Maryland archivist and former Q and Not U drummer John R. Davis traces the history of D.C. punk fanzines.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
University of Maryland archivist John Davis notes in his new book Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, DC, zines originated in the 1940s with fans of science fiction literature and comic books.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And he’s in Annandale. Well, at least a bone fragment.
Santa Claus' bone fragment is in a Northern Virginia Catholic Church
In WAMU’s series Hidden City, we uncover the stories behind the history, people, and places in our region.
buff.ly
December 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And he’s in Annandale. Well, at least a bone fragment.
The show, “Ceremony”, incorporates paintings with historic artifacts to offer a look at how Black people lived and defied social and structural limitations in the early to mid-20th century.
Art, jazz, and history merge for Lindsay Adams' new exhibition, 'Ceremony'
The show, "Ceremony", incorporates paintings with historic artifacts to offer a look at how Black people lived and defied social and structural limitations in the early to mid-20th century.
buff.ly
December 20, 2025 at 2:30 PM
The show, “Ceremony”, incorporates paintings with historic artifacts to offer a look at how Black people lived and defied social and structural limitations in the early to mid-20th century.
WAMU’s arts and culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy searched the region for some of the finest chocolatey sips, and put together a short list of the best! buff.ly/bGglVVU
Get Out There: Cups from the community - six local spots for exceptional hot chocolate
WAMU’s arts and culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy searched the region for some of the finest chocolatey sips, and put together a short list of the best!
wamu.org
December 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
WAMU’s arts and culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy searched the region for some of the finest chocolatey sips, and put together a short list of the best! buff.ly/bGglVVU
The federalization of D.C. will have a huge effect on District politics, says WAMU's D.C. reporter Alex Koma, drawing a line between those who are willing to compromise with President Trump to stave off a full federal takeover & those who want to stand up to him.
December 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
The federalization of D.C. will have a huge effect on District politics, says WAMU's D.C. reporter Alex Koma, drawing a line between those who are willing to compromise with President Trump to stave off a full federal takeover & those who want to stand up to him.
We are now joined by WAMU’s politics reporters for an end-of-year round-up. Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel says this year’s federal cuts & job losses have hit Northern Virginia especially hard. However, defense spending has increased, helping insulate NoVA from the worst impacts.
December 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
We are now joined by WAMU’s politics reporters for an end-of-year round-up. Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel says this year’s federal cuts & job losses have hit Northern Virginia especially hard. However, defense spending has increased, helping insulate NoVA from the worst impacts.