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The Politics Hour with Kojo NnamdiJoin 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. Author: WAMU 88.5
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. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Politics Hour: House Republicans take aim at D.C. taxes and the Smithsonian
Friday, 24 July, 2026
House Republicans are pushing a bill aimed at restricting D.C.'s ability to decrease or increase local taxes. D.C. lawmakers are calling it an egregious attack on Home Rule. Council Chair Phil Mendelson joins the show to discuss why not allowing the District to change the tax code could "paralyze" the city. Plus, Kojo and Tom ask him his thoughts on driverless vehicles, potential renovations to Audi Field, and having Elissa Silverman back on the Council.The White House released a report earlier this month accusing the Smithsonian museums of "undermining faith in American institutions." This week, House Republicans followed the Trump administration's lead with a subcommittee hearing focused on sharply questioning the Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw defended the Smithsonian throughout the hearing and joins the show to take us behind the scenes. Plus, he weighs in on proposed historic preservation changes that would make it easier for President Trump to remake the District.Maryland communities, like many others around the country, are pushing back on data center development. This week, Montgomery County moved closer to extending its data center permit pause to 18 months, and a Maryland state senator is looking to introduce legislation for a statewide moratorium. But tech companies are now fighting back. WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu explains what's at stake.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
