WAMU 88.5 - American University Radio

11/22/2025

D.C.’s moved to a new system to accept applications for rent relief—but the city is still experiencing some very old problems.

The city opened its Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP, Thursday morning. Within a matter of hours, tenants began complaining about a series of problems reaching anyone at the agency managing the program, leaving hundreds unsure whether they’d be able to access money to keep them in their homes this winter. The snafus closely mirror those the city’s seen in past years, with previous rollouts dogged by technical issues.https://wamu.org/story/25/11/20/d-c-once-again-sees-technical-glitches-surging-demand-for-rent-relief-program/

11/22/2025

It’s been a challenging year for Mayor Muriel Bowser, navigating a complex relationship with President Trump during his second term – one that’s reshaping life in D.C.

From the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department this summer, to the removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza and beyond, the Mayor has juggled appeasing the President while representing the interests of a city that voted overwhelmingly against him. Washington Post investigative reporter Jonathan O’Connell’s latest piece takes a behind the scenes look at these negotiations, as well as the political pressures shaping Bowser’s response.

During an August press conference, Mayor Bowser praised the federal government's crime crackdown. In a meeting with White House officials prior to that press conference, Bowser was assured the crime emergency would come to an end after 30 days. And during the meeting, she was asked directly by the President to praise the administration’s crackdown, drawing the ire of residents and community leaders continuing to document immigration raids targeting the District residents.

11/20/2025

This week on the Politics Hour, we are live from Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia! U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw joins Kojo and Tom to discuss federal cuts, redistricting, and what it all means for the future of Virginia. Plus, former House Delegate and member of Gov.-elect Spanberger's transition team David Ramadan breaks down the challenges ahead for the new governor.

11/14/2025

Next week, The Politics Hour is live in Fairfax. Join Kojo Nnamdi, Tom Sherwood & special guest Rep. James Walkinshaw (D‑VA) as they dive into Virginia’s elections, the government reopening, redistricting & more. Plus, you'll have a chance to be part of the discussion.

👉 Register now at wamu.org/events
🗓️ Friday, Nov. 21 | 12 p.m.
📍 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax

11/13/2025

Thank you to for providing an in-kind donation of ice cream at a recent WAMU event. Check out their website in our bio!

11/13/2025

This week on the Politics Hour, Kojo and Tom are joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to discuss the end of the federal shutdown. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie discusses his political future.

You can join the conversation by commenting your questions below or calling in during the live show at (800)-433-8850.

11/13/2025

Democrats won big in Virginia elections last week. Now, they will face a tricky circular challenge: supporting the social safety net through federal cuts -- even as a stagnant economy may constrain what money they have to spend.

Federal cutbacks to the social safety net and a flagging Northern Virginia economy will be major challenges for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and the Virginia General Assembly in January.

11/13/2025

Nonprofits and other groups that supply food and organize food distribution stepped up their efforts with giveaways that specifically served federal employees during the government shutdown. Here is a look back at some of the scenes. https://wamu.org/story/25/11/13/dc-government-shutdown-feeding-federal-workers/

11/12/2025

This week on the Politics Hour, Kojo and Tom are joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen to discuss the end of the federal shutdown. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie on what his political future may hold.

Tune in to WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!

11/10/2025

In a statement, Sen. Kaine said he supported the deal because of promised protections for federal workers, including back pay for those on furlough, reinstatement for federal employees laid off during the shutdown, and protections against future large-scale reductions-in-force. Those provisions ultimately won him over, he said on a call with reporters on Monday morning. He argued the deal would eventually force a vote on extending premium tax credits for health care, putting Republicans on the record on the issue.

Kaine was the only D.C. area lawmaker to support the deal. Senators Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks voted against it. They argued the deal will not adequately address health care costs.

A final vote is expected later this week.

11/09/2025

The D.C. National Guard's deployment was set to end on November 30, according to an announcement in September by the guard's interim commanding General Leland D. Blanchard the second.

However, in an email obtained by the D.C. attorney general's office, Blanchard said their mission in the city could be extended into summer 2026 as the city prepares for the celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

CNN reports Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the February extension. A U.S. Army official defended the extension to The Hill, saying the National Guard troops are deterring crime and providing other vital assistant to D.C. residents and tourists.

11/08/2025

All three airports in the D.C. region will be impacted by cuts the Federal Aviation Administration is making to U.S. air traffic.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the cuts Wednesday November 5. They are part of an effort to reduce the workload on air traffic controllers. He said, "We do not want to see disruptions, but our number one priority is to make sure when you travel you travel safely. And so we're gonna talk about additional measures. One of them though is going to be that there is going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations."

Air traffic controllers are considered essential employees during the government shutdown but more have been calling out sick as the shutdown drags on.

Travelers planning to fly in the coming days and weeks should check with airlines for any cancelations and delays.