FNP Politics

Colt Morningstar Black, candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss his campaign ahead of the general election.

Chad King Wilson Sr., candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss his campaign ahead of the general election.

Veronica Lowe, candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss her campaign ahead of the general election.

Former state April McClain Delaney the Deamocratic nominee for Maryland's 6th Congressional District, sits down with government reporter Ceoli Jacoby in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss her campaign ahead of the general election.

Jaime Brennan, candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss her campaign ahead of the general election.

Janie Monier, candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss her campaign ahead of the general election.

Josh Bokee, candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, sits down with education reporter Esther Frances in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss his campaign ahead of the general election.

Former state Del. Neil Parrott, the Republican nominee for Maryland's 6th Congressional District, sits down with government reporter Ceoli Jacoby in The Frederick News-Post's podcast studio to discuss his campaign ahead of the general election.

Jan Gardner sits down with News-Post reporter Jack Hogan to discuss her career in politics and the legacy she leaves as Frederick County's first county executive.

Julianna Lufkin, candidate for Frederick County Council District 5 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss her campaign. The News-Post is interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive, Frederick County Council and Sheriff to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Mason Carter, candidate for Frederick County Council District 5 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post is interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive, Frederick County Council and Sheriff to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Chuck Jenkins, who is running for reelection as Frederick County Sheriff, joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post is interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council and Sheriff to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

John Fer, candidate for Frederick County Council District 4 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post is interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Tony Chmelik, candidate for Frederick County Council At-Large joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Renee Knapp, candidate for Frederick County Council District At-Large joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss her campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Shelley Aloi, candidate for Frederick County Council District 3, joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss her campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Brad Young, candidate for Frederick County Council At-Large joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Phil Dacey, candidate for Frederick County Council At-Large joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his reelection campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

M.C. Keegan-Ayer, candidate for Frederick County Council District 3 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss her reelection campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Lisa Jarosinski, candidate for Frederick County Council District 2 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss her campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Steve McKay, candidate for Frederick County Council District 2 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his reelection campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

John Distel, candidate for Frederick County Council District 1 joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Jerry Donald, who represents District 1 on the Frederick County Council joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign for reelection. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Frederick County Councilwoman Jessica Fitzwater, the Democratic nominee for Frederick County executive, joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

Maryland state Sen. Michael Hough, the Republican nominee for Frederick County executive, joins politics reporter Jack Hogan in the Frederick News-Post podcast studio to discuss his campaign. The News-Post will be interviewing candidates for Frederick County executive and Frederick County Council to help voters get to know more about those who will be on their ballot in November.

News-Post education reporter Jillian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Tiffany Noble, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jillian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Rayna Remondini, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jillian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Olivia Angolia, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jillian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Ashley Nieves, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jillian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Mark Joannides, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Liz Barrett, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Justi Thomas, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Cindy Rose, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Karen Yoho, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by David Brooks, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education.Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by April Montgomery, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education.Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Heather Fletcher, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Heather Fletcher, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Rae Gallagher, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

News-Post education reporter Jilian Atelsek is joined in the podcast studio by Rae Gallagher, one of 16 candidates vying for four seats on the Frederick County Board of Education. Be sure to catch each interview as we profile candidates ahead of the July 19 primary, when the field will be pared down to eight ahead of the general election in November.

In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and statehouse/county government reporter Steve Bohnel discuss the impact of the coronavirus on state politics. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and senior state officials announced sweeping measures this aimed to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing K-12 public schools for two weeks and prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people, among several other actions. Statehouse leadership also announced several restrictions regarding access to the statehouse and Senate and House office. Per the state constitution, the state legislature must pass an operating budget, but it remains to be seen if the General Assembly will adjourn early for the first time since the Civil War. *NOTE: The In Session podcast, due to the coronavirus news, will likely be taking a hiatus for at least next week, and perhaps longer. Visit fredericknewspost.com for all the latest updates regarding the virus and how it's impacting Frederick County.

In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and statehouse/county government reporter Steve Bohnel discuss the latest information about the coronavirus, which has been a topic of discussion among lawmakers in Annapolis. Later on in the episode, they discuss two bills involving local sponsors. One is from Sen. Ron Young (D-Frederick) mandating that elementary schools statewide allot 150 minutes total each week for physical education and recess. The other is cross-filed, with Del. Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick and Carroll) from the House of Delegates and Sen. Michael Hough (R-Frederick and Carroll) as local sponsors. They sat on a task force last year which included multiple stakeholders, all who tried to strengthen the state's criminal gang statute. Both Pippy and Hough said the proposal aims to tackle more white-collar crime statewide. They wrap up the episode by discussing a "signature move" of Del. Kumar Barve, chair of the House of Delegates' Environment and Transportation Committee.

In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and county government/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel discuss a trio of local bills. Sen. Ron Young (D-Frederick), after some discussion with the Maryland Department of Transportation, has decided to move forward with a bill discussing commuter buses along I-270 from the city of Frederick area to Washington D.C. and northern Virginia. Then, they discuss a bill by Del. Dan Cox (R-Frederick and Carroll) which would provide relief to Thurmont and its residents by lessening their requirements for solar energy under the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Lastly, they discuss a bill by Sen. Young which would require more annual training for concealed carry handgun permit holders. The bill exempts law enforcement officers but was heavily opposed at a hearing last week. They also discuss the Kirwan legislation and some light moments involving Del. Haven Shoemaker (R-Carroll) and House Majority Leader Eric Leudtke (D) on the House floor Monday.

Host Heather Mongilio and county government/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel discuss a bill proposed by Del. Karen Lewis Young (D-Frederick) involving biosafety level 3 laboratories. Then, they discuss a proposed change to the state's hate crime statute by Del. Dan Cox (R-Frederick and Carroll), which he proposed in response to a deadly assault at The Great Frederick Fair last year.  Other topics include higher education legislation by Del. Ken Kerr (D-Frederick) and a balloon release bill ban; a local county issue that has risen to legislation at the state level.

This week host Heather Mongilio and county/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel sit down to discuss Frederick Day in Annapolis and what local officials are lobbying for from the state. From money for the Lake Linganore dredging to a new Frederick Police Department headquarters, we hear from members of the delegation as well as local officials.

This week host Heather Mongilio and county/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel highlight a series of healthcare-related bills, ranging from reclassifying strangulation to a first-degree felony assault, a medical aid-in-dying bill, minors' access to some forms of contraceptives among others. Later in the episode, Mongilio and Bohnel discuss the Frederick County delegation, including a birthday tribute from Del. Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick and Carroll) to Del. Ken Kerr (D-Frederick) on the House of Delegates floor, but not without a minor hiccup that caused a bit of laugh in the chamber.

It’s week three of the Annapolis session. Delegates and senators are finalizing bills they hope to submit. But there are two legislative issues facing that aren’t exactly bill related. The first is $5 million that was once meant for a hotel and conference center. With it no longer going there, Sens. Michael Hough (R-Carroll and Frederick) and Ron Young (D-Frederick) have proposed different options, including water improvements in Brunswick and money for a new shelter. Mongilio, who has covered some of the proposed areas the money could go, and Bohnel talk about the different options and when it will be decided. The second is the 287(g) program. The controversial program has been the topic of much discussion in the county. Del. Karen Lewis Young and Young sent letters to the Attorney General’s Office about the program. Bohnel and Mongilio discuss the answers, potential next steps and what this means for the county. And always looking to end a long day in Annapolis on a good note, Bohnel mentions a resolution that announced the Catoctin Cougars as football champs.

In the first episode of In Session for 2020, host Heather Mongilio speaks with county government and statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel about the Kirwan Commission, a well-known statewide initiative to improve public education. The two discuss how some of the current members of the Frederick County delegation view the issue, and what possible funding sources could be used. Later, they discuss Sen. Ron Young's assault weapons buyback program bill, which was recently withdrawn due to state police stating the bill would be costly. The episode wraps up with discussion of a bill which would make "The Land Mary-Land" by Tom Wisner the state song for children.

The 2019 legislative session came to a close on Monday with sad news that Michael Busch, speaker of the House of Delegates for 16 years, had died at age 72 from complications of pneumonia the day before. State house reporter and host Allen Etzler wrap-up this season of In Session by reviewing what bills made it through the General Assembly, a possible legal battle over prescription drug pricing and what freshman delegate impressed her most with his approach to legislation. Thanks for listening. 

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issues his first veto on three bills this session, and lawmakers turn around to override him within 24-to-48 hours. In this episode of In Session, state house reporter Samantha Hogan and host Allen Etzler discuss the surprise defeat of the medical aid-in-dying bill in the state Senate and gerrymandering as the U.S. Supreme Court hears the Maryland's second appeal to the highest court. They also hone in on what's still left to be done with just one more week left in the 2019 session.