Podcasts about WAMU

Thousands of scientists have left the NIH, raising concerns about the future of medical research and the nation's ability to respond to public health crises.

For this week's Get Out There, we take you see to the exhibits at the nonprofit Art Enables in Brookland.

A multilevel parking garage in Crystal City, Virginia transformed into a bike racing course this February for the annual Garage Racing National Championships. According to one participant, “This is like racing in the rain on painted surfaces. It's fast... it's furious…it's chaotic. It's more fun than we should be allowed to have.”

This week WAMU will be checking in on the legality of a slate of bills to try and rein in ICE operatings in Maryland, the latest allegations of abuse and dysfunction at PIW, and we'll go along with photographer Tyrone Turner to a bike racing championship held in a parking garage.

WAMU speaks to the Virginia Mercury's Markus Schmidt and Maryland Matters Bryan P. Sears about the status of attempts to redraw congressional maps in each state

For this week's Get Out There, we're highlighting a speaker series that's bringing local residents and leaders from multiple fields together, East of The River.

Millions of Americans will see higher health insurance premiums. KFF Health News has tips for saving money on your plan and finding less expensive prescription options.

Soaring electricity bills have left many Maryland residents demanding answers and relief. Experts cite a range of factors driving up energy prices.

The Ellisons Prepare to Expand Their Media EmpireThe Century-Long Capture of U.S. MediaIn Season 10 Episode 4, Chris Abraham swerves away from the day's obvious headlines and instead reacts to an On the Media segment on WAMU about “media capture” and the role of public broadcasting in a healthy democracy. He frames himself as an NPR/WAMU lifer with a complicated relationship to the institution: nostalgic for the old public-radio mix, aware of how it shaped him, and also increasingly allergic to how it can feel like a status-enforcing machine rather than a shared civic utility.Chris challenges a core assumption embedded in a lot of “flawed democracy vs. healthy democracy” talk. When institutions praise certain countries as “strong democracies,” he argues they often mean something closer to “compliant,” “high-trust,” and “aligned with approved messaging.” In his view, populist dissent, cultural resistance, and “opting out” are treated less like legitimate democratic feedback and more like a pathology to be managed, which makes the word “democracy” feel like branding instead of description.He contrasts the U.S. with European public-media models, not to romanticize them, but to point out why they sometimes enjoy broader buy-in: they deliver visible, practical value, including educational programming that feels like a public good. Chris argues that if public media in the U.S. reliably felt like Mr. Rogers energy, it would be harder to politically defund. When it feels like it exists to scold, dunk, or run a permanent moral emergency about half the country, it triggers backlash in a society already wired to distrust “the man” at every level.Using a driving metaphor, he describes American politics as a fight over the steering wheel. When institutions respond to populism by steering harder into elite signaling and cultural escalation, the reaction on the right becomes more forceful and more desperate, because people feel they're holding a fake wheel while someone else drives. That trust breakdown, he argues, is the real accelerant. He also warns that open institutional defiance of elected power can invite a predictable counter-response: aggressive executive action, tightened compliance expectations, and a “find the receipts” mentality that punishes slow-walking and internal resistance.Chris ends with a mix of dark humor and personal texture. He calls the last decade a mutual “FAFO era,” where both sides have learned hard lessons about power, incentives, and overreach. Then he closes the episode in classic Chris fashion: weather report, coffee, library plans, ongoing Meshtastic tinkering, a quick health update, and a reminder that the next mission is getting back to fighting shape.

Virginia state lawmakers are considering eliminating a billion-dollar data center tax break to help balance the budget. This comes as local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, continue to debate restrictions amid plans for more data centers.  Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who sits on the senate finance committee and represents Fairfax County, joined the show from Richmond to discuss lawmakers' latest proposal. Plus, she explained her opposition to Fairfax County casino legislation, which is currently moving through the Virginia House of Delegates.D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a legal opinion this week Congress missed its deadline to block D.C.'s tax code changes, meaning the District can move forward with its current rates. The Attorney General's legal opinion could set up a dramatic confrontation between Congress and the city over its ability to self-govern. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma broke down what's going on and what could happen next. Plus, Alex gives us the latest on the wild election season in the District, including races for Mayor and for two at-large council seats.Prince George's County leaders are pushing legislation to prevent the federal government from placing a detention facility in the county. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning a detention center in Hyattsville. Prince George's County Chair Krystal Oriadha joined the show to discuss what authority the county has to stop the federal facility. Plus, what does a slew of appointments on the Prince George's County Council mean for its future?Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

“We may not have the book you want, but we will have a book you need,” says one of the founders of Bol bookstore in Brookland.

A sewage spill has contaminated the Potomac River. Each year, nearly three times as much wastewater flows into the river from D.C.'s pipes.

February is Black History Month – which, for many longtime Black D.C. residents, is every month, and inextricable from D.C. history. In an already rapidly changing city now facing growing, unprecedented challenges to its local communities, economy, and autonomy, this year's Black History Month has new weight for some residents.

12 years after opening its first location, Compass Coffee shops around the region are closing. Here's what led to the demise of the brand.

Besides putting on a great Mardi Gras ball, The Krewe of Pyros, centered in Washington, D.C., also does community outreach, gives out scholarships and does other types of charitable giving.

In an email about student audition registration obtained by NOTUS, the ballet did not allude to the changing politics of the venue.

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, fulfilling a desire to catch a flick, or following a curiosity about the off-camera workings of the film industry, the DCIFF annual forum ought to be a worthwhile option for weekend plans..

The race is shaping up to be a bruising contest between Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. And ranked choice voting is an unknown factor in the race.

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.

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. is still covered with layers of snow and ice after a major snow storm hit the region in late January. It's made it difficult for everyone to move around. For some people with disabilities, it's been near impossible.

As interest in cassettes grows, a D.C. resident wants to help local musicians get in on the action with a small-run duplication service called Punch Tab Tapes. 

WAMU will be reporting on how residents with disabilities are navigating the District after the winter storm, how a mini-golf course is at the center of a fight over local sovereignty with the Trump administration and resurgent cassette-tape culture amid area musicians.

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.

Malinin gained the nickname “the Quad God” after he became the first person to land a quadruple axel in competition - a jump that requires a skater to spin four and half times in mid-air.

WAMU's Alex Koma joins the team to talk Trump shutting down the Kennedy Center for two years, snow removal's effect on the mayoral race, and D.C's bill from the National Guard.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode: Library of Congress South by Southwest Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week WAMU will be checking in on the push for mid-decade redistricting in Maryland and Virginia, concerns about a recent appointment to the Prince George's County Council and a look at a local athlete headed to Milan.

This week on Get Out There, we get you ready for the Winter Olympics by teaching you how to curl and speed skate...and where to do it!

Kenyan McDuffie's resignation to pursue a mayoral bid has kicked off a chaotic, compressed race for the at-large seat.

The D.C. area experienced one of its most significant winter storms in a decade, resulting in days of impassable roads, closed schools, and unshoveled bus stops. Criticism has mounted against local officials as they continue to struggle to get the region moving again.Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joined the show to discuss how Metro approaches storm cleanup, the challenges of returning to regular service, and what lessons can be learned. Plus, we asked about the ongoing debate over the best way to fund Metro and transit police's relationship with federal immigration agents.A year ago this week, an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. WAMU's Kayla Hewitt joined the show to talk about her conversations with loved ones and first responders about that tragic day, which she did for a  WAMU News special. Plus, Hewitt broke down the latest NTSB findings about what led to the crash and the steps lawmakers are taking to make DCA safer.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

To mark a year since the tragedy over the Potomac occured, WAMU spoke with some of those who lost loved ones in the crash - partners, family members and children. 

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 at the heart of the Southeast community, the girls are looking forward to the start of a new chapter.

Norton's campaign raised just $2,520 during the last three months of 2025. Her campaign hasn't yet announced a formal decision on her future.

We're joined by Alex Koma of WAMU and Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian to chat about our newest councilmember, the priciest traffic cameras in the area, and DC's 100 very best restaurants!  And, in a members only fourth segment, we're gonna go deep on the Las Vegas style-sphere coming to National Harbor in Maryland.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠(202) 642-2654⁠. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: ⁠Folger Shakespeare Library⁠ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is pitching a plan to close the state's $1.4 billion budget without tax hikes. Instead, he's proposing spending cuts, budget shifts, and drawing from a clean energy fund. The governor joined the show to break down his budget proposal. Plus, what's next in the redistricting battle.Maryland House Democrats introduced a bill Friday that would redraw the state's eight congressional districts. The changes could give Democrats the ability to flip Maryland's lone Republican District. This comes only days after the state's redistricting commission recommended a "concept map" favoring Democrats in Congress.Governor Moore said Maryland can't sit on their hands while President Trump pushes for redistricting in other states, like Texas. "This is going to end up being essentially the largest attack on black political leadership that we have seen in generations inside of this country," he said.However, Moore faces opposition in his own party. Senate President Bill Ferguson has so far opposed mid-cycle redistricting. But Moore's not deterred."Bill Ferguson is one vote, and Democracy doesn't stop because of one person," he said. The House is expected to vote on the bill next week. If passed, it would then head to the Senate for a vote.The D.C. Council this week selected Doni Crawford to take former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie's job on the council. The former McDuffie staffer and Ward 5 resident is somewhat of an unknown to the general public, though well-regarded in the Wilson Building for her experience in negotiating housing policy and budget matters. Councilmember Crawford got behind the mic to give us her stance on some of the city's biggest issues, including MPD's relationship with federal immigration agents and RFK Stadium. New Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week pressed for legislation addressing affordability and signaled her support for redistricting in her first address to lawmakers. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel broke down Gov. Spanberger's first week in office.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

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.

"We're really wanting to trouble, in many ways, that narrative of our founding," says The 1619 Project creator Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Healthcare worker shortages are straining hospitals and clinics nationwide, including in the D.C. region. A local student health conference with middle and high school students is focused on getting early exposure to careers that could help fill those gaps.

This week on Get Out There, we preview three concerts from local artists you will not want to miss this winter.

With the explosion of AI, data centers have proliferated. And the DC metro area is the focal point of it all, with Northern Virginia leading the way. Prince George's County lawmakers are debating whether to build a data center amid rising water use and electricity costs.  Jenny Abamu from WAMU joins us to explain how these centers became so popular, and what it means for the locals who live near them. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 15th episode: Folger Shakespeare Library Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Armon, Miss2Bees and Will kick off 2026 with WHAT'S BUZZIN - Fetty Wap's release from prison (10:05) and news that Lil Durk has been in solitary confinement for four and a half months over an illegal Apple Watch (14:39) - before diving into the LUNCH BREAK (20:16) - end of year recaps on social media and when it is too late to wish someone a Happy New Year. For the CHAT, the crew discusses French Montana and Max B's ‘Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos' (31:51), Jaymin's “Wamu” (38:41), and Bruno Mars announcing his next album (41:19). This week's BOARD MEETING is a responsible revisit of Rihanna's ‘ANTI' ahead of its ten-year anniversary and what to expect from her musically going forward (58:44). Stay Busy with Armon Sadler⁠ https://www.instagram.com/staybusypod/⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/staybusypod⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@staybusypod⁠ Armon⁠ https://www.instagram.com/armonsadler/⁠⁠ https://x.com/armonsadler Will Foster https://www.instagram.com/wxllxxm/ https://x.com/WxLLxxM Miss2Bees https://www.instagram.com/miss2bees/ https://x.com/miss2bees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. is set to receive more than 80 million dollars in opioid settlement money over the coming years. Survivors and their families say it's difficult to follow how it is actually spent.

Legislative session begin in both Maryland and Virginia this week, and lawmakers are tackling a big budget shortfall in Maryland and a slew of constitutional amendments in Virginia.

This week WAMU will be previewing the start of the legislative sessions in the Virginia and Maryland General Assemblies, plus we're taking a look at some not to miss concerts by D.C. area artists this winter.

In 1985, D.C. punks sought to reset the politics and music of the D.C. punk scene. 40 years later, punks carry Revolution Summer into middle age.

WAMU arts and culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy paid a visit to some of the region's top record stores to find out what new albums from 2025 topped their favorites list, as well as some local acts to look out for in 2026. 

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!

They don't cut cleanly along party lines, but data centers, and where they get built, became an election issue in Virginia. With so many more data centers to build, are we looking at a new trend?  Guest: Margaret Barthel, reporter covering northern Virginia for WAMU.  Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Evan Campbell, and Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They don't cut cleanly along party lines, but data centers, and where they get built, became an election issue in Virginia. With so many more data centers to build, are we looking at a new trend?  Guest: Margaret Barthel, reporter covering northern Virginia for WAMU.  Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Evan Campbell, and Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters in New Jersey and Virginia are casting their ballots in their states' gubernatorial elections. We discuss the major issues at play and whether federal politics are affecting the races.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, WNYC senior reporter Nancy Solomon, and WAMU reporter Margaret Barthel.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy