Podcasts about WAMU

The widespread impact of federal layoffs have forced D.C. officials to consider painful cuts to social services. A long fight is just beginning over how much to trim these programs.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger on why he came out of retirement in 2019 to lead the U.S. Capitol police, how the agency is far better prepared than in 2021, and in what ways policing has evolved over the last five decades.

Thousands of federal workers have left their positions through a mix of layoffs and buyouts. Federal health workers also took a big hit, and are now facing an uncertain future.  

Virginia's primary races are heating up, most notably the lieutenant governor's race. While the Republicans have a presumptive nominee, six Democratic candidates are vying for the post. WAMU's Northern Virginia Reporter Margaret Barthel broke down the lieutenant governor's race, as well as the Democratic candidates for attorney general. She also shared why the governor's race is also being closely watched.Loudoun County has more data centers than anywhere else in the world, earning the county the nickname "Data Center Alley." Residents and elected officials have recently looked to limit data center construction. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted in March to eliminate by-right data center development. Vice Chair Michael Turner got behind the mic to explain what this means, how it impacts future development, and why the board felt it was necessary.Plus, he weighed in on recent investigations into Loudoun County schools and the financial burden of the President visiting his Loudoun County golf club.Montgomery County appears to be moving forward with a plan to nearly fully fund schools without raising taxes. Council President Kate Stewart explained how it will work and why it's a better solution than hiking the county's income or property tax. Plus, she weighed in on the recent Supreme Court case that looks likely to change school policy around allowing students to opt-out of lessons for religious reasons, as well as how the county is managing increased federal immigration enforcement efforts.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser looks to be planning a bid for a fourth term, while At-Large Councilmember Robert White may challenge her a second time.

Priests and parishioners gathered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in downtown D.C. the afternoon of the announcement of Pope Leo XIV.

Diane Rehm started her career at WAMU 52 years ago as a volunteer.  In 1979, she began hosting WAMU's local morning talk show, Kaleidoscope, which was renamed The Diane Rehm Show in 1984. The Diane Rehm Show grew from a local program to one with international reach and a weekly on-air audience of nearly 3 million. In 2016, Diane decided to step away from daily live radio, and brought her unique mix of curiosity, honesty, intimacy and four decades of hosting experience to the podcast world with On My Mind.In 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, Diane launched a new project to help engage an audience stuck at home. The Diane Rehm Book Club met monthly on Zoom and featured panel discussions, as well as author interviews. Guests included Ann Patchett, Isabel Wilkerson, Anthony Doerr and Isabel Allende.  Now, she takes the microphone one last time at WAMU to say farewell.You can find an archive of interviews from The Diane Rehm Show and On My Mind at dianerehm.org. You can find an archive of book club discussions on Diane's YouTube channel.

Tom and Roxy Butner to co-host a packed episode of Talking Real Money, tackling the ever-elusive "magic number" for retirement with a healthy dose of realism, humor, and data. They dig into a Northwestern Mutual study that shows Americans lowering their retirement savings goals—even as confidence continues to slip. Roxy breaks down why retirement planning is all about cash flow, not some mythical lump sum. They field questions on company stock in 401(k)s, bonus check strategies, RMD tax strategies, and how to get young people started right. From Monte Carlo analysis to Roth IRA advantages, the duo bust myths and offer practical steps listeners of all ages can act on today. 0:04 Tom introduces Roxy and the episode's core question: “Do I have enough to retire?”1:01 Why the idea of a single “magic number” is misleading and varies by lifestyle2:41 Roxy: $600k may be enough—or $3M might not be; it's all about cash flow4:32 Despite lowering their goals, only 51% believe their retirement plan will work6:15 Roxy explains Monte Carlo analysis and why asset type (Roth vs. pre-tax) matters7:31 Why tracking actual spending matters more than estimates before retirement8:32 Caller: Should we sell the company stock in my wife's 401(k)?9:18 Tom warns of overconfidence and stock concentration risk, citing WaMu collapse10:45 Roxy and Tom agree: diversify ASAP—don't let company loyalty cloud judgment12:14 Historical cautionary tales on once-great companies that fell apart13:26 Regional bias: How geography skews investor confidence in local companies14:46 Caller: What to do with a $20k bonus after maxing out the 401(k)?16:11 Roth IRA contribution options for him and his wife, and the 5-year rule18:10 Bonus: Enhanced catch-up contributions for ages 60–63 explained20:31 Caller asks about RMDs, tax planning, and long-term care deductions21:53 Only qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) avoid tax on RMDs23:24 Roth contributions early in life can lead to massive long-term advantages24:47 Caller asks about a bond fund change in her HRA and 60/40 portfolio safety29:45 Why “safe” is the wrong word—know your plan, goals, and risk tolerance31:13 Caller wants her daughter to connect with Roxy for help managing her paycheck32:54 Yes—Roxy helps young clients with budgeting and financial foundations34:31 Why early saving and simple investing in your 20s is so powerful36:09 Tom announces upcoming trip to Portland and free portfolio reviews37:08 Final notes: building trust, long-term planning, and why they love the work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories WAMU is following this week include a facelift to the Roosevelt Bridge, the REAL ID coming online at airports and Arlington National Cemetery, an emergency renting bill at the D.C. council and the EU open house weekend.

WAMU spoke to local environmentalist and author Mike Tidwell about his new book, "The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street."

Host Diane Rehm sat behind the mic at our home station, WAMU, for nearly 40 years. Her eponymous news talk program aired from 1979 to 2016 to nearly 3 million listeners each week.In some ways, her success in radio defied the odds. In 1998, she was diagnosed with the neurological condition spasmodic dysphonia. It gave her the distinct voice that over time became synonymous for many with civil conversations on frequently tough topics.In 2014, President Barack Obama presented Diane with a National Humanities Medal in recognition of her work. In 2016, she stepped away from her live show, handing the reins to 1A and making the move to her own weekly podcast.Now, she's saying goodbye to public radio for good, with the end of her podcast and the start of new independent projects. She joins us to talk about what her tenure in radio and news.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week on Get Out There, we help you plan your perfect D.C. day, minute by minute.

This is Diane's final episode of On My Mind. She will be moving on from WAMU on May 2, after more than 50 years at the station. So, who better to have as her guest for this last interview than Susan Page? Susan Page and Diane have both traced the comings and goings of Washington for decades, Page at USA Today, Diane in public radio. And they often had the good fortune of sitting down together to talk about politics, and more importantly, what the actions of our government mean to you, the public. Diane says she can't think of another time in the history of this country when those types of conversations that lay out facts and seek truth meant more than they do today. Susan Page joins Diane as she bids farewell to public radio to talk about the first hundred days of the Trump presidency – and what to expect from the next hundred. 

Bethesda Today reporter Ginny Bixby talks about Montgomery County's recent health report and the disparities faced by Black and Hispanic residents.

A new investigation by the New York Times takes a closer look at the events that led up to the deadly collision on January 29th.

Craig welcomes WAMU political analyst Tom Sherwood to unpack the latest developments surrounding the Commanders' planned return to RFK Stadium. With DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announcing the team will build its new stadium at the historic site, Tom explains how the DC City Council operates, why they've been quiet until now, and what to expect as the stadium plan heads to a crucial vote in July. Sherwood also shares insight into the political dynamics and hurdles that could influence whether the stadium deal moves forward.

It's a special episode! Hear 1A host, Jenn White, interview On Our Minds students, Ava (from WI), Jay (from TX), and Michelle (from VA) about who inspires them. 1A is produced by WAMU and distributed by NPR.

A federal judge gave the Trump administration another week to answer detailed questions about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose illegal deportation has raised concerns about due process.

At the center of the case is the school system in Montgomery County, Md., the most religiously diverse county in the U.S., with 160,000 students of almost all faiths.

At issue is whether school systems are required to allow parents to opt their kids out of classes because of religious objections to classroom materials.

Dermott Foley won C-SPAN's StudentCam competition with his film Teens, Social Media, and the Fentanyl Overdose Crisis.

Stories WAMU is following this week include a lawsuit by Montgomery County parents at the Supreme Court, the D.C. council considering big budget items and the return of the D.C. Film Festival.

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke discussed Metro's future, ridership, federal oversight, and overhauling the bus system. Plus, NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves breaks down the reported deal between D.C. and the Washington Commanders to build a new stadium at the RFK site.

D.C. and the Washington Commanders are reportedly closing in on a $3 billion deal to build a new stadium on the old RFK stadium site, which would bring the NFL franchise back to the District. While numbers reportedly are not finalized yet, the framework has the team paying a majority of the costs associated with building the new stadium. NBC 4's Mark Segraves first broke the story and he joined the show to break down what's in the deal and what may happen next.Metro has recently experienced some of its highest ridership in years, spurred by return-to-office mandates and the spring tourist season. Plus, last week, the local public transportation system announced it was again increasing service, including expanding weekend hours.Despite all the good news, Metro's future is uncertain. A shrinking federal workforce, worrisome budget challenges for localities across the region, and increasing federal oversight are threatening to knock Metro off the rails of its much-publicized comeback. General Manager Randy Clarke got behind the mic with Kojo and Tom to weigh in on the future of the Metro. Plus, we asked about the upcoming overhaul of Metro's bus system.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

The hearing is the first about Abrego Garcia's case since El Salvador's president told reporters he is not going to "smuggle a terrorist into the United States."

Prince George's County congressman Glenn Ivey talks about the latest developments in the case of his resident who was mistaken deported by the Trump administration.

The former Ward 8 councilmember may be facing federal bribery charges, but he's still the heavy favorite to win the seat he was just expelled from on the Council.

This week WAMU will look at the opening of the new Cedar Hill Hospital in Southeast D.C. and a key financial deadline for the Virginia statewide elections.

This week we're looking at some of the record stores in D.C., Maryland and Virginia that will be celebrating Record Store Day on Saturday.

Stopgap measures like rent and mortgage assistance could be on the table, but a good deal depends on whether the commonwealth has the ability to pay for them.

Alexandria is dealing with the impacts of a shrinking federal workforce on its economy, tax base, and ability to fund even some basic services. Mayor Alyia Gaskins sat down with Kojo and Tom to discuss the local challenges that come with cutting thousands of federal positions. Plus, Mayor Gaskins explained why Alexandria is not a sanctuary city.Washington Capitals legend Alexander Ovechkin broke the long-held NHL scoring record this past weekend. The hockey superstar has played his entire 20-year career in the District, and local fans have bonded with the Russian-born athlete. Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher got behind the mic to talk about the city's special relationship with "Ovi," despite the superstar's uncomfortable relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.And the Maryland General Assembly wrapped its 90-day session earlier this week with compromises on the budget, immigrant protections, and cuts to the state's massive education reform plan.  Maryland Matters' reporter Will Ford broke down what passed - and what didn't - during the General Assembly's final chaotic days of its 2025 session.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

Over the last several decades, an expert says the region has become very much accustomed to being somewhat insulated from the normal swings of the economy because of the presence of the federal government. This time it's different.

Send me a Text Message about the show!Ronald Young Jr, 4-time award winning podcast host and pop culture commentator, joins me to talk about his podcast "Weight For It'.  Fresh off his 2025 Ambie Award as best podcat host, and in anticipation of season three coming out in the fall, Ronald sat down with me to talk about the series. Over the first two seasons, Ronald has shared about his journey with weight, his insights on body image/mental health, and how the media shapes our perceptions of self.  He's looked at a variety of topics ranging from fat liberation, the fashion industry, attraction, shame, grief, and even taken us with him on a visit to the doctor.Our conversation focuses on the art of podcasting, the difficulty when an interviewer becomes the interviewee, and how we can all be better sources of support to each other as we carry the weight of weight.Ronald Young Jr. is an award-winning podcast host, producer, and storyteller, best known for his critically acclaimed podcast Weight For It. The groundbreaking series, which delves into the complex ways we think about our bodies, was an official selection at the 2023 Tribeca Festival, winner of three awards at the 2024 Ambie Awards and listed as one of the “Best Podcasts of 2023” by The New York Times, Vogue, and Vulture. Nominated for this year's top Ambie Award, Ronald also received the Independent Media Initiative Award in 2024. Season three of Weight For It is set to premiere in Fall 2025. An avid pop-culture enthusiast, Ronald blends knowledge and natural charm to host Pop Culture Debate Club from the BBC and Lemonada Media as well as Slate's Working series, where he interviews influential creatives. He is also a frequent contributor to NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and WAMU's 1A and his work has been showcased on prominent programming such as Snap Judgement, Search Engine and The Drew Barrymore Show. As the Founder and Owner of ohitsBigRon studios, Ronald has created multiple acclaimed series, including Time Well Spent and the movie review podcast Leaving the Theater. Ronald is passionate about social justice and equity. His storytelling continues to shape conversations around body image, culture, and justice. As an Associate Producer on Seizing Freedom, he helped bring to life powerful untold narratives from Black history. Ronald is based in Alexandria, VA.Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpodHave a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?https://www.westatpod.com/Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the show! This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

The MPD has frequently found itself the subject of unwelcome attention from the White House., while D.C. officials face tricky politics as they try to respond.

Awesome Con was back at D.C.'s Walter E. Washington Convention for a weekend-long celebration of nerd culture.

This week WAMU will look at the wrap up of the Maryland General Assembly's legislative session, D.C. students protesting on Capitol Hill and Record Store Day 2025.

A recent survey of D.C.-area restaurants show there is a pretty pessimistic mood among owners.

This week on Get Out There, we get geeky previewing this weekend's Awesome Con

The Trump administration laid off thousands of employees working at federal health agencies this week, including many at the National Institutes of Health in Montgomery County. The firings are expected to have far-ranging effects on the local workforce, county revenue, and public health. County Executive Marc Elrich joined Kojo and Tom to discuss what the continued shrinking of the federal workforce means for Montgomery County. Plus, he explained why he is proposing an increase in property taxes in this year's budget.Late last week, President Trump issued an executive order creating a task force aimed at crime and immigrants in the District. While many details remain vague, D.C. officials are on high alert awaiting a House vote on a bill preventing a billion-dollar cut in the city's spending. Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto weighed in on Republican attempts to exert more control over the District. Councilmember Pinto also broke down why she supports legislation allowing the Council to hold more meetings in private and her new plan to reduce crime.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Ward 8 residents made their message loud and clear in the November election: whatever charges their councilmember Trayon White faced, they needed him in office. Then the D.C. Council expelled him.

County leaders recently raised the bar for police cooperation with immigration officials, but advocates say more protection is needed.

Federal workers share their mental health trauma as the workforce is dramatically reduced under the Trump administration.

There are various resources available for affected workers across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

This week WAMU will look at D.C. leader's reactions to Donald Trump's executive order to make D.C. "safe and beautiful," the Virginia General Assembly's one-day session and a weekend at AwesomeCon.

We've spent a lot of time in 2025 talking about the president. The executive orders. The court challenges. The cabinet appointments. Now, the Signal group chats.It's a challenge to report on the administration, full stop. But what if you're not reporting on the administration for an audience directly affected by the U.S. federal government? What kinds of challenges does that present?In a 1A first, we sit down in front of an audience at our home base at WAMU in Washington, DC, to talk to three international journalists about their experiences covering the Trump administration for their audiences back home.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the wake of the detainment of a Georgetown University scholar, how can international students and researchers in our region protect themselves?

WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi talks about the biggest stories from this past week.

This week for Get Out There, we're getting you ready for peak bloom weekend!

Nationwide, including in the D.C.-area, there's a shortage of speech-language pathologists , especially in schools. Experts say high caseloads and low pay may be to blame.