Podcasts about WAMU

Immigration crackdowns are underway in D.C. and across the region. Our Politics team shares their reporting, from the limits of so-called sanctuary cities to conditions at the local ICE processing center.

This week on Get Out There, we're checking out the alternative comedy scene around D.C.

Potomac Oaks Condominium was destroyed by a massive gas explosion in November 2022. For the 25 households displaced and struggling to avert homelessness, the incident took a severe financial and emotional toll.

After nearly a month of federal law enforcement and military personnel patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., President Trump says the District is a “crime-free zone.” We discuss what's really going on in the city, as well as the pressures on the majority Democratic city's Democratic mayor.This episode: politics correspondent Sarah McCammon, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and WAMU senior politics reporter Alex Koma. 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

Andy Shallal's new memoir chronicles his arrival in the U.S. from Iraq, his entry into the restaurant business, and his founding of the iconic local restaurant chain Busboys and Poets.

WAMU's Alex Koma is here to talk about Trump, Bowser and the death penalty in DC, the federal government's Union Station takeover, and the strange death of food halls. Plus, in a members-only fourth topic, we're learning about the weird new AI private school in Virginia.  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 August 28th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week on Get Out There, we're looking at some of the not-to-miss shows at the 2025 DC Jazz Festival.

Earlier this week, President Trump signed new executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail in D.C. and requesting that officers bring people arrested in D.C. into federal custody. But what is cashless bail? And can he actually do this? WAMU's Alex Koma is here to dig into it. 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 August 27th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Stories WAMU is following this week include how residents of Wards 7 and 8 are reacting to President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers, the possible increased costs for families needing back to school shots, and a look at celebrating the DC JazzFest this weekend.

The Washington Post reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now accompanying MPD officers on moped traffic stops.

With a Black governor charting his own path, a powerful Black caucus pushing to override his veto, and a lawsuit testing whether the courts will weigh in, Maryland is reckoning with reparations but it's not clear that everyone will be happy with the outcome.

The new U.S. attorney for D.C. has argued for the reversal of several D.C. laws meant to help people accused or convicted of crimes when they were young, claiming they've impacted youth crime rates in the city. Experts doubt her claims.

State officials will face choices around implementing new work requirements and using state funds to fill new gaps.

It's been one intense week since Trump seized control of DC's police force and sent in the National Guard. In the days since, the city has seen arrests, protests, and growing fear. WAMU's Alex Koma has been on the ground covering and he's here to break down what's happened so far and what's next for DC. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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 August 19th episode: Overlook Maps Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Federal officials in Washington, D.C. swept through a large homeless encampment Thursday and dismantled it. It's part of the Trump administration's purge to crack down on crime across D.C.

We heard from you during this historic week in D.C.

The Youngkin administration is targeting the food assistance program's benefits error rate to try to avoid paying a $270 million penalty.

President Trump announced this week he was federalizing the D.C. police and sending in the National Guard to curb what he calls "out of control" crime in the District. The move comes as violent crime in D.C. is down 26% compared to this time last year, according to Metropolitan Police Department data. Hundreds of federal law enforcement officials and the National Guard have already been brought in, and have been seen patrolling D.C. streets.Residents across the region have lots of questions and thoughts about what D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is calling an "unprecedented" move by the administration.So, we talked about it.Host Kojo Nnamdi, analyst Tom Sherwood, WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma, and D.C. Auditor Kathy Patterson joined for a WAMU News call-in special. They answered your questions and heard your thoughts about what it all means for your community.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

There's a list of local artists featured on the walls of Shanklin Hall, which serves as an art gallery for regional talent thanks to co-founder and curator Imani Shanklin Roberts.

Less than 40% of schools nationwide have a registered school nurse on staff. A veteran school nurse describes the challenges in hiring, training and retaining personnel.

While D.C. and federal lawmakers implement curfews and other "tough on crime" measures, one nonprofit is training youth to prevent violence in their own communities.

Israel targeted a journalist tent in Gaza City, killing five Al Jazeera journalists Sunday, including prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif. The Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 192 journalists have been killed since the start of the war nearly two years ago. Mohamed Moawad, Al Jazeera's managing editor, joins us to talk about the loss of his colleagues.And, President Trump took the unprecedented move on Monday of placing the Washington, D.C. police department under federal control and sending in National Guard troops to fight crime in the nation's capital, despite statistics showing violent crime declining 26% since last year. WAMU's Alex Koma details White House plans to use federal forces in D.C.Then, Chipmakers Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices are selling advanced artificial intelligence chips to China, and national security experts have major concerns. The deal requires the two companies to pay 15% of chip sales revenue to the U.S. government. The Jamestown Foundation's Peter Mattis explains more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Stories WAMU is following this week include President Trump's increase of federal law enforcement and troops in D.C., the potential impact on area food banks from SNAP cuts and the local burden of the national school nurse shortage.

Maryland went from a record surplus to fiscal crisis in just three years. Now, massive federal cuts are hitting as the state struggles to implement its education reform plan known as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

This week on Get Out There, we take a trip to Commanders' training camp and get you ready for some football.

After two days of hearings, the D.C. Council took a first vote on the much-anticipated multi-billion-dollar RFK Stadium deal. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma joined us live from the Wilson building to give us the latest. He also broke down this week's final vote on the budget, which included a controversial compromise on the future of the tipped minimum wage.The Trump administration has opened multiple investigations into George Mason University over alleged discriminatory policies, including into actions by the school's faculty. We asked Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell to weigh in. Sen. Surovell also explained why the General Assembly is mulling a return to Richmond for a special session next month, and we got his thoughts on Virginia's 11th Congressional District race to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away unexpectedly this spring.  The Montgomery County Council recently approved a "missing middle" housing plan. It's drawn backlash from some residents, as well as from County Executive Marc Elrich. He shared his take on the zoning change that will allow developers to build more types of housing in certain areas of the county.County Executive Elrich also discussed the county's efforts to manage the increasing instances of flash flooding. Maryland has had 51 flash food warnings to date this year, already the most since 2020. Elrich warned that current systems won't be adequate for what's coming, and the county is researching fixes, including stormwater retention areas. "This, for us, is going to be challenging because these are capital expenses that no one thought we were going to be making," he said. "So this, in my mind, alters the trajectory of future budgets."Elrich said the county has already installed dozens of flood sensors to help warn when water is rising. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum opened 5 new galleries earlier this week – a big milestone in a multi-year revamp that began in 2018. The museum has seven more galleries to renovate before the July, 2026 deadline. 

This week on Get Out There, we're exploring D.C. while saving a few bucks.

It's finally done! The D.C. Council passed the 2026 budget, but not without some hiccups along the way. WAMU's Alex Koma takes us inside the Wilson Building to tell us what those hiccups were and what DC will be spending our tax dollars on next year. 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 July 29th episode: Framebridge Overlook Maps Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Members of the D.C. Fire and EMS Marine rescue unit were among the first to respond to the aircraft that crashed in the Potomac River. Some are still struggling with what they saw and experienced that night on the Potomac.

Parkour combines elements of gymnastics and martial arts. It uses the urban environment as a kind of playground, with athletes balancing on handrails, flipping off structures, and bouncing off walls.

The city hopes to renovate the home of the Mubadala Citi DC Open tennis tournament, but people living near the facility say it will increase traffic, illegal parking, and other headaches.

At the end of May, I accompanied a group of tandem (two person) cyclists with the Metropolitan Washington Association for Blind Athletes,(MWABA) on a biking and camping trip. MWABA connects visually impaired athletes with opportunities around the metro D.C. region to cycle, run, and do other physical activities.

The Virginia Court of Appeals will decide whether a developer who has built ‘missing middle' housing in the county should be allowed to join the lawsuit.

This week for Get Out There, we're scoring some summer restaurant deals.

Stories WAMU is following this week include diving deep into the missing middle housing issues in Arlington and Alexandria, Prince George's County's 180 on nonprofit funding and reviewing Metro's Better Bus Network

As hundreds of public radio and television stations brace for federal funding cuts, WAMU's leadership says the station has operated as a fixture in Washington D.C. for 64 years and will continue its mission of serving the community.

Betsy Thibaut Stephenson's son Charlie died by suicide in 2022. Her memoir helped her grieve, and she hopes it will help dispel the stigma around depression and suicide.

The D.C. Council is debating whether to wait for White's January trial on bribery charges or try to force him out of office again in the wake of his special election win.

The D.C. Council advanced a budget this week with deep cuts to social services, no tax increases, and $500 million to help build a new football stadium at the RFK site. It also includes funding to implement ranked choice voting in the District next year. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson got behind the mic to break down the budget negotiations.. Plus, Mendelson discussed why his tipped minimum wage proposal failed, why ranked choice voting succeeded, and we asked about the Ward 8 special election, and whether he and his council colleagues will expel Councilmember-elect Trayon White again now that he's won his seat back.WAMU's new reporter covering Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Jenny Abamu, got behind the mic to weigh in on what federal cuts and layoffs mean for Maryland residents. She also discussed how Maryland Governor Wes Moore is addressing a looming budget crisis as he prepares for a re-election campaign and illegal house parties in Montgomery County.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

We sit down with Jamie Dimon for a live conversation at Radio City Music Hall, covering the incredible journey from his 1998 firing at Citgroup (where he was widely expected to become CEO) to building the most powerful bank in the world. Today JPMorgan Chase is a juggernaut — the most systemically important non-governmental financial institution in the world, with over twice the market capitalization of its nearest competitor. But it certainly wasn't always this way! Jamie takes us from his career restart at the struggling Chicago-based Bank One through how he transformed that platform into the foundation for the modern JPMorgan Chase. We dive into the “fortress balance sheet” strategy that has defined his tenure, and cover blow-by-blow Jamie's approach to the Great Financial Crisis, Bear Stearns, WaMu, First Republic and more. Tune in for an incredible conversation, live from New York City's most iconic venue!Sponsors:Many thanks to our fantastic Summer ‘25 Season partners:J.P. Morgan PaymentsVercelAnthropicStatsigEpisode image photo credit: Rockefeller CenterMore Acquired:Get email updates with hints on next episode and follow-ups from recent episodesJoin the SlackSubscribe to ACQ2Check out the latest swag in the ACQ Merch Store!‍Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

The DC Budget still hasn't passed, but it's getting closer. The D.C. Council advanced a budget that pencils in more than $1 billion dollars for the RFK Stadium deal and approves ranked-choice voting. Plus, it rejects Bowser's proposed rollback of the I-82 tipped wage law… for now. Another vote is expected July 28. WAMU's Alex Koma is here to get into what it means for the city. 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 July 16th episode: Library of Congress DC Sustainable Energy utility Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a turbulent year in which Trayon White was indicted, reelected, and then expelled from the Council, he is now projected to win the Ward 8 special election held Tuesday. Residents are hoping to move forward.

As immigration arrests skyrocket in Northern Virginia, legal aid groups are scrambling to provide communities support and preparation for possible arrests.

The D.C. Council chair's budget would reverse some of Mayor Muriel Bowser's cuts, but only minimally. Many initiatives remain unchanged, with the exception of a new tipped wage proposal.

WAMU's Alex Koma is here to talk about the Supreme Court giving the greenlight to Trump's mass firings of federal workers. Plus, the president is musing about taking over DC again. But it's not all bad: There are more fireflies than ever! And in a member's only fourth topic, we're going to get into DC's feelings about the Better Bus Network changes.  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 July 11th episode: District Bridges Backroom Nace Law Group Library of Congress Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Get Out There, we cool down from the summer heat with a dip in the pool, a swim in the bay, a lick of ice cream, and a swing at indoor putt putt.

DC Council is already pondering whether to expel Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White again if he wins his seat back on July 15 special election. But in the meantime, the voters get a say, and they actually have a few candidates to choose from. WAMU's Alex Koma is here to walk us through the state of the race.  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 July 7th episode: District Bridges Backroom Nace Law Group Library of Congress Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was originally released on 5/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 91, we finish the adult western trilogy with a focus on the period after television decimated radio's listening audience, forever altering the broadcasting landscape. Dramatic radio's time as America's number one entertainment genre was over, but it was far from dead. Our story won't conclude on that fabled date of September 30th, 1962 when radio drama supposedly ended forever. We'll push down the trail through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s as dramatic radio continued to avoid the hangman's noose. Highlights: • Dirty Saturdays • Gunsmoke Finds Sponsorship. • Gunsmoke's TV launch • NBC and Dr. Sixgun • Norman Macdonnell and CBS bring a new Western to the Air • J.B. Kendall, Luke Slaughter, & Paladin • The End of Gunsmoke • Horizon's West and One Last Gasp • Elliott Lewis—Young At Heart • Riding off Into the Sunset The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers The reading material used in today's episode was: • On The Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio - by John Dunning • Radio Rides The Range: A Reference Guide to Western Drama on the Air, 1929 - 1967 by Jack French and David S. Siegel • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-1953 - by Jim Ramsburg • As well as numerous passages from Broadcast Magazine On the Interview Front: • Lilian Buyeff, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Herb Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Elliott Lewis, Vic Perrin, and Herb Vigran, were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com • Parley Baer, William Conrad, John Dehner, Rex Koury, and Norman Macdonnell were with John Hickman. Mr. Hickman was the longtime host of WAMU's Recollections. Today, this program is heard each Sunday evening as The Big Broadcast. For more information, please go to WAMU.org • William N Robson was with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. This interview can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • Parley Baer was with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chat at SpeakingofRadio.com. •John Dehner was also heard with Neil Ross for KMPC on March 23rd, 1982. While Elliott Lewis was with John Dunning for his 1980s 71KNUS program from Denver. And Raymond Burr was with Jack Webster in 1963. Selected Music Featured in Today's Episode Was: • The Theme to A Summer Place - by Percy Faith • Mr. Sandman - by The Chordettes • Young At Heart - by Frank Sinatra • And Come Down My Evening Star - by Joan Morris & William Bolcom

This episode was originally released on 4/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 90 and on the second part of our western trilogy, dramatic radio goes from boom to bust in a nine year period after World War II, as a group of actors become radio legends, while the radio western grows up. Highlights: • William S. Paley's Plan to Overtake NBC • The West-Coast Hollywood Actors • Robson, Yarborough, Lewis, and Hawk Larabee • Escape Moves the Western Forward • The Life and Death of Jeff Chandler • CBS Becomes Number 1 • NBC Fires Back with New Western Shows • Elliott Lewis, Suspense, On Stage, and Crime Classics • The Birth of Gunsmoke • Jack Johnstone, Jimmy Stewart, and The Six Shooter • The Networks Pull the Plug in 1954 • What's Next The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers The reading material used in today's episode was: • On The Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio - by John Dunning • Radio Rides The Range: A Reference Guide to Western Drama on the Air, 1929 - 1967 by Jack French and David S. Siegel • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-1953 - by Jim Ramsburg As well as passages from • Broadcast Magazine — 12/22/1947, 2/16/1948, 3/1/1948 • Sponsor Magazine — 10/1/1951 On the Interview Front: • Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Lillian Buyeff, Mary Jane Croft, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Herb Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Jack Johnstone, Byron Kane, Elliott Lewis, Jeanette Nolan, and Herb Vigran were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com • Hans Conried, Howard Duff, and Elliott Lewis with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. The full interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org • Jack Benny, Hans Conried, Betty Lou Gerson, Elliott Lewis, and Lurene Tuttle were with Chuck Schaden. Chuck's interviews from an over 39-year career can be listened to for free at SpeakingofRadio.com • Eve Arden, Elliott Lewis, and E. Jack Neuman were with John Dunning for his 1980s 71KNUS Radio program from Denver. Some of his interviews can be found at OTRRLibrary.org • William Conrad, John Dehner, Rex Koury, Norman Macdonnell, John Meston, William N. Robson, and George Walsh were John Hickman of WAMU for his Gunsmoke documentary. • Mr. Hickman was the longtime host of “Recollections.” A modern version of this program is heard each Sunday evening as “The Big Broadcast.” For more information, please go to WAMU.org • William Conrad was also with collector Chris Lambesis for a December 15th, 1969 interview • Jimmy Stewart was with Larry King in 1986 • And William S. Paley and Frank Stanton were interviewed for CBS's 50th Anniversary program in 1977. Selected Music Featured in Today's Episode Was: • I've Got the World on a String - by Frank Sinatra • Pyramid of the Sun & Voodoo Dreams - by Les Baxter • I'll Be Seeing You - by The Harry James Orchestra • Route 66 - by Nat King Cole