Tension is testing the unsteady ceasefire in the Iran War. The D.C. region is feeling the impacts on public safety, gas prices, and the local Iranian community. U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), who sits on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, talked with Kojo and Tom about how the overseas conflict is affecting area residents. Plus, we get his take on Virginia's redistricting referendum heading into the midterms and his push for a national data center strategy.

This week, the Prince George's County Council unanimously passed a series of emergency measures aimed at limiting ICE in the county. It comes as immigration enforcement expands nationwide. Council Vice Chair Eric Olson joined the show to discuss why he thinks the bills are needed and why they will stand up in court. Plus, we discussed a buyer for the former Six Flags property and the state budget's limits on how the county can spend park money.

After a delay, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is getting ready to submit her budget to the Council. Many are expecting big cuts, particularly as city leaders argue over whether to include $180 million in additional tax revenue. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma called in live from the Mayor's budget presentation to give us the highlights. Plus, he explained why Trump's immigration policies are reshaping the Ward 1 race.

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week about limiting birthright citizenship, with President Trump in attendance. It's a case with far-reaching implications nationally and across the D.C. region. U.S. Representative and constitutional lawyer Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined the show to explain the case and why judges appear to be leaning in one direction. Plus, we asked Rep. Raskin about the war in Iran and the redistricting push in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Rep. Raskin said he supports redrawing the state's congressional maps and has lobbied Senate President Bill Ferguson to take up the measure.

"I have felt that to the extent we've been thrust into this position by Trump and MAGA, then we've got to fight back with everything we've got," he said.

The D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser are once again at odds after the council overrode a mayoral veto of a bill requiring federal law enforcement oversight. The council also agreed to allow enhanced youth curfew rules to expire this month, over the mayor's objections. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson discussed the friction between the legislative and executive branches.

He also discussed why he thinks D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee is at fault for the Mayor's delay in delivering the budget. CFO Lee serves as the city’s independent financial chief. It’s his job to manage and oversee the city’s budget, including ensuring it is fiscally sound. This week, though, both the mayor and lawmakers criticized Lee for taking too long to complete his review of the mayor’s 2027 budget proposal and for overstepping his role.

"The CFO's role is to account the numbers and determine whether the budget is balanced," Mendelson said on The Politics Hour. "Not to make rulings with regard to policy."

The mayor is now expected to formally submit the budget to the council by April 14, two weeks late.

Chair Mendelson also discussed the ethics complaint against him for using his government office for campaign activity.

Finally, as a member of the National Capital Planning Commission, Chair Mendelson shared his thoughts on President Trump's White House ballroom project. The commission approved the project this week, but a federal judge ruled the plan requires congressional approval.

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

After years of debate, the Virginia General Assembly finally gave the green light to controversial legislation allowing developers to build a casino in Tysons. Some local officials are vehemently against the proposal, including Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. He got behind the mic to explain his opposition and what could happen next.

The Maryland General Assembly this week hit its midpoint, known as "Crossover Day," when bills must move to the other chamber or be shelved. Lawmakers are considering bills to lower utility costs, expand Medicaid to include obesity treatment, and ban cell phones in schools. House Majority Whip and Prince George's County delegate Ashanti Martinez joined us from Annapolis to explain what's next on the docket for lawmakers. Plus, we ask about the House's late push to revive redistricting efforts against Senate President Bill Ferguson's wishes.

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org