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WAMU 88.5

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WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station for NPR news and information in the greater Washington DC area.

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Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie Bunch was "clapped out" of his final Board of Regents meeting this morning. Bunch announced in September that he will retire from his post at the end of the year, bringing an end to his 38 year tenure with the institution.

Bunch was picked to lead the Smithsonian in 2019, making him the first Black man to do so. The announcement of his retirement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Smithsonian and the Trump administration. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the institution's portrayal of America's past.

Almost 9 months after his shooting death, the family of Julian Bailey is still searching for answers, and the cost of not being told the circumstances surrounding his death has been devastating. buff.ly/n8ZY9p1

Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto joined us on The Politics Hour this past Friday to talk about possible tax hikes, federal agents near schools, and crime stats. Before Councilmember Pinto left, we asked her just One More Question:

Virginia Congressman Don Beyer joined us on The Politics Hour this Friday to talk about the East Potomac Park golf course, AI, and the Kennedy Center. Before Rep. Beyer left, we asked him just One More Question:

This week on the Politics Hour, we take the Politics Hour on the road! Join Kojo, Tom, and special guests U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Prince George's County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha for conversations about the past, present, and future of Prince George's County.

Be part of the conversation by sending a voice memo with your questions for our guests to kojo@wamu.org and listen to WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!

A large team of healthcare professionals and volunteers descended on Prince George’s Community College to provide free medical check-ups, dental services, eye exams and eyewear to anyone in need of the services.

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buff.lyMobile healthcare clinic brings free medical, dental, and optical services to MarylandLast weekend, a large team of healthcare professionals and volunteers descended on Prince George's Community College to provide free medical check-ups, dental services, eye exams and eyewear to…

This week on the Politics Hour, Virginia Congressman Don Beyer weighs in on the latest with East Potomac Park golf course, the Trump administration's proposed arch, and the Kennedy Center.

Plus, Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on what she's hearing from the community about armed National Guard troops patrolling near schools. Send in your questions to kojo@wamu.org and listen to WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwabl joined us on The Politics Hour this Friday to talk about his lawsuit against Amazon, protecting tenants, and National Guard troops in front of ballot boxes. Before the Attorney General left, we asked him just One More Question:

D.C. is legally required to make shelter available for anyone who needs it to protect them from the cold during hypothermia season, which starts in November.

But people still sleep outside, even as the city expands its shelter capacity, and for those both in and outside of shelter, winter poses heightened health risks. buff.ly/8rQayUp

buff.lyD.C. is required to provide shelter for anyone who needs it each winter. But, some will still sleep in the streetsD.C. is legally required to make shelter available for anyone who needs it to protect them from the cold during hypothermia season, which starts in November. But people still sleep outside, even as…

Veterans groups and preservationists are protesting how President Trump's proposed triumphal arch would impact the character of the monuments in D.C. A third group is now raising concerns: aviation experts, who are worried about the impact the arch would have on the airspace around National Airport.

NPR's Rachel Treisman has been looking into their concerns. She joins WAMU to share her findings. buff.ly/x2dbsIt

buff.lyAviation experts warn Trump's 250-foot arch adds risk to busy airspace over Reagan National AirportReagan National Airport has the busiest runway in America. Aviation experts warn the arch adds another layer of risk for pilots leaving and entering the airspace.

"For this week's Get Out There, WAMU is looking at some major musical milestones in the region this autumn. Tonight is the first one, the album release show for cellist Janel Leppin."

This week on the Politics Hour, WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu talks about The Sphere, the governor's race, and Prince George's County politics. Plus, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb on why he's prioritizing housing conditions.

Send in your questions to kojo@wamu.org and listen to WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!

Protesters gathered at the Wilson building on Tuesday to speak out against the use of driverless vehicles in the District. Autonomous taxis have been rolled out in cities across the country, but remain in the testing phase in D.C. A bill from Ward D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen could change that.

Allen chairs the Council's Transportation committee. The bill would pave the way for robo taxis in 2028. Supporters say the technology improves road safety, but unions are worried it could take away jobs from rideshare and taxi drivers said Autumn Weintraub, executive director of app drivers union.

On October 4 some Christian worshippers marked the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, by taking their pets to church where pastors gave them a special blessing.

At Luther Place Memorial Church, Rev. Karen Brau circled the wedge-shaped lawn laying her hands on over a dozen dogs and one cat to bless them under a mural depicting St. Francis.

Brau, the church’s pastor, said the group at the event was affirming St. Francis’ teachings that humans and their animal companions are connected. “It is a real fascinating sense of care for the earth and care for creation that he had in his ministry, that we’re continuing with,” Brau added.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson joined us on The Politics Hour this past Friday. Before the Council Chair left, we asked him just One More Question: Where does he stand on D.C. leaning on sports venue investments to help solve the city's revenue issue?

Best-selling author Susan Coll invites us into the chaotic world of bookstore events in her latest novel. Coll is also an events consultant at the local bookstore Politics and Prose, which inspired her to explore the local literary community. buff.ly/EK0cEsL

It may be hard to believe, but October is already here and fall is in full swing. And while it may be too late to book a ticket to Germany for Oktoberfest, there are plenty of celebrations right here in the D.C. region. buff.ly/nKx5abV

Doctors are raising awareness about deprescribing, the movement to reduce the number of medications people regularly take as they age. Paula Span writes the “The New Old Age” column and explains which common drugs to take a second look at, given the possibility for side effects. buff.ly/5OT5gaJ

Novelist George Pelicanos’ latest novel “The Blue Flame” shows private detective Derek Strange solving crimes in D.C.’s quieter neighborhoods, like Michigan Park, Shaw and Kenilworth. buff.ly/7B6VP89

A federal judge declared a mistrial Monday in the bribery case of D.C. Councilman Trayon White. The jury deliberated for several days but could not come to a unanimous verdict. Jenny Gathright, a reporter at The Washington Sun, has been following the trial and spoke with WAMU’s about the outcome.

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buff.lyA mistrial was declared in D.C. Councilman Trayon White's federal bribery trial. What happens next?Jenny Gathright, a reporter at The Washington Sun, has been following the trial. She spoke with WAMU's All Things Considered host Tamika Smith about today's outcome and potential next steps.

This week on the Politics Hour, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on his central role in the political future of Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White. Plus, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi on the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger .

Send in your questions to kojo@wamu.org and listen to WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!

Before Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker left The Politics Hour Friday we asked him just one more question: Why did he vote "present" on a bill that would allow private businesses and organizations to write parking tickets?

Mistrial declared in bribery case of Ward 8 D.C. Council member Trayon White. White was accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes from a city contractor who did work for the District.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement that the case against the Ward 8 councilman will be re-tried. "We have video showing piles of cash being given to a D.C. councilmember as part of a $156,000 bribe. Rest assured that we will retry this case and every corruption case to verdict."

The WNBA playoffs are around the corner, and the Mystics will be there this year! Washington clinched a playoff spot in August. It’s the first playoff appearance for the Mystics since 2023. The WNBA Playoffs begin Sunday, Sept. 27, where the Mystics will face off against the Atlanta Dream.

Jenn Hatfield is a Mystics beat reporter at IX Sports, as well as IX Basketball’s managing editor. She spoke with WAMU’s Morning Edition host Esther Ciammachilli about the Mystics season, taking a look back at what made the Mystics 2026 season so successful, playoff possibilities, and more.

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buff.lyWashington Mystics are in the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since 2023As the playoffs approach, we're taking a look back at what made the Mystics 2026 season so successful with Mystics beat reporter from IX Sports, Jenn Hatfield.

Chef Patrick O’Connell knows how to build something out of nothing. He’s the founder, proprietor, and chef of The Inn at Little Washington – a world-renowned hotel and restaurant in a small Virginia town about 90 minutes west of D.C.

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buff.ly'Main, Middle & Gay' - Chef Patrick O’Connell shares his life story in a new memoirChef Patrick O'Connell of The Inn at Little Washington has put his life story in a new, revealing memoir.

“It is a monument, no less than the others on this mall, to the deep and abiding love of this country, and the ideals upon which it is founded,” declared then President Barack Obama before its 2016 opening.

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buff.lyGet Out There: National Museum of African American History and Culture's 10th anniversary celebrationsNMAAHC is celebrating its 10th anniversary and to commemorate the decade, the museum will host a number of events under the theme “The Reunion: Welcome Home Our Legacy Continues.”

As many as 1 in 5 women can suffer from postpartum depression, but treatment can sometimes fall through the cracks.

Dr. Wendy Hookman, founder and medical director of the Washington Center for Women’s and Children’s Wellness, joins WAMU to discuss postpartum mental illness and how families and friends can help care for their loved ones suffering from these conditions buff.ly/oJzT0gl

buff.lyPostpartum mental illness is 'not a moral failure,' explains local reproductive psychiatristDr. Wendy Hookman, a reproductive psychologist based in Bethesda, talks to WAMU about postpartum mental illness - the warning signs and how patients can receive treatment.

The Kennedy Center has closed its doors — for now — amid the Trump administration's continued push to remake the institution. With the future of the performing arts center unclear, we want to hear from you. What is your relationship to the Kennedy Center? Do you have a favorite memory there?

What does the performing arts center mean to the D-C region, and our local arts community? Record a short voice memo including your name and email it to news@wamu.org.

This week on the Politics Hour, Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González talks trash about the county's aging incinerator and Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker on the Council's first legislative session of the fall.

Plus, the latest on the federal bribery trial of Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White. Send in your questions to kojo@wamu.org and tune into WAMU 88.5 Friday at noon!