Gun violence continues to claim more lives in the District. In 2023, 161 people have been murdered in the city – a 28% increase over this time last year. It’s prompted Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White to call for the National Guard to be potentially brought in. He joins the show to talk about the violence that has wreaked havoc in his ward and why he thinks the National Guard might be the answer.

Just three months ago, Representative Gerry Connolly’s staff members were attacked in his office. He talks to Kojo and Tom about how he and his staff are recovering and have dealt with the trauma of that day. Before becoming a Congressman, Connolly was Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. He discusses how a lack of a state budget can severely impact a county’s budget.

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