I Hate Politics Podcast

As Washington DC developed and grew, the many streams and water bodies that made up and fed the marshes around the Potomac River, became hidden, buried, and even regraded. Sunil Dasgupta talks with cartographer, historian, and graphic designer David Ramos about his project to identify lost streams and how this information can help daylight streams, direct urban planning, and revive the memories of water. See maps at https://imaginaryterrain.com. Music by Alexandria alt-rock band Jackie and the Treehorns.

The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: 18 yo transgender former MCPS student, Alex Ye, charged with threatening mass violence at school, is denied bond. New poll finds Alsobrooks 10 points ahead of Hogan in MD’s US Senate race. MD Governor Moore finally ends debate over Baltimore’s Red Line: will it be light rail or buses. Minimum wages go up in Maryland and Washington DC. Montgomery County has really low unemployment, high office space vacancy, and dramatically rising home values. And more. Music from Silver Spring band Airport 77s.

Term limits are a voter favorite. In 2016, a successful ballot question led by Robin Ficker led to council members and the county executive being limited to three consecutive terms. Sunil Dasgupta talks with Reardon Sullivan, former Republican county executive candidate from 2022, about his signature petition for a ballot question reducing the current term limit period to two terms. Music by Alexandria band Jackie and the Treehorns.

The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: MD Senator Jeff Waldstreicher on his 2023 criminal record expungement bill following the Governor’s mass marijuana pardon. Baltimore sues soda and snack giants for plastic pollution. Prince George’s County opposes VDOT’s  plan to turn unused transit space on Wilson Bridge into express lanes. DC Public Service Commission turns down a new $700 million gas pipeline proposal. Montgomery County Animal Shelter reopens for adoption after 6 weeks of canine flu. And more. Music from Silver Spring band Airport 77s.

In November 2023 the Montgomery County Board of Education passed a School Safety Resolution sponsored by the Student Member of the Board Sami Saeed. But MCPS had not made any progress by April 2024. Sunil Dasgupta talks with Saeed about his frustrations over getting MCPS to act. Music from Silver Spring musician and writer Jon Brayton who performs as Myster Treefrog.

The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: MD Governor Wes Moore pardons 175,000 criminal convictions for marijuana possession. MCPS appoints new superintendent. Montgomery County and Washington DC find money in existing education budgets to avoid the worst cuts. New noise pollution signs go up in downtown Silver Spring but enforcement remains unclear. Drought conditions temper the impact of the summer’s first heat wave. Music by Rockville singer-songwriter Andrew Glor and Drew Pictures.

This year the Maryland state government waded into housing affordability policy with three bills, one of which controversially sought to preempt local zoning authority. What can and should the state really do on housing? Sunil Dasgupta asked Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon and former Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson. Music from Silver Spring musician and writer Jon Brayton who performs as Myster Treefrog.

The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: Montgomery County Public Schools may furlough instead of laying off staff; Prince George’s County introduces permanent rent control; Baltimore County passes new law to stop developments if schools are overcrowded; commuter reports from the first week of Metro Red Line; and what’s it like inside a tornado. Music for this episode comes from Rockville singer-songwriter Andrew Glor and his band Drew Pictures.

What happens when you don’t pay your property taxes? Sunil Dasgupta talks with Montgomery County’s Finance Director Micahel Coveyou, the organizer of the upcoming June 10 delinquent tax sale, about the law, the process, and the outcomes of dealing with property tax debt. Music from Silver Spring musician and writer Jon Brayton who performs as Myster Treefrog.

The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: Montgomery County Public Schools announces school-specific cuts; a new grant seeks to bring back driver’s ed to public schools in Maryland after 30 years; a plan to cut 1,200 trees to allow upgrading an old golf course in Rock Creek National Park sparks outrage; and much more. Music for this episode comes from Rockville singer-songwriter Andrew Glor and his band Drew Pictures.