At a time when many cities' concert scenes are dominated by nationwide conglomerates, the omnipresence of a local, independent concert operator like Hurwitz is unique.

Local Washington was the setting for many of writer Ta-Nehisi Coates' formative experiences. We revisit Kojo's interview with Coates in one of Washington's most historic black churches to discuss how those experiences, and the election of President Barack Obama, led to his new book "We Were Eight Years In Power."

We speak to Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) as he prepares to leave office after four years at the helm.

We discuss the Montgomery County school board decision to shorten spring break by two days and look at the challenges local jurisdictions face when developing academic calendars.

Native Washingtonian Rosalind Wiseman went to school with mean girls, then grew up to study them and the wider social dynamics of young women. She joins Kojo with former student Alexandra Petri to discuss the complexities of womanhood at different stages of life.

The D.C. Council is considering a proposal to decriminalize fare evasion on public transit, igniting a conversation about fairness and law enforcement.

The end-of-year holiday season often inspires Washingtonians to donate time, money or talents to their communities. Kojo explores different opportunities to give back in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Swecker is in studio. And Aisha Braveboy, candidate for Prince George's State's Attorney, joins us.

The federal court judge who ruled that Maryland's public universities were unlawfully segregated rejected solutions proposed by the state's Higher Education Commission and a group representing a coalition of Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities for redressing that segregation. We get an update on the case.

The number of people living in D.C. is booming, and so too is the number of rats. Kojo talks about how D.C.'s rodent problem is affecting the city and what's being done to fight off the pests.