The Trump administration laid off thousands of employees working at federal health agencies this week, including many at the National Institutes of Health in Montgomery County. The firings are expected to have far-ranging effects on the local workforce, county revenue, and public health. County Executive Marc Elrich joined Kojo and Tom to discuss what the continued shrinking of the federal workforce means for Montgomery County. Plus, he explained why he is proposing an increase in property taxes in this year's budget.

Late last week, President Trump issued an executive order creating a task force aimed at crime and immigrants in the District. While many details remain vague, D.C. officials are on high alert awaiting a House vote on a bill preventing a billion-dollar cut in the city's spending. Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto weighed in on Republican attempts to exert more control over the District. Councilmember Pinto also broke down why she supports legislation allowing the Council to hold more meetings in private and her new plan to reduce crime.

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