2026 Maryland General Assembly Starts Jan 14. Preview.
I Hate Politics Podcast
Maryland is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall, the state is under federal retrenchment, and elections are this year. Sunil Dasgupta talks with two of the most powerful leaders in the state assembly, Brian Feldman, chair of the Education, Energy, and Environment Committee in the Senate, and Marc Korman, chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee in the House of Delegates, about how they see the session ahead. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Trump Tries Regime Change: Oil, Drugs, and Extraterritoriality
I Hate Politics Podcast
In a departure from our usual worm’s eye view of the world, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Cato Institute Senior Fellow Walter Olson about the extraordinary rendition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to the United States on still shifting rationales that include oil, drug trafficking, and the changing nature of extraterritoriality of US law. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Merawi Gerima on Chocolate City Mixtape with Markus Batchelor
I Hate Politics Podcast
In this third installment of the Chocolate City Mixtape, Markus Batchelor talks with activist and award-winning filmmaker Merawi Gerima about his film Residue, a deeply personal reflection on his deep roots in Washington, D.C., the impact of gentrification on the community, the importance of D.C. is a broader fight for representation and freedom, and the role of art in social change. Timestamps 01:00 Roots of Activism in Chocolate City 06:15 The Impact of Gentrification on Community 08:33 Creating Residue: A Personal Journey 15:14 Activism Beyond Art: A Call to Action ...
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NPS to Redevelop Carter Barron, MCVFRA refutes IG report, Rockville v Gaithersburg
I Hate Politics Podcast
Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association is defending its right to receive county emergency transportation funds after an IG report says they are not eligible. Rockville Councilmember Adam Van Grack and Gaithersburg Councilmember Yamil Hernandez face off over the Wootton High School solution. National Park Service has RFP out for redeveloping nearly 40 acres of Rock Creek Park to expand Carter Barron tennis complex. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Derek Musgrove on Chocolate City Mixtape with Markus Batchelor
I Hate Politics Podcast
In the second installment of the Chocolate City Mixtape, Markus Batchelor talks with UMBC Professor G. Derek Musgrove and the co-author of Chocolate City, A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital to explore the history of Black culture and grassroots activism in shaping Washington DC's identity, the impact of congressional governance on local autonomy, and the ongoing struggles for representation and home rule. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome / Intro 01:45 The Inspiration Behind 'Chocolate City' Book 03:19 Race, Democracy, and Political Empowerment in D.C. ...
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Veto Overrides, PJM Capacity Auctions, and Damascus v Wootton
I Hate Politics Podcast
Maryland House of Delegates elects a new speaker and overrides 19 governor vetoes. PJM, the regional electric grid operator which includes MD, VA, and DC, holds a capacity auction that predicts sharp increases in rates but is held in check by a price cap. Frederick County Council considers whether to approve an expanded area for data center building near Adamstown. Damascus and Wootton High School communities contest who will get a new building first. Montgomery County Public Schools announced its new operating budget, but we are still stuck And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Arrington Dixon on Chocolate City Mixtape with Markus Batchelor
I Hate Politics Podcast
In this first episode of a new I Hate Politics series called Chocolate City Mixtape, Markus Batchelor talks with Arrington Dixon, a pivotal figure in the march to home rule in Washington DC. With DC's self-government now contested by the federal administration, Dixon reflects on the challenges of creating a new government, the legacy of that activism, and the future of self-determination in the city. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Civic Engagement and Personal History 04:21 The Role of Community Institutions in Civic Life 07:14 The Fight for Home Rule...
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UMBC Poll, Affordable Housing Costs, MCPS Advocacy
I Hate Politics Podcast
Governor Moore calls a special legislative session to install a new speaker. The session will consider veto overrides but not redistricting. UMBC Maryland issues poll results show a clear message on what’s on the minds of residents. A new affordable housing project in Montgomery County, Md, provides 98 units for $55 million. How to advocate to MCPS. The county tries to build sidewalks in the Takoma-Langley area but stranger danger is brought up. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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What’s Wrong with Petitioning Your Local Government
I Hate Politics Podcast
What’s Wrong with Petitioning Your Local Government (2025-12-12) The right to petition your government is constitutionally protected and, as a part of the right to free speech, sacred in a democracy. But public input must be structured correctly to be effective. In two separate interviews, Sunil Dasgupta talks with former Montgomery County, Md, Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, and parent activist Rebekah Kuschmider, about public input in development and education politics. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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MCPS Snow Closure Calls, Boundary/Program Changes, Early Apple Ballot, MoCo Tax Revenue Downturn
I Hate Politics Podcast
MCPS faces criticism for wrong calls and “gaslighting” over snow closure calls last week. Can this be done better? MCPS has announced adjustments to its ongoing boundary and program change proposals. The teacher’s union announces Apple Ballot recommendations for next year’s elections much earlier than the past. Montgomery County Council staff is now projecting declining revenues from property and income taxes. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
info_outlineWith rising electricity rates and the Maryland General Assembly considering over 50 energy-related bills, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Jason Stanek, the executive director of PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission operator for 14 states including Maryland and DC, and the body responsible for managing the electricity market. Stanek was previously chair of the state’s Public Service Commission. Music by Washington art-pop rock band Catscan!