MCPS Swatting Incidents, ICE Action Near Schools, PTA Meeting Spaces
Release Date: 09/16/2025
Case Studies in Overpromise-Underdeliver: MCPS and the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement
I Hate Politics Podcast
Two interviews demonstrate the political problem of expectation-setting. Sunil Dasgupta talks to Byron Johns of the Montgomery County, Md, NAACP Parents Council, and the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Excellence, about MCPS’ proposal for six new programmatic regions and 30 magnet and special programs. And to Christine Condon, environment reporter for Maryland Matters, about the renewal draft of the interstate Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Dem v Dem, Partisan Redistricting, New Data Center Rules, NIH Woes
I Hate Politics Podcast
Who is MD Gov Moore targeting with his new political slate? The legality of creating an 8-0 Democratic advantage in the Congressional District map in Maryland. Regional grid operator members vote on new rules for adding. Half of NIH institutes have short two-week director searches open. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Abundance, Meet Politics
I Hate Politics Podcast
Two interviews that speak to what happens when the Abundance agenda meets local politics. Yesim Sayin of DC Policy Center on creating a research and advocacy ecosystem to push state-level policy to enable more housing construction. Their report: . And Declan Cullen of George Washington University on how cities deal with tech disrupters like Uber and self-driving car companies Waymo, and Zoox. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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MD Resistance to Trump, MCPS ICE Protocol, Middle School Closure, Boonsboro Cat Killer
I Hate Politics Podcast
MD Attorney General Brown has filed or is participating in over 100 lawsuits maintained against the Trump Administration. State Senate President Ferguson under pressure to allow mid-term redistricting, but is it feasible? MCPS issues detailed FAQ on Immigration Response Protocol. As Silver Spring International Middle School moves toward closing, teachers and staff feel dislocated. Washington County Humane Society is offering a $10,000 reward for information on the cat-killer of Boonsboro. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Fighting the Car Brain
I Hate Politics Podcast
On August 25, 2022, Sarah Langenkamp, 42, a diplomat and mother, was struck and killed by a driver on River Road in Bethesda, MD, while she was riding her bike. In the three years since, her husband, Dan, has devoted much of his life to improving road safety especially for bicyclists and pedestrians. With the fourth annual bike ride in Sarah’s memory coming up November 16 (), Dan Langenkamp reflects on the challenges of fighting the car brain. Music by Kara Levchenko.
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Backfilling SNAP, MUTCD, No Quorum in PG Public Body
I Hate Politics Podcast
The cities of Gaithersburg and College Park vote today. After days of persuasion, MD Gov Moore approves $62 million in state funds to make up for the SNAP shortfall. District 16 Delegate Marc Korman on how MDOT uses a road design manual to say no. Prince George’s County Planning Board does not have enough members to constitute a quorum. MCPS faces continued resistance against planned programming changes. Music by Dear Daria.
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Would Program Regions Create Six MCPS Mini-Districts?
I Hate Politics Podcast
MCPS’ plans to expand magnet education and change school boundaries potentially turns the nation’s 14th largest school system toward becoming six mini-districts. Sunil Dasgupta talks with MCPS officials leading the program changes, Jeannie Franklin and Angela McLane, about their plans, the challenges, and the possible consequences of the reorganization. Music by Seth Kibel and Flo Anito.
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State Protests, Slow Housing Starts, Cricket Fundraiser
I Hate Politics Podcast
Maryland cuts off SNAP funding without federal reassurances of reimbursements; state eliminates 502 jobs to save $27m. Protests gather steam against deportation flight company Avelo Airlines, Silver Spring demolition firm ACECO, and Maryland Israel Development Center, a state investment agency. Montgomery County Planning Staff report survey results on why developers with preliminary approvals are not building. With MCPS wanting to repurpose the new Crown High School building, competing petitions. A young, refugee, immigrant county council candidate proposes a cricket fundraiser. Music by...
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Tiffany Kelly for Gaithersburg Mayor
I Hate Politics Podcast
The City of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, MD, is holding elections November 4. Two candidates are running for mayor: incumbent Jud Ashman and challenger Tiffany Kelly. In accompanying double-header episodes, Sunil Dasgupta talks with community activist Kelly about need gaps in the city. Music By Adam Bobrow.
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Jud Ashman for Gaithersburg Mayor
I Hate Politics Podcast
The City of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, MD, is holding elections November 4. Two candidates are running for mayor: incumbent Jud Ashman and challenger Tiffany Kelly. In accompanying double-header episodes, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Ashman about rent stabilization. Music By Adam Bobrow.
info_outlineSchool district security chief Marcus Jones on swatting. Eyewitness accounts of ICE action near Eastern Middle School in Silver Spring and over 450 people signed a letter to MCPS asking for help defining protocols in case of ICE action immediately outside of schools. MCPS school administrators and PTAs are flummoxed by changes in rules and fees for PTA use of school space. And more. Music by Dear Daria.