MD Tax Revenue Outlook, RFK Stadium Delay, $66 on I-66, Speed Camera Tickets
Release Date: 09/30/2025
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.
info_outline
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. ...
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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_outline
Will Healthcare Premiums Rise After Maryland’s 50-year Sweetheart Deal with Medicare Ends?
I Hate Politics Podcast
No other state in the US has Maryland’s system of paying for hospital services despite its 50-year existence and the extra $2bn a year it brought. A new agreement between the state and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ends the preferential arrangement in 2027. Sunil Dasgupta asks Delegate Bonnie Cullison, Vice-Chair of the Maryland House Health and Government Operations Committee, and Jon Kromm, executive director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, the state’s hospital cost regulatory body, what to expect. Music by Kara Levchenko.
info_outline
Glock Redesigns Handgun, Flu Vax Uptake, Schools-Based Rental Assistance, CFC Pauses Listing
I Hate Politics Podcast
New state laws and lawsuits force gunmaker Glock to redesign popular pistol to prevent easy conversion from semi-automatic to fully-automatic. Maryland public health officials worry about low flu vaccine uptake. Gov. Wes Moore announces a rental assistance program for families of students who go to community schools. The Combined Federal Campaign has paused charity registration for next year. And more. Music by Kara Levchenko.
info_outline
Sunday Supper with the Bobrows: Lessons in Community-Building at a time of Disorientation
I Hate Politics Podcast
Feeling disoriented after the 2024 election, suburban Maryland couple Christina and Adam Bobrow have hosted a weekly dinner for their neighbors and friends for most of 2025. Not a potluck. No RSVP. Just show up. Sunil Dasgupta talks with the Bobrows about how to do it sustainably and what lessons they learned in community-building. Music by Kara Levchenko.
info_outlineMD Board of Revenue Estimates issues surprisingly strong tax outlook, but state leaders highlight caution. DC Council okayed the RFK stadium deal and almost immediately project leaders say there might be delays. As MD considers a VA proposal to put toll lanes on the Wilson Bridge, an 18-minute drive on I-66 cost $66. New MD law hikes to speed camera tickets take effect Oct 1. And more. Music by Dear Daria.