I Hate Politics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Apprentice v Intern Mar 07, 2025

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In 2023, Maryland set up a commission to expand apprenticeships in the state and the commission released its interim report in February 2025: https://t.ly/cUrf1. Commission chair Jacob Hsu, a Baltimore technology entrepreneur, and member Jim Rosapepe, state senator from College Park, home of the University of Maryland, joined Sunil Dasgupta to talk about the report, the tradeoffs between internships, and apprenticeships, and the failures of higher education to meet the labor market. Music by Washington art-pop rock band Catscan!

I Hate the News Mar 4 Mar 04, 2025

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The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: Maryland and Virginia ask laid off federal workers to seek state jobs. Will former federal employees sign up to be public school teachers where staff shortage is acute? The Maryland State Department of Education proposes an overhaul of the high school math curriculum. Could it impact parent-favorite accelerated math instruction in elementary school? Illegal dumping in DC and Prince George's County remains a problem. How to "buy" renewable energy without putting rooftop solar or depending on retail energy suppliers? Music by Washington DC area composer Anna Rubin.

The Politics of Plastic Pollution Feb 28, 2025

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Since Washington DC area jurisdictions began banning plastic straws and taxing plastic bags, trash traps have seen dramatically fewer bags and straws. What are the next steps in fighting plastic pollution? Sunil Dasgupta talks with Trey Sherard of Anacostia Riverkeeper, the nonprofit that works to clean up the river and its tributaries flowing through Montgomery and Prince George's Counties and on the east side of Washington DC. Music by Washington art-pop rock band Catscan!

I Hate the News Feb 25 Feb 25, 2025

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The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: President Trump mulls executive order asserting greater federal control over DC. Under a new law, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb sues three Maryland drivers with over $90,000 in tickets. MD Senator Jeff Waldstreicher on his bill on camera enforcement of texting while driving. Vermonter Bob Atchinson goes to the Supreme Court. And the bizarre case of World War 1 chemical weapons debris in a Northeast DC neighborhood. More at https://t.ly/xiMrg. Music by Washington DC area composer Anna Rubin.

Behind Rising Electricity Rates Feb 21, 2025

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With 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!

I Hate the News Feb 18 Feb 18, 2025

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The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: Protests continue in Washington DC and across the country against the Trump administration. The state of Maryland and its suburban counties most affected by the possibility of mass federal layoffs gear up to help those losing jobs. Montgomery County passes a law banning retail plastic bags in 2026. DC'sHoward University becomes first HBCU to get Research 1 status. What a guilty plea in a series of robberies in a DC Walgreens says about retail theft. And more. Music from "No Kings" protests on the National Mall.

Stepping Out On Your Algorithm -- A Love Letter Feb 14, 2025

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Whether it is news or music, algorithms run by streaming platforms deliver us content and it gets stale and dangerous. For this Valentine's Day episode, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Poolesville, MD, resident Kevin Schramm about how he finds music regularly. Sampled music from: Stella, Magdalena Bay, Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, Beverly Glenn Copeland, Nourished by Time, Parannoul, Lexa Gates, William Onyeabor.

I Hate the News Feb 11 Feb 11, 2025

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The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: Maryland Governor Wes Moore gives his 2025 state of the state address. House Minority Leader Delegate Jason Buckel offers Republican response. Prince George's County Budget Director Stanley Earley on the impact of the state budget on counties. New UMD-Washington Post poll on Moore's favorability. And more. 1920s music by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago, the Paul Whiteman band, Carl Fenton, and Jan Garber.

18-Hour Neighbhoods in the DC Area Feb 07, 2025

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Urban and transit planner, data analyst, app-maker, and recently former USDOT official David Schneider created the concept of an 18-hour neighborhood to measure the vibrancy of urban life using retail around transit stations. Sunil Dasgupta talks with Schneider about his methodology, how he applied it to the Washington DC region, and the implications of his research. At dmvtransittourism.com. Music by Washington art-pop rock band Catscan!

I Hate the News Feb 4 Feb 04, 2025

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The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: As the Trump Administration moves to fulfill the new president's campaign promises, fear and loathing spreads in the Washington DC region. State and local governments run business as usual as they wait. Internal consolidation may be the best preparation but housing shows how difficult it is to find consensus. Bills to stop rent collusion among landlords using digital platforms, prevent district court commissioners from issuing peace orders and warrants, and limit cell phone use in classrooms. 1920s music by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago, the Paul Whiteman band, Carl Fenton, and Jan Garber.

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