WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

KOJO IN YOUR COMMUNITY: PUBLIC SAFETY IN NOMA AND ACROSS THE DISTRICT: The District today is among the safest of big cities, far from the "murder capital" it once was. Yet recent shootings in the area recall shades of the neighborhood's violent past. D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier joins a studio audience for this "Kojo In Your Community" at NPR's NoMa headquarters to explore what the rapid transformation of neighborhoods like NoMa has meant for public safety. (52 min.)

EL SALVADOR'S NEW PRESIDENT: Salvadorans head to the polls March 9 to choose their next president in an election that will influence the future of a nation plagued by gang violence, drugs and poverty. With a large Salvadoran community living in the Washington area, we explore the challenges facing the next president both at home and in El Salvador's relationship with the U.S. (18 min.) THE CHANGING NATURE OF WORKPLACE BENEFITS: Many people have seen their benefits at work change in recent years, including more healthcare costs shifted to employees and fewer traditional pension plans. At the same time, new federal programs like the Affordable Care Act and MyRA will allow more people options if they change jobs. Meanwhile, other benefits are being added, like wellness programs like biometric screenings and personal financial seminars. We explore the changing nature of workplace benefits. (31 min.)

D.C. "SHADOW CAMPAIGN" LEADER CHARGED IN FEDERAL COURT: The man at the center of D.C.'s 2010 "shadow campaign" scandal was formally charged this morning in federal court. This afternoon, Jeffrey Thompson is expected to plead guilty to two felony counts of conspiracy in connection with fundraising for Mayor Gray's 2010 campaign and those of several other elected officials. We get the latest update from WAMU 88.5's Patrick Madden and Politics Hour Analyst Tom Sherwood.(13 min.) PTSD IN INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOODS: Post-traumatic stress disorder is well-documented among veterans of war, but a growing body of research finds many American civilians are suffering from similar kinds of psychological trauma in their own neighborhoods. Researchers find trauma can develop in the aftermath of violent events or even in cases of extreme poverty, and is particularly prevalent among people in inner-city — often African-American — communities. But while research reveals alarming rates of PTSD among civilians, few hospitals and schools have adequate resources to diagnose and treat it. We look at how trauma is affecting urban neighborhoods locally and nationally and talk with community activists who work to stave off its negative effects. (37 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR - MARCH 7, 2014: D.C. lawmakers vote to decriminalize marijuana. Maryland's House of Delegates ponders raising the state's minimum wage. And Virginia Republicans seek a special session to resolve a dispute over expanding Medicaid in the Old Dominion. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

POP CULTURE AND THE AMERICAN IMAGE: From "House of Cards" and "Breaking Bad" to Miley Cyrus and "The Wolf of Wall Street," violence and vulgarity now pervades much of U.S. popular culture. As the U.S. has cut its public diplomacy programs, cultural critics say Hollywood — and the distorted image it exports — has become the de facto U.S. ambassador, giving audiences abroad an exaggerated view of American values and lifestyle. We talk to cultural critic and author Martha Bayles about how our pop culture affects how Americans are perceived in foreign countries, and learn how those on the front lines of public diplomacy can alter that image. (52 min.)

THE FUTURE OF AMATEURISM IN COLLEGE SPORTS : The NCAA says student athletes can't be paid to play — even as their coaches, athletic directors and schools earn millions from TV contracts. A group of football players at Northwestern University is seeking to change the rules, claiming they're university employees who should be able to form a union and bargain. We examine questions about money in college sports and the rights of student athletes. (52 min.)

FROM UKRAINE TO VENEZUELA, IS THERE A GLOBAL DEMOCRACY CRISIS?: The protesters who ousted Ukraine's president last month claimed to be taking a stand against a corrupt and autocratic government. But they also pushed out a democratically elected leader. From Ukraine to Egypt to Venezuela, some see a recurring and distressing global pattern of popular protest movements failing to live up to their espoused democratic ideals. We consider whether democracy as a political idea is losing its luster around the world. (17 min.) "TRUTH IN SEAFOOD" LABELING: Lawmakers in Maryland are debating a new proposal that would make it illegal for restaurants and markets to mislabel the food they sell and require them specifically to note the origins of crab meat they offer to consumers. We examine what's at stake in this new debate about food and traceability, and what it means for consumers and producers here in the Washington region. (32 min.)

LOCAL AND NATIONAL MARIJUANA DEBATE: As the national landscape around marijuana laws shifts dramatically, Maryland and D.C. are weighing legislation of their own. Maryland is considering several bills, including one to legalize pot, while the district considers measures to decriminalize it. But some, including many in law enforcement, are concerned that responding to fast-changing public opinion could translate into bad public policy. We consider local debates amid a national shift on the issues. (52 min.)

GOING NOWHERE: WINTER TRANSPORTATION TROUBLES: Even though it's March, winter weather continues to wreak havoc on transportation systems nationwide. This week, a storm once again caused WMATA to cancel bus service, MARC and VRE to suspend train service and airlines to cancel thousands of flights. We consider the factors that transit providers weigh when deciding when to cancel — and restart — service. (15 min.) PHONE RATES FOR INMATES: New FCC rules capping the rates of phone calls for interstate calls to and from prisons went into effect recently. Before the rate caps, a 15-minute call could cost as much as $17. Advocates say the cost made it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with family members. The fees collected are typically split between the private telecom companies providing service and the states or municipalities operating the facility. Those companies are appealing, noting that security and other issues make providing service more expensive. We explore the issues in play. (35 min.)

NEW CONCERNS OVER NET NEUTRALITY: We take it for granted: the Internet as the great equalizer. We can read email, visit websites and watch videos without any one activity getting preferential treatment in the way its data is delivered to our computers. But a recent court ruling involving Verizon and the FCC and a deal between Netflix and Comcast are raising fears that so-called net neutrality could be in danger. Tech Tuesday explores the reality behind the headlines and the landscape for Internet service providers. (52 min.)

SCHOOL CLOSURES AND THE "SNOW DAY EFFECT": Last night, school systems around the region began sending out word of yet another weather-related closure. Snow days bring excitement for kids and frustration for parents. They disrupt classroom instruction. But some recent studies have found that concerns about the "snow day effect" are overstated. (13 min.) JUDY CHICAGO ON FEMINISM, ART AND EDUCATION: Artist Judy Chicago pioneered the concept of "feminist art" in the '70s, pushing back in a male-dominated art world. Her best known work, "The Dinner Party," explored women in history and myth, an iconic installation that continues to inspire today. As Chicago's 75th birthday approaches, a trio of nationwide exhibitions and events celebrate her contributions to both fields. We talk with her about what's changed and what hasn't for female artists. (38 min.)

CSX RAIL PROJECT FACES OPPOSITION IN SOUTHEAST: A proposal to retrofit and expand a decaying railroad tunnel in Southeast D.C. is pitting Capitol Hill and Navy Yard residents against one of the largest rail companies in the country. CSX Transportation wants to embark on a three-to-six year reconstruction of its rail tunnel along Virginia Avenue, SE, in order to accommodate growing rail traffic along the Northeast corridor. The work would force existing rail traffic to pass through a residential neighborhood in an open trench and local residents say the proposal doesn't do enough to address safety concerns. We explore what's at stake and how this complex local project fits into bigger shifts in the national rail network. (52 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR - FEB. 28, 2014: D.C.'s mayoral candidates lock horns in a high-profile broadcast debate, as new poll numbers show one challenger gaining ground on the incumbent. Maryland lawmakers tangle over everything from marijuana to dog attacks. And Virginia's General Assembly sprints to the finish line, with the possibility of a government shutdown looming over Richmond. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

WAMU 88.5'S D.C. MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM: On April 1st, Democratic voters in the District of Columbia will choose their party's nominee for mayor. All eight candidates on the ballot, including the incumbent, join us to make their cases to voters and to share their visions for the city. (52 min.)

WAMU 88.5'S D.C. MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM : On April 1, Democratic voters in the District of Columbia head to the polls to choose their party's nominee for mayor. All eight candidates in the crowded field, including the incumbent, join us to discuss the issues that matter most to voters, including education, ethics and gentrification. Kojo, along with panelists Kavitha Cardoza, Patrick Madden and Tom Sherwood, conducts this special forum for mayoral hopefuls to make a case to voters and share their visions for the city. (52 min.)