Today on NewsTalk, Northern Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) talked about the news that American employers added nearly 250,000 jobs in January. The hiring surge beat expectations and dropped the nation’s jobless rate to near 8 percent. We also discussed the proposal to freeze federal worker pay, which Connolly called unfair and said will hurt the region’s economy.

We then previewed Super Bowl XLVI with former Giants and Jets LB John Booty and former Redskins lineman Ravin Caldwell. They also looked at the Redskins prospects for a turnaround next season and whether the team should go after Peyton Manning.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery) and a recap of the Super Bowl

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Today on NewsTalk, Washington Post columnist Bob McCartney and I discussed Gov. Martin O’Malley’s State of the State address. O’Malley has challenged the Maryland General Assembly to enact an ambitious agenda, and he’s getting mixed reviews from local leaders and opposition from the GOP. Progressives have hailed his call for the legalization of same-sex unions. We also talked about the possible repeal of internet gambling in the District and the apparent scandal at the DC Dept. of Housing and Community Development.

Then, Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart talked about immigration, this year’s session of the Virginia legislature, the Romney-Gingrich battle and his bid to become Lt. Governor in 2013. For the first time, Stewart said he’s endorsing former Governor Romney.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Friday at 10am: A preview of Super Bowl XLVI.

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Today on NewsTalk, Politico Editor-in-Chief John Harris talked about Mitt Romney’s victory in the Florida primary and Newt Gingrich’s pledge to keep his campaign going until the convention. We also discussed Politico’s fifth anniversary.

Then, Prince George’s Council Chair Andrea Harrison and Vice-Chair Eric Olson talked about their opposition to one of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s signature budget proposals. Also, the proposal to allow gambling in the county, health care, and Whole Foods bid to open a store in College Park.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: Reaction to Gov. O’Malley’s State of the State address.

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Today on NewsTalk, Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) talked about his re-election bid and the charges, from a GOP rival, that he can't win his newly-redrawn district. We also talked about gridlock in Washington, the deficit, transportation and defense spending, and the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Then, former DC Councilman Sekou Biddle (D) discussed his bid to reclaim his old post. We talked about ethics reform, education, gambling and the influence of corporate contributions on our politics.

WATCH today's interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: Politico's John Harris. Also, Andrea Harrison and Eric Olson, the chair and vice chair of the Prince George's Council.

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Today on NewsTalk, WAMU reporter Patrick Madden talked about the DC Council’s review of internet gambling legislation, a review that put top city officials in a crossfire between Council members David Catania and Marion Barry.

DC Vote’s Ilir Zherka discussed Mayor Gray’s testimony in New Hampshire on a resolution backing statehood for the District. Lawmakers and advocates accompanied the mayor on his trip to Concord, which ended when NH lawmakers defeated the resolution soundly.

And Pete Tucker of thefightback.org talked about the National Park Service’s implementation of new “no sleeping” rules at the Occupy protest at McPherson Square.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Tuesday at 10am: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and former DC Councilman Sekou Biddle

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Today on NewsTalk, Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner talked about the opposition to Gov. Martin O'Malley's attempt to shift part of the burden for teacher pensions from the state to the counties. We also talked about the council's decision to link the upcounty with Shady Grove using Bus Rapid Transit, rather than rail.

Then, Tim Day, the Ward 5 Republican whose allegations led to the downfall of former Councilman Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., announced his intention to seek the seat Thomas vacated earlier this month.

WATCH today's interviews here:

Monday at 10am: New Hampshire considers a resolution in support of DC statehood

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(Photo: WTOP)

WTOP political analyst Mark Plotkin has been removed from his perch at D.C.’s leading all-news radio station, though the circumstances surrounding his ouster remain murky.

Reached by phone shortly after the Post's Erik Wemple broke the story, Plotkin would only say, “Things happen. But I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.”

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Mayor Vince Gray talked about the Occupy protests, criticism over the upcoming Citizen Summit, breakdowns on Metro, the push to federalize the District’s World War I Memorial and the city’s deal with Microsoft.

WATCH today’s interview here:

Friday morning at 10am: Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner and former DC Council candidate Tim Day

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Today on NewsTalk, ABC 7’s Scott Thuman offered analysis of President Obama’s address and GOP reaction to it. We also discussed the prospects for congressional action on the President’s agenda.

CSN Washington’s Brian Jackson talked about the firing of Wizards coach Flip Saunders and whether some players on the team have become accustomed to losing.

Virginia state Sen. Don McEachin talked about the stalemate that threatened to bring action in the chamber to a standstill.

And reporter Pam Brown discussed the new dorm at Gallaudet that was built with students’ needs in mind.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: DC Mayor Vince Gray

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Today on NewsTalk, we looked at why some Americans gravitate to news sources that reinforce their political views. Washington Post senior editor Marc Fisher talked about interviews the paper conducted with South Carolina voters prior to that state’s primary.

WAMU reporter Michael Pope talked about Alexandria’s approval of an ambitious, controversial plan to re-do the city’s waterfront.

And what’s life like for once-closeted members of the military now that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been repealed? We asked Jarrod Chlapowski of Servicemembers United, one of the groups that fought the Pentagon’s ban on gays and lesbians serving openly.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: Reaction to President Obama’s State of the Union address

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Today on NewsTalk, reporter Kris Van Cleave and Republican strategist Bob Rusbuldt discussed Newt Gingrich’s big win over Mitt Romney in South Carolina, a victory which has shaken up the race for the GOP nomination.

COG’s Ron Kirby and Bob Chase of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance talked about the region’s long-term roads-and-transit needs.

And Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report offered analysis of this weekend’s NFL games.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Tuesday at 10am: The plan to re-do Alexandria’s waterfront and how our political views impact where we get our news.

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Today on NewsTalk, we talked about the South Carolina primary, allegations lobbed at Newt Gingrich by one of his ex-wives, questions about Mitt Romney’s wealth and tax returns, and Rick Perry’s exit from the race. Joining us: ABC 7’s Scott Thuman, Politico’s Dave Levinthal and Adam Tragone of Human Events.

WAMU reporter Michael Pope talked about this weekend’s vote on a proposal to make over Alexandria’s waterfront.

And Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report previewed Sunday’s AFC and NFC Championship games.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: Plans to expand the region’s transportation network, analysis of the South Carolina and a recap of Sunday’s NFL action.

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Today on NewsTalk, Prince George’s Councilwoman Ingrid Turner talked about local opposition to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget proposal. Turner, president of the Maryland Association of Counties, voiced concern about the proposal to shift the burden for teacher pensions from the state to the localities.

Haimanot Bizuayehu, a leader among DC cab drivers, talked about the proposal to modernize the city’s taxi fleet, a move that has many cabbies nervous and feeling left out.

And we discussed the new Gonzales poll that shows Maryland voters remain divided on gay marriage. Although independents support same-sex unions by a comfortable margin, African-Americans remain strongly opposed. Joining us: journalist Josh Kurtz, Republican spokesman John Porter and former Delegate Cheryl Kagan (D).

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Friday at 10am: Scott Thuman on the South Carolina primary and a preview of this weekend’s NFL games.

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton talked about the bid to lure the FBI to Maryland or Virginia. Also – the anonymous Senate “hold” place on legislation that would shorten the length of time it takes to hold a special election in the District.

DC activists Bryan Weaver and Sylvia Brown discussed their campaign to ban corporate political contributions.

And Politico Pro’s Tony Romm talked about the protest sparked by legislation intended to crack down on online piracy.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: MACO president Ingrid Turner talks about opposition to Gov. O’Malley’s budget proposals.

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Today on NewsTalk, ABC 7 reporter Scott Thuman talked about last night’s Fox News debate in South Carolina, the upcoming primary there, Mitt Romney’s big lead in the polls, and President Obama’s low poll rating on the economy.

WAPT reporter Meg Pace discussed the controversial pardons that Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour issued on his last day in office.

Prince George’s prosecutor Angela Alsobrooks talked about her goals for this year’s session of the Md. General Assembly – including stiffer sentences for people accused of domestic violence.

And Washington Post reporter Rachel Manteuffel talked about the changes coming to the King Memorial.

WATCH today’s interviews here.

Wednesday at 10am: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. Also: should corporate contributions to campaigns be banned?

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Today on NewsTalk, WTOP reporter Adam Tuss talked about the Metro video he unearthed showing bus crashes and near-misses involving pedestrians and other vehicles. During our conversation, Jackie Jeter, the head of the union representing bus drivers, called in to offer her views about the disturbing images captured in the dash-cam video.

DC Councilman Michael A. Brown talked about the District’s pursuit of statehood, the Occupy protests, the resignation of Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., ethics reform and Councilwoman Cheh’s taxi proposal.

And in our last segment, Denise Rolark Barnes talked about the return of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in the District. Also joining us was Marco Davis, director of community engagement at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: Our remote broadcast from Annapolis on the first day of the Md. General Assembly’s 2012 session

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Councilman Jack Evans reflected on the resignation of Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., saying his former colleague was guilty of the worst kind of theft - because the funds taken were meant for children - and that Thomas deserves to spend time behind bars. We also talked about the ethics bill the Council just approved, the bundling of campaign contributions, the recall campaigns that just got launched, the proposal to modernize DC's taxis, the Occupy protests, iGaming and the FY 13 budget outlook.

In our second half hour, political analyst David Harrington talked about the 2012 session of the Maryland General Assembly. We discussed the proposal to increase the gas tax, the possible shift of education expense to the counties, gay marriage, the ethics review of Sen. Ulysses Currie and gambling in Prince George's County.

WATCH today's interviews here:

Friday at 10am: Those Metrobus crash and near-miss videos obtained by WTOP. Also, Councilman Michael Brown and a preview of the MLK parade.

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Today's edition of NewsTalk, which broadcast live from State Circle in Annapolis, focused on the opening of the Maryland legislature's 2012 session. The General Assembly will have its hands full this year, dealing with a budget gap, gambling, a proposed increase in the gas tax, same-sex marriage and more. Joining us today: Senate President Mike Miller, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, Baltimore Sun reporter Annie Linskey, House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell and Senator Richard Madaleno.

WATCH today's interviews here:

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier talked about the drop in homicides in 2011, her goals for 2012, the Occupy protests, the city’s new forensics lab and more. She also answered several questions from viewers, including one who asked about roaches in MPD’s lock-up.

Then, Washington Post reporter Anita Kumar discussed the Virginia legislature’s 2012 session, which starts tomorrow. This year’s session will be the first since the GOP consolidated power in Richmond with big gains in last year’s elections.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: Md. Senate President Mike Miller, County Executive Rushern Baker, Sen. Rich Madaleno, Del. Tony O’Donnell and Sun reporter Annie Linskey

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Today on NewsTalk, reporters Del Quentin Wilbur and Patrick Madden discussed the conviction of former DC Councilman Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., and the race for his now-vacant Ward 5 seat.

Rep. Donna Edwards talked about former prosecutor Glenn Ivey's decision to seek the House seat she now occupies, redistricting, Prince George's County's pursuit of federal agencies, gridlock in Congress and more.

And in our last segment, fitness expert Josef Brandenburg offered advice on how to make your New Year's resolutions stick.

WATCH today's interviews here:

Tuesday at 10am: DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier

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