Today was one of those days when we could have two hours. Our twin focuses were on the arrest of DC Mayor Vince Gray and several members of the DC Council, and the Maryland legislature’s 2011 session, which concluded late last night.

Gray and the Council were arrested after they blocked Constitution Avenue at rush hour. Their protest was designed to draw attention to the budget provision that bars the city from spending its own money on abortion services for low-income women. Their arrest has become national news, with much of the reporting noting that the city is subject to meddling from Congress in a way that no other city. (Find interesting background on this topic here and here.)

more after the jump...

With us today to discuss the issue and the arrests: Councilwoman Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), reporters Mark Segraves and Patrick Madden, and activists John Capozzi and Jesse Lovell.

Our segments on the Maryland legislature focused on the budget winners and losers, the bill to allow illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition at state colleges and universities, the measure to hold Pepco accountable for its performance and more. Joining us: Delegates Tom Hucker (Montgomery) and Melony Griffith (Prince George’s).

Today’s show re-airs at 8:30 and 11:30pm tonight. You can also watch it here: 

Wednesday at 10am: DC Council chairman Kwame Brown and the Prince William Co. foreclosure protest