Today on NewsTalk, we convened a special panel to look at the problem of childhood obesity. Experts have been warning for some time that children in the U.S. eat too much, make poor food choices and don’t get enough exercise. This puts them at risk for diabetes and other diseases – and ultimately leads to shortened life expectancy. Our panel, which included a representative from the Crockett County, Tennessee, schools, focused on some of the innovations being tried around the country. In our second half hour, Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report discussed the Redskins meltdown against the Bills. We also talked about the Capitals’ hot start, the St. Louis Cardinals’ improbable World series victory, and the NBA’s management-labor impasse.

Watch Monday’s interviews here:

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Watch Executive Director Dorothy Brizill discussed the ethics proposals that members of the DC Council have introduced, and whether the city has sufficient mechanisms to detect, investigate and prosecute misdeeds by elected leaders. We also discussed whether she would ever be willing to serve in the government, or run for office, given her interest and experience.
Former state delegate Jeff Frederick discussed his bid for the Virginia Senate in District 36. (The incumbent, Toddy Puller, declined to participate in a debate with Mr. Frederick.)
Kurt Erickson of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program talked about the local crackdown on drunk driving – and the SoberRide program, which will be in operation this weekend.
And blogger Eric Wohlschlegel talked about real estate.
Watch today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: A special panel on childhood obesity.

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Today on NewsTalk, Jim Dinegar, the head of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, warned of the impact that a major cut in federal spending would have on the region’s economy. Dinegar said the potential for a trillion-dollar-plus cutback in government spending is casting a large shadow over the region, adding that many employers are putting off hiring and other decisions until the congressional “super-committee” finishes its work. The Board of Trade is urging its members to come up with a contingency plan to cover a sudden drop in business.
As part of our continuing coverage of the Virginia elections, we interviewed Eric Clingan, the Democrat challenging Del. Jim LeMunyon (R) in District 67. (LeMunyon was invited but chose not to join us.)
And Ron Moten, co-founder of the Peaceoholics, discussed his decision to run for the Ward 7 seat on the DC Council as a Republican.

Friday at 10am: Dorothy Brizill on the DC Council’s ethics proposals, Va. Senate candidate Jeff Frederick and real estate expert Eric Wholschlegel.

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Today on NewsTalk, Prince George’s Council chairwoman Ingrid Turner discussed the county executive’s push for a $50 million investment fund, the panel’s efforts to foster quality-of-live improvements, gambling and more. She also urged Executive Baker to reconsider his choice for County Attorney. Given a chance to offer words of support for Rep. Donna Edwards, who is facing a primary challenge in 2012, Turner demurred.
We then heard from the two candidates running for the Virginia Senate in District 31 – Democrat Barbara Favola and Republican Caren Merrick. It was a spirited, informative debate that touched on a wide range of issues, including transportation, the state’s business climate and more.
Watch today’s edition of NewsTalk here: 

Thursday at 10am: Board of Trade boss Jim Dinegar, Virginia House candidate Eric Clingan and DC Council candidate Ron Moten (R).

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Today on News Talk, we spoke with Councilwoman Muriel Bowser about her ethics reform proposal, just one day before a much-anticipated public hearing.

Politico's James Hohmann previewed Gov. Rick Perry's flat tax proposal.

The president and CEO of Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Paula Rothernberg, also checked in.

WATCH the entire Oct. 25 edition of News Talk here:

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Monday on NewsTalk, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker discussed transit-oriented development, education, gambling and his relationship with the County Council.
Then, we launched our 2011 debate series with Del. Luke Torian (D), who represents eastern Prince William in the Virginia House, and his GOP challenger, Cleveland Anderson.
Monday’s interviews can be seen here.

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If you thought Ron Moten’s colorful past might prove too colorful for the D.C. Republican party, think again. The city’s GOP is welcoming Moten’s decision to change parties.

Moten just changed his party registration from Democrat to Republican this afternoon, and tomorrow he formally launches his bid for the Ward 7 seat on the DC Council at Woodlawn Cemetery.

What prompted the change? Moten, co-founder of the nonprofit Peaceoholics, tells Tim Craig of the Post, “I have been a conservative the whole time. The issues I see going on in D.C., I think what I am doing is the best decision for the city right now, and with things that need to be fixed, I think this is the way to fix them.”

Whether Moten is motivated by a newfound alignment with Republican values (and he acknowledges he rejects much of what the national party stands for) or a play to increase his odds of being on the ballot in November, the D.C. GOP welcomes his conversion.

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Mayor Vince Gray sought to reassure residents he played no role in – nor has he discussed – any deal his 2010 campaign may have had with former candidate Sulaimon Brown. Brown’s claim that he got campaign cash and a government job in exchange for his attacks on Adrian Fenty is believed to be at the core of a federal probe of the Gray campaign. But during an interview today on NewsChannel 8, Gray told us “I can absolutely assure you” residents won’t hear his voice discussing any deal in secretly-recorded conversations.
The Washington Post reported this weekend that one witness in the case has worn a wire at the request of prosecutors, and that a second witness has received immunity from prosecution in exchange for his cooperation with investigators. No one knows when or whether indictments will come, but at least one Gray aide has told reporters they believe someone will be charged with something.
Our conversation also touched on the controversy surrounding the city’s grass-cutting contract, immigration, motorists who drive with expired tags, voting rights and much more.
Our interview with Mayor Gray can be seen here: 

Friday at 10am: Washington Post reporter John Wagner and Susan Wichmann of Maryland Common Cause.

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Today on NewsTalk, attorney A. Scott Bolden discussed the probe of Vince Gray’s mayoral campaign and the bribery trial of Maryland state Sen. Ulysses Currie.
Adam Tragone of Human Events Skyped in from Las Vegas with analysis of Tuesday’s GOP presidential debate.
And in Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report offered thoughts on the Redskins’ decision to start John Beck at QB on Sunday. We then previewed tonight’s World Series game 1 and discussed the Capitals’ hot start.
Today’s interviews can be seen here: 

Thursday at 10am: DC Mayor Vincent Gray.

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier talked about the arrest of motorists with expired tags, the department’s recruiting classes, the encryption of police radios, the transfer of Fire Dept. PIO Pete Piringer and the drop in the murder rate. We took several calls from viewers, one of whom said Chief Lanier should run for mayor.
You can watch our conversation with the Chief here: 

Wednesday at 10am: DC Mayor Vince Gray.

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Today on NewsTalk, DC Attorney General Irv Nathan talked about the grass-cutting contact controversy, ethical issues facing top city officials, the shift to an elected AG and more.
Politico's Roger Simon talked about the race for the White House and the scrambled primary calendar.
And, SportsTalk's Alex Parker discussed the Redskins' loss to the Eagles and the team's benching of QB Rex Grossman.
Today's interviews can be seen here:

Tuesday at 10am: DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier.

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Today on NewsTalk, AAA’s Lon Anderson offered harsh criticism of the DC Police Department’s policy of arresting motorists who have long-expired tags. He said the auto club knows of no other jurisdiction that puts people with administrative violations in handcuffs. Critics of the policy include Sen. Jim Webb and DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown.
Craig Floyd, head of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, talked about the events surrounding the memorial’s 20th anniversary.
And Pete Tucker, who writes thefightback.org blog, discussed the ongoing “Occupy” protests in DC, New York and a growing number of cities.
Today’s interviews can be seen here:

Monday at 10am: DC Attorney General Irv Nathan and Politico Senior Columnist Roger Simon.

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Today on NewsTalk, Dennis Jaffe, a longtime Metro riders advocate, talked about the transit agency’s chaotic response to this week’s disruption on the Orange line in Arlington. The crowding and lack of communication caused much commotion, particularly at the Rosslyn station. Jaffe also announced that he’s starting a new organization, “Improve Our Metro”, to pressure WMATA to boost its performance.
Rick Rosendall, head of the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, talked about Dr. Franklin Kameny, the courageous and hard-fighting gay rights pioneer who died this week in DC.
And Bruce Adams, head of community partnerships in Montgomery County, discussed Community Service Day and the World of Montgomery Festival, which both take place in the coming days.
Today’s interviews can be seen here:

Friday at 10am: Craig Floyd on the 20th anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

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Today on NewsTalk, Politico's David Mark talked about the controversial Senate rules change that critics say could boomerang on Democrats in the not-too-distant future. We also discussed the misgivings some Senate Democrats have regarding the president's jobs plan.
Eric Friedman, director of the Office of Consumer Protection in Montgomery County, talked about the failure of home improvement chains to make sure that gas appliances get the inspections that are required by law.
And Alaina Sadick and Meredith Anderson of Smith Center discussed their upcoming workshop on nutrition awareness for persons battling cancer.
Today's interviews can be seen here:

Wednesday at 10am: DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown and a re-cap of Tuesday's GOP debate. 

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Today on NewsTalk, Prince George’s Councilman Will Campos talked about the push to allow slots, and perhaps Las Vegas style table games, at Rosecroft Raceway or at other venues. Mr. Campos is a cosponsor of legislation to ban slots in the county. We also discussed the County Executive’s proposal to create a $50 million economic development fund, which the Council has been considering for nearly a year.
We then spoke with Kevin Zeese, a longtime progressive organizer from Montgomery County. He helped organize the big protests happening downtown this week. He believes the “Occupy” movement that began in New York and is now mushrooming across the country gives voice to what he calls the “99 percent” of people who aren’t doing well in this economy.
Today’s interviews are available here:

Monday at 10am: RFK Stadium turns 50.

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Today on NewsTalk, Md. Comptroller Peter Franchot discussed his push for financial literacy in the state’s high schools. Franchot (D), the state’s chief tax collector, thinks young people are under-informed on financial affairs, but he says “bureaucrats” are blocking his bid to make financial education mandatory. He said counties that have adopted this curriculum on their own are finding that young people take to it enthusiastically.
Franchot also talked about the state’s economy, saying “the recovery never happened in Maryland.” He believes there’s a “50-50 chance of a double dip recession,” due primarily to the crisis in Europe.
Political analyst David Harrington discussed the controversial plan to redraw Maryland’s congressional boundaries. That plan targets Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R) by making his district much more Democratic. It also creates some very oddly-shaped districts in central Maryland.
In our last segment, blogger Tom Threlkeld gave us an update on the NBA’s stalled contract talks. We also looked at athletes’ use of social media and the Hank Williams Jr., controversy.
Today’s interviews can be seen here: 

Friday at 10am: Prince George’s Councilman Will Campos.

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Today on NewsTalk, Maryland state Sen. C. Anthony Muse talked about his potential bid for the U.S. Senate seat now held by fellow Democrat Ben Cardin. Muse (D-Prince George’s) was muted in his criticism of Cardin, saying his frustration – and that of his constituents – rests more with our “gridlocked” political system, underperforming schools and the sluggish pace of job creation. He said Maryland needs someone to press harder for an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and relief for families at risk for foreclosure.
We also discussed the upcoming special session of the Maryland legislature, the bill giving undocumented students the right to attend community college at in-state rates, and gay marriage.
In our last segment, Politico’s Reid Epstein talked about the recently-scrambled GOP primary political calendar and the impact of Gov. Chris Christie’s decision not to run for president.
Today’s interviews can be seen here: 

Thursday at 10am: Md. Comptroller Peter Franchot discusses his push for financial literacy in the schools.

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Today on NewsTalk, we had a wide-ranging conversation with Kris Baumann, head of the police unionin the District. We discussed the city’s new police recruit class, the FOP’s victory over the Chief in the long fight over “All Hands on Deck,” and the numerous DC cops who’ve been accused of wrongdoing. A candid, interesting Q&A – we definitely recommend checking it out.
Also today: Ken Jost of CQ Press discussed the issues the Supreme Court is most likely to take on in the term that began yesterday. And Pete Tucker of thefightback.org talked about the large and growing Occupy Wall Street protests, which have spawned similar demonstrations in other cities.
Today’s interviews can be seen here: 

Wednesday at 10am: PG state Senator – and possible U.S. Senate candidate – C. Anthony Muse

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Today on NewsTalk, we looked at the connection between our broken political system and the way elected officials draw our political boundaries. Gerrymandering is an ancient art, practiced by both parties, but there’s a growing sense that the way legislative districts get created is harmful. Why? Because “safe” seats – the kind politicians love – mean the greatest fear is a primary challenge. That makes life tough for moderates, the folks most likely to reach compromise with members of the other party.
Our panel consisted of former Maryland congresswoman Connie Morella (R), Virginia state Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston), who has been pushing for nonpartisan redistricting for decades, and Washington Post columnist Robert McCartney.
We also talked today with DC Councilman Jack Evans about taxes, internet gambling, the price of gasoline and the Council’s loss of decorum.

Today’s interviews are available here: 

Tuesday at 10am: DC FOR chief Kris Bauman, CQ’s Ken Jost and progressive activist/blogger Pete Tucker.

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