NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt

2nd Gray aide indicted; DC Vote protest; Facebook is sued

Bruce DePuyt — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:58:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, reporter Sam Ford and legal analyst A. Scott Bolden talked about the indictment of a second official in Vincent Gray’s 2010 campaign for mayor.

Then, DC vote’s Ilir Zherka discussed the group’s protest outside Rep. Trent Franks’ office. Franks (R-AZ) is being targeted because of his sponsorship of an abortion bill that only applies to the District of Columbia.

Also, Washington Business Journal reporter Bill Flook talked about the controversy surrounding Facebook’s initial stock offering.

Friday at 10am: A task force recommends a new rapid transit system for Montgomery County. And new warnings about the dangers of summertime drowning.

Clemency Initiative; Pricey Tickets; Cells on Flights

Quanicia Alston — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:57:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, former Maryland governor Bob Ehrlich talked about his new program to level the playing field between African-Americans and Whites when it comes to clemency appeals.

We also talked with sports commentator Michael Williams about the high cost of tickets to sporting events.

Can you imagine being stuck on a flight with someone yapping on their cell phone the entire time? Well, it's not out of the question. In our last segment, ABC 7 reporter Kris Van Cleave talked about one airline's decision to offer in-flight cell service.

Campaign worker charged; Rutgers Suicide; Rep. Roscoe Bartlett

Quanicia Alston — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:07:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we spoke with Washington Post's Nikita Stewart and political columnist Peter Rosenstein about the serious charges against a former campaign aide to DC Mayor Vincent Gray.

We also discussed the recent sentencing of the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to film his roommate in a romantic encounter with another man. The roomate, Tyler Clementi committed suicide shortly after.

We spent our final half hour chatting with Rep. Roscoe Bartlett on a range of topics.

Tomorrow at 10am: Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich

Ending the war

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:21:00 EST

Politico's Isaac Dovere comes on the show to discuss the NATO summit on the War in Afghanistan.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Washington Post reporter Nikita Stewart.

Go golf!

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:15:00 EST

May is "Welcome to Golf" month, and on today's show, the PGA's Mike Aldrich talked about their efforts to lure people to the game. We also talked about some of the myths that keep would-be players from hitting the links.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Washington Post reporter Nikita Stewart.

Euro-worries & Alexandria's waterfront makeover

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:06:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we looked at the concerns that the collapse of the Greek economy could have reverberations for Europe and the U.S. Joining us: banking industry analyst Bert Ely.

In segment two, Ely, co-chair of a citizens group in Alexandria, weighed in against the proposed makeover of the Old Town waterfront.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Washington Post reporter Nikita Stewart.

Maryland?s new budget; AG Irv Nathan

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:32:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Maryland Delegates Melony Griffith, Brian Feldman and Kelly Schulz talked about the legislature’s latest budget moves – moves that will prevent ‘doomsday’ budget cuts from taking effect but which will boost taxes on high-income residents. We also talked about the prospects for another special session – on gambling.
Then, DC Attorney General Irv Nathan discussed ethics reform, the Harry Thomas Jr. case, the double-dipping scandal, the Hatch Act and DC voting rights.
We received a call at the end of the hour from a viewer who seemed to be encouraging the Attorney General to investigate contracting practices in the DC schools. We didn’t have time for Nathan to respond on-air, but afterwards he told us, “That’s the province of the Inspector General. I hope the IG will look into this – and if there’s anything there, we will take appropriate action.”
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: The impact on the U.S. if Europe’s economy falters

DC Mayor Vincent Gray

Quanicia Alston — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:12:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we spent an hour with DC Mayor Vincent Gray.

We discussed the death of DC's "Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown, and the impact he's had on so many in our area.

Mayor Gray also talked about the council's approval of the city's 2013 budget, the plan to install additional traffic cameras, and extending bar hours among other things.

WATCH today's show here:

Gay judge rejected; Kenyan McDuffie wins

Bruce DePuyt — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, two Virginia legislators, Sen. Barbara Favola (D) and Del. Bob Marshall (R), talked about the Assembly’s rejection of Richmond prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland, a military veteran whose nomination to become a judge was blocked by conservatives (led by Marshall) because of his “homosexual advocacy.” We also discussed the budget, transportation funding, and Marshall’s bid for the U.S. Senate.
Then, we spoke with DC Councilman-elect Kenyan McDuffie (D), the landslide winner in this week’s Ward 5 special election.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: DC Mayor Vince Gray

Transportation poll; JP Morgan?s $2B blunder; Dale Hunter resigns

Bruce DePuyt — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:34:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Bob Chase, head of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, talked about the Washington Post’s recent polling on transportation funding. We also discussed the legislature’s failure (in his view) to provide new funding for roads and transit.
Politico’s Anna Palmer talked about the trading blunder that cost JP Morgan Chase $2 billion and spurred new calls for regulation of the financial sector.
And Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report talked about Dale Hunter’s decision not to return for a second season as coach of the Washington Capitals. We also touched on the growing lawsuit against the NFL over concussion injuries.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: The winner of today’s special election in DC’s Ward 5 and Va. Senate hopeful Bob Marshall

MD Special Session; Capitals fall; Health clinic opens

Quanicia Alston — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:09:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we previewed the start of the Maryland legislature's special session in Annapolis. 'Maryland Juice' blogger David Moon and political analyst David Harrington offered thoughts on what we might expect as they try to work out a budget deal.

Ben Raby, a reporter with the Washington Capitals radio network, talked about the Caps' roller coaster season and what lies ahead for the team.

Our final guest, Sharon Bakersville of the DC Primary Care Association, told us about the new Unity Health Care Anacostia Center in Ward 8.

WATCH today's interviews here:

Tuesday at 10am: Capitals' head coach Dale Hunter's decision not to return to Washington

Skybox tickets; Michael Brown; Obama & gay marriage

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:44:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, reporter Mark Segraves talked about who gets to use the District’s luxury Verizon Center sky box. Records show the Mayor’s relatives and associates have attended a number of big-name events using the city’s box.
DC Councilman Michael Brown discussed the Mayor’s budget submission, affordable housing, “food deserts,” speed cameras and health care.
And Phil Bell, a top official with the Maryland Republican Party, talked about the President’s support for same-sex marriage.
WATCH today’s intervews here:

Monday at 10am: Analysis of the Caps-Rangers series and a preview of the Md. General Assembly’s special session

Obama on gay marriage; Volunteering/Lamont Peterson

Bruce DePuyt — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:39:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Politico’s Joe Williams and Virginia state Sen. Adam Ebbin talked about President Obama’s decision to support same-sex unions.
Dr. Erwin Tan of the Corporation for National and Community Service discussed volunteer opportunities for seniors. Their website is www. getinvolved.gov.
And WBA/IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson discussed the cancellation of his rematch with Amir Khan. SportsTalk’s Alex Parker joined us for this segment.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Friday at 10am: Conservative reaction to the President’s statement on gay unions. Also, DC Councilman Michael Brown.

Q&A with Kwame Brown; Youth driving dangers

Bruce DePuyt — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:28:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown talked about the city’s budget deliberations, the affordable housing squeeze, crime and other issues.
Then, AAA’s john Townsend II talked about the new report showing how much more likely young drivers are to have an accident if another young person is in the car.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: President Obama’s views on gay marriage

Speed enforcement; Affordable housing; Obama-Romney are tied

Bruce DePuyt — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:58:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Montgomery County Police Capt. Tom Didone talked about the county’s new “speed corridor” enforcement program. The initiative is designed to get motorists to drive more slowly, and not just when passing a fixed, well-known speed camera.
Jenny Reed of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute looked at the affordable housing squeeze.
And Politico’s James Hohmann talked about the latest GWU Battleground Poll.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10: DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown and AAA’s John Townsend

DNA collection ruling; Caps head to NY

Quanicia Alston — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:58:00 EST

ABC 7's Senior Political Reporter took the hosting reins on today's NewsTalk.

In our first half hour, we talked with Maryland attorney general Doug Gansler about the high court's decision to overturn a law allowing the collection of DNA from those arrested of violent crimes.

Other topics include; Mortgage help, health care reform, and internet privacy.

Later in the show, Tom Threlkeld of DC Pro Sports Report joined us to talk about the Capitals, Nationals, and Redskins rookie minicamp.

WATCH today's show here:

Thomas is sentenced; Tweens & social media; Battleground Virginia

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:19:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, legal analyst A. Scott Bolden and reporter Mark Segraves discussed the sentencing of former DC Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr.
Author and columnist Leslie Morgan Steiner talked about the battle between parents and pre-teens when it comes to social media sites.
And reporter Scott Thuman talked about the latest polling in Virginia between President Obama and Mitt Romney.
Today’s interviews are here:

Obesity Epidemic; Rapid Transit System

Quanicia Alston — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:33:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk we talked with HBO's John Hoffman and nutrition expert Preston Maring about our nation's obesity epidemic.

Hoffman is the senior producer of the new HBO documentary "The Weight of The Nation" which debuts later this month.

In our second half hour, former Maryland transportation secretary David Winstead talked about plans for a rapid bus transit system in Maryland.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: Reaction to the sentencing of former DC Councilman Harry Thomas Jr.

Va. leaders balk at union rule; Obama in Kabul; Dr. Katy

Bruce DePuyt — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:41:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we discussed Metro’s preference for Project Labor Agreements, an issue that now threatens Phase 2 of the Silver Line project. Joining us: Fairfax Chamber president Jim Corcoran and John Durkalski, a local labor attorney.
Politico’s David Mark talked about President Obama’s surprise trip to Afghanistan and this morning’s disappointing jobs numbers.
And veterinarian Katy Nelson, host of NewsChannel 8’s “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy,” talked about advances in animal medicine.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: HBO debuts a new documentary about obesity and former MDOT head David Winstead discusses Bus Rapid Transit.

4 AM last call?; Bidding wars are back; Mary Hynes Q&A

Bruce DePuyt — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:36:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, WPFW talk show host Chuck Thies talked about the proposal to allow bars to stay open until 4am in the District. We also discussed the plan to repay city workers who were forced to take furloughs and former Attorney General Peter Nickles’ assertion that Councilman Marion Barry is unfit to hold office.
Real estate expert John Heithaus discussed the red-hot housing market.
And Arlington Board of Supervisors chair Mary Hynes talked about affordable housing, the General Assembly session and the return of street cars.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: Why Project Labor Agreements are a big issue in Virginia

Nickles on Thomas; Md. cities wait on Annapolis; ?Skins draft picks

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:05:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, former DC Attorney General Peter Nickles talked about former Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., who gets sentenced this week following his admission that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds. We also discussed controversial comments – perceived by some as immigrant-bashing – made by Councilman Marion Barry.
Scott Hancock, head of the Maryland Municipal League, talked about the legislature’s failure to adopt a key budget bill, a failure that has made it difficult for local government leaders to plan for the new fiscal year.
And ESPN 980’s Chris Russell talked about the Redskins’ selections in this weekend’s NFL draft.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Tuesday at 10am: Local real estate update.

Metro fare hikes; RG3 becomes a Redskin; A Largo casino?

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:55:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, WTOP’s Adam Tuss talked about Metro’s fare hike, which kicks in July 1. We were then joined by Washington Post reporter Fred Kunkle, who talked about whether Loudoun County will opt out of the Silver Line financing plan.
Tom Threlkeld talked about the Redskins selection of Robert Griffin III and the Capitals upcoming series against the Rangers.
And Maryland businessman Charles Hopkins made the case for a casino next to the Magic Johnson Theaters in Largo.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: The impact of Maryland’s budget uncertainty on local governments

Immigration case; Tragedy in PG; Caps win

Bruce DePuyt — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:51:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Politico’s Josh Gerstein talked about Arizona vs. U.S., a case that that will be decided this spring by the Supreme Court. At issue: whether states can enforce federal immigration laws.
Prince George’s Fire Chief Marc Bashoor talked about the death of five people in Oxon Hill whose home apparently had a carbon monoxide leak.
And Tom Threlkeld of the DC Pro Sports Report discussed the Capitals dramatic Game 7 win over the Boston Bruins.
WATCH today’s show here:

Friday at 10am: Will Metro raise fares? Will Loudoun opt out of the Silver Line? Also, the NFL draft.

MD lawmakers prepare to meet again; Race and the law

Bruce DePuyt — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:48:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we discussed the possibility that the Maryland General Assembly will have not one, but two special sessions in the coming weeks. Joining us: Sen. Jim Rosapepe, Del. Brian Feldman and Del. Kelly Schulz.
Then, Prince George's County's top prosecutor, Angela Alsobrooks, discussed her upcoming town hall meeting on race and the law.
WATCH today's interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: The Caps-Bruins series goes the distance

Leggett Q&A; PG Valor Awards

Bruce DePuyt — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:02:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett talked about the Maryland legislature’s failure to vote on key issues and the impact the “doomsday” budget could have on the county. We also talked about the proposed ambulance fee, transportation, the redevelopment of Wheaton and rumors of a Doug Duncan comeback.
Then, Prince George’s County Police Lt. Jimmy Simms previewed this week’s Valor Awards luncheon. He also described his encounter with an armed man on Mother’s Day, 2011.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Wednesday at 10am: Sen. Jim Rosapepe, Del. Brian Feldman and prosecutor Angela Alsobrooks