Members of the local congressional delegation are strongly criticizing President Trump's decision to enter into a war with Iran. Iraqi war veteran and U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman joined the show from the U.S. Capitol to discuss why he thinks the military strikes were illegal and what might be next. Plus, Rep. Vindman weighed in on Virginia redistricting as early voting gets underway.

The D.C. Council passed two bills this week aimed at increasing transparency around MPD's cooperation with federal immigration agencies. At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson got behind the mic to talk about the legislation and why the bills are necessary, despite objections from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

She also discussed her efforts to raise taxes on "flushable" wipes. Henderson introduced the bill following an incident in which wipes clogged pumps used to mitigate a sewage spill in the Potomac.

It may say flushable on your package, and, sure, it may get down the drain in that immediate, but we know that it is causing backups, not just in the D.C water utility system, but in folks' homes and apartment buildings," she said.

The tax revenue generated by the bill would go toward sewer maintenance and repair by D.C. Water. As a potential alternative to the wipes, Henderson's bill also offers a sales tax break on bidets

Arlington County is facing major budget challenges that could lead the County Board to raise taxes. Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti sat down with Kojo and Tom to discuss how the board plans to navigate a nearly $40 million budget gap, including possibly eliminating a popular youth gymnastics program and saving the county nearly $1 million.

But some residents are pushing back, saying the program serves thousands of kids. Board Chair de Ferranti said the county needs to make tough budget choices.

"We have to be looking at all the services that might not be core services or might not be serving the most vulnerable," he said.

De Ferranti said the board is considering other options for the program, like changing fees and focusing on serving kids with special needs. Plus, Board Chair de Ferranti talked about how leaders are preparing for a potential surge in federal immigration enforcement in the county.

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org