The Politics Hour: What a federal government shutdown means for the region

The federal government partially shut down for the first time since 2018. The shutdown puts the D.C. region in a particularly perilous position, considering the area's close relationship with the federal government. Additionally, President Trump is again threatening to fire more civil servants and further slash federal programs. Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey joined the show to discuss how the shutdown will affect area residents. Plus, he explained why Democrats are holding out for a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits and why this poses a significant concern for many residents living in Prince George's County.

More than 60,000 Loudoun County residents have jobs tied to the federal government, according to a county estimate. We spoke with Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall about what a federal shutdown means for her residents. Plus, the U.S. Department of Education is alleging Loudoun County Public Schools violated Title IX when the school system suspended two male students earlier this year. We asked Chair Randall what it might mean for the schools' ability to receive federal funding, and we discussed what's next in the fight over data centers.

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