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DMV Download from WTOP News

DMV Download is the only daily local news podcast created for Washingtonians. Every weekday afternoon, hosts Megan Cloherty and Luke Garrett go beyond the headlines with WTOP’s team of reporters and sources to bring listeners more on the biggest stories impacting the D.C. region.

Latest Episodes

Practice what you preach: DC wants houses of worship to host affordable housing

D.C.’s mayor is moving forward with a plan to add more affordable housing to the city by facilitating its building on land owned by houses of worship. Deputy Mayor John Falchiccio tells us how a new partnership and a request for interested churches, synagogues, and mosques to participate will help the mayor reach her goal of building 36,000 affordable units by 2025. Then a special guest joins Megan for a kid-friendly installment of DMV Dates.

How to ban a book — The process begins in Frederick Co. schools

There’s growing interest in Frederick County, Maryland to examine what books kids have access to in school libraries, and potentially remove some of them. Nearly 1,000 people have signed up to be on a committee to decide which of the 35 books gets to stay. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us where the process goes from here. Plus, we have some big news to share about the podcast — we are going weekly! Megan and Luke talk about the details of the change and when it’ll happen.

DC Council’s Allen on the cost & benefit of free Metro buses

Washington, D.C. is on track to have the largest free fare transit plan in the country — offering Metro bus service within the nation’s capital for no charge and giving residents a monthly $100 allowance for Metrorail. Councilmember Charles Allen proposed the idea 3 years ago and it’s just one vote away from becoming law. Allen walks through the bill and argues that this massive public investment is worth it. Plus, Megan and Luke share their favorite sledding spots around the region.

Ethics and artificial intelligence — talking to ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence or AI, whether you notice it or not, is becoming a bigger part of our lives. Its increasing presence in the technology we all interact with has prompted lawmakers – like D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine – to push for creating ground rules on how corporations and even individuals can use it. But what is AI? For answers, we turn to WTOP Engineer David Mundschenk, who knows a thing or two about AI. He explains what it is and then we have a “conversation” with a new AI called ChatGPT.

How Commanders’ Snyder misled NFL & congressional investigations

The House committee tasked with investigating Commanders’ owner Daniel Snyder didn’t hold back in a scathing report today — finding that Snyder withheld information, was deliberately vague, and potentially misled to the committee and to the NFL in what information he revealed about previous sexual assault investigations and settlements in the past. WTOP Congressional Correspondent Mitchell Miller gives us the upshot on the findings of the members’ 14-month investigation.

Exit Interview: Dr. Anthony Fauci

With the retreat of the pandemic, also comes the departure of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Fauci is stepping away as director of the NIH and the public arena after three intense years serving as the “nation’s doctor.” Dr. Fauci joins us to reflect on his time in the limelight and what’s ahead. Plus, we get WTOP’s entertainment editor Jason Fraley’s picks for what to see in the theater, in concert and in your living room this holiday season.

Metro’s plan for computer-driven trains

How much will it cost to ride the Metro next year? It’s really anyone’s guess with CEO and GM Randy Clarke proposing fare hikes, D.C. council members pushing to make buses free in the District and WMATA hoping to bring back autonomous trains. WTOP’s Luke Lukert tells us about the changes ahead. Then we hear about his surprising talent that has saved his friends thousands.

Metro’s plan for computer-driven trains

How much will it cost to ride the Metro next year? It’s really anyone’s guess with CEO and GM Randy Clarke proposing fare hikes, D.C. council members pushing to make buses free in the District and WMATA hoping to bring back autonomous trains. WTOP’s Luke Lukert tells us about the changes ahead. Then we hear about his surprising talent that has saved his friends thousands.

Swastika graffiti in Va. — how to condemn a rise in hate speech

Police are investigating who is responsible after vandals drew swastikas on the side of an old Food Lion building in Loudoun County, Virginia. It’s the latest instance of antisemitic vandalism seen in our area. We talk to Gil Preuss, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, who tells us what we can do as antisemetic hate speech is on the rise. Plus, what’s the best type of Christmas tree? And how do you keep it alive? We discuss.

How Md. man fought DC speeding ticket for 3 years — and won

When one Maryland driver got a $100 speeding ticket from the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles in 2019, he didn’t pay the fine like hundreds of thousands of drivers do every year. He decided to fight it. He took his case all the way to the District’s highest court and won. WTOP’s Jack Moore explains how the court ruling could change how you can contest a speeding ticket in D.C.