If you live in Richmond or Annapolis, you can undoubtedly feel it in the air: the buzz of the 2023 legislative session. Maryland Democrats will enjoy having an ally in the governor’s mansion for the first time in eight years, along with control of both chambers of the general assembly. And while Virginia has a Republican governor and House of Delegates, the Democrat-controlled Senate could put a wrench in their priorities. What should we expect from the legislative sessions? We talk with WAMU’s Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel and the Baltimore Banner’s Pamela Wood.

Then, on to local politics in Prince George’s County, where Thomas Dernoga (D-District 1) is getting comfortable as county council chair. We talk with Dernoga about his priorities for the year ahead, including affordable housing and open government. Plus, the county council looks much different than it did in the past. What’s it like working with the freshman lawmakers?