California's primary election is a little over two weeks away, and big money is making its way into local races — pitting moderate Democrats against progressive Democrats. Plus, the Senate race heats up with Rep. Adam Schiff launching ads featuring Republican Steve Garvey. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and co-host Sara Sadhwani look into whether Schiff could be trying to elevate his profile to his benefit. Finally, tides shift when it comes to campaigning, with many candidates...
Feb 16, 2024•27 min
Rep. Adam Schiff continues in the lead in California's Senate race, but former professional baseball player Steve Garvey poses a threat to another Democrat that aspires to make it to the general election ballot. Plus, after Nikki Haley's embarrassing defeat in Nevada, what her candidacy brings to the presidential race. Finally, "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and Ben Oreskes from the LA Times discuss the latest blow to journalism and what the future of their profession looks lik...
Feb 09, 2024•34 min
Immigration seems to be the No. 1 issue across the country, and Republicans are attempting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over it. The issue will play out in some congressional districts in California, potentially shifting the balance of power in the House. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down those races in the Golden State. Then, Rep. Katie Porter's U.S. House seat is open as she runs for Senate, and two Democrats are battling...
Feb 02, 2024•24 min
Republican strategist Anne Hyde Dunsmore joins "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen to dissect former President Donald Trump's sweeping win in New Hampshire and how Nikki Haley has managed to get under his skin. Plus, Republican Steve Garvey joins three Democratic candidates on stage in the Senate race, but his chances of making it on the ballot could depend on one Democrat in particular. Finally, the plan that could already be in play by democrats to have Gov. Gavin Newsom replace P...
Jan 26, 2024•31 min
As "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen is on a much-deserved break, co-host Sara Sadhwani is joined by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez to discuss her role in selecting the LA Police Department's next chief of police. Plus, as a member of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, Rodriguez comments on the cost of Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe program and a settlement to provide 20,000 beds for homeless people. Finally, Rodriguez shares her thoughts on the efforts of anot...
Jan 19, 2024•29 min
Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed his budget plans to address an almost $38 billion deficit this week. During the presentation, he slammed the Wall Street Journal for a recent wealth tax editorial. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break it down. Then, there's been some notable departures in leadership in Los Angeles. Both the LA Times executive editor and the LADWP president stepped down from their roles. And Hunter Biden caused a commotion in Congress before his cour...
Jan 12, 2024•33 min
A local bakery closed its doors after three decades and blamed the high cost of doing business in California. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani look at the trend that could further impact the states' $68 billion deficit. Also, the attempt to get former President Donald Trump off of the primary ballot in California highlights a divide between Gov. Gavin Newsom and his lieutenant governor. Lastly, they discuss the disruption that protesters calling for a cease-fir...
Jan 05, 2024•29 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen wraps up the year by interviewing California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who Politico recently described as an "ambitious politician." Bryan comments on that label and explains why he opposed a bill to make the sex trafficking of a minor a serious crime in California. Plus, he outlines his priorities as the new chair of the Natural Resources Committee.
Dec 29, 2023•23 min
As we wrap up the year, "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen is bringing listeners conversations with politicians who are ones to watch in 2024, including California's Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bonta discusses his approach to fighting climate change and recent changes in school districts through litigation, his successful lawsuits against the Trump administration and his interest in running for governor. Bonta was tapped to be the new attorney general when Xavier Becera took on a n...
Dec 21, 2023•15 min
Malibu's own Hunter Biden, beaten down and his reputation in the mud, makes his case for redemption — on the steps of Congress. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the additional scrutiny he is facing. Then, traffic jams are nothing new in Los Angeles, but a recent one that impacted the 110 Freeway was politically motivated. What message did it send and will it change anyone's mind? And it's the most wonderful time of the year, with a number of elected ...
Dec 15, 2023•24 min
Kevin McCarthy has had enough and is heading home. Hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the startling development and what it means for both Congress and California. Plus, President Joe Biden is coming to town. They look at his fundraising plans in Southern California amid his reelection campaign and Israel-Hamas cease-fire calls. Then, Lindsey Horvath recently became the youngest Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors chair, which is telling of how age is playing a role in current pol...
Dec 08, 2023•21 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani deconstruct the red state, blue state debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom that came with a side helping of Sean Hannity. Who won? Does anyone care? Speaking of Newsom, his plan to help those struggling with mental health issues launches in Los Angeles County. What kind of legacy will Care Court be for him? And a breakdown of the independent redistricting coming to Los Angeles. Then a look at the late Sandra Day O'Connor...
Dec 01, 2023•38 min
As tradition has it, November is full of surprises in the world of politics, and Thanksgiving week was no different. Coming off the heals of the Democratic Convention in Sacramento, Rep. Tony Cárdenas declared he would not seek reelection next year for the 29th Congressional District seat representing the San Fernando Valley. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani explain the significance of Cárdenas making his announcement after the convention. Plus, back from the e...
Nov 24, 2023•28 min
While the smoldering 10 Freeway slowed to a stop, the blame game was full speed ahead. Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed the fire was believed to be arson, but there were plenty of opinions flying around. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and guest host Kate Cagle run headfirst into the fire zone and attempt to sort out the mess. This week, the Los Angeles City Council also approved a 4% increase in rents next year for units under the city's rent stabilization ordinance. Is an eviction ...
Nov 17, 2023•33 min
Buckle up. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani try to make sense of the "topsy-turvy" events in local politics. This week, brawls broke out at the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance when a film screened about the Hamas attack on Israel. And earlier in the week, an altercation at a Westlake Village rally tied to the Israel-Hamas war led to a man's death. Sara, who works on a college campus, explains how students are fired up as the Middle East situation intensifies. M...
Nov 10, 2023•28 min
The situation in the Middle East continues to have ripple effects in Southern California, causing a divide even among those on the left. Protest at college campuses and across the city have given a rise to antisemitic events. Earlier this week, one such event took place at Canter's Deli, where slurs were spray painted on the side of the building. And another salacious scandal rocks Los Angeles City Hall — this time after a councilman's aide makes Holocaust jokes about comedian Amy Schumer on soc...
Nov 03, 2023•29 min
More than three weeks after the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the saga to find the next speaker of the House is finally over - will the left's simmering rage at the election of Speaker Mike Johnson mean trouble for SoCal Republican representatives? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani weigh the possibilities. And a look at the job that Laphonza Butler said she will not run for after she's done filling the Senate seat left vacant by Dianne Feinstein's death. Then, ...
Oct 26, 2023•26 min
It's been a wild ride in the ongoing House speaker vote and so has it been for the conflict in the Middle East. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss how the battle for leadership in Congress and the Middle East war have roiled Southern California politics. Recently, a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting turned contentious when they took up a resolution condemning the attack on Israel. And protesters stood in front of Vice President Kamala Harris...
Oct 20, 2023•31 min
The Palestinian and Israeli conflict that has lit up the Middle East has drawn battle lines in SoCal as well. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani dig deep into the ripple effect it's had on local politics. Then, this past week was the one-year anniversary of the leaked City Hall recordings. Find out what the impact has been in Los Angeles. And in the race for the White House, Californian candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has decided to run as an Independent. Alex an...
Oct 13, 2023•37 min
Chaos in the House overshadowed the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with SoCal native Kevin McCarthy being ousted as speaker this week. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani get their arms around the life and legend of the late senator. They also discuss what it means for the U.S. Senate and Laphonza Butler's appointment to complete the late senator's term. Then they dive into the historic ouster of McCarthy and look at what's next for the California native. And t...
Oct 06, 2023•29 min
Hot on the heels of the Republican presidential debate in Simi Valley, all eyes turn to Anaheim, which is hosting the California Republican Convention. Among those attending is former President Donald J. Trump. In this episode taped before the news of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein death was announced, “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the debate and name the winners: unfazed Trump and Gavin Newsom — and neither was at the Ronald Reagan Library. The...
Sep 29, 2023•28 min
On this week’s episode, GOP strategist and fundraiser Anne Hyde Dunsmore joins “Inside the Issues” podcast host Alex Cohen to break down the NPP (no party preference phenomenon) and how it is weakening the GOP. As the gap between Democrats and Republicans grows, Dunsmore says some voters believe the two-party system can be the biggest obstacle to solutions. Dunsmore breaks down the gender, age and income of those who choose NPP, and discusses the results of a recent poll that could give the GOP ...
Sep 22, 2023•34 min
Former Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva, thrashed in his re-election bid, announces a run for a county supervisor. "Inside the Issues" podcast hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani wonder whether he's motivated by public service or revenge on the supervisors who made his term one long political slugfest. Also on this week's episode, LA City Council's redistricting commission and Alex talks to Republican presidential candidate Douglas James Burgum, who discusses what Californians can learn about ...
Sep 15, 2023•28 min
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had a meeting of the minds this week at City Hall about homelessness. Along with other city mayors, they meet with Biden senior adviser Tom Perez. Perez preached optimism, not futility, when discussing LA homelessness. When is a fed not a fatalist? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani examine this "Kumbaya" attitude change and what it means for SoCal. Plus, a look at new polls. One shows former President Donald Trump has a lead among Re...
Sep 07, 2023•26 min
This week, former Supervisor and Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, with the judge specifically saying they wanted to make an example out of him. Ridley-Thomas dug in his heels with a statement before the sentencing, but was convicted anyway. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani take a look at the man who majored in ethics at USC, then was busted for an ethics violation in a case involving USC. Then a sex traffick...
Aug 31, 2023•26 min
The first event of the 2024 presidential election cycle took place in Milwaukee. And California took center stage when participants brought up the topic of crime and safety. It happened on the same night a mass shooting in Orange County claimed the lives of four people, including the gunman. The Republican debate, sans Donald Trump, had a lot of oratory, but was there any substance? “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break it down and talk the candidates’ strateg...
Aug 24, 2023•26 min
There is now a fourth indictment against former President Donald Trump, and while it's all playing out in Georgia, there's a California connection: a former dean and professor at Chapman law school. Trump attorney John Eastman, who was among the 19 indicted, does not want to be disbarred, and he does not want to be disgraced — will he be successful at either? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani breakdown this battle royale. Then a look at the latest developments i...
Aug 17, 2023•24 min
Los Angeles City Council member Curren Price returned to City Hall this week after being booked on corruption charges. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Sara Sadhwani and co-host Kate Cagle, who is filling in for Alex Cohen, discuss his return. Will he pay a price for his alleged transgressions, or will all be forgiven? This week also saw the hot labor summer continue to heat up with LA city workers hitting the picket lines just like writers, actors and hotel workers. And some new LA council...
Aug 10, 2023•20 min
Some serious presidential politics are happening across Southern California. Former President Donald Trump announced he'll attend the GOP convention in Anaheim. The second GOP primary debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Library. And the California GOP recently held a fundraiser for Kennedy scion Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The anti-mask and anti-vax Democrat stormed into the Southland seeking supporters and donators. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani analyze h...
Aug 03, 2023•23 min
While workers battle for wages on the ground, our representatives look to the sky - is it a bird, is it a plane, or is it a UFO? California Rep. Robert Garcia was the leading Democrat on the subcommittee held on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. He said the American people deserved transparency. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani ask whether you believe. Do you believe the truth is out there? Do you believe those striking will get what they're asking for? UPS worker...
Jul 27, 2023•23 min
