Trouble at the border, trouble in the sheriff's office and trouble in Hollywood. The long hot summer has things sizzling in Southern California. And it's been made even more complicated due to a memo that came from City Hall cautioning elected officials not to take sides. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and guest co-host Kate Cagle break down the strikes and their impact on the city. Plus, an explanation on why another bus of migrants recently arrived in Los Angeles. And the lat...
Jul 20, 2023•23 min
Homelessness is up in the county and city of Los Angeles, according to the latest homelessness count. Host Alex Cohen recounts her trip to Portland that shed light on how bad the situation can get. Could LA be next? She and "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" co-host Sara Sadhwani dive into the nitty gritty. Plus, what LA can do to avoid the same fate? Then, the latest on the Skid Row Trust and the LA City Council District 6 special election. Plus, how the Council avoided the timing of the certific...
Jul 13, 2023•23 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" revisits a past episode with former Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin. He and his family were the targets of the vicious, racist City Hall recordings — he talks about their cause and effects.
Jul 06, 2023•23 min
It is that time of the year when lawmakers are trying to figure out what can be done with the money the state has. A $32 billion, with a capital "B," deficit would terrify most politicians, but not Anthony Rendon — he's got this. On this special episode, Rendon joins "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen to discuss the state budget, his journey to becoming a politician and why he is leaving his post as the assembly speaker after seven years. Plus, what he's most proud of accomplishing...
Jun 29, 2023•16 min
Days after being voted as the new president pro tempore amid the latest Los Angeles City Hall scandal, Council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson joins "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen. Harris-Dawson, who represents Council District 8, replaced Council member Curren Price. Price stepped down as president pro tempore after being charged with embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest. On this special episode, Harris-Dawson opens up about whether racist prosecutors target Black pol...
Jun 22, 2023•18 min
It's been an extraordinary week in Southern California politics, with the fourth City Council politician facing criminal charges in four years. Councilman Curren Price was charged earlier this week with 10 counts of embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down what it means for folks in District 9. Plus, why now and why are other local politicians saddened by the situation? Plus, a look at the parallels with former...
Jun 15, 2023•22 min
Glendale school parents erupted and disrupted in protest outside the district's headquarters — all over a Pride proposal. Last week, a similar situation happened in North Hollywood, where parents disagreed on what should and shouldn't be taught in schools. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss the issues and ask why now and who should be responsible for teaching children? Then, the immigration debate heats up again with the latest edition of Gov. Gavin Newso...
Jun 08, 2023•24 min
"Don't agonize, organize!" That was the theme of the state Democratic Party convention held over the weekend in Los Angeles. Nancy Pelosi was in town, and so were other U.S. Senate contenders. Adam Schiff, who is serious about being serious, let his inner comedian loose at the convention. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss the potential factors that voters may use to decide who will replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein. And a major factor in the state's tourism ...
Jun 01, 2023•24 min
The Dodgers invited, then rescinded and then invited back the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer and trans nuns, after receiving backlash from local and national politicians chiming in. Then, the Los Angeles City Council is all for an independent redistricting commission — as long as it reports to them. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the fight for control. And the Council approved the city's budget with Council member Eunisses Herna...
May 25, 2023•28 min
This week, Council member Katy Young Yaroslavsky lost her bid to block a controversial development in Benedict Canyon. And on Mother's Day, Los Angeles political firebrand Gloria Molina died after a battle with cancer. Her influence has left its mark in City Hall and in the community that continues to mourn the trailblazer. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss her political legacy and why her purity made her so special. And a look at why LA Mayor Karen Bass...
May 18, 2023•22 min
After an extended absence, Sen. Dianne Feinstein returned to the Capitol this week in a wheelchair. Should she walk away from the Senate? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani wonder if the legendary legislator is way too far past her prime. Feinstein's return happened during a pretty big week for the Biden administration, when Title 42 and the COVID-19 public health emergency are set to end. The Biden-Harris campaign also announced its 50-member board, including ei...
May 11, 2023•20 min
A recent Los Angeles Times report estimated that SoCal's snowpack level is at 254% above normal and most of the state is no longer in a drought. But what will happen when the temperatures warm? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" co-host Sara Sadhwani and climate guru Dr. Michael Mendez look at a looming problem: the inevitable consequences of a melting mass of mountain snow sliding onto SoCal. They also dive into the intensifying Los Angeles City Council District 14 race to replace Council member ...
May 04, 2023•18 min
It's official. President Joe Biden announced his reelection bid this week. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss all the California angles, including the Californians running against him and Gov. Gavin Newsom's Biden endorsement. Could Newsom's allyship pay off? Loyalty is a word usually not associated with politicians, except if that politician is Biden — just ask Eric Garcetti. Then, allies form in Sacramento in the debate over fentanyl in an attempt to cu...
Apr 27, 2023•25 min
Los Angeles is not where it should be, but a new LA is possible. That was the message that Mayor Karen Bass delivered during her first State of the City address. A day later, Bass announced her $13 billion city budget, which includes a push to hire more LA Police Department officers. She described it as an investment. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down Bass’ announcements. Then, they discuss how the city, LAPD and police union are spinning the “underco...
Apr 20, 2023•22 min
It was a messy week in SoCal politics at the national level with calls for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s resignation. And locally, some were not happy with the Los Angeles City Council appointing Heather Hutt to complete the remainder of the term of former Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani delve into the council races, where one will get a special election but not Council District 10. They also discuss LA Assemblyman Miguel Santiago’s an...
Apr 13, 2023•21 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani talk about the man, the myth, the convicted felon: enigmatic former Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas. And they discuss the future of District 10 and the potential for a special election and what it may cost the city to hold one. Plus, Alex and Sara break down the latest results in the District 6 special election and preview what Friday’s results could tell us. Also, they talk about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new political acti...
Apr 06, 2023•26 min
The bribery trial of former Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas continues as the LA Unified School District strike ended. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani look into the federal trial of Ridley-Thomas, who was charged with 19 counts of bribery and corruption. And they discuss another council member, Hugo Soto-Martinez, who made a bold move this week by having the fence around Echo Park come down. Plus, they break down the special election of council D...
Mar 30, 2023•22 min
This week officially marked the first 100 days of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in office. Bass touted her homeless stats, but were they hopeful, or just hype? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss the impact she has had on the city so far. And they look at the political implications of the LA Unified School District strike, which overshadowed Bass' 100th day when members of the Service Employees International Union Local 99 took to the picket lines amid stal...
Mar 23, 2023•21 min
Gov. Gavin Newsom is forgoing a typical State of the State address this year. Instead, he is opting for a statewide tour to highlight his major policy goals. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down Newsom's unique take on the address. They also discuss the Los Angeles City Council District 6 special election to replace former President and Councilwoman Nury Martinez following her resignation amid the City Hall scandal. Plus, President Joe Biden recently vis...
Mar 16, 2023•23 min
Is Los Angeles ready for a 300-pound crime-fighting canine? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and special co-host Kate Cagle bite into the robodog controversy. Then, LA doubles down on becoming a sanctuary city by taking a step forward from the current symbolic measure to wanting to codify policies. They discuss what it would mean for undocumented immigrants. And LA District Attorney George Gascón had a very bad, no-good week after losing a retaliation case. With 16 similar suits ...
Mar 09, 2023•22 min
President Joe Biden on Tuesday nominated Julie Su to lead the U.S. Department of Labor. If confirmed, the former head of the California labor department would become the first Asian American cabinet secretary in the Biden administration. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss Su’s politically charged, probably difficult, path to become Biden’s labor secretary. They also analyze former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s journey to becoming the U.S. ambassador t...
Mar 02, 2023•20 min
This week, Rep. Barbara Lee officially announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate in California, joining a competitive Democratic primary to fill retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the candidacy of Lee, who has the reputation — but it takes more than street cred to win an election. It takes big bucks — and Rep. Adam Schiff has the bankroll. And they look at the battle heating up between State Sen. Maria Elena Dura...
Feb 23, 2023•22 min
It wasn’t a shock when Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office announced she would step down, but the news still made headlines. A staffer had to correct the 89-year-old about the statement announcing her decision to retire from her Senate seat. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani ruminate on the “maybe she did, maybe she didn’t" announcement of Feinstein’s retirement.
Feb 16, 2023•17 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen sits down with former Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin, who gets personal about the City Hall tape scandal, the effect on his family and his own future.
Feb 09, 2023•22 min
This week, Californians saw the ripple effects of recent mass shootings in the state with lawmakers trying to revive legislation to strengthen the state's restrictions on who can carry loaded firearms in public. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani examine Gov. Gavin Newsom's no holds barred political war on concealed weapons.
Feb 02, 2023•22 min
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen sits down with two members of Congress this week. Rep. Judy Chu, who used to be the mayor of Monterey Park, tries to make sense of the mass shooting that left eleven dead and a community in mourning over the Lunar New Year weekend. Also, Rep. Adam Schiff, who has announced he is running for Senate, explains why he was kicked off the House Select Intelligence Committee. .
Jan 26, 2023•21 min
The more things change, the more they stay the same — at least at Los Angeles City Hall, where the City Council voted to create and transfer $50 million into an emergency fund for Mayor Karen Bass to use at her discretion. It was a show of support for her efforts to address the homelessness crisis, but why now and why this way? At the county level, the Board of Supervisors is having a hard time agreeing on the best way to launch CARE court — a new statewide approach to treatment for people strug...
Jan 19, 2023•20 min
Rep. Katie Porter tossed her hat in the ring for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat. Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León continues to show up at LA City Council meetings amid protests. And Kevin McCarthy became the speaker of the House after 15 votes. From Capitol Hill to LA City Hall, "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss the bold moves of these California politicians.
Jan 12, 2023•18 min
From immigrant to mayor of Long Beach to the U.S. Congress, "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" co-host Sara Sadhwani welcomes Robert Garcia. The newly elected, openly gay congressman talks about his remarkable journey.
Jan 05, 2023•13 min
From child star to a revered politician, former Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl joins “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” host Alex Cohen to discuss her career arc in a free-swinging interview.
Dec 29, 2022•17 min
