Inside the Issues: The Podcast

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 pivoting from traditional exposure outlets like debates to joining TikTok.

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 like amid a changing landscape.

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 each other to keep it blue.

And cleanup on aisle 6. Gov. Gavin Newsom went shopping at Target and you won't believe what happened.

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 President Joe Biden on the presidential ticket.

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 another councilmember to ban rodeos in the city.

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 court appearance in downtown LA.

In This Episode

• Read the Governor's Budget Summary
• Read the Politico piece on Anthony York

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-fire in Gaza caused on the first day of California legislative session.

"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.

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 new role in the Biden administration.

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 officials celebrating their year anniversary. LA Mayor Karen Bass was one of them, and the hosts look back at her time in office and impact.

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 politics — especially in thinking about the upcoming presidential election.

And finally, a look at the new LA report detailing how 6 out of 10 city employees don’t actually live in LA. Alex and Sara discuss the catch-22 tied to the report.

"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's connection to California. She was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Supreme Court.

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 event, Sara reports on the Israeli-Palestinian protests that shut the convention down.

And a look at who's in and who's out for the most powerful posts in the California Assembly.

Lastly, something to be thankful for. The reopening of Interstate 10 happened sooner than expected following a fire.

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 tsunami on the way?

Then, they discuss the first LA County district attorney debate, featuring the incumbent George Gascón.

Down in Santa Ana, the recall effort failed, allowing Santa Ana City Councilmember Jessie Lopez to hang on to her seat.

And finally, 'tis the holiday season and the LA Police Department opens its shop for those looking for gifts.

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.

Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom's popularity has declined amid negative headlines and his recent trip to China, despite the fact that his policies remain popular. California voters also seem generally unhappy with President Joe Biden as of late.

On more local levels, Alex and Sara address LA Councilmember John Lee suing the Ethics Commission after it accused him of violations. Meanwhile, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo remains in hot water after she recently crashed into two vehicles and was booked on suspicion of DUI.

And down in Orange County, a judge has refused to halt an ongoing recall election against Santa Ana Councilmember Jessie Lopez.

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 social media.

"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani have the inside scoop on the fallout.

Then, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green introduced a motion to censure Rep. Rashida Talib for her response to the hospital bombing in Gaza and later went on Tucker Carlson's show to call out Rep. Young Kim from Orange County.

And the latest Cook report was released, and it's unclear if some Republicans in California will be able to hold on to their seats. A look at how the Golden State could play a big role in the 2024 elections.

And finally, there’s so much going on in Santa Ana, including redistricting, elections and recalls. Get a breakdown.

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, a look at what Gov. Gavin Newsom did and did not do during his visits to Israel and China.

Finally, why Mark Gonzalez, the LA County Democratic Party chair and candidate for Assembly District 54, didn't make the list of endorsements by The Stonewall Democrats.

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' Brentwood home demanding a cease-fire.

Then, a candidate forum for the district attorneys race gave voice to those in the race vying to replace George Gascón.

And finally, a former TV journalist enters the race for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat, joining Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee.

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 and Sara look into what that might do to this election.

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 they dive into what former President Donald Trump's presence in Anaheim means for the future of the California GOP.