The news brief is back! Reporters Clara Harter and Emily Sawicki re-introduce the weekly news round-up and give listeners a glimpse into their most exciting investigations with some podcast-exclusive information and opinions. This week's episode is full of action: it looks into how Santa Monicans are rallying around the Ukraine, discusses the complicated dynamics at play in the CD-11 election, examines Governor Newsom's mental health court proposal and provides a long-awaited answer to the culprit behind a mysterious bird die-off witnessed on local beaches.

Editor Matt Hall talks with Santa Monica's new Fire Chief.

Evan Meyer talks with Councilwoman Lana Negrete about her family, history and time on City Council.

Evan Meyer continues his series of Meyerside chats with Councilman Phil Brock.

Serious crime is down this year but residents still feel unsafe. Police Chief Ramon Batista talks about the perception of crime and his plans to address resident concerns.

Evan Meyer chats with Councilwoman Gleam Davis.

In this episode reporter Clara Harter interviews Traci Park, a public attorney and Venice resident who is running to represent a significant portion of the Westside on LA City Council. She was driven to the ballot by her disappointment in Mike Bonin's response to the growing homelessness crisis in Venice and the associated problems with crime and pollution. Park is advocating for what she calls a common sense approach to public safety and homelessness that focuses on targeted and expedient interventions.

In this week's news brief reporter Emily Sawicki talks about a mysterious slew of dead cormorants on the beach and reporter Clara Harter shares the exciting news that the Super Bowl Pregame Show is coming to the Santa Monica Pier. Other topics covered include upcoming political events, Black History month and the shortage of psychiatric beds in local hospitals.

In this week's news brief reporters Clara Harter and Emily Sawicki dive into the most exciting stories they covered recently and what future investigations are at the top of their agenda.

Something new this week! Evan Meyer takes a long form interview with Kathleen Rawson on community, Downtown Santa Monica and some insights into what remains important.