Inside the Issues: The Podcast

Outsider Nithya Raman made history when she defeated incumbent David Ryu in the race for Los Angeles City Council District 4. Not only is she the first Asian woman in this seat, but she is also the first person in 17 years to unseat a member of the L.A. City Council. In this episode, host Alex Cohen learns the secret behind Raman's successful campaign.

Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk campaign strategy.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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If you were awarded $625,000 to work on your dream project, what would you do? Larissa FastHorse was one of 21 individuals named a MacArthur fellow for her work as a playwright and received the no-strings-attached "genius" grant. In this week's episode, FastHorse joins host Alex Cohen to discuss bringing the indigenous experience to the theater. She also has a thing or two to say about celebrating Thanksgiving.

Then Alex and producer Esther Lee talk about their Thanksgiving plans.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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In this week's SoCal in 17, host Alex Cohen sits down with the talented hosts of "LA Podcast" to talk local and national election results and what it means for SoCal. With so much to discuss, including the role social media played in campaigns due to the pandemic, we broke our rule about keeping the episode to just 17 minutes!

In another break from tradition, Alex and Producer Esther Lee take a break from writing haikus and allow the "LA Podcast" hosts to share theirs, including one that gave Alex goosebumps.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

Check out "LA Podcast"

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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This week, Democrat Katie Porter declared victory over Greg Raths for Orange County's 45th Congressional District seat. Host Alex Cohen talked to the congresswoman before and after her win. Porter discussed engaging in democracy and finding joy in the process. She also spoke about her questioning of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and how being a mother helped her prepare for the exchange.

Producer Esther Lee then joins to share how she's finding joy during election week.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

Rep. Katie Porter vs. Postmaster Dejoy

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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Orange County is the fifth largest voting jurisdiction in the United States. With just a few days away from Election Day, host Alex Cohen sits down with Orange County Registrar Neal Kelley, who's in charge of this region's elections. Kelley discusses the safety measures volunteers will take due to the pandemic, what they'll do if voters refuse to wear a mask, and ways voters can cast their ballot in the county, including one not available in L.A. County.

Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk about her college job.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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A legal battle is brewing over ballot boxes. Following last week's episode with Attorney General Xavier Becerra, host Alex Cohen sits down with California Republican Party spokesperson Hector Barajas, who explains why their unofficial ballot drop boxes play within the law. 

Barajas said ballot harvesting is allowed under rules put in place by Democrats, and that Republicans can "engage in the same activity that the Democrats have been doing for the last several years." 

Producer Esther Lee then joins to share her take on the ballot drop box drama.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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After reports that California's Republican Party has been collecting ballots in unofficial boxes, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra sent a cease-and-desist letter in an attempt to put a stop to the "highly illegal tactics."

In this week's episode, host Alex Cohen sits down with Becerra and Dean Logan, the man in charge of L.A. County elections, to discuss why this matters.

Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk about her voting experience or lack thereof.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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It's been over 170 days of debilitating symptoms. That's how long this week's guest Shelby Hedgecock has been struggling with the coronavirus. SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen talks to Hedgecock about her journey as a "long hauler," a term used for those who have persistent symptoms for weeks or even months.  

Producer Esther Lee then joins to share her thoughts about President Trump and the First Lady testing positive for COVID-19.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

What Could Happen if the ACA is Overturned

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The election is just about a month away, and there has been a lot of chatter about whether or not the voting process will be free and fair. On this week’s episode, SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down with the man in charge of California’s elections, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, to talk election integrity. 

Producer Esther Lee then joins to share her most memorable voting experience.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

Spectrum News 1

Vote by mail ballot drop-off

LA’s Voting System Gets Put to the Test Ahead of Super Tuesday

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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It’s been a troubling time for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, as a gunman recently shot two deputies point-blank while on patrol. Later deputies arrested a local reporter in front of the hospital while covering a protest stemming from the shooting. Members of the Oversight Commission have also called for Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s resignation. SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down to discuss the latest developments with Ron Hernandez, president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the union representing rank-and-file deputies. 

Producer Esther Lee then joins to share a harrowing moment on the job.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

More info on L.A.’s Compton Station

Footage taken by Reporter Josie Huang

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

SoCal in 17 page

On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17

Call 424-209-8764 and leave us a voicemail!​​