Inside the Issues: The Podcast

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 workers already have, and they're on the verge of avoiding a strike. Their deal just needs to be ratified with a vote. But the hot labor summer continues, as hotel workers continue with a third wave of their strike that's having some unintended consequences.

This week, protesters showed up at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting just like they have at the LA City Council meetings. And a newly elected council member is calling for more decorum.

And finally, a former employee at the Federation of Labor is being investigated in connection with the City Hall leaked tapes.

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 latest on the use-of-force incidents for which the LA County Sheriff's Department is under investigation.

Finally, a look at who won at the Echo Park Lotus Festival dragon boat races over the weekend.

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 certification by making Imelda Padilla a temporary member. And City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto avoids protesters.

"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.

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.

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 politicians.

"It feels like we are being hunted," Harris-Dawson said.

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 President Donald Trump's indictment.

And the connection to the Council District 6 election, which has candidates Marisa Alcaraz and Imelda Padilla, who is currently the environmental policy director and deputy chief of staff to Price, running the spot vacated by former LA City Council president Nury Martinez.

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 Newsom vs. Gov. Ron DeSantis. Just this week, migrants seeking asylum were flown and dropped off in Sacramento in a move indicating they were California's responsibility.

And more on the housing crisis with a string of eviction notices leading to growing concerns about a Skid Row receiver that city officials installed to oversee the buildings.

Plus, the Ad Hoc City Governance Committee's final public hearing at City Hall is happening Monday. It's the last opportunity for residents to weigh in on independent redistricting and increasing the size of the LA City Council.

"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 industry is the disruption that Airbnb and Vrbo have caused by contributing to the housing crisis. They also break down new laws that might come down the pipeline regarding this hot topic.

Plus a look at the power of Asian American voters in Los Angeles City Council elections, and a look ahead at what is happening during Pride Month.

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 Hernandez being the lone vote saying no.

The "robot dog" was also approved by the Council with some members absent.

And the latest on luxury hotels, including the LVMH luxury hotel project that Beverly Hills residents voted on to decide its fate.