Senior Politics Editor for Politico
Charlie Mahtesian on KCRW
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LA’s newest black bear, why 2 LA juvenile halls could close
PoliticsNew York Congressman George Santos has pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of financial crimes. He remains on the job for now, but faces decades in prison.
On eve of likely LAUSD strike, how’s community bracing itself?
EducationKCRW hears from parents, teachers, LAUSD’s Jackie Goldberg, and SEIU’s Lester Garcia as the district sits on the verge of a three-day shutdown.
1500 troops to the border: Biden took page out of Trump’s playbook?
PoliticsWill sending troops to the Mexico border worsen the immigration crisis? A conflict in Sudan has no end in sight. Plus Hollywood writers go on strike.
Get to know LA’s Iranian communities — by car
HomelessnessLA boasts the largest population of Iranian immigrants in the world. Learn how they’ve shaped the area’s landscapes and neighborhoods with a new car tour.
Texts and mental health services could replace cash bail in LA
LawA judge ruled that keeping a person locked up because they can’t afford bail is unconstitutional in most cases in LA – for now.
Cannabis shops can avoid theft, get loans with SAFE Banking Act
CannabisCan Democrats and Republicans in Congress finally come together and pass a bill that would make it easier for legal weed businesses to access financial services?
Prop HHH is now on track to exceed its housing goals
Housing & DevelopmentProp HHH, the LA voter-approved $1.2 billion homeless housing bond measure, has been slow and costly. But six years in, thousands of units are finally opening.
The Teapot Dome scandal: When democracy worked to hold the fat cats accountable
HistoryOver 100 years ago, the United States had corrupt politicians who could actually be prosecuted for their crimes in gaming the economy.
Richard Riordan: LA mayor during 90s scandals, natural disaster
PoliticsKCRW discusses how the late Richard Riordan became LA mayor, expedited recovery following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, expanded the LAPD, and more.