Former Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of California
Jack O'Connell on KCRW
More from KCRW
Can Israel decide who qualifies as Jewish?
PoliticsThe genocide in Gaza has brought the issue of Israel — and what it represents for Jewish people — into the forefront of Jewish communities worldwide.
Irvine police buys $150K Cybertruck, critics call it unnecessary
LawThe Irvine Police Department purchased a Tesla Cybertruck to promote its D.A.R.E drug program. But some taxpayers say the money should be spent elsewhere.
What do terms like ‘price gouging’ and ‘freedom’ really mean?
PoliticsHarris’ economic plan takes on price gouging. Where does Democratic “freedom” messaging leave Republicans? And the panel looks back at political freakouts.
The CIA: The world’s first secret empire
PoliticsThe CIA’s destructive role in world politics since the end of World War II as a secret rogue spy agency controlled by unelected intelligence officers has become so ubiquitous that it…
Have hurricanes gotten swept up in the culture wars?
PoliticsThe recent hurricanes unleashed a storm of conspiracies. Could Omaha voters decide the nation’s fate? Plus, an indie newsletter saved a politically divided marriage.
What are the differences between conservatism, Trumpism, and GOP?
PoliticsWhat is a “never Trump” Republican? Both Trump and Harris are trying to win over swing and Centrist voters. Plus, conflict in the Middle East turns to Lebanon.
Another sales tax for homeless services: LA voters to decide
Election 2024Measure A – on LA County ballots this November – asks voters whether or not to approve a sales tax hike to fund homeless services and affordable housing.
Prop 4: Here’s what’s in California’s $10B climate bond measure
Climate changeTen billion dollars doesn’t go far when it comes to adapting to climate change, but the state has a lot of projects planned, should this bond measure pass.
Chasing the Watermelon Man
Food & DrinkAn audio folk story examining the tradition of Black watermelon long-haulers, who drive to farms in the South for watermelon and sell them in Black neighborhoods around the US.