Reporter, CalMatters
Omar Rashad on KCRW
More from KCRW
Lawmakers are leaving Congress in droves. Why?
PoliticsShould a rise in Congressional retirements set off alarm bells? Are Democrats off base with their current platform? How will a new law impact campus free speech?
Black college students turn dorms into hair salons across LA
Fashion & BeautyInaccessibility of professional hair care is leading Black college students at predominantly non-Black schools to provide discounted services from their dorms.
How to handle student loan payments as Oct. 1 deadline approaches
Business & EconomyAn estimated 3.8 million Californians owe more than $142 billion in student loans. Are you one of them? Here’s what you need to know when payments officially restart.
Shifting voting trends: Trouble or opportunity?
PoliticsA crucial voting bloc received plenty of attention in early polling. Will either party be able to take advantage of recent shifts in political alignment?
Absent LAUSD kids are trickling back to class. Thank attendance counselors
EducationLAUSD student absences soared during the pandemic. Slowly, in large part due to school attendance counselors’ tireless work, kids are returning to class.
Questions remain after Ohtani says ex-interpreter stole money
SportsLA Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani said his ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly stole millions to pay gambling debts. His story raises plausibility questions.
A 1000 mile trek: Lessons in fortitude and healing from distance walker Raynor Winn
Health & WellnessBritish long-distance walker Raynor Winn describes her 1000 mile walk from Scotland to the south of England.
Queer rugby club is shattering perceptions of men in contact sports
LGBTQThe Los Angeles Rebellion gives queer men a platform to take competition seriously while finding their people.
CA kids learning to read may finally get hooked on phonics
EducationIn the 1990s, a reading strategy called “balanced literacy” took over CA public schools. The problem? Kids didn’t learn to read. Now, phonics is making a comeback.