Marisa Lagos

Marisa Lagos, a political correspondent for KQED and co-host of Political Breakdown, dives into Gavin Newsom's strategic maneuvering in his political career. She discusses his ambitious rise from San Francisco mayor to a possible presidential candidate. The conversation highlights his efforts to bridge gaps with right-wing figures while grappling with his California liberal identity. Lagos also addresses the complexities of maintaining authenticity amidst political pressures and how Newsom's governance style influences his national ambitions.

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Marisa Lagos is a politics correspondent for KQED and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast. Guy Marzarotti is also a KQED correspondent focused on California's political landscape. Benjamin Oreskes is a New York Times reporter covering state politics. They discuss California's Proposition 50, highlighting its potential to reshape congressional districts and strengthen Democratic positions. The conversation includes insights into Governor Newsom's political strategy, impacts of voter turnout, and the surprising election victory of NYC's Zoran Mamdani.

Suzanne Jimenez, chief of staff at SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, advocates for a one-time 5% wealth tax on California billionaires to fund healthcare amid federal cuts. Marisa Lagos analyzes the political landscape, highlighting Governor Newsom's concerns that it might harm the economy. Tech reporter Ryan Mac discusses the mixed reactions from billionaires, including threats to relocate, and the financial complexities of taxing assets primarily held in stock. The conversation circles around wealth inequality and the implications for future tax policies.

Tyche Hendricks, a senior immigration reporter, shares harrowing insights from her oversight visit to the California City Detention Facility, where senators express shock over the distress faced by detainees and inadequate healthcare. Marisa Lagos discusses the chilling implications following a fatal shooting by an ICE agent, and the claim of absolute immunity for agents that has local prosecutors up in arms. Both reporters highlight the urgent calls for accountability and the fight against increased funding for immigration enforcement.

Marisa Lagos, KQED's politics correspondent, Lindsey Holden from Politico, and Patrick Ahrens, a California State Assemblymember, dive into Governor Newsom's final State of the State address. They discuss his ambitious plans for tackling homelessness, education, and healthcare while facing an $18 billion budget shortfall. The guests analyze Newsom's partisan messaging, the controversial billionaire tax proposal, and potential restructuring of education governance. They also touch on local solutions for healthcare and housing amid federal funding concerns.

Mychal Threets, a librarian turned social media book-champion, is the new host of the revamped Reading Rainbow, celebrating childhood literacy and community engagement. He shares his love for reading and discusses how libraries serve as essential, inclusive spaces. Marisa Lagos, a KQED politics correspondent, dives into the controversial discussion about bringing the National Guard to San Francisco, analyzing tech leaders' motivations and potential political implications. The duo highlights the intersection of literacy advocacy and civic discourse.

Marisa Lagos, a KQED politics correspondent, Tom Hudson, president of news at WLRN, and Jasmine Garst, an NPR immigration correspondent, dive into the contrasting immigration policies of California and Florida. They discuss DeSantis's aggressive enforcement tactics compared to Newsom’s sanctuary laws. The conversation highlights the impact of these policies on labor shortages in agriculture, family dynamics, and education, revealing how communities are navigating the complexities of immigration enforcement amidst shifting political landscapes.

Marisa Lagos, a KQED correspondent focused on California politics, joins Texas House Representative Nicole Collier, known for her activism against gerrymandering. They dive into Collier's remarkable 54-hour sleepover on the House floor, showcasing Democratic unity against redistricting efforts. The conversation shifts to California, where Governor Newsom is adopting aggressive strategies to combat GOP tactics, including trolling Trump. Together, they explore how these bold moves could reshape Democratic fortunes in the face of significant political challenges.

Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos, both correspondents at KQED focusing on California politics, delve into the intense legal battles surrounding Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan. They discuss the irony of strategies in California versus Texas and the Trump administration's opposing lawsuits. The conversation highlights Newsom's social media tactics to engage with critics while examining the implications of these redistricting efforts on party dynamics and voter representation, prompting provocative listener feedback on electoral integrity.