Best The Robert Hooks Show Podcasts (2025)

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Transparency issues with OC's low-income health provider, Officials warn of election scams, Why is it so hot in LA in late October? — Evening Edition 4:37

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11h ago4:37

4:37

A report reveals major transparency violations in CalOptima’s allocation of public funds. Warnings about an election scam may be coming to your text message inbox. Why you may need less layers for your Halloween costume these days. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.c…

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🎃 CWT566: How to Enjoy 'Halloween: Resurrection' (2002) w/Guest Ryan Wainio 39:35

13h ago39:35

39:35

My brother Ryan joins me to discuss ways to better enjoy the much-maligned "Halloween: Resurrection." In the process, we also discuss plot holes in horror, multiverses, the iffy nature of Freddy and Pennywise's powers, gasoline in The Walking Dead, and the importance of suspension of disbelief.

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Pasadena selling homes that would've been demolished by doomed 710 project, World Series Game 6 preview, trying Erewhon's Smashing Pumpkins smoothie so you don't have to — Afternoon Edition 4:55

16h ago4:55

4:55

The city of Pasadena is selling more than a dozen homes that were set to be demolished as part of a failed plan to extend the 710 Freeway. It's win or go home tonight in Game 6 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. LAist's food and culture writer Gab Chabran tried Erewhon's new Smashing Pumpkins-themed "OG Goth" smoothie, aptly priced …

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🎙️CWT565: The Return of Sherlock Holmes (Granada, 1986) S1E1 – The Empty House REVIEW 17:00

18h ago17:00

17:00

Today we’re revisiting the Granada Television series The Return of Sherlock Holmes, beginning with Season 1, Episode 1: “The Empty House.”

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CWT564: 'Phantasm' (1979) REVIEW - You Play a Good Game, Boy! 14:38

20h ago14:38

14:38

Talking about Phantasm — the 1979 cult horror film that might be the strangest franchise starter of its era.

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Immigration agents involved in shooting, LAUSD to feed students, Robert Englund aka 'Freddy Krueger' gets Hollywood Star — Morning Edition 5:07

21h ago5:07

5:07

Immigration agents have been involved in yet another shooting this week. L.A. Unified schools are stepping in to help feed students ahead of delays in federal food assistance. Robert Englund, best known as Freddy Krueger, gets his flowers. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https:/…

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Eaton survivors on SCE compensation plan, LAFD helps with Hurricane Melissa, LAist's trick or treating tips — Evening Edition 4:27

1d ago4:27

4:27

Eaton Fire survivors weigh in on whether SoCal Edison's compensation plan goes far enough. L.A. firefighters go to Jamaica to help after Hurricane Melissa. We share a few insider tips on where to trick or treat this year. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LA…

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Eaton Fire survivors say Edison's compensation plan misses mark, a new OCMA exhibit on adolescence curated by teenagers, NBA greenlights Lakers sale — Afternoon Edition 4:59

1d ago4:59

4:59

Eaton Fire survivors say SoCal Edison's compensation plan doesn't go far enough. A new exhibit at the Orange County Museum of Art curated by teenagers looks to capture the complexity of adolescence. The sale of the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers is final. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://lai…

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Feds crackdown on people who interfered during ICE raids, Audit suggests LAPD revise response to mental health calls, Dodgers lose Game 5 of WS — Morning Edition 4:44

2d ago4:44

4:44

The feds crack down on people who interfered during immigration raids. L.A. city's controller says L.A. police need to change how they respond to mental health crisis calls. The Dodgers have one last shot to make a comeback in the World Series. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting ht…

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Checking in on WIC benefits amid shutdown, Anaheim drops theme park gate tax, How your ballot signature is checked — Evening Edition 4:31

2d ago4:31

4:31

As millions in the state are set to lose their SNAP benefits, we'll tell you about one food aid program that isn't going away. The city of Anaheim has decided against putting a tax on theme parks and visitor parking on the ballot. We explain how California election officials verify ballot signatures. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A…

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Details on Edison's Eaton Fire compensation program, Anaheim's independent review of waste claims, surf park coming to Newport Beach — Afternoon Edition 5:00

3d ago5:00

5:00

SoCal Edison has released the final version of its voluntary compensation program for survivors of the Eaton Fire. The City of Anaheim has brought in an outside law firm to do an independent review of waste and fraud claims. Newport Beach approves plans for a surf park Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://la…

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Judge rules US Atty Bill Essayli served beyond his limit, LA County approves nearly a billion dollar sex abuse payout, Rough night for the Dodgers— Morning Edition 4:58

3d ago4:58

4:58

A federal judge has ruled that acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has overstayed his welcome. L.A. County leaders have approved another hefty settlement for childhood sexual abuse claims. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are now tied. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Th…

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The Substance: ewwwww! 28:01

3d ago28:01

28:01

You need to read stories you don’t like. Yep, it’s true. This week I put my body on the line and I forced myself (and Valerie - so sorry, please forgive me) to watch The Substance. I don’t read, watch, or listen to horror, but there are times when I need to go outside my comfort zone to learn more about the craft. My topic this season is The Shadow…

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CA joins lawsuit over SNAP benefits, LA County provides food assistance amid shutdown, "Guac" play explores Parkland dad's grief — Evening Edition 4:41

3d ago4:41

4:41

California joins a lawsuit against the Trump administration over federal food aid. Meanwhile, the L.A. County Parks Department is stepping in to help feed Angelenos affected by the shutdown. The father of a Parkland shooting victim is using joy, art and advocacy to celebrate his son's life at a play showing in Culver City. Plus, more from Evening E…

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CWT563: REVIEW: 'In the Heart of the Sea' (2015) AKA The Whale That Inspired Moby-Dick 9:55

4d ago9:55

9:55

In 1820, a whaling ship set sail from Nantucket, chasing profit and prestige into the far reaches of the South Pacific. What its crew found instead… was terror in the shape of a 90-foot monster from the deep. This is In the Heart of the Sea — the true story that inspired Moby-Dick, brought to the screen by Ron Howard in 2015.…

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Anaheim to consider tourism tax, Low enrollment affects LAUSD budget, Recap of Game 3 World Series— Afternoon Edition 4:55

4d ago4:55

4:55

Anaheim city leaders will consider a new tourism tax. We'll look at some of the funding challenges that some SoCal school districts are facing. Plus, how Game 3 of the World Series last night broke records. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying…

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Heat and wind warnings, CA to watch federal election watchers, Epic Dodgers win— Morning Edition 4:26

4d ago4:26

4:26

The first major Santa Ana wind event of the season is here, sparking warnings across the region. California is bringing in its own monitors to watch the federal watchers in next week's special election. The Dodgers win an instant classic that's already a part of World Series history. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donat…

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US DOT threatens pulling federal funding, Getting to next week's special election, Santa Anas come back today — Evening Edition 4:36

4d ago4:36

4:36

Why U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he'll pull some federal funding for California. How to get to the polls for free on the November 4th election. The Santa Anas are back, so our science reporter explains why the winds may make you feel a little weird. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/j…

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Santa Ana winds bring heat to SoCal, UC Irvine to open first all-electric hospital, Where to eat around Dodger Stadium— Afternoon Edition 4:50

5d ago4:50

4:50

The Santa Ana winds are back, which means it's going to get hot. UC Irvine is set to open the nation's first all-electric hospital. We'll share where you can grab a bite around Dodger Stadium during the World Series. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Aut…

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CA reaction to federal election monitors plan, ExxonMobil sues CA, Irvine gets all-electric hospital— Morning Edition 4:59

5d ago4:59

4:59

Governor Newsom and LA Mayor Bass are rejecting the feds' plan to send election monitors to California. ExxonMobil is suing California over a law requiring the company to disclose its greenhouse emissions. The country's first all-electric hospital is coming to Irvine. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com…

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CWT562: Lessons from Little Red Riding Hood🧺➡️👵🏠🐺🛏️ 8:43

6d ago8:43

8:43

Today we’re diving into one of the most well-known tales in the world — Little Red Riding Hood.

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Dodgers tie up World Series, LAX closes Terminal 5, Your first Halloween — Sunday Edition 9:30

6d ago9:30

9:30

The Dodgers are heading home for Game 3 of the World Series tomorrow after tying things up in Toronto last night. LAX closes Terminal 5 for construction of a brand new state of the art terminal ahead of the 2028 Olympics. A local organization is using horror movies to help people deal with stress. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at …

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🎙️ CWT561: The Hook!🪝 — I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) 21:52

7d ago21:52

21:52

It’s the Fourth of July. A dark coastal highway. Four friends, a secret, and a man with a hook. I apologize for veering off into so many tangents in this review, but this movie and nostalgia are such a winding road! Let me know if my rambling review is too confusing.

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Prop 50 voting, West Nile death in L.A. County, 'Bambi' artist Tyrus Wong— Saturday Edition 13:28

7d ago13:28

13:28

Voting centers for the statewide special election on redistricting open in L.A. County today. L.A. Diving into the history of a thriving Filipino community in the San Fernando Valley. The life and times of Tyrus Wong, one of the first Asian Americans to make a mark in Hollywood with his influence on the Disney film, "Bambi." Plus, more. Support The…

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Families feel effects of both Trump admins' immigration policies, US DOJ to monitor SoCal polling sites, Historic haunted house in West Hills — Evening Edition 4:46

7d ago4:46

4:46

Some families who were forcibly separated at the border during Trump's first term are being split up again. The US Department of Justice says they'll monitor polling sites at Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. Today and tomorrow, you can visit a haunted house in a historic home in West Hills. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.…

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🎙️ CWT560: REVIEW of 'I Care a Lot' (2023) — The Business of Exploiting Trust 14:57

8d ago14:57

14:57

You ever watch a movie that feels like it could actually happen — and that’s the scariest part? Today, we’re talking about I Care a Lot, a 2020 dark comedy thriller from J Blakeson, starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, and Dianne Wiest.

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Dimwits, Dipsh*ts, Dufuses, and Dullards (E. 42); Stephen Miller vs. Robert De Niro 34:27

8d ago34:27

34:27

(IMAGE: File photo of Stephen Miller...okay, it's actually from the movie "Salem's Lot," but still reminds me of Stephen Miller, even though Miller is nowhere near as cool as an actual vampire...) EPISODE PREMISE: Robert De Niro didn’t mince words when he said of Stephen Miller: “He’s a Nazi, yes he is, and he’s Jewish. He should be ashamed of hims…

1
Palisades Fire suspect arraigned, CalFresh crisis preps, CA Planned Parenthood funding— Morning Edition 4:59

8d ago4:59

4:59

The man accused of starting the Palisades Fire has pleaded not guilty. The LA Food Bank is getting ready for a CalFresh crisis. Gov Newsom throws a lifeline to Planned Parenthood. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. …

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LA City Council extends anti-eviction program, How effective are cash payments for the unhoused, Danny Elfman on his 'Nightmarish' legacy — Evening Edition 4:50

8d ago4:50

4:50

L.A. city leaders have voted to extend legal aid for tenants. A study looks at the effect of cash assistance for people experiencing homelessness. We hear from Danny Elfman on the 10th annual Nightmare Before Christmas live concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by v…

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Mortgage relief program expansion to fire survivors, 10 years since Aliso Canyon gas leak, Danny Elfman at the Hollywood Bowl— Afternoon Edition 5:02

9d ago5:02

5:02

California is expanding its mortgage relief program for fire survivors. Today marks 10 years since the nation's largest natural gas leak right here in L.A. Plus, we'll talk about the iconic film "The Nightmare Before Christmas" ahead of it's annual live show at the Hollywood Bowl. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visitin…

1
Detained immigrants' legal rights hearing, Palisades Fire DEI investigation, LAUSD enrollment declines— Morning Edition 4:42

9d ago4:42

4:42

A federal hearing in downtown LA could determine the future rights of detained immigrants. Senate investigators want to know if DEI had a role in the Palisades Fire. Enrollment is declining at LA Unified School District, but so is the funding. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting htt…

1
LA's new metal theft reward program, Court considers Huntington Beach voter ID law, Celebrate the Dodgers at this pizza joint — Evening Edition 4:50

9d ago4:50

4:50

The city of L.A. has a new reward program for reporting scrap metal theft. Huntington Beach's voter ID requirement is back in court. We take you to a pizza joint ready to cater to Dodgers diehards. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is supported…

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Why mistrust is brewing in Santa Ana city hall, CA Film & TV Tax credit program funds Jumanji sequel, Naming the Long Beach Baseball club — Afternoon Edition 4:32

10d ago4:32

4:32

For Watchdog Wednesday, we'll dig into the mistrust growing in Santa Ana city hall over a cancelled state contract. "Jumanji" and "Heat" are getting sequels thanks to the state's film & TV tax credit program. The Long Beach Baseball Club wants you to help name its team. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://l…

1
ICE-related shooting in South LA, LA County's Medi-Cal benefit plan, Eaton survivors' girls hangout — Morning Edition 3:56

10d ago3:56

3:56

An immigrant influencer and a U.S. Marshall are shot during a federal raid. And the TikToker's lawyer says he was targeted for documenting ICE. LA County has a plan to help people keep their Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits. Girls who survived the Eaton Fire get their own permanent hang out. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by…

1
Backdraft: yes, but why? 27:44

10d ago27:44

27:44

How does your reader know why your protagonist does what she does? This seemingly minor detail is one of the most important parts of your story and the way you let the reader know about it is through the hero's monologue. What aspect of your protagonist is hidden from her, from your reader, or both? If you want to create a main character with dimen…

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What it's like to teach citizenship classes now, LA city attorney asks for $250,000 to defend LAPD, Heal the Bay's Halloween donation drive — Evening Edition 4:44

10d ago4:44

4:44

How the federal immigration crackdown is affecting local citizenship classrooms. The L.A. city attorney's office is asking for a quarter million dollars to help LAPD in their fight against the press. We tell you one place you can get, or give away, a lightly used Halloween costume. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donatin…

1
Tracking ICE agents, New CA law requires landlords to clean fire debris, Lakers kick off 2025 NBA season— Afternoon Edition 5:00

11d ago5:00

5:00

How some Orange County residents are tracking ICE agents in their neighborhoods. A new state law is clarifying who is responsible for cleaning up rental units after a major disaster. The Lakers face the Golden State Warriors on NBA opening night. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podc…

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🎙️ CWT559: ‘The Purged: The Vanished Voters of Trump’s America’ REVIEW 9:18

11d ago9:18

9:18

Today, we’re talking about The Purged: The Vanished Voters of Trump’s America, a 2020 short documentary directed by David Ambrose and narrated by Debra Messing. It’s just 14 minutes long, but it packs a punch—because it shows how millions of Americans, especially people of color and young voters, were wiped from voter rolls in key battleground stat…

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🎙️ CWT558: Operation Rising Lion: How War Rebuilt Netanyahu’s Power 12:20

11d ago12:20

12:20

On June 13th, 2025, Israel struck more than a hundred sites across Iran — nuclear facilities, missile bases, command centers. The operation had a name that sounded almost mythic: Rising Lion. Within hours, air raid sirens wailed over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as Iran fired back. Israel called it “its darkest day.” But for one man, it might have been a…

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Investigation into LA immigration sweeps, SoCal communities monitor feds, Gov't shutdown to affect CalFresh funds— Morning Edition 4:02

11d ago4:02

4:02

House Democrats are investigating federal immigration raids, starting with LA's sweeps. SoCal community members are teaming up to keep an eye on federal agents. The government shutdown is about to take food off the plates of millions of Californians. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visit…

1
Leaders call for immigration detainment investigation, Arrest at No Kings protest this weekend, Striking Kaiser nurses return to work — Evening Edition 4:26

11d ago4:26

4:26

Local leaders call for an investigation into the detainment of U.S. citizens and immigrants. An update on this past weekend's No Kings protest in LA. Thousands of striking Kaiser health care professionals go back to work following a weeklong strike. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiti…

1
CA sues plastic bag makers over false claims, Uninsured Altadenan determined to rebuild, Voter registration deadline for special election— Afternoon Edition 4:58

12d ago4:58

4:58

California is taking action against three plastic bag makers over false advertising. We're checking in one one family's rebuilding process after the Eaton fire. Today is the last day to register to vote for California's special election. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is su…

1
Artillery shrapnel falls on I-5, LA County's 2nd massive abuse settlement, College students' mental health— Morning Edition 4:17

12d ago4:17

4:17

Governor Newsom is saying "I told you so" after shrapnel from an artillery round hits the 5. LA County announces a second massive sexual abuse settlement. College students' mental health is on the rebound. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is s…

1
Huge turnout for ‘No Kings’ protests, Ofrendas in LA, College mental health improves — Sunday Edition 6:52

13d ago6:52

6:52

Protesters flooded the streets of cities all over southern California yesterday for ‘No Kings’ protests, we hear from one. The mental health of college students has shown improvement for the third year in a row. Meet the Angeleno who helped popularize the Mexican tradition of ofrendas in Los Angeles. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating …

1
🎙️ CWT557: ALF’s Hit Talk Show – The Pilot with Drew Carey & Dennis Franz REVIEWED! 11:56

13d ago11:56

11:56

Today, we’re talking about a puppet… no, not just any puppet—America’s favorite sarcastic alien. That’s right. We’re taking a look at ALF’s Hit Talk Show, the series you might not even remember existed. And specifically, its very first episode, featuring Drew Carey and Dennis Franz.

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🎙️ CWT556: Industry, Power, and the Immense Human Cost 8:05

14d ago8:05

8:05

Today’s episode: Industry, Power, and the Immense Human Cost.

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Dodgers head to World Series, Military exercises intermittently shut down I-5, Thousands gather for 'No Kings' protests — Saturday Edition 5:47

14d ago5:47

5:47

Shohei Ohtani made history in Game 4 of the NLCS with ten strikeouts and three home runs, clinching the Dodgers a spot in the World Series. Military exercises intermittently shut down a stretch of the I-5 freeway today. Thousands gather for 'No Kings' protests across Southern California. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/…

1
🎙️ CWT555: 'Et puis la terre' (2005) – A Rambling Charity Song Review 16:45

14d ago16:45

16:45

Could this be my worst, most random episode yet? I offer a rambling review of a French charity single from the early 2000s. Listen to me butcher French pronunciations!

1
LA officials mark 1000 days from Olympics, Third local case of mpox reported, Stay on top of mosquito — Evening Edition 4:45

14d ago4:45

4:45

We're 1,000 days away from the 2028 L.A. Olympics. How did city officials mark the occasion? Health officials confirm another local case of a severe strain of mpox. How to lookout for mosquito breeding grounds after this week's rain. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist…

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Misinformation on CA special election, Celia Cruz day in LA, LA's newest food hall— Afternoon Edition 4:59

15d ago4:59

4:59

California election officials are addressing social media misinformation about the November 4th special election. It's officially Celia Cruz day in L.A. For Food Friday, we take you to L.A's newest food hall in West Adams. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com This LAist podcast is supported by Amaz…