George Lavender

Independent Producer

George Lavender is an award-winning independent radio and print journalist. His radio reporting has aired on NPR, KCRW, WBUR, KQED, and Radio France International.

George Lavender on KCRW

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

What's fueling the rise in illegal street racing?

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

from KCRW Features

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

The business of legal weed poses banking challenges

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

from News Stories

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Banking and cannabis

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

from KCRW Features

More from KCRW

While election day is over, votes are still being counted in Orange County. Currently Vice-President Kamala Harris is leading Donald Trump in Orange County.

from KCRW Features

After ugly comments about Latinos at a Trump rally over the weekend, the spotlight is on that demographic’s changing voting patterns and role in key swing states.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A majority of women voters cast ballots for Kamala Harris. But Harris did worse among women voters than Joe Biden did in 2020. Why?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

City Councilman Kevin De Leon is running for reelection against tenant rights attorney Ysabel Jurado. The outcome could determine whether City Hall leans more progressive.

from KCRW Features

KCRW examines Donald Trump’s cabinet picks. Is the GOP misreading an immigration “mandate” from voters? Plus, is America just not ready for a woman president?

from Left, Right & Center

The 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.

from KCRW Features

The LA Dodgers are World Series champs! The Boys in Blue rallied from a five-run fifth inning deficit Wednesday night to beat the New York Yankees.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The recent hurricanes unleashed a storm of conspiracies. Could Omaha voters decide the nation’s fate? Plus, an indie newsletter saved a politically divided marriage.

from Left, Right & Center

Will Americans know, or have a good sense at least, of who our next president will be by the end of election night?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand