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

The Biden administration is in its final 40 days and trying to make progress on Ukraine, Gaza, student loans, climate and immigration.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Syrian rebels have taken Damascus. Their leader says he will protect minorities. What does the future look like in the war-torn state?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Should the U.S. worry about post-Assad Syria? What’s behind the support for the man who fatally shot UHC’s CEO? Plus, KCRW discusses how sports fandom crossed into politics.

from Left, Right & Center

Despite ongoing concern about teen internet use, young people are online as much as ever.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

One of the biggest producers of raw milk had its product test positive for bird flu. What are the risks of drinking raw milk, and of bird flu in general?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Trans rights advocates are bracing for potential challenges as President-elect Donald Trump hints at policies that could threaten the community’s rights.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Anaheim City Council postponed their vote on a proposed ordinance to set a $50 limit for gifts to council members.

from KCRW Features

The annual U.N. climate summit has accomplished little, so activists are defacing priceless paintings to raise the alarm. The fight to save the planet is flagging.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Threatened by the Franklin Fire, Pepperdine University Professor Joel Johnson says his wife’s quick thinking and a baby monitor powering off helped them evacuate in less than an hour.

from KCRW Features