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Stephen A. Smith Pressures Newsom on Homelessness Crisis

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith urged California Governor Gavin Newsom on his podcast to address homelessness, crime, and debt.
Smith said Newsom trails Vice President Kamala Harris in Democratic presidential nomination polling.
He cited former President Barack Obama’s remarks on Los Angeles homelessness as an atrocity.
Newsom’s office said he has not avoided Smith and is busy with other commitments.

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Story summary

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith urged California Governor Gavin Newsom on his podcast to address homelessness, crime, and debt.
Smith said Newsom trails Vice President Kamala Harris in Democratic presidential nomination polling.
He cited former President Barack Obama’s remarks on Los Angeles homelessness as an atrocity.
Newsom’s office said he has not avoided Smith and is busy with other commitments.