Topline:
The Metro light rail project that will connect Artesia to downtown L.A. will have a new name by next year — and Angelenos get to vote on it.
Why it matters: The project has long been called the West Santa Ana Branch, named after a historic rail corridor used by Pacific Electric until the mid-1950s — but it’s caused confusion.
What's next: Voting will run until Dec. 17. The new name will be announced in January 2024.
The Metro light rail project that will connect Artesia to downtown L.A. will have a new name by next year — and Angelenos get to vote on it.
The project has long been called the West Santa Ana Branch, named after a historic rail corridor used by Pacific Electric until the mid-1950s — but it’s caused some confusion.
“Every time we've gone to pitch this project, it just feels like the majority of the time we're explaining why it's called the West Santa Ana Branch, and how that has absolutely nothing to do with where it will run, the people it will serve,” says LA County Supervisor and Metro Board member Janice Hahn.
Supervisor Hahn represents much of the area the new line will serve. She’s been trying to get the project renamed for years.
“I was told by staff at Metro that that was not going to happen, because it would jeopardize a future funding request, but I think it's been just the opposite. I think we have lost funding because of this weird name that nobody can pinpoint where it is in Los Angeles County,” Hahn says.
The new name is going to remedy that. A panel of judges — made up of city leaders from along the route — sorted through 12,000 submissions and came up with 12 finalists. Some submissions came from contestants as young as 13.
“It was very heartening to me to see how people really have connected to the history of this territory,” Supervisor Hahn says. “They suggested names that were women-empowering… There were names that related to our Native American history. There were many Spanish names that the translations were everything from “hope,” to “rivers,” to “safe route.” It was just amazing how creative everybody was.”
The name will follow the project until its completion, which is currently estimated for 2035 then, the line will receive its designated letter and color. But Hahn is optimistic that this new name won’t just stick around, it’ll accelerate the project as a whole.
“I think the enthusiasm and energy that naming this train will create, in all my heart, I believe it will help with funding, it will help speed up the project, and I believe it will connect those who live in these cities now as well as way into the future for generations to come. I think the naming of this train will be a story that we tell for a long time.”
Here is a list of the 12 final names and their descriptions, courtesy of Supervisor Hahn’s office:
Voting will run until Dec. 17. The new name will be announced in January 2024.
Topline:
Fewer congressional contests are expected to be competitive this fall, compared with past election cycles, and experts say the extraordinary mid-decade redistricting efforts initiated by President Trump are largely to blame.
Why it matters: Fewer competitive seats means the overwhelming majority — more than 90% — of congressional races will pretty much be decided during primary elections, which see far fewer voters participate than general elections.
How we got here: Last year, Trump asked Texas lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map to create five more seats that could favor Republicans in 2026. Democratic leaders in California responded, putting forward a successful ballot measure to circumvent the state's independent redistricting commission and create five more favorable seats for Democrats.
Fewer congressional contests are expected to be competitive this fall, compared with past election cycles, and experts say the extraordinary mid-decade redistricting efforts initiated by President Trump are largely to blame.
Fewer competitive seats means the overwhelming majority — more than 90% — of congressional races will pretty much be decided during primary elections, which see far fewer voters participate than general elections.
"Right now, we only rate 18 out of 435 races as toss ups, which means that less than 5% of Americans will truly be deciding who's in control of the House," David Wasserman, senior elections analyst for the Cook Political Report, told NPR.
This disparity in the voting power of Americans in congressional races has been a worsening problem for several election cycles.
Unite America Institute, which tracks what it refers to as the "primary problem" and advocates for election reforms, calculated that in 2024, just 7% voters elected 87% of U.S. House races.
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Voters have self-sorted themselves geographically, and technology in recent years has allowed lawmakers to more effectively carve up congressional districts that give one party an advantage over another.
Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, said the mid-decade redistricting prompted by Trump last year has further reduced the number of competitive seats. His organization says 32 states currently don't have a single competitive congressional race.
"The primary problem is bad and getting worse," he told NPR. "We are about to enter a midterm election season that will be the least competitive of our lifetimes, which means that we will have, no matter who wins in November, the least accountable Congress of our lifetime."
Last year, Trump asked Texas lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map to create five more seats that could favor Republicans in 2026. Democratic leaders in California responded, putting forward a successful ballot measure to circumvent the state's independent redistricting commission and create five more favorable seats for Democrats.
Lawmakers in other states, including North Carolina and Missouri, crafted new maps as well, and Florida and Virginia are among the states that may join them.
But so far, Wasserman said the redrawing of congressional boundaries ahead of this year's elections hasn't led to any "pronounced advantage" for either Republicans or Democrats.
"Instead, what it's done is it's eviscerated the competitive range of districts in which Americans have a real say over who controls Congress in November," he said.
Wasserman explained that even if one were to include races that Cook rates as "leaning" toward one party or another, that would only be 36 seats.
"That's still less than 10% of the House," he said. "By comparison, at this point in Trump's first term, we had 48 races that were competitive between the two parties."
Wasserman said new district lines in California and Texas are driving most of this.
"Whereas we used to have a robust number of Republicans from California and Democrats from Texas and Florida, today blue states' delegations are becoming bluer, red states' delegations are becoming redder," he said. "And there are fewer opportunities for bipartisan dialogue."
Troiano said there are some serious democratic issues raised by the fact that so few voters will have so much power to decide what party will control Congress.
For one, he says, primary voters are not representative of the broader American electorate. According to an analysis from his group, primary voters tend to be older, whiter, wealthier, more educated and more ideologically extreme than the general public.
"And so when you look at an old, white, wealthy Congress that is ideologically polarizing, can't get anything done, they reflect exactly who sent them there," Troiano said.
There have been some efforts in recent years to open up primaries to independent voters — which is the fastest-growing part of the U.S. electorate. New Mexico, for instance, now allows non-affiliated and independent voters to participate in party primaries. However, Louisiana and West Virginia recently went the other way, restricting some primaries to just registered party members. Currently, 17 states have either completely closed or partially closed primaries.
And in 2024, there were several ballot measures before voters in states like Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Oregon that would have created nonpartisan primaries. But those statewide efforts failed across the board.
Unite America advocates for nonpartisan primaries or the inclusion of independent voters in party primaries for a slew of reasons, but one of their biggest arguments is that they allow more voters to take part in the most determinative elections.
And that's especially important, Troiano said, as more states whittle down the number of competitive seats.
"So if you think dysfunction and division is bad right now in Washington," he said, "it's going to get worse in the next congressional session because of the lack of competition in this year's elections."
Copyright 2026 NPR
Topline:
School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army's killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The backstory: Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho" was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.
Read more... for how we got here and U.S. pressure on Mexico to do more to curtail cartels.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army's killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho" was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.
The State Department is telling U.S. citizens traveling in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State to shelter in place until further notice.
Here are the "actions to take" according to the security alert
He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and authorities announced late Sunday they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico's army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.
Mexico hoped the death of the world's biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but many remained hunkered down and on edge as they waited to see the powerful cartel's reaction.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico's second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home.
Passengers arriving to the city's international airport Sunday night were told it was operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence.
Jacinta Murcia, a 64-year-old nutrition products vendor, was among those nervously walking late Sunday night through the airport, where earlier in the day travelers sprinted and ducked behind chairs fearing violence. Most flights into the city were suspended on Sunday.
Murcia anxiously scrolled through news stories on social media showing the face of "El Mencho" and sent messages to her children, who were tracking her location as she tried to travel across the city to her house after dark.
"My plan today leaving the airport is to see if there are any taxis, but I'm scared of everything. That there are blockades, that there's a curfew, that something could happen," she said. "I'm all alone."
Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 other people killed Sunday, including seven National Guard troops.
Videos circulating on social media showed tourists in Puerto Vallarta walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance.
In another part of the airport a group of elderly Mexicans gathered, discussing how to get home.
"We better all go together," one said. "Go with God."
David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, said the capture and outburst of violence marks a point of inflection in Sheinbaum's push to crack down on cartels and relieve U.S. pressures.
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of the often-deadly drug fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.
There were early signs that Mexico's efforts were well received by the United States.
U.S. Amb. Ron Johnson recognized the success of the Mexican armed forces and their sacrifice in a statement late Sunday. He added that "under the leadership of President Trump and President Sheinbaum, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels."
But it may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to the CJNG, Mora said.
"This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity for them to expand control and to gain control over Cartel Jalisco in those states," he said.
"Ever since President Sheinbaum has been in power, the army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups in Mexico," Mora said. "This is signaling to the U.S. that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it, we don't need U.S. troops on Mexican soil."
Oseguera Cervantes, who was wounded in the operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.
During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X that the U.S. government provided intelligence support for the operation. "'El Mencho' was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland," she wrote. She commended Mexico's military for its work.
The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and began operating around 2009.
In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
Sheinbaum has criticized the "kingpin" strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders, only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured. While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern and since U.S. President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.
The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital's police force and now federal security secretary.
Copyright 2026 NPR
Topline:
You can have a role in recording Altadena’s history. The Los Angeles Conservancy, which is leading the first complete survey of the area’s history, has announced its inaugural community meeting.
The details: It’s happening at the CORE hub in Altadena, on Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. At the meeting, residents will learn about how the historic survey works and ways to get involved. The project is designed for people and community organizations to participate.
What does the survey do? It’ll fully document Altadena’s historic places for the first time, like old buildings or a place with a special history, and go beyond that by recording what they call “intangible heritage” — community traditions, oral histories and cultural practices.
Why it matters: Historic resource surveys are foundational to preservation. They are detailed documents that influence land use planning and essentially lay out the case for why certain areas should be protected with landmark status.
Go deeper: Altadena’s historic sites have never been fully documented. The LA Conservancy is fixing that
In this edition:
Here Lies Love brings a party to the Taper, Art openings galore, Slamdance wraps up and more of the best things to do this week in Los Angeles.
Highlights:
Please forgive me while I become an insufferable art person for the next week and a half as Frieze Art Fair kicks off, inspiring countless art openings, smaller fairs and funky events before and after. You finally have an opportunity to pull out those colorful glasses frames you’ve tucked away in the back of your closet. I can’t recommend highly enough putting on your best aspirational "supporter of the arts" attire and heading out to one of the many (mostly free!) openings ahead of next week’s official events. It's worth it just for the people-watching, but also for the art!
Elsewhere on LAist, you can learn how be a supportive coworker to those celebrating Ramadan, find out what Diane Warren says is the best vegan food in L.A. and prepare for April’s Bagel Fest.
Through Wednesday, February 25
Various locations
Hollywood
COST: Individual tickets $19; MORE INFO
Monday is Market Monday at Slamdance, where industry experts will hold sessions all day long about the state of film and how to get your work seen. It’s sold out, but more tickets will be released day-of, plus you can still catch some great indie films at a range of Hollywood venues before the fest wraps up on Wednesday.
Tuesday, February 24, 7 p.m.
Toyota Arena
4000 Ontario Center, Ontario
COST: FROM $44; MORE INFO
Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT and more have been handed down a Globetrotters legacy, bringing their wild basketball showcase skills to the Toyota Arena for their 100th-anniversary tour. Take in all the dazzle and dunking as they take on the Washington Generals.
Through Sunday, April 5
Mark Taper Forum
135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim scored this absolute party of a show about Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution in the Philippines. Center Theatre Group artistic director Snehal Desai directed this version of Here Lies Love (it was originally off-Broadway at the Public), and it’s been reimagined for an L.A. audience, with sleek choreography inspired by Filipino traditional dance, vibrant costumes, smart video projections and good use of the Taper space. I’m not convinced we’re at the party part of the revolution just yet, but Here Lies Love shows it’s possible to get there. I do wish there’d been more of Joan Almedilla, who plays resistance leader Ninoy’s mother — her one song wasn’t nearly enough! Put on your dancing shoes, and if you’re sitting in the front, be ready to get pulled on stage. It’s now been extended for a run through April 5; check the Center Theatre Group's website for a special talkback night with Filipino community leaders and more.
Through Sunday, March 1, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
99CENT
6121 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Artist Barry McGee is teaming up with The Hole @theholenyc to turn an abandoned 99 Cent Store on Wilshire into an artist flea. Over 100 artists will participate in the takeover, with art by McGee and his friends and work from his personal collection.
Monday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Herald Examiner Building
1111 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
We’re at a tenuous time for art at the country’s most established institutions, with threats both financial and curatorial coming from all sides. Some of the biggest art world names in L.A. will be on hand for this very timely discussion of museums and censorship with Zócalo Public Square. Speakers include Hamza Walker, who curated the current Monuments show at MOCA and the Brick, and Ann Burroughs, who is the President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 p.m.
Cafe Niña
3264 E. 4th Street, Boyle Heights
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
The rain is gone, so get your steps in and meet some new neighbors at this twice-weekly walking club in Boyle Heights. They meet and chat every week, starting and ending at Cafe Niña.
Thursday, February 26, 7 p.m.
Pio Pico
3311 E. Pico Blvd., East L.A.
COST: FREE, MORE INFO
I don’t have enough space to explain Diva Corp to the uninitiated, or even to tell you what this show is going to be about (I have no idea). Short version is: These folks are trying to disrupt the art scene, and it’s sure to be talked about the next day. Diva Corp publishes a magazine of art criticism with art responding to other art. They flipped the tables at an ArtCenter event last week. I think you should check it out and report back. Definitely wear a black turtleneck and those funky glasses.
