Civics & Democracy

LAist’s coverage of civic life and citizen issues in Southern California. We cover elections, examine who gets listened to and why, and provide a guide for anyone who wants to more fully participate in civic life.

A man pushes a cart with several green baskets containing stacks of ballots. On both sides of him are tall carts with white baskets and people are pictured in the background seated at long tables.

Nearly 150,000 mail ballots rejected in California’s primary despite efforts to count every vote

The number of ballots represent a spike from recent elections.

California sues Trump over emergency funding rules that pressure states on elections

A room filled with people inspecting ballots while sitting at tables.

A defiant Trump imposes replacement tariffs on biggest US trading partners

Billboard ads and stadium taxes head to Inglewood voters this November

A large digital billboard of a man wearing a blue and gold suit with a jet in the background and smaller text that reads "Axe my tax."

Men’s Central Jail was supposed to close in 2021. LA County's latest report pushes it beyond 2031

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Newsom’s populist act: Oppose state billionaire tax, embrace federal one

Gov. Gavin Newsom opposes the California wealth tax measure and supports one nationally. But there’s another tax-the-rich measure on the state ballot.
Trump’s new immigration strategy revealed in purchase of 2 ICE detention centers in California

The Trump administration is trying to lock down immigration detention capacity in California despite opposition from the state's Democratic leaders.
A year of ICE raids in LA County has cost Latino businesses millions in revenue — and so much more

A UCLA report finds that last summer’s mass deportation campaign caused immediate and lasting harm to small businesses.

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Inglewood is redrawing the city map for the first time in nearly 40 years

The city’s new land-use plan draft calls for mixed housing and business zones along La Brea Avenue, Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard.
Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

President Donald Trump declared that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products.
Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas

California state workers must report to the office four days a week under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other states allow more remote work.
Deadline looms to join LA County’s inaugural Ethics Commission. Here's how to apply

Local residents can help keep officials accountable and get compensated for their service.
Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce wants small business owners to know about a new forgivable loan program

JC Lacey, the president of the chamber, told The LA Local it’s their goal to make sure small businesses get info on the World Stage Ready Forgivable Loan Program.
Lawyers are teaching immigrants at Adelanto how to challenge their own detentions

Amid reports of unsafe conditions and a surge in deaths at ICE detention facilities, advocates say they’re acting out of a sense of urgency.
In primetime speech, Trump doesn't provide evidence for illegal voting

Trump has sowed doubt about the security of American elections for years, long contending, without evidence, that he won the 2020 election.
The use of force has become a 'default tool' for ICE officers, a new report finds

An ACLU report looks at widespread use of force in immigration enforcement in the first year of President Trump's return to office.

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Irvine puts ranked-choice voting on the November ballot — with a caveat

City Council members were concerned over how much it would cost for Irvine, which has a growing deficit.

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Civics & Democracy