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 close up slightly low angle view of Governor Gavin Newsom, a man with light skin tone, wearing a dark blue checkered suit and unbuttoned white shirt, looking out of frame.

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

Signage stands in a driveway that reads "CoreCivic" as a large white bus drives away on a highway in the background.

A year of ICE raids in LA County has cost Latino businesses millions in revenue — and so much more

A person on an electric scooter drives past a boarded up white and green building that still has markings indicating that it was once a car wash. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background of a residential area.

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

Cars drive along a four lane surface street, past a Popeye's restaurant and Ralph's market.

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

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No mayor, no city council and a call for better representation? What it means to be unincorporated

East LA is the most populous unincorporated community in the state. Here’s what that means and how it affects the nearly 119,000 residents.
What you need to know about tonight's State of the Union address

The prime-time address is a chance for the president to tout his record ahead of this year's midterm elections.
A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers

Observers watching federal immigration enforcement in Maine who were told by agents they were "domestic terrorists" are now part of a new federal class action lawsuit.

Listen 3:42
Gavin Newsom says he's 'punching a bully back' when he trolls Trump

What does the Democratic leader see for himself in the years to come?

Listen 8:17
US Supreme Court says no to taking up Huntington Beach's appeal to defy state housing law

The nation's top court let's a lower court ruling stand. Now the city faces a looming deadline to plan for more than 13,000 homes.
California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback

California Democrats endorsed aging incumbents and party insiders over grassroots challengers, disappointing progressives.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the US is worse off

Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Donald Trump is facing political headwinds.

Listen 3:41
Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower

California created five more favorable seats for Democrats in response to move in Texas to help Trump. Now it comes down to primary voters in a small number of districts.

Listen 2:24
ICE and Border Patrol weapons spending exploded in 2025, says new report

California Sen. Adam Schiff's office found that last year, ICE's spending commitments on weapons and ammunition increased more than 360%.
Senator Adam Schiff of California joins Democrats who plan to boycott Trump's State of the Union

He's among elected officials boycotting the speech, saying the president is violating the law and Constitution.
Trump calls SCOTUS tariffs decision 'deeply disappointing' and lays out path forward

Trump claimed the justices opposing his position were acting because of partisanship.

Listen 3:59
The Trump administration is increasingly trying to criminalize observing ICE

ICE officers often tell people tracking and watching them that they are breaking federal law in doing so, but legal experts say the vast majority are not.

Listen 4:53

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Civics & Democracy