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.

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

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

Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas

A large neoclassical style building with a black dome and columned pediment at dawn.

Deadline looms to join LA County’s inaugural Ethics Commission. Here's how to apply

A large building with an entrance sign that reads "Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration."

Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce wants small business owners to know about a new forgivable loan program

People walk down a sidewalk past a building with a mural of Nipsey Hussle and text written over his face that reads "Crenshaw."

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This lawmaker’s proposal could make California ‘the most secretive state in the country’

One good governance advocate calls it a “virtual horror show of governmental non-transparency.”
LA City Council places non-citizen voting proposal, police reform on November ballot

The proposal, if approved by voters, could lay the groundwork for dramatically changing the electorate in Los Angeles.
Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

The Senate Intelligence Committee said it will move ahead with the confirmation process for Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence Today.

Listen 3:43
Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

Kevin Warsh takes questions from reporters for the first time since taking over as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Listen 3:45
Voting officials fear DHS may actually be a threat to elections this year

Voting officials worry that DHS will not be a partner helping to secure elections.

Listen 4:39
Newsom says he’s on Trump’s ‘hit list’ as Justice Department interviews governor’s friends

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration appears to be investigating him and his wife.
California admits using high-risk AI — including systems it failed to report last year

State officials have found they are using six high-risk AI-like systems. One year ago, they reported using zero.
California Democrats have a budget deal. Here’s where they want to spend more than Newsom

California lawmakers’ budget would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest.
A key US spy tool is set to lapse on Friday — now what?

The government says more than 60% of the president's daily intelligence briefing relies on information collected under a tool known as FISA Section 702.
Embattled LA County judge loses seat in primary election

In a rare step, voters decided to not give sitting judge Robert Draper another term.
Got a letter about the signature on your ballot? It's an election safeguard, not a rejection

This long-established process is one of the ways California makes sure registered voters are the ones casting mail-in ballots.
FBI executes search warrant at site of Garden Grove chemical meltdown scare

Thousands of residents surrounding the tank had to be evacuated over Memorial Day weekend.

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Civics & Democracy