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.

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

A 2020 vote by L.A. County supervisors called for the facility to close without a replacement in one year. A commission says that's not feasible anytime soon.

Listen 0:39

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

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.

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

Listen 0:35

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.

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What about Texas? California Republicans pressed for answers in redistricting fight

Texas and President Donald Trump struck first in a gerrymandering battle that could tilt the 2026 midterms. That puts California Republicans in a bind as they contest Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting.
US immigrant population declines for first time in half a century, research shows

The immigrant population in the U.S. declined after President Donald Trump took office and launched an aggressive deportation campaign, Pew research shows.
Did Santa Ana greenlight a drone program? City leaders say no, but their policy says yes

City leaders approved military equipment policy that allows the Police Department to buy military equipment, including drones.
Ousted LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley files claim saying she was defamed and thrown under the bus by Bass after January fires

Crowley filed the claim Wednesday alleging she was defamed and retaliated against after speaking up about the department's operating budget.
Immigration enforcement used for political intimidation, officials and experts warn

Recent federal escalations recall chilling L.A. immigration history.
Why many California Democrats are feeling angst over Newsom's redistricting

California voters backed independent redistricting for congressional seats. Giving it up to counter President Trump creates a moral conflict, even for Democrats.
How long can Trump's DC takeover last? Here's what to know

President Donald Trump needs Congress' permission to use D.C.'s police for over 30 days, but there are no such limits on its National Guard. Experts spoke to NPR about how the takeover could end.

Listen 2:26
Republicans sue to block Newsom’s gerrymandering redistricting agenda

California Democrats used a common legislative tactic called “gut and amend” to rush legislation for a special election on new election maps.
Gavin Newsom wants an election in a hurry on his gerrymander. Here’s what has to happen

California counties are scrambling to prepare for Gov. Gavin Newsom's special election on redrawing congressional districts for the 2026 midterm. The effort will cost tens of millions of dollars.
Public funding for elections? The idea is back in California

The California Fair Elections Act would lift the ban on public financing of campaigns in the state, a potential game changer for elections.
Trump wants to stop states from voting by mail and using voting machines

But legal experts say he lacks the constitutional authority to do so.

Listen 2:25
Santa Ana Police Department wants $250,000 for drones

A Santa Ana police commander told the public the drones will not be used for surveillance.

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Civics & Democracy