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.

An entrance where two large columns stand that read "MacArthur Park" leading into a park with trees and walkways.

What we know — and don’t know — about the MacArthur Park fence

Plans to enclose MacArthur Park are still somewhat unclear, including the project's timeline, total cost and what closing off the green space could mean for the neighborhood.

Lawmakers vote to let first responders retire earlier and with more money. Will Newsom sign on?

A group of firefighters walk up a steep hillside as firetrucks are parked in the distance.

The data center backlash is here — and Big Tech is spending big to combat it

A silhouette of a person speaking on a phone in front of a window with a downtown area and bridge in the background.

Voter ID is on the ballot: Tell LAist about your experience getting an official ID

A close up of the corner of an ID showing a yellow bear illustration with a star inside of it.

Judge hands victory to Westminster councilmember, but political war continues

Listen 0:45

A group of adults and children smile together outside a courtroom door labeled Superior Court Department W13.

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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.
ICE is now funded through end of Trump's term, raising worries about oversight

The bill provides roughly $70 billion for immigration enforcement and highlights a GOP caucus continuing to endorse Trump's immigration agenda.

Listen 3:52
Federal judge strikes down Trump's $100K fee on new H-1B visas

A federal judge on Monday struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas.
Deadline looms for a proposed LA city ballot measure to extend local voting rights to noncitizens

The LA City Council has until June 17 to decide whether or not the question goes on the November ballot.
Kalshi and Polymarket crack down on paid influencers claiming election fraud

Influencers are using prediction market odds to sow doubt in vote counting, in some cases in posts paid for by the companies themselves.

Listen 4:50

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Civics & Democracy