Civics & Democracy

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

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

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A Republican stronghold in Southern California will remain red in Congress. Here’s what that means

Congressmembers Ken Calvert and Young Kim are top contenders in the race for the newly redrawn District 40 in Southern California.
Foot traffic to small shops fell after last year’s ICE raids. Owners say it never really came back

A year after immigration raids exploded in LA, many small shops are still in recovery mode as even a rumor of ICE activity can make customers rethink casual shopping trips.
LA County sheriff: ICE will be at the World Cup in LA but agents won’t do enforcement

"We're gonna have a whole new host of problems" if ICE does detain people, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday.

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Pratt is accusing Mayor Bass of celebrating K-town's destruction in 1992. What really happened

Korean Americans have debated Bass' comments on South L.A. liquor stores for years, and some say they're sick of their pain being used as a campaign talking point.
More candidates are using their personal wealth to campaign than ever before. Should voters care?

All eyes are on one billionaire’s spending for governor. A CalMatters analysis shows the story may lie in the millions spent by down-ballot candidates.
Will Huntington Beach concede defeat in state housing feud?

The Huntington Beach City Council is slated to vote Tuesday on a housing plan — after years of resistance.
This LA County judge wants your vote even though he’s accused of violating several ethics rules

Should a judge accused by state officials of ethics violations get re-elected? That’s the question L.A. County voters will have to decide as voting wraps up on Tuesday.
Former Arcadia mayor pleads guilty to acting as a secret agent for China

Eileen Wang was charged with one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Follow the money: Who’s backing California’s next governor — and why

Spending on the California governor’s race is breaking records, and it’s not just Tom Steyer’s $213 million in contributions.
New California law bans law enforcement from interfering in state elections

The law bans law enforcement from interfering in elections. It takes effect just in time for the June 2 primary.
LA City Council delays minimum wage increases for tourism workers

The council made the final vote Tuesday, pushing back a boost to $30 an hour for airport and hotel workers from 2028 to 2030.
Trump DOJ mass-deletes info on Jan. 6 riot cases, including violent assaults on cops

The Trump DOJ purged government news releases with information about prosecutions of rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol and assaulted law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021.

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Civics & Democracy