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

Listen 0:45

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

More Stories

Inglewood’s flashy digital billboards could hit the ballot this fall

The massive LED screens have divided locals and sparked a legal fight between the city and the owners of SoFi Stadium and other venues.
Who wants to be California’s insurance commissioner? Your guide to the candidates

It's a big job to regulate the nation's largest property and casualty insurance market for homeowners, businesses, renters and drivers.
California courts will begin tracking ICE arrests at their facilities

The rule being considered comes as immigration arrests rise at state courts, discouraging victims, witnesses and others from showing up, according to lawyers and advocates.
California election officials face false choice: Count votes quickly or count them right

California is famous for its slow ballot counting. That’s because of the state’s security fixtures and efforts to ensure every vote is counted. Experts don’t agree on a fix.
Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132M campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race

Steyer has spent $132 million of his own money on his California campaign, but he remains in a tight race with less-funded Democrats and Republicans.
Rivals target Steyer, Becerra in debate as California governor race tightens

Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra faced repeated criticism during a debate as the California gubernatorial candidates tried to distinguish themselves ahead of the primary.
Senate votes to kickstart partisan funding process for ICE. Here's how that works

A budget plan with a $70 billion expected price tag for immigration enforcement advanced after an overnight session.
California lawmakers seek protections for patients in ICE custody

California lawmakers want to strengthen protections for detained patients, including by making it easier for their families and attorneys to find them.
Rae Huang talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

Huang, a Presbyterian minister and community organizer, covered topics ranging from labor management to the size of the LAPD and the homelessness crisis.

Listen 25:55
Nithya Raman talks to LAist about why she should be LA's next mayor (Transcript)

Raman, who currently sits on the L.A. City Council, covered topics ranging from homelessness to labor management.

Listen 26:05
Internal emails show how fringe groups fueled Sheriff Chad Bianco’s ballot seizure

Records reveal that the unprecedented taking of 650,000 ballots was based on the thinnest of evidence, raising alarms over how the November election could be disrupted.
Rideshare drivers sue Uber over being kicked off app in new challenge to California law

The drivers say Uber is violating the law it wrote in California because drivers have no real way to appeal when they’re kicked off the app.

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Civics & Democracy