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.

Two men stand outside, one holds a decree.

LA man's case highlights gaps in care and oversight at DHS detention centers

Federal officers shot Ricardo Parias eight months ago during an ICE operation to detain him. His lawyer says he is still in pain, highlighting gaps in DHS oversight and care.

Californians love mail-in voting. That may have to change come November

A close up of white U.S. Postal Service mail containers. The top container is full of green and white mail-in ballots as a worker's hand reaches in while wearing a blue glove.

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

Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a woman with medium skin tone, wearing a violet suit, holds a packet of papers.

LA City Council places non-citizen voting proposal, police reform on November ballot

A row of American flags hang from a gray building against a sunny sky. A tall gray building is visible beyond in an angle looking up.

Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

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Longtime LAFD leader selected to head a department recuperating after LA firestorm

The selection of Jaime Moore comes at a pivotal time for a department that was left changed by the Palisades Fire nearly a year ago.
Gavin Newsom cited 3 main reasons in his vetoes this year. Trump was one

Even influential California lawmakers couldn’t escape Newsom’s veto pen. See which politicians got vetoed the most.
Department of Justice says it will monitor election sites in LA and OC

The announcement on Friday comes a day before vote centers are set to open for polling across California.
Trump plows ahead with East Wing demolition despite calls for caution

President Donald Trump is plowing ahead with plans to build a grand ballroom where the East Wing of the White House currently stands. The plans have not gone through the committee tasked with overseeing such projects.
Supporters are way ahead in fundraising for Newsom’s Prop 50, but the race remains close

With two weeks left before the election, they’re going on a spending spree to make California’s ballot measure a California referendum on Trump.
ICE keeps detaining pregnant immigrants — against federal policy

But the number is impossible to measure since Congress let lapse a requirement that ICE report how many pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants are in custody.
Tracking Newsom’s record on pro-LGBTQ+ laws signed and vetoed this session

Newsom signs a dozen of laws supporting LGBTQ+ community.
Why the legal clock is now ticking on Huntington Beach's voter ID law

A California appeals court has 90 days to issue an opinion in the controversial matter.
The federal government is still shut down. Here's what that means in your community

The federal government remains shut down. The NPR Network is following the ways the shutdown is affecting services across the country.
Recall, redux? Democrats and Republicans bring back familiar arguments in Proposition 50 battle

Similar to the failed recall effort against Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, the vote over redistricting is turning on opinions of him and Trump.
Families once torn apart at border face renewed threat of separation

The Trump administration is quietly unraveling a court settlement meant to reunite and help families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border, the ACLU says, putting thousands at risk of being torn apart again.
Orange County activists are tracking ICE in their communities and live-streaming what they find

Organizers say they want to empower their neighbors and dispel misinformation. Here's how they're doing it.

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Civics & Democracy